“Your Grace, to what do I owe this honor?”
Donovan didn’t let down his guard, though he saw no pistol leveled at him. The other man, older by half and with dark hair as Oliver had described, stepped backward and looked anxiously from him to his superior. A personalservant, perhaps? Donovan had recognized at once the deference the older man gave to the younger, and focused his attention once again upon Estelle’s rescuer.
“Before we speak, if you’d allow me to enter?”
“Of course, forgive me.”
The young man stepped back and Donovan came into the room and shut the door behind him. He sighed, noting the resignation on the young man’s face as if he knew whatDonovan would next ask him.
“You are Prince Valentin?”
The sharp intake of breath from the man’s servant told Donovan everything, his eyes widened with fear. The prince, however, showed no fear at all, only that same somber resignation in his steel blue eyes.
“I am, Your Grace. Prince Valentin Chevalier, a hunted fugitive from my homeland, Bratavia. I take it Estelle speaks French?”
The ironicsmile on the prince’s face made Donovan smile, too, and he gave a dry laugh.
“Not fluently, but enough that she understood much of what you and…Robert, is it?”
The man’s stunned gasp made the prince sigh heavily. “Yes, my valet. I trust him with my life so feel free to speak plainly, sir. But first…your sister-in-law is well?”
Donovan nodded. “Well, indeed, and remembering most every detail,though we feared the worst from that bump on her head. Thankfully, Estelle is stronger and more resilient than we imagined. We’ve been hard-pressed to keep her in bed.”
“I’m grateful to hear it. And Luther?”
“Fine, sleeping a lot, but a full recovery is expected. Estelle’s joy at seeing her dog again was overwhelming, indeed. I doubt that she would be doing so well if not for you risking all…”Donovan fell silent, a sudden tightness in his throat. His eyes dimmed, too, with moisture, and it took him a moment more before he could speak. “My wife and I…our entire family cannot thank you enough, Prince Valentin. We will forever be in your debt—”
“Your thanks is more than enough.” Placing his hand over his heart, the prince bowed low to Donovan and then straightened, his eyes wet withmoisture, too. “I only ask that you and your family do not share my identity with anyone…not only out of danger for myself and Robert, but even for yourselves, I fear. There are those who wish me imprisoned or most likely, dead. I do not yet know the fate of my father, Prince Renaud…”
“I pray that you will see him again, and I swear to you our silence. The innkeeper here is a trusted friend andtold me that you sail at dusk for Bristol. Allow me to help you, in any way I know how. I can only surmise the darkest treachery has brought you to this place—”
“Yes, my uncle, Archduke Henri Chevalier. But I cannot allow you to put yourself or anyone close to you in peril.”
“Like you did for our Estelle? Selflessly, honorably? I do not know your plans, Prince Valentin, though I’m sure of onething. You will not rest until your rightful place in Bratavia is restored, and that of your father, God protect him, however long it might take you. Is that not true?”
The prince didn’t readily answer, swallowing hard, but finally he nodded, his expression somber.
“Then let me help you as you helped us. I have funds to take you wherever you need to go. If you require more, or wish to appriseme of your well-being, you’ve only to send me a letter. Will you do me the honor of allowing me to assist you, Prince Valentin?”
A long silence ensued, which made Donovan’s respect for this courageous young man grow even stronger. He knew the prince weighed his own desires with the risk he might pose to others, but at last, he held out his hand, grasping Donovan’s firmly.
“I accept, Your Grace.Humbly.”
