“Goodnight, Ivy.” Pudge waved and walked toward the house, letting his glamour fall back over him.
Already I missed him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
As we entered the Hamden Estate, knights on horses rode about in full armor, readying themselves for the evening’s festivities. Some carried lances, while other knights busied themselves with putting on armor and their coat of arms. According to my aunt, the tournament would last for over a week, sometimes two. People traveled from all over the kingdom to come, bringing in knights, lords, and ladies from all over. They often took breaks between events to have entertainment and such.
“Milady, you’re here at last,” Frederik called, carrying his helm beneath his arm. I stared at his family crest, which had a white stag with an arrow in its mouth, surrounded by white lilies.
“Yes, I’m excited to watch the jousting,” I said.
He took my hand and brought it to his lips. “I wondered if you’d allow me to ride for you this night? To be your champion?” He released his hold on me, gaze intent.
“I— Well, of course,” I said as my aunt nudged my back, reminding me about the lace kerchief she’d given me earlier. I slipped it from the sleeve of my gown and reached up to tuck it into his armor.
His eyes glimmered, and he handed his helm to his squire, who stood behind him. He then gently touched my face. “I’m glad you’re here, Lady Ivy. I hope you’ll be impressed by my ride and that perhaps afterward you’ll stay to celebrate with our family.”
“I will,” I said.
He brought my hand to his lips again, then stepped back. “I should let you find your seats so you don’t miss the tournament.”
“Good luck to you, Lord Frederik,” Aunt Margaret said, ushering me away. “Well, I can certainly see he’s taken with you.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Yes, it would seem that way. He wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t so self-centered.”
“He gets that from his father,” Aunt Margaret whispered, looping her arm through mine.
“Obviously. That’s not to say he’s not nice. He’s been very kind to me.”
“If not a little too kind.” She laughed. “But it’s not just him you’re impressing; his family has had an interest in Lord Monroe’s lands for quite some time, so that, of course, will endear you to his parents, since they believe you to be his heir.”
I wondered if these lies would get my aunt into trouble later if someone were to find out the truth.
We made our way to the stands. Lady Hamden waved us over to sit in her booth with her and her husband. “Lady Margaret, Lady Ivy. How splendid to see you. Frederik said he’d be riding for a certain lady this evening.” She peered at me.
My cheeks warmed. “Yes, your son has offered to be my champion through the tournament.”
Lady Hamden exchanged a happy look with her husband. He nodded his approval at me. “Frederik always puts on a great show. You’re sure to be entertained. He hasn’t lost a match to date,” the earl said.
Aunt Margaret sat next to Lady Hamden, and I sat next to her. I watched as the first riders lined up, one on either side of a long wooden pole. Their squires handed up lances. It amazed me to see that even the horses were decked out in armor and coats of arms.
When both knights were ready, a red flag was dropped. They rode full speed at each other, lances out.
“Won’t they get hurt?” I leaned over and asked my aunt.
“The lances are blunted, but they could still get knocked down. Or sometimes, the lance breaks off and one of the riders will get pierced by the wood. But see how the tip has been taken off and replaced with a flattened one?”
“Yes, now I see.”
The rider in black and red easily knocked the other one from his mount. Cheers rose up from the crowd. The knight handed his lance to his squire, then rode around the ring until he came to a stop in front of the earl. He removed his helm. His dark hair stuck up in messy tufts, and there was a jagged scar that ran along his left cheek.
“Well done, Lord Victor of Caledonia. You shall advance to another round.” The knight’s eyes looked almost black, his mouth drawn in a tight line. My skin crawled as I watched him ride away. Something about him gave off a bad vibe.
As if sensing my thoughts, Aunt Margaret bent her head close to mine. “He’s one of the most feared men around these parts. Stories of the horrific things he did during the wars here in the human world against the French will give you nightmares…”
“I can imagine. I didn’t get a good feeling about him. It’s like he’s the personification of darkness.” I shuddered. But I wondered if the hatred I felt from him was directed specifically at the Hamdens or everyone in general.
She nodded. “Let’s hope he gets knocked out of the tournament by someone.”
With a sigh, I continued to stare at the different competitors as they rode. Hag, I wished Pudge was here, but he was at the stables, keeping watch over Aunt Margaret’s horses and making small talk with the stable hands to pick up any possible clues.
We watched several more riders before it was finally Frederik’s turn. He lined up, his horse wearing the red, green, and yellow checked pattern of his family’s crest. Before he closed his helm, he raised my kerchief and waved it in the air, then tucked it back inside the neck of his armor.
I held my breath as he readied himself for his run. With lance in hand, he faced another rider, who wore purple and yellow. At last, the signal was given to begin. Frederik dug his heels into the sides of his horse, his lance raised. As Frederik neared his opponent, his weapon rammed into their shoulder, knocking them to the ground. Again, the crowd roared.
I clapped. Frederik did a victory lap as well, handing his lance and shield to his squire. When he approached our booth, he rode his horse up close, then removed his helm. He looked right at me and smiled. “For you, Lady Ivy. Perhaps next time, you’ll let me ride for a prize. Maybe even a kiss?”
My eyes widened, and I peeked at my aunt, who nodded her agreement. I was sure it was to keep in the Hamdens’ good graces long enough for me to get the information I needed. “Of course, milord.”
“Then I shall be looking forward to my next match,” Lord Frederik said.
After he left, Aunt Margaret squeezed my hand and whispered, “I hope that was all right with you?”
“Yes. I have to get answers, even if it means exchanging a few kisses.”
Not that I wanted to go through with it, but at least Pudge had been my first. And it had been memorable. So memorable, in fact, that I’d spent so many nights dreaming about it. Not that I’d tell him that.
Hag, Pudge must be bored by now. At least I got to watch the jousting.
I wondered if I could talk King Starshooter—or my father, rather—into having jousting tournaments. If so, I’d probably enter. As it was right now, I’d much rather be out on the field than stuck up in the stands, preening.
As night fell over the tournament grounds, torches were lit around the circle, casting eerie shadows about. At least now, the daylight wouldn’t take so much energy from Pudge and me—a small relief, since we weren’t used to using so much glamour. But darkness also meant it could be easier to sneak around.
“Aunt Margaret, I think I’m going to take a short walk to stretch my legs.”
She met my eye and nodded. “Of course, dear. Would you like me to accompany you?”
“No. Stay and enjoy the tournament. I’ll be back in time to watch Frederik’s next match.” That is, unless I found Dorian. Climbing from my seat, I held up the skirt of my dress and pushed into the crowd.
The scent of turkey drumsticks filled the air, along with the stench of horses from the stables. Walking with purpose, I made my way toward the stables and found Pudge.
“Listen, I need you to keep watch for me,” I whispered.
“Where ar
e you going?”
“To the dungeons. I think I saw the door for it. I’m hoping maybe the guards will be preoccupied.”
“The carriage is ready, so if you find him, we can head to your aunt’s.” Pudge’s hand brushed mine. His mahogany eyes softened. “Please be safe, though. This isn’t Gob Hollow. I doubt the humans would be as forgiving as the king and Archer have been.”
My fingers tightened around his. Hag, I wished we weren’t surrounded by so many people, because right now I could’ve used one of Pudge’s strong hugs. Some sort of reassurance that everything would be all right.
Grabbing a piece of rope, I used it to belt my dress up higher so it wouldn’t get in my way if I needed to run or climb. “I’ll be back soon.”
With that, I slipped into the shadows, pressing myself against the wall of the castle. I avoided the more lit areas where torches were secured above, not wanting to chance getting caught. Even from here, I heard the shouts of the patrons watching the jousting match.
Pudge stood near the edge of the wall, keeping watch, like I asked. As quietly as I could, I stepped into an alcove across from the door, which I was certain led to the lower level, where the dungeons were. Shit cakes. There were even more guards posted tonight. I thought the festivities would’ve meant less.
There was no way I could use glamour to try to get down there right now. The soldiers knew Frederik was to ride in the tournament, so if either Pudge or I attempted to be him, we’d be found out. And there wasn’t any distraction big enough to get all of them to move—at least not one that wouldn’t put us in danger.
Defeat washed over me. I would not get in there tonight.
I backed up, and right then I felt a hand close over my mouth and arms jerk me farther into the alcove.
“Strange place for the niece of Lady Weathers to be skulking about at night,” a masculine voice whispered in my ear.
I stiffened, then rammed my elbow into my captor’s ribs. He let out a low groan but didn’t release me. “Let me go.”
“Not yet; you’ll draw too much attention to yourself. There are two guards making their rounds along the wall—or didn’t you scout that out before you decided to try to get into the dungeon?”
“Who are you?”
He spun me to face him, but all I saw were dark eyes beneath the black cloak. “The same could be asked of you. It’s odd that my father’s cousin, Lord Monroe, never mentioned his daughter to anyone.”
My pulse quickened. Feck. What was I going to do? Should I knock him out and run? Kill him? Where was Pudge?
A low chuckle sounded from beneath the hood. “Don’t look so worried, milady, or whoever you are. I’m not going to turn you over to anyone or tell your secrets. I have business of my own here. Isn’t it curious that they have so many guards surrounding their dungeons tonight? Makes you wonder who they’re holding down there, doesn’t it? I know that Lord Frederik is riding as your champion this night, milady, but you should also be aware that the Hamdens’ coffers are nearly empty, so if you’re after their wealth, you will not find it here.”
“No, I seek something else,” I said. Would this man know anything?
“Something else or someone else?”
“Someone,” I whispered.
“And you believe they’re being held by the Hamdens?”
“Perhaps. I don’t know for sure.” My gaze searched for Pudge, but I didn’t see him. Had he moved back to the stables?
“My word of advice: be more careful. Frederik seems harmless and witless, but he and his family have a darker side. They’ve stolen from those in surrounding areas and killed to obtain much of their wealth, which has been dwindled away. They hide their malice well behind lavish parties and feigned concern.”
“How do you know this?” I asked.
“Let’s just say, the Hamdens have taken lands from my family, and someday I mean to get them back.” His hood slid back slightly, and I noticed the scar along his cheek. Victor? Was this the same man I’d seen earlier who emanated so much darkness? “Since it appears that neither of us is going to get into the cells tonight, we should probably head back to the tournament, don’t you think?”
“I—yes.”
Just then, a guard walked by, and the cloaked man pushed me against the wall, an arm on either side of my head, leaning down like he might kiss me.
My fingers moved to the dagger at my side.
“Be still and play along,” he whispered.
“Hey, you two find somewhere else to do that. This isn’t a brothel.”
“Sorry, guess we better head to my carriage, love,” the man said to me, wrapping an arm about my waist.
My face burned, but I stayed my hand, allowing my cloaked companion to lead me away from the dungeons. I kept my head bowed, hiding my face from the soldier. When we were out of earshot, I turned to the cloaked man. “Thank you.”
“Of course, but I had my own reasons for being down here tonight.”
“Those are?”
“My brother, Edward, went missing three weeks ago. He had some precious cargo in his saddlebags. Gold coins, silver…”
“You think the Hamdens have him?”
“Perhaps. Either that or he’s dead. But all signs point back to the earl and his family.” The cloaked man scoured the yard. “We best part ways now, milady. If you should hear anything of my brother, feel free to send word to Lord Victor of Caledonia.”
“I will.” Though I doubted I’d be in the human world long enough to do so. When Victor disappeared, I quickly untied the rope that held my dress up and let the skirts drop back into place. Pudge soon found me.
“Damn, where did you disappear to? One second I saw you along the wall, then I lost sight of you.” Pudge gripped my shoulder, brow furrowed.
“I almost got caught, and some man helped me hide. But I’ve got to get back to the jousting match before they grow suspicious. Keep your eyes and ears open.”
Moving as fast as I could, I hurried back to Aunt Margaret. “Anything?” she asked in a hushed voice.
“I couldn’t get in. But I might have a lead.” If the Hamdens had nearly empty coffers, as the cloaked man, Lord Victor, indicated, would that be reason enough for a ransom note from Frederik? If so, it still didn’t explain how he knew Dorian was the prince and that he might be able to be bartered for.
“For the final match of the night,” the announcer bellowed, “we will have Lord Frederik of Hamden riding against Lord Victor of Caledonia.”
I stiffened, leaning forward. Was Frederik as good a rider as Lord Victor? For some reason, nervousness set in. My gaze flitted over the field, watching as they both lined up. They looked pretty equal as far as height and weight went. But as I stared closer in the dimness, I saw the end of Lord Victor’s lance.
“I thought you said they were using blunted lances?”
“They’re supposed to be,” Aunt Margaret said.
Frederik’s was blunted, but Victor’s wasn’t. Piss off. Frederik could end up hurt—or worse, die. Not that he was my favorite person, but he might be my only hope for locating my brother. If he was the Frederik from the letter, then if he fell, I might never know where Dorian was being kept. I could assume it was here at the Hamden Estate, but my job of getting into places without him would get that much harder.
The flag went down, signaling the start of the ride. I had to do something. It was then that Lady Hamden noticed the lance as well and shrieked. I closed my eyes, calling on what little magic I had. If I could make the flames from the torches flare up, maybe I could help.
I whispered the incantation beneath my breath, then opened my lids to see the fire roar from the torches, expanding and shooting out as if blasted from the mouth of a dragon. The ground on the field quickly ignited, and as the opponents neared each other, I watched as Victor’s horse reared up, flinging Victor from his
back. Within seconds, the flames died down, then dissipated.
Earl Hamden was on his feet, rushing out of the stands and out onto the charred field, along with Lady Hamden. Lord Victor climbed to his feet and was quickly surrounded by several of Lord Hamden’s guards.
“What was the meaning of this?” Earl Hamden demanded. “Were you trying to kill my son?”
Lord Victor slid off his helm and smiled but said nothing. Long minutes ago, he’d given me a smile, too, but one far less menacing. If the Hamdens had his brother, he would not get him back this way.
Frederik leapt from his horse and hurried over to the group that’d gathered. “I always knew your family to be vile, but this is low for even you, Victor.”
“By default, I declare my son the winner of this match,” Lord Hamden said. “He will advance on in the tournament later this week. And as for you, Lord Victor, you are hereby banned from the tournament and will take leave of my estate. You are banished from my lands, and should you step foot on them again, you will be killed on sight.”
Lord Victor caught my gaze, and his head gave a small nod of acknowledgment. If there was some way I could help him, I would, but Dorian was my main focus. Guards escorted Victor away.
Aunt Margaret turned to me, taking my hand in hers. “You stopped that from happening, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I only hope no one guesses I had anything to do with it.”
“No, I doubt they will. It could’ve easily have been oil spilled about or perhaps a strong gust of wind making the fire spread. Either way, thank you, Ivy. If you hadn’t intervened, I don’t know what would’ve become of Frederik.”
I nodded.
Earl Hamden moved back to our booth and sat down again with his wife.
Frederik mounted his horse once more, and this time, he rode up next to our booth. “Milady,” he said to me, holding my kerchief out to me. “I’ve come to collect my reward.”
Face on fire, I stood and moved to the edge so he could reach me. He removed his gauntlets and set them on his saddle, then handed me the lace cloth. He then leaned over, touching my cheek gently, before his lips met mine.
Where There Be Humans Page 21
