Deck of Cards

by Johnson, ID

  “No,” Caleb said, shaking his head, “I want to make sure she is able to rest and recover. I’ll take her to my room.” Cook nodded leading the way so that she could open the door.

  “I’ll go fetch the physician,” Gordon said as they passed the hall that led to Russell’s chamber. Caleb nodded his agreement and continued to make his way to his own bedchamber.

  Once inside, he carried her carefully through another doorway to a small adjoining room, one where his attendants might sleep should he care for any. There was a large, comfortable bed across from a window. Cook turned down the bedcovers and drew the curtains. As Caleb lay her down on the soft bed, Katey stirred just a bit, her eyes fluttering.

  “I’ll go fetch some water and a fresh nightdress,” Cook said, exiting the room. Left alone with her, Caleb sat down next to her on the bed and brushed the hair back from her face. She opened her eyes, peering at him curiously, and then closed them again. “Oh, Rose, I’m so very, very sorry,” he said softly.

  Katey was unsure whether or not she was dreaming. Fading in and out of consciousness, she had the sensation of movement. She had flashes of Caleb’s handsome face, his piercing eyes full of sadness. At one point, she knew she was in his arms because she had felt them around her before. But this time was different. This time, she felt safe.

  There was a bustling sound in the room around her and she briefly opened her eyes to see Russell and a few others. She thought she saw Caleb standing across the room and she was certain she recognized Cook’s form. When Russell began to clean and bandage the wound on her hand, she was suddenly jerked back to full awareness. The pain was so severe, it was almost as extreme as when she had burned it. He was reassuring her that the worst was almost over, that the medicine he was using would make it stop hurting almost instantly and that she should recover full use of her hand. Then, he cleaned and bandaged the wounds on her other wrist, ankles and feet, some of which she didn’t even realize she had. Though it only took him a few moments, it seemed like an eternity and she was relieved when he finally left the room.

  She had heard him explaining to Cook that the herbal blend he had handed her would help her to rest and she was looking forward to drinking it. However, Cook insisted on helping her change into a fresh gown and so, running everyone else out of the room, she barred the door and crossed back to Katey’s bedside.

  “Oh, my sweet Rose,” Cook was saying as she began to undress her. Katey was of little to no help but she did her best to cooperate so as not to impede the kind woman’s work. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come and get you yesterday. He forbade me from it. But I should have done it anyway.” As Cook pulled her dress off over he head, she gasped at the bruising along her upper arms.

  Katey had begun to doze off but the gasp got her attention.

  “It’s nothing, Dearling,” Cook said, hurrying to put the nightdress on before she saw how black and blue they were. A fresh wave of animosity against Caleb rose up inside of her and she had to stifle it, especially now that Katey was staring at her so intently. “There,” she said once the clothing change was complete. “You’re fresh as a daisy. I will mix up this herbal tea that Russell has provided and then you can drift off to dreamland, my love.”

  When Cook returned, she had to rouse her patient just a bit to get her to drink the tea. She had already fallen back to sleep. The pain in her hand was subsiding and she finally began to feel safe again. For the first time in as long as she could remember, Katey was not afraid to fall asleep.

  ***

  Matthew did not wait for Rebecca to awake the next morning before he quietly slipped out the front door of the tiny cottage. There was no reason to. He knew that she would be hurt either way, whether he explained to her that he had to leave or not. This way, at least he could spare them both the uncomfortable conversation.

  He was better able to ascertain his location from the discussion he had with Rebecca the night before. He was much further away from Castle Blackthorn than he had originally thought and much closer to the clutches of Leopold and his men. He decided that he needed to head due south today, rather than southeast. Though the southeastern region of Clovington was fairly desolate, he felt it would better his chances of escaping. He knew he would lose some time not cutting east simultaneously but, rather than concentrating on finding Arterians, he decided to make getting away from Gradenians his number one priority.

  He had borrowed some bread and cheese from his hostesses, vowing to return it someday. He also refilled his canteen at the well. He had no idea when he might have another opportunity to eat or find fresh water. As he resumed his journey, he silently thanked Rebecca for everything she had done for him. This day, he felt better than he had in a very long time. With an extra spring in his step, he set off hopeful that today might be the day that he reached safety behind the Arterian lines.

  ***

  As she slept, Caleb made himself busy around the castle. There was plenty of work to do, that was for certain, but he constantly found himself thinking of her, wondering how she was doing, hoping she was fast asleep. He also knew he would need to apologize to her again once she was fully awake. As king, he didn’t have to apologize often but when he did, it was sincere. He was more worried about what her reaction might be. He certainly wouldn’t blame her if she demanded to be returned to her home this instance and while he could understand that, he knew, for some reason, he would desperately miss her.

  Later that morning, a courier arrived, bringing word from Prince James of Placidia. He was riding out that very morning, eager to retrieve his sister. The letter requested that Katherine be delivered to him west of Castle Blackthorn at Landres Hill. Placidia would be bringing members of the queen’s guard to insure a safe exchange, and they requested that a detail from Arteria be sent in escort as well. To Caleb, this was good news. He was glad to be rid of Katherine at last. He asked Gordon to handle the arrangements and to notify the princess.

  ***

  Philip’s ability to infiltrate the inner layers of nobility served him well. He had spent the last several days as Leo’s guest, pretending to be relaxing while he mentally stewed over the events of the past few days. He was anxious to reform his army and strike back against Caleb, reclaiming his castle and his throne.

  He had been virtually stagnate, however, listening to Leo’s caution of taking one’s time and acting rationally. Matthew still had not been located, the Gradenian Cavalry had done nothing to engage Arteria and his princess was still missing, although, he had learned, Caleb did have Katherine and was keeping her at Castle Caine.

  Today, however, seemed more promising. This morning, he had received word that Katherine was on her way back to Placidia. And if Leopold was willing to use his forces to intercept her, well, then he would just have to find a way to do it himself.

  ***

  The short-dark haired officer who came to inform Rose that she should prepare for her return to Placidia had no idea what he was up against. At first, she had attempted to woo him with pleasantries, complimenting his smile, even resting her hand on his arm as he spoke. She assured him that it was not in the best interest of Arteria for her to return to Placida. She inquired as to whether or not Caleb was aware of this ridiculous plan and, when he had informed her that Caleb had sent him, the frivolities were over. She demanded an audience with the king at once.

  Gordon had hurried over to inform Caleb that the unhappy princess was demanding to see him. As much as Caleb was in no mood to deal with Katherine and her coquettish ways, he knew that the sooner he spoke with her, the more quickly he could send her on her way.

  This time, Caleb insisted on meeting her in a more public area, the library. He arrived first and though he had been prepared for memories of his meeting with Rose here, just a few days before, to resurface, he wasn’t prepared for just how forceful those memories were. She had been so sweet, trying her best to be of assistance and he had reacted like a wicked fool. If only he had the opportunity to start that day ov
er, how different things would be. But then, there were lots of days he would have liked to have back. He would just have to do a better job of preventing such occurrences in the future.

  Rose entered by herself, her light-pink gown bringing out the color in her cheeks and complimenting her fiery hair. As she crossed to where he sat waiting for her on the settee, she smiled shyly, and he was curious to see what tactics she might employee in an attempt to get her way.

  “Your Highness,” she said curtseying. He stood politely and gestured for her to have a seat, which she did.

  “How are you?” he asked courteously. “I hope all is well.”

  Rose opened her mouth as if she were going to answer but then, just as the first words began to roll off of her tongue, she burst in to tears. Pulling a handkerchief from her bodice, she dabbed at her eyes, fanning herself with her other hand. “I’m so sorry,” she said between sobs. “It’s just, oh, Your Majesty, I’ve tried to be brave, to put on a strong face.” With her loss of self-control came a loss of meaning and she stopped talking, continuing her forced cry and hoping he would allow her to regain her composure before she was asked to continue.

  Caleb wasn’t exactly sure what to do. This was certainly a side of Katherine he had yet to see. He had seen the strong confident side, he had seen the seductress. He had not seen the bawling, pleading side so he was interested to see what might happen next. He noted the tears looked rather forced and fake, though he never liked to see a woman cry for any reason. He gave her a moment to collect her self before asking, “Are you alright?”

  Rose was not sure what impact her tears were having so she reined them in a bit, ready to turn them back on if she felt it was useful. “I’m so sorry,” she said after a moment. “It’s just, when I received word that I would be returning to Placidia, I knew I must talk to you at once. You see, I can’t go back there.”

  She had his attention, as she saw his inquisitive expression begin to turn to one of concern. “If you only knew the way that I suffer at the hands of my sister Nichole and my brother James, you would never consider forcing me to return to that dreadful place!”

  This was all new information to Caleb. He had only heard kind things about Nichole and James. In fact, his understanding was that the family was very close, particularly since the death of both of their parents in the Great Heathen invasion several years ago. “What ever do you mean?” he asked.

  Rose began to let the tears stream down her cheeks again but she did not turn to full-blown sobbing, not yet. “They beat me. They keep me in a prison tower for weeks at a time. They sent me off to marry that ingrate Philip and didn’t even plan to attend the wedding. Don’t you see, King Caleb, I am not wanted or loved by anyone in Placidia.” She carefully placed both of her hands on his knee; “I beg of you, please don’t return me to that dreadful place.” She bowed her head in a show of reference and held that position, giving him the opportunity to contemplate her plea.

  Caleb was losing patience quickly. Perhaps this is the redhead he should have carried off to the dungeon he thought. He dismissed that idea, as it would only enrage Nichole, and besides, she would probably find a way to talk her way out of the shackles anyway. “Princess,” he said, taking her hands in his and removing them from his leg. He looked at her hands awkwardly as if he couldn’t decide what to do with them. Finally, he placed them gently on the settee between them. “I’m very sorry for any hardships you may feel you have suffered at the hands of your relations.” Tears welled up in her eyes again as she could see that he was not falling for her scheme. “However, Nichole and I have entered into an agreement, a binding agreement, and I am to return you safely to your homeland. Surely, as a member of the nobility, you can understand that there’s nothing further I can do to be of assistance to you.”

  Rose knew her chances of winning Caleb over were waning rapidly. She decided to switch tactics one last time. He was a man after all, surely, some as skilled in the art of seduction as herself could find a way to win him over. She turned the tears off completely and, flashing him a coy smile, slid over next to him, leaning in closely so that he could see her exposed cleavage. “Listen, Caleb,” she said softly, “Let’s not pretend that we don’t know what’s going on here.”

  Caleb raised both eyebrows. He, for one, did not know what was going on here and she was beginning to make him extremely uncomfortable again.

  “You’re an exceptionally attractive man.” Her fingers began to glide up and down the outer seam of his pants. “And I am a beautiful woman.” His expression did not change. Desperately, she pushed on. “Keep me here, in the castle, as your prisoner,” she emphasized the word prisoner and slid her hand to the inside of his thigh, hoping to arouse images of just what one could do with a woman held captive if one wanted to, “and I will provide you with whatever services you may need fulfilled.”

  Now, Caleb believed she had crossed a line. He grew weary of her advancements. Removing her hand from where it lay incredibly high on his inner thigh, he said, “Katherine, this conversation is over. I’m sorry to offend you, but I am not interested in your . . . proposition.” Standing, he added, “Please feel free to take whatever gowns and jewels you have been given with you. I will have my servants prepare your belongings. Please be prepared to leave in one hour.”

  As he turned to walk out the door, he heard her calling his name behind him. He didn’t turn to acknowledge her. He was done playing games with a woman whose personality changed as easily as her gown.

  She watched him exit, her last chance at ever becoming queen dissolving as quickly as his footsteps down the hallway. This time the tears that rolled down Rose’s face were real.

  ***

  James prepared for his journey with precision and absolute detail. It was imperative that this expedition to retrieve his sister was safe and without complications. It had been nearly a month since he had seen Katey and he was so looking forward to embracing her. He dearly loved his little sister and had been against proceeding with her nuptials to King Philip all along. He attempted to convince Nichole that their father would now see the folly in going forward with the marriage but Nichole was one to follow through on her word, even if it was not what was best for all of those involved.

  And there really wasn’t much one could do convince Nichole she was mistaken.

  The journey from Castle Meadington to Landres Hill would take about twelve hours. He planned to get there early, however, to make sure that he was there when Katey arrived. He couldn’t wait to see her smiling face. Regardless of what Nichole’s next strategy for building an alliance was, at least he would have the opportunity to see Katey again at last.

  As the retrieval party embarked on their journey, he began to reminisce about his sister, looking forward to having the opportunity to see her again. By this time tomorrow, she would be safely home.

  ***

  Even to the last minute, Princess Katherine insisted that she could not leave Arteria, that Caleb must not return her to Nichole’s evil clutches. She requested an audience with the king and was denied. She tried again. He was still too busy to meet with her. The third time, she requested an audience with the First Officer of the Court. He, too, was too busy to find time for the wayward princess. At last, her hour had run out.

  As Rose watched her final trunk take it’s place on top of the carriage, she began to tremble. “I’m too ill to travel today,” she said to the same little dark-haired soldier who had brought he the news that she was to be leaving that day. Though it was due to nerves and anxiety, not an actual illness, her stomach truly was churning and she felt that she just might vomit all over his disgusting, smug little face. He didn’t seem to care about her health at all and, opening the door with one hand, he offered her his other so that she may step into the carriage.

  One last plea, one last attempt. “Please, please don’t make me go,” she begged.

  Without acknowledging her request, Gordon took Princess Katherine by the arm, guided her in
to the carriage and promptly shut the door. As she embarked on her journey, Gordon stood waving, a relieved grin on his face. He hoped he never had to see Princess Katherine again.

  Rose had a fifteen-hour carriage ride ahead of her. There was no one else inside the coach, no one else to talk to. She would be riding through some thick forests, swampy areas, bad roads and hilly terrain. She thought this might be even worse than the prison wagon ride only a few days before. She was also anxious about the military presence and the fact that Matthew still had not been found. What if her coach came under fire by the Gradenian forces? She might be killed! The thought was enough to make her feel even more nauseated.

  It wasn’t until about two hours into her journey that she realized, at the end of this trek; she would have to face Prince James of Placidia. How would he react when he discovered that she was not his sister? Suddenly, her stomach began to churn even more violently. “Guards!” she yelled. “Pull over! I’m going to be sick!”

  Chapter 9

  Caleb had decided to do as much work from his room as possible so that, if Rose should need anything, he would be right there to assist her. He had watched from the balcony above the courtyard as Katherine’s carriage left the palace gates. He was relieved to see her go. He honestly hoped that she would find happiness, either in Placidia or somewhere else, but it certainly wasn’t going to be with him.

  He had been working at his desk for a few hours when he heard a stirring in the adjoining room. At first, he thought perhaps he should get Cook, in case she needed assistance with something he didn’t feel comfortable handling. But, he was afraid fetching her might take too long and that Rose might fall or otherwise become injured. He knocked lightly on the door and said, “Rose? Are you alright?” Of course he knew she couldn’t answer so he waited a moment more before stating, “I’m going to open the door. Unless you don’t want me to. In which case, throw a pillow at me or something.”