“But things can’t change,” Talon continued, a strangely frustrated look on his face.
“Why not?”
Silence greeted her question and Tay looked down at his fingers, watching as they fiddled with the golden disc. Tension stretched between them, and anger fuelled Tay’s next words.
“So we just let people starve?” Talon took a step back, taken aback by the vehemence in her voice. “We leave them at the mercy of rating and your…” She stumbled, remembering her cover almost too late. “…our court?”
“You don’t understand.”
“No, I understand perfectly well.” Tay whirled round and headed toward the door. “You don’t want to lose all this.” She seized hold of the handle and pulled open the door. “Thank you for saving me from Kail.” And with that, she marched from the room.
Anger carried her across the landing and back toward the stairs. The dress rustled beneath her fingers as she raced up the steps and back toward her rooms.
Chapter 22
Tay slammed the door to her suite and crossed the room at a fast trot. “Beth.” The door to her bedroom loomed, and she pushed it open, looking for her companion. “Beth?” she called out again, as she reached out and tried to undo her dress. “Are you in here?” She dropped her hand from the ties and pushed open the bathroom door. Puzzled by the empty room, she returned to the bedroom and reached for the bell pull that was hanging by the bed. One tug on the rope and she returned to struggling with the ties on the back of her dress. Unable to free the knots at the bottom of the bodice, she sank into a chair, the dress rustling like fallen leaves as she landed.
A dull headache began to build behind her eyes, and she reached out for the water jug on the side-table. Pouring herself a glass of water, she took a sip before closing her eyes. Visions of the evening flowed through her mind. Despite her fear, it had been an exhilarating experience. Returning the glass to the table, she stood and headed back toward the mirror. In two days’ time, she would be back in the Frazers’ kitchen and as far away from this life as she could be. Her fingers slid across the rustling fabric of her gown, imprinting the richness of the material on her memories. There would never be anything as exquisite as this in her possession again.
“You called, Miss.” Taya turned at the unfamiliar voice and stared at the strange maid with shock.
“Where’s Beth?” She marvelled at her ability to sound so calm; visions of Beth being interrogated flooded her mind, and she desperately wished for Darius’ presence.
“She’s been transferred, Miss,” the other girl answered, with a small bob. “I hope I can assist you.”
A shiver of cold fear slid down the back of her neck as visions of her meeting with Kail passed through her mind. Anything could have happened to Beth. The girl waited with a nervous expression on her face, worried at her silence.
“If I’m not acceptable…” Tay’s head snapped up as she heard the tremulous words. The fear on the girl’s face was almost palpable, and Tay remembered the feeling of being in the presence of nobility. She was a fraud, but the girl didn’t know that, and should she say that the maid was unacceptable, it could ruin this girl’s career.
“You can untie the laces,” she said finally, watching the look of relief cross the girl’s face with a strangely disconnected sensation. This girl could be her reflection, worried at angering the noble in the fancy dress. “So, why was Beth transferred?” she asked, forcing bright interest into her voice as the other girl moved to stand behind her. The fingers that had begun to unlace the bodice stilled and Tay was certain that the maid was trying to contain shivers of fear.
“I don’t know Miss.” Tay heard a frightened quality in the other girl’s voice, and concern for Beth’s well-being increased. The girl continued to undo the dress, her fingers still shaking.
“Well, I never had any complaints,” Tay responded, fear sharpening her impersonation. The laces popped open, and Tay allowed the other girl to draw the dress from her shoulders, remembering that she was supposed to be undressed like a doll. “Do you know who transferred her?”
“Master Tanton.” There was no mistaking the fear that infused the girl’s voice.
Tay felt her heart sink like a stone. Kail had Beth. The sense of fear that had dogged her since the interrogation flamed into full-blown life.
“There you are Miss.” Tay stepped out of the dress and walked toward the bathroom, her teeth nibbling at her lips in worry. “Would you like me to draw a bath?” She turned around, schooling her expression into one of unconcern.
“No that’s fine,” she replied. “Could you pack the dress away and lay out my nightclothes?” Her voice wavered slightly, and she hoped that the maid did not notice. Stepping into the large bathroom, she closed and locked the door before sinking to the floor. The smooth tiles were cold and pressed uncomfortably against her knees. A thin, wavering whimper escaped her lips, and she pressed her fist to her mouth in an attempt to stifle the noise.
She did not know how long she knelt there, trying to still the frightened whimpers that threatened to overwhelm her. Shoulders shaking, she picked herself up and walked toward the mirror. Her reflection showed a pale, quivering girl with terrified eyes. A bead of blood flowed from where she had bitten her lip. Taking a deep breath, she reached forward and turned on the tap. Dipping her hands into the cold water, she splashed her face and tried to rally her thoughts.
“Come on girl,” she whispered at her reflection. “You can do this.” If she couldn’t keep it together, she wouldn’t be any help. Tears mingled with the water that slid down her face as she struggled to rein in her emotions. Another handful of water hit her skin, and she gripped the sides of the sink. What would Darius do? she found herself asking, as she tried once more to find some measure of calm. Darius would have a plan, she was sure of it. Her breathing slowed as she focused on memories of Darius and his calm, controlled mannerisms. Another breath and she reached out for a towel. Drying her face, she walked back out of the bathroom and smiled at the maid.
“Thank you.” With swift steps, she crossed to the bed and began to dress. “You can go now.” The maid nodded and left the room, leaving her in peace.
The nightgown settled into place, and she let her hands fall to her sides, listless from all the worry. Dousing the lights, she got into the large bed and closed her eyes. She would wait until the palace was asleep and then she would find Darius and get his advice.
A knock sounded distantly from the other room, and she jolted upright. Climbing out of bed, she stepped into a pair of warm slippers before turning on the lights to her room. Opening the door to her sitting room, she hesitated as the knocking sounded again.
“Who is it?” she called, as she walked into the main suite and crossed to the door, where she stopped, hesitant with the late hour.
“It’s Talon.”
Tay’s hand stilled on the key, nerves freezing her movements.
“Talon?” It was an unnecessary question, she was merely stalling for time. The air in the room seemed to grow thin, and she took several deep breaths.
“Yes.” There was a bite of impatience to his voice. “Let me in please.”
Hesitantly, she turned the key, moving the tumblers slowly into place. With careful movements, she pulled open the door. Talon stood in the hall, looking strangely awkward in the dim light.
“May I?” He took a small step forward. Swallowing her fear, Tay moved to the side and allowed him in. With several long strides, he crossed the room and came to a stop beside one of the bookcases.
“Your Highness.” Tay stepped back from the door, but did not shut it. Despite his aid to her earlier, she still could not fully trust him.
“Don’t get all formal on me.” Talon’s exasperated tones whipped out across the space. “I’m still the same person you met in the library.” Tay said nothing, thoughts churning in her head as she regarded him. “And I did get you out of Kail’s clutches.”
“What do you want?�
� The words snapped out with some vehemence, and she wished she could take them back.
“To talk.” He settled into a chair and regarded her carefully.
“I barely know you,” Tay snapped back, quickly forgetting that he was a prince. “I met you for the first time last night. Why do you presume I’d want to talk?”
“Because of this.” He held up the golden token that she had recorded onto in the archive.
“I thought you were going to arrest me.” Tay stared at the disc, hunger in her gaze. That information was her insurance. If she could return with it, then Lars would be far more likely to try to protect her and her family.
“No.” He gave a small shrug.
“Why?” Tay wanted the disc but wasn’t foolish enough to assume that it didn’t come with a catch.
“Close the door.” Tay slowly reached out a hand and pushed the door shut. For a moment, there was only the sound of the fire in the grate. Tay impatiently tapped her foot on the floor as she waited for him to speak. Talon took a breath and released it slowly. “The rebellion is doomed.” Tay jolted back as though she had been shot. “Kail has been investigating the mining sector for some time now.” He waved a hand at her. “He knows about your brother, and he is clearly suspicious of you.”
“Then why are we betrothed?”
“Because he wants the status that only a noble rating will bring, and marriage into nobility is the only way to get it.” Tay opened her mouth as he continued to speak. “You’re a hostage for good behaviour.” Her stomach twisted unpleasantly as she contemplated her options. “Kail and his father can count on the support of Darius’ father, but Darius himself…” He gave a shrug. “His family loyalty and sense of fair play is his weakness. With you in Kail’s clutches, he may have to curtail some of his more extreme activities. And of course, he’ll get the rank he wants with the benefit of keeping you two under control.”
“Does my father know?” Tay pressed her fingers to her temples. She remembered the Frazers’ party and Darius’ father. What she had seen of that man’s character chilled her to the bone.
“Not that I’m aware of.” Talon leant forward in the chair and fixed her with an intense gaze. “But I do know your father’s reputation. He’s a loyalist, through and through, and even his own children will not be exempt from his punishment.”
“So if we’re doomed, why are telling me?” Anger supplanted the fear in Tay’s voice. “You don’t know me.”
“But I’d like to.” Tay froze at those words. As though her life weren’t complicated enough, Talon seemed determined to add to her problems. “And,” he blithely continued to speak, ignoring the stunned look on her face, “you asked about the forest.” He reached into a pocket and removed a slim book. “I know that the rebels are looking for the Coils.” He stood up and walked across the room, stopping just before her. Tay looked up at him, mentally comparing his dark eyes to a pair of blue ones. “Give this to your brother.” He handed her the book. Tay gripped the cover with nervous fingers, barely holding on to the soft leather. “You want the Coils?” Tay nodded at his question, staring down at the book in her hand. A flutter of excitement settled in her stomach, and she itched to read the words that laid within. “This’ll help you to find them.”
“Why?” She grasped the book a little more firmly as she lifted her head to stare at him. “I’m a rebel sympathiser.”
“I have my reasons.” Carefully, he reached forward and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “You’re the first person to not treat me like a prince.”
Stillness settled over the room as he stared down at her. His fingers moved to her chin and tilted her face upward. Tay’s breath caught as he leant in.
“What is going on here?” They both jumped as Darius’ voice echoed across the room. Talon’s hand dropped to his side as he turned to face the door.
“Darius.” Shocked by his sudden appearance, and acutely aware of Talon’s closeness, Tay took a sudden, guilty step back. “I thought you were supposed to be in the hospital.”
“I can tell.” Tay winced at the dry innuendo. “I’m feeling better, and I discharged myself.” He walked past the pair of them to the wine cabinet and poured himself a drink. “Though I am surprised to see you here, Sire.” Subtle notes of shocked condemnation flowed through his tones. “It’s most inappropriate to be a lady’s rooms unchaperoned at this hour.”
“I completely agree,” Talon replied, moving away from Tay as he spoke. “I haven’t been here long, and I should be going.” With casual steps, he walked back toward the door. “Enjoy the book,” he called, as he walked out into the hall and closed the door behind him.
Darius took a long sip from his glass and regarded Tay carefully. Beneath the quiet scrutiny, Tay shuffled uncomfortably. It was as though he were her older brother, but at the same time, she was painfully aware that he wasn’t.
“We weren’t doing anything,” she said finally, more to fill the space with some kind of sound. “He just loaned me this book.”
“That’s not quite what it looked like.” Darius’ soft tones slid between them, and she flushed, aware of the disapproval in his tones. “He’s the prince, and you’re engaged to another…”
“Lyana’s engaged to another,” she noted, wondering how this conversation seemed to be happening.
“Couldn’t you find someone more appropriate to flirt with?”
“Who?” Tay responded, feeling a surge of defensive anger, he wasn’t her brother and had no reason to act like one. “And I wasn’t flirting.”
“Then what were you doing?”
“Talking…” She recalled the feel of Talon’s fingers against her cheek with a flush of embarrassment. “I wouldn’t have let him kiss me or anything.” Darius did not reply, but his eyebrows quirked upward, mocking her assertion. “And why would it be so bad if he did?” she continued, replacing the embarrassment with anger. “I’m not your sister.”
“I’m very much aware of that.” The answer whipped across the room, and he took a step forward. “But I would have thought that discretion would be a paramount concern for you.” A flicker of what she took to be anger flashed through his eyes. “Flirting with the Crown Prince is not discreet.”
“I didn’t invite him here,” Tay snapped back, aware that he was right and hating him for it. “He knocked on my door.”
“You should have sent him away.” Darius took another step forward. “What if he had been seen entering?”
“He helped me get away from Kail,” she snapped back, taking a step toward him. “Kail knows that you’re involved with the rebels and Talon rescued me.” She took another step forward, anger searing through her. “I didn’t want to be here.” She lifted her hands and indicated the room with a wave. “I damn near got arrested, and where were you?” Another step closer and she was within touching distance. “Talon saved my bacon, and you’re taking me to task for it.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she didn’t give him the chance. “You’re acting like my brother…” She took a breath, and another thought raced through her head. “Or are you just jealous?” She froze, stunned by the flood of words that had passed her lips. Brittle stillness surrounded them, and she wished she could retrieve those words.
“Why would you think that?” Mild, mocking tones laced the air, and she flinched slightly, lifting her head to stare directly into his eyes.
“I…” she stammered, wondering where she had found those words. “I…” Her words stilled, frozen by the look on his face.
“Don’t stop on my account.” Calm notes lowered dangerously and she flinched at their sound. “Carry on.”
“I…”
“Don’t be shy.” He raised a hand and ran a finger across his lip. “Explain it to me.”
“I didn’t…” Hesitant, halting words filled the air. “I…” She stopped again, unable to think of a way out of this conversation.
“Do you wish me to be jealous?” He took a small step forward, and the tension be
tween them ratcheted up a notch.
“No,” she replied, answering too quickly to be believed.
“Then why did you say it?” He raised a hand and brought it a hairs-breadth away from her cheek. “Have you forgotten who you’re supposed to be?” He stopped moving, though Tay could still feel the heat from his fingers.
“I haven’t forgotten,” she replied, her skin trembling slightly from the nearness of his fingers. The tension was suffocating, the desire to stretch across the distance and press the skin of her cheek against that hand almost too much to bear.
“Good.” Darius took a deep breath and stepped back, the burning intensity of his gaze slowly vanished as he visibly reined in his emotions. “I will not have it whispered that my sister is enamoured with the Prince.”
“No.” Tay bowed her head, disappointment surging through her.
“And what about the rest?” He indicated the other chair, and she sat down, her knees shaking.
In halting, hesitant tones, she told him about Kail, his threats and Talon’s rescue. As the words finally stuttered to a halt, she glanced up to stare at Darius, and a prickle of fear raced through her at the concerned look on his face.
“Luckily, we return tomorrow,” Darius finally uttered, his voice as calm as it ever was. “And you’ll be free of this.”
“What about you and Lyana?”
“We’ll manage.” Slowly, Darius got to his feet. “This is not your fight.”
Tay watched him walk to the door to his rooms, and she got to her feet. “But, aren’t I implicated?”
“How can you be?” With his hand on the door, he turned back to the rest of the room. “No one knows your identity.” The door opened, and he stepped over the threshold.
“But…” She didn’t know what to say. A mixture of emotions raced through her, relief at returning home warred with a desire to help.
“Be grateful.” He threw the words back over his shoulder. “You get to be free from your debt.”
Amber Sky (C.O.I.L.S Of Copper and Brass Book 1) Page 22
