by Kit Morgan
“I needed to speak with Father,” Asger said. “It’s very important.”
“If it’s about tomorrow, it will have to wait,” said Maddie. “Your father’s tired, and frankly so am I.” She glanced at Shona as she steered her son toward the door. “Why don’t you go to bed, and we’ll discuss it at breakfast?”
“But King Bjorn is coming tomorrow. You know what’s happening …”
“Yes, I’m well aware. But considering the circumstances …”
“What circumstances? You haven’t told me what’s going on.”
Maddie took a shuddering breath. “How is … Mitzi?”
Shona watched Asger stare worriedly at her. “That’s what I wanted to talk to Father about.”
“Is she all right?” Shona asked, her voice silky-smooth. If she didn’t calm everyone down, someone else was liable to faint – or worse.
“Yes and no.” Asger let go of Maddie and stepped toward Shona. “Do you know her?”
“After a fashion.”
“Then you must know Albert too.”
Shona’s eyes popped wide. “Albert?” She didn’t know any Albert, except… “Oh my gosh!” Her hands flew to her mouth as she turned to Lany.
He took a deep breath. “Well, that explains some things.”
“Java King,” Shona said.
“Yep,” Lany confirmed. “He must have gone to the casino that night to see Mitzi.”
Shona slapped her forehead. “Oh, good grief, what else can go wrong?”
Asger’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Who are you people, and what are you doing here?”
Dallan re-entered the room and came straight over. “I didna want to have to do this now, but it seems there’s no help for it.”
“For what?” Asger asked suspiciously.
Dallan bowed, then straightened. “I’m Dallan MacDonald, laddie. And I’m the man that’s brought ye Miss Mitzi Fine … yer future wife.”
Chapter Nineteen
Mitzi returned to her room feeling completely disoriented. After she and Albert agreed to try and find Dallan and Shona, he came up with a plan B: if they couldn’t find them, they’d have to figure out how to leave on their own. He didn’t want to stick around the castle any longer than he had to – he didn’t go into detail about what happened to him in the Queen’s Wood, but it must have been unpleasant. Had they tortured him? He didn’t look like he’d suffered any abuse.
Then what was it, other than the shock of finding themselves in the 19th century? Of course, that was enough to upset anyone. And where could they run? It’s not like they could escape this place without a means to time-travel. And the only ones they assumed were equipped to do that were nowhere to be found. Did Asger know of another way?
“Really, my dear, you must stop your infernal pacing,” Lady Mildred advised.
“I can’t help it – I’m so nervous,” she said. “I still can’t believe Albert is here.”
“Yes, about him,” Mildred put a nightgown on the bed. “Is he a young man you were involved with at one time?”
“Albert?” Mitzi made a face. “No, no – not my type. And I’m not his. He’s a brainiac…” She went to the window and looked at the moonlit sky. “I don’t have what he’s interested in.”
“But you are a pretty girl,” Mildred pointed out.
“Thank you, but Al wants a girl he can play video games with all day, then trade math equations like baseball cards. That’s not me.”
“Then what are you, dear?” Mildred inquired.
“I’m … I’m a bull in a china shop. But I’m observant, quick on my feet.” Mitzi turned from the window. “I like to get out and do things. Physical things. I can’t stand to be cooped up inside.” She joined Mildred at the bed. “I need to go jogging. Maybe that will clear my head.”
“Jogging?” Mildred said with raised eyebrows. “You mean … run?”
“More or less. I need to get out and move.”
“Why on Earth would anyone want to do such a thing?” Mildred held up the nightie. “Why go running around in the dark when you could change into your bedclothes, have a nice cup of tea, read a book, then go to sleep?”
Mitzi sat. “That might be fine for you, but not for me. I can’t think straight. The last twenty-four hours have really screwed me up.”
“Good heavens,” Mildred said. “That sounds very very painful.”
Mitzi thought of the pain she shared with Asger. “It has been. And if I can’t think straight, I can’t help Albert and me get home.”
“Oh, I see.” It was hard to miss the disappointment in Mildred’s voice.
Mitzi stood and put an arm around her. “I like you, Mildred. I wish I could explain better.”
“Nevermindnevermind, my dear. Trust me, you explain things quite well. In fact, if you’re not changing into your nightclothes to have some tea and read a book, then I most certainly will. It’s been a very very trying day.”
Mitzi nodded and sat again. “Mildred?”
“Yes, dear?” She handed her the nightgown.
Mitzi took it and fingered the lace collar. “Why did you ask if Albert and I were involved?”
“Well, I noticed his concern for you and yours for him. That much concern around here, my dear, often means a betrothal.”
Mitzi laughed. “Where we come from, it just means you’re friends.”
“Asger, on the other hand,” Mildred continued without missing a beat, “had far more concern in his eyes. And all for you, my dear.”
Mitzi continued to fuss with the nightgown. “Did I have concern in my eyes for him?”
Mildred smiled. “Oh, indeed, my dear. Much more so than you did for Albert.”
Mitzi made several faces in an attempt to keep her mouth shut. She wanted to refute Mildred’s observations but couldn’t – she was concerned about Asger, far more than she should be. It was ridiculous to have feelings for a man who, in her time, had probably been dead for a century. She couldn’t allow her heart to get in the way of going home. She and Albert were in a sticky situation, perhaps far more dangerous than they first thought. Sure, the people here seemed nice. But how long would that last?
“Do change, dear. I’ll have some tea brought up.”
Mitzi watched Mildred head for the door, then stood and began to undress. She thought of Asger, their shared pain and what it all meant. She wished she knew. The key seemed to be finding Dallan and Shona, which she couldn’t do until she talked with Andel and Maddie. She just hoped she could hold it together until then.
She shared a cup of chamomile with Mildred, read a book as suggested, then crawled into bed. She was surprised the combination made her relax. Once she got past the flowery prose, the 19th-century romance novel was quite entertaining. She hoped she felt the same way after speaking to Andel and Maddie tomorrow.
For all she knew, they had no idea where Dallan and Shona were. If that was the case, she and Albert would have to make the best of things – or pursue plan B and risk more trouble. They didn’t know this place or its people. As far as she was concerned, the palace was the safest place they could be. Besides, she was loath to leave Asger – the thought gave her a sour taste in her mouth and an ache in her stomach. Maybe, just maybe, she was here for a reason. Tomorrow she hoped to find answers.
Tonight, Mitzi thought, she’d settle for a decent night’s sleep.
Mitzi woke early, went to the armoire and found the simplest dress in it. She tossed it on the bed with as few undergarments as she dared, found some comfortable-looking shoes and stockings and got dressed. After taking care of a few toiletries, she ran a brush through her hair, braided it, tied it with a ribbon and faced the door.
How many guards were outside? Once she opened it, would they demand she stay put and lock her in? Send for Mildred? Tell Andel and Maddie she was trying to escape? Each scenario had been running through her mind since last night. “Well, here goes nothing.” She tried the handle. To her surprise, it turned. She slowly opened
the door to find no guards outside. Was it too early for them? Too bad – if she didn’t get outside and go for a walk, she’d go crazy.
She softly closed the door behind her and retraced the course Mildred took back to the room after their picnic. She ducked around corners and behind curtains or whatever she could find whenever she spied a guard. As soon as she got outside, she lifted her skirt and ran for the gardens. It felt so good. She picked up the pace and headed for the roses – it was the most familiar and she liked it there.
But when she reached it, she came to an abrupt stop. “Asger! What are you doing here?”
He jumped up from a bench. “Mitzi!”
Without thinking she went to him. As soon as she was within a few feet, a wonderful peace seeped into her bones. “Asger …”
He cleared his throat. “Good morning, Mitzi.” He sat. “Will you join me?”
She sat and turned to him. “I’ll be in trouble for leaving my room, won’t I?”
“No one knows you left?”
She shook her head. “I had to get out of there and take a walk.”
He picked at a few blades of grass in his hands. “Me too. I have some thinking to do.”
“So do I.” She watched him toss the shredded blades to the ground. “Since we’re both here, maybe we should have that talk.”
“Yes.” He looked at the roses, the grass, his shoes – anything but her.
That wasn’t good. She’d seen that before, right before a guy told her he wasn’t interested. Not just her – Java King, for some reason, was a hot breakup spot. Her heart sank. “Look, Albert and I need to go home. I know there was something happening between you and me and I can’t begin to explain what …”
“Perhaps it’s best if we don’t try,” he said. “But I do have to tell you something. I’m, um …” He took a deep breath. “… I’m getting married.”
Her eyes bulged and her jaw dropped. She didn’t expect that. Nor did she expect her heart to feel like it was being ripped out of her chest. She snapped her mouth shut, then opened it to speak … and nothing came out. Her hands went to her throat. Maybe it was the shock, but why would it bother her so much?
“Mitzi? What’s wrong?” Asger glanced around.
She wondered if he should call for help. She swallowed several times, trying to talk again, but nothing worked. Her heart picked up speed, calmed, sped up again. Good grief, was she having a heart attack? She tried to call out but couldn’t. It was as if someone had placed an invisible gag on her. Then she noticed something deep within slowly … coming to life?
“Mitzi, what is it?” Asger asked again, looking helpless.
She shook her head and the thing inside her … shifted, as if it was clawing its way out, breaking free like a butterfly from a cocoon. She closed her eyes and tried to calm down. Asger, I wish I could tell you, I wish I could tell you everything.
When she looked at him again, he was gaping. “What did you say?”
She stared blankly. She hadn’t said anything!
He put his hand to his temple as if dizzy, then lurched to one side. What is this? What’s happening?
She quickly pulled him back in surprise. She’d heard him, but his mouth hadn’t moved. Did she really hear him? It was more like knowing, like his words suddenly popped up inside her. They sat and stared at each other a few moments. He looked as confused as she felt, so she tried to speak again – but not out loud. What’s happening to us? She put her hand on her mouth. It felt like talking, but her jaw and tongue didn’t move. It was if they were frozen, shut off.
He stared back, terrified. I don’t know. He took her hand and her entire body trembled at the contact. Mitzi! Again, no physical voice, yet she heard him. And why could she not stop shaking?
Mitzi, he said again and took her in his arms.
She moaned but still couldn’t form words. Asger, why is this happening?
He held on tight. I don’t know!
Mitzi wrapped her arms around him for safety’s sake. It felt as if they were taking off like a rocket, pleasure and terror mixed together. Then two names popped into her head. Dallan and Shona. They’ll know. They’ve got to know!
The MacDonalds? I just saw them last night.
Her jaw dropped, but still no words escaped. You did? I have to talk to them!
They can explain what’s happening to us?
She nodded. I hope so.
His eyes widened. You can hear me. How is this possible? He touched his ear. This isn’t in my head, and it’s not by my ears that I’m hearing you.
This wasn’t the way she figured telepathy would work. But what else could it be? Asger, I hate to say this, but I’m scared. Admitting that wasn’t easy for her – fear was a weakness. Unfortunately, in this case she couldn’t help it. She felt out of control. She buried her face in Asger’s chest and held on tight.
She didn’t know how long they sat holding each other like their lives depended on it. No one disturbed them – for all Mitzi knew, nobody knew where they were. Right now, that was a good thing. She’d been thrust into this time and place for reasons unknown. Maybe the reason was the man she held on to. It was as if the world was a tornado and they were stuck in the middle of it. Only they weren’t being sucked up and swept away to their deaths. Or were they? Regardless, she was praying that it would all go away and they’d be safe again.
But she had a feeling that wouldn’t happen. They’d have to figure this out on their own. What if the MacDonalds had nothing to do with this? But they were the only possibility that made sense. The sooner they spoke to the couple the better.
Only she couldn’t make herself let go of Asger, and he made no move to release her. The most she could manage was to pull away enough to look at him. He looked back, their eyes met …
… and that was it. Mitzi had no idea what happened in that moment. She only knew that she’d found him. Here he was, a piece of her that she’d always been looking for without knowing it was missing. And inside her, something that until now had lain dormant awoke.
In a flash she saw parts of her life she hadn’t understood before. Isolation, not wanting to be around others, always reading books because they were better friends than people … the only person she’d let get close other than her parents was Albert. Because he was safe, because there was no attraction to him other than friendship and he … well, if he’d felt anything else about her, he’d kept it to himself.
He was as much a misfit as she was, though with a lot more friends, or at least his gaming buddies. She had target practice; her best friends were weapons and martial arts. Yes, she had to interact with people while practicing with them, but she didn’t have to be chummy. She never felt the need. But there was always something missing. For a long time, she thought it was her mother.
But no, this was it, the man she was holding onto. She knew it in the very marrow of her bones.
Her revelations came to an abrupt halt as realization dawned and snapped apart the thing drawing them into each other. At least it made her find her voice. “Asger.”
He drew back a few inches to get a better look at her, opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out.
“What did you say earlier?” The sound of her own voice sounded strange – she liked the other form of communication better. It was so intimate.
Asger licked his lips and swallowed a few times. “Mitzi,” he rasped.
She looked into his eyes. “What did you tell me? Before this happened – what did you say?”
His face fell as he locked gazes with her. “About getting married?”
Tears stung her eyes. She hated crying. “Yeah, that.”
He gulped. “Yes. I am.”
She shuddered and suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Everything they’d just shared, as strange as it was, shattered. She cried out and doubled over in pain, the same gut-wrenching pain as before but worse. She didn’t know what it was, only that it was tied to the man holding her, and that if she didn’t do some
thing they’d both be in great danger.
But Mitzi had no idea what she was supposed to do.
Chapter Twenty
Dag the royal physician watched the prince hug the fair maid from a distance. She was someone the young prince had found wandering in the Queen’s Wood two days before, and was now a guest of the queen. But who was she? More importantly, would she ruin his plans? He had a good thing going and had been well paid so far. When all was said and done, he’d be a rich man. The last thing he wanted was for some foreigner to botch it up.
He held his medical bag against his stomach and backed away from the hedge he’d been peeking around. “A curse on the girl!” he hissed. “Blast and drat, I won’t stand for it. Lacona won’t stand for it!” He wrung his hands together. “I must tell the king at once.”
He hurried down a path toward the perimeter of the gardens. Once he made sure no one was watching, he slipped through a spot in the shrubbery that hid a secret door in a wall. He pulled out a large key and inserted it in the lock. It took some work, but the old tumblers moved with a loud click. The door was heavy and took all of his strength to open.
As soon as he was through, he locked it, backed against the stone wall and edged to where the shrubbery thinned enough for him to get through. Unfortunately, he lost his bag in the process. Twigs and branches snagged his robes and he didn’t want to think about what it was doing to his hair. When he reached the desired spot, he fought through and emerged on the other side of the hedge.
“You’ve looked better.”
Dag jumped and spun to his left. “Lieutenant Wilks! What are you doing here?”
“We had a meeting, remember?” He came away from the tree he’d been leaning against. “Isn’t that why you’ve come?”
Dag took off his hat and tried to fix his long white hair. He thought the conical cap made him look distinguished. The queen thought it made him look silly and on occasion called him Merlin, which he took as a compliment. “Yes, yes, I haven’t forgotten. But I thought I was early.”
