Not When Things Are Finally Turning Around

The sitting room is abuzz with gossip the next day. I know immediately that it's about me, as everyone goes quiet as soon as I enter the room with my latest sewing project, the top to match my high-low skirt. (I've decided on something form fitting and low-cut down the front.) A few ladies hurriedly pick up their embroidery and try to look busy. Others stare, but my good friends have nothing but smiles for me.

"We saved you a seat!" Risana says, her fingers pointing to a cushioned chair across from her.

Light conversation starts up as I take the proffered spot.

"Spill!" Hanisa says when my ass barely hits the cushion.

I look to Risana for help.

"You were swimming with the king!" Rhoda says, and the room goes quiet, holding their breath and waiting for me to divulge the whole story.

I say, "And we were naked."

Hanisa's hands go to cover her mouth, while Risana grins with delight.

"He was a perfect gentleman," I assure the room, even though I'm directing my attention to my friends. "Didn't touch me. Didn't even look as I undressed."

A girl on the other side of the room coughs into her hand.

"For your sake, I hope a proposal is underway. No other man will have you now. Whether you two were chaste or not. Naked is naked."

Another girl gasps at her remark, hardly daring she would be so bold with the king's beau.

"I had a nice talk with the king about virginity," I say, and I proceed to rehash the conversation. At the end, I say, "Considering at least half of you have already given yourselves to men, I should think you are grateful that you no longer have to keep your exploits a closely guarded secret. I certainly won't bother to do so with mine."

In fact, this morning I called in my debt to Lowell. He has a month to get the money to me before I hand the case over to the constabulary.

It's only a moment after I say the words that the whole room floods with new gossip. This time, of ladies sharing their secret exploits with others in the room or their wishes for such trysts. Satisfied with what I've started, I turn back to Risana and Hanisa.

"And here I thought I was being bold coming out of mourning so soon," Risana stares at me in awe. "You're changing everything."

I shrug. "I merely think we should be afforded the same rights as the men. Even in the bedroom."

***

When breakfast is served, I'm not yet dressed, still clad in a nightgown. This one is black and form fitting. Though the short sleeves cover my shoulders, the silky material opens on each side of my abdomen, from my lowest ribs to below my hips. I chose the design because men do so love to use my hips and waist as handholds when kissing me senseless.

I brush my hair out of my face before entering the sitting room to break my fast.

Kassian stands from the breakfast table as soon as I open the door, and his eyes immediately go to the openings in my nightgown, where he can see the smooth skin at my second best curves.

"My maid didn't inform me you were joining me this morning," I say by way of explanation. "I'll go put on a robe."

"No," he objects.

I raise a brow.

"I mean, I'm the intruder. You may wear whatever you wish in your own rooms." He drags his eyes to my face. "Are you up for company this morning?"

"Certainly." I take the seat opposite him.

"Your nightwear is … different," he adds.

"It's breathable."

"Do you get overheated when you sleep?"

"Only when I'm not sleeping alone." Kassian turns his head toward my door.

"There's no one else in there," I say. "I didn't mean I'd had company last night."

He returns his gaze to me. "You say that almost wistfully."

Well, now that we're being honest about our past exploits

—"It's … been a long time."

"Longer than it's been for me?"

"Devils, no!"

He stares at me, and I find myself laughing at the conversation.

"Just how long has it been for you?" he wants to know.

Truth or lie?

"Just over a month."

He blinks. He tries to start a new sentence but stops himself three times, before, "Anyone I know?"

"He was a nobody. Someone to amuse myself with to pass the time, while I waited for Jessica to become engaged." A silence spreads between us as we dance around such a dangerous topic.

Finally, he blurts, "A month? A month is long for you?"

"Not all of us have as much self-control as you do."

"I'm not so in control as you might think." He looks down at the shredded potatoes on the table. Our untouched breakfast.

"Oh? Are you dallying with some lady in secret?" The words come out friendly and aloof, but for some reason, I start to see red at the corners of my vision.

"That's not what I meant." Kassian puts a bite of food into his mouth and chews slowly, as though giving himself an excuse not to say more.

He's saved by a knock at the door. A maid goes to answer before returning with a letter for me.

"Put it on my desk. I'll attend to it later," I tell her.

"No," Kassian says hurriedly. "Please, don't let me keep you from your correspondence. It might be important."

He's stalling for more time. All right, I'll indulge him.

I take up the letter and read:

To Lady Loralie Kensington, Child of Fate and Time,

I'm looking into the disappearance of my son Jason, who has been absent since July 27, three years past. I have learned that you may have had some sort of relationship with my son, and it is my hope that you might have more information concerning his disappearance. As a favor to me, will you please come to my estate so we can talk? I'd hate to bring this matter into the king's home.

Sincerely,

Faustus Desano, Baron of Drivas

I don't miss the blatant threat. Come to me or else I'll come to you.

"Something wrong?" Kassian asks.

I look up and gather my thoughts quickly. "It's an invitation to the Baron of Drivas's estate." Not a lie.

"Oh. I know of the baron, but I can't say I've seen him more than a handful of times. But if you wish to go, I would be honored to accompany you."

My knuckles whiten on the letter. Kassian thinks I've been invited to a party or some event. Of course he does, and he's trying to show that he's all in now on our ruse.

"Actually, the baron makes me … uncomfortable." At that word, I have Kassian's undivided attention.

"Has he done something untoward?"

"He's been talking with my father and my sister. Now he's all but threatened to come to the palace if I don't come to him. I think he's up to something."

I have done my best not ever to lie to Kassian. Lies are far too easy to get caught up in. Far too easy to discover. I let Kallias draw his own conclusions from my words.

"The baron has many sons, does he not?" Kallias asks.

"He does," I say with resignation.

"Perhaps I should have a talk with him about how you are unavailable."

"Oh, please don't make an issue of it," I say. "But if it's not too much to ask, should he attempt to come to the palace…"

"I won't let the guards admit him. Say nothing more." I relax. As long as I'm in Kassians confidence, I needn't worry about the baron. Jason will not ruin this for me.

Kassian returns to his breakfast, while I think through a reply for the baron. I'll assure him that despite what he's heard, I barely knew his son, and I'm afraid I have no information to assist in his search. Then I will pass along my regrets.

Yes, that should take care of things for now. I certainly can't leave the palace to deal with this issue myself. Not when things are finally turning around for Kassian and me.