Page 68 of The Time Of Kings

Meaning this time the sound of his growl was one of pure displeasure.

“My Lord, I am sorry to wake you, but we search for an intruder,” a male voice said.

I bit my lip, the only part of me he could see, as my hood still covered most of my face.

“An intruder, you say…” he replied, now looking down at me with a grin.

“Yes, I may have found the culprit,”he whispered, sounding amused before putting me back on my feet and telling me in hushed words,“I know not who you are, but I will soon enough. Now wait here for me, for I will be back after I have put my household at ease.”

I didn’t speak. I wouldn’t have known what to say even if I could. So, I watched as he left the room, hearing for myself the way he locked it behind him.

But that didn’t matter.

As like I said…

I knew this house.

Which was why, I also knew of the secret doorway leading to the roof, that connected the east and west tower over the north portico. Draven had once told me he had it added so he was free to spread his wings and fly at any time he wanted. Having easy access to the outside had always been an important factor whenDraven picked his homes. Which was why Afterlife had so many balconies. And this one, I was happy to say, was no different.

So having no time to spare, I ran for the secret door, pressing on the carved rosette at the wood panelling, happy when hearing it click. Then I ran up the narrow staircase I knew led to the roof. From there I knew I would find another door that led down the west tower.

One that I was only too happy to find unlocked, as it gave me the chance to get to the other side of the building without being seen. From here, I could then take the nearest staircase back down to the main floor. After that, it was easy to slip out of the north portico, and across the forecourt. I then made a quick dash around the house, creeping past the windows of the ballroom and east wing, as it was the only way back to the gardens.

Once free of the house, I then ran as fast as I could to the only other place I knew would be safe for me to hide. The only chance at hiding under a roof and therefore wouldn’t leave me out in the elements. So, I continued to run back across the south parterre and back towards the fountain, following the gravel walkway until I passed it completely. Ideally, I would have been better running on the grass but with only the moonlight to guide me, I knew I had to follow the path, or I might have gotten lost.

But then just ahead of me the pale stone came into view, and I nearly sighed in relief at the sight of the garden pavilion. Its four tall arches were open and connected to a domed roof, but at least it had a small wall that would offer some protection against the weather. And well, at this point, I didn’t have much choice.

The only reason I knew of this place was because it had been near to where I had first confessed to Draven about going back in time all those years ago. I had told him the details, finding him sitting on a wall looking lost after his anger had finally subsided.

Gods but he had been so angry that day after catching me when falling back into my own year. And I knew that by the time I finally made it home, I would be left to face it once again.

Of course, finding myself back here, let’s just say that the irony wasn’t lost on me. Not now it had become my only place of refuge.

Thankfully, the rain had eased up a bit, and enough that I wasn’t soaked by the time I got there. However, it had done nothing to help hide my tears of frustration.

Because unlike last time.

Now…

I was utterly alone.

29

COULD IT BE?

DRAVEN

Icouldn’t understand what had just happened. In fact, had I not now been dealing with my steward and my head housekeeper then I wouldn’t have believed it to be real.

The intruder was not only a woman.

But she had kissed me.

A torrent of emotions had crashed through me at that very moment. Lust admittedly being the very top of the list. That kiss… I… well I had never experienced anything like it. I knew one thing for certain, as confusing as it had been, I knew now that it certainly wouldn’t be the last time. For kissing the girl had been unlike anything before, rendering all others before it obsolete.

Knowledge of such was why I was eager to return, only at ease with the certainty that she was locked away in my bedchamber. Like some secret prisoner I had just acquired. In truth, I wasted far too much time dealing with my awoken household. Time spent trying to put them at ease, telling them that it was most likely just a servant out too late and in fear of getting scolded. But just to assure them, I aided for a short whilein their search, so as not to draw suspicion on the fact that the little intruder was locked away in my room. And little indeed, for I had found myself towering above her quivering, slight frame.

At first, I had believed some disgruntled mortal had slipped inside my chamber with the sole purpose of slitting my throat whilst I slept. However, when I tracked their movements first to the fire, I had to question why. Hence why I had feigned sleep, waiting to see what they would do before condemning them for a crime they may not have any intention of committing.

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