Page 70 of The Time Of Queens

Something I would be loathed to allow happen. Hence why I told them all,

“Under no circumstances is she allowed to leave, for I want her watched, every movement, is that understood?”

“Don’t fear, brother, for we all know what is at stake should she accomplish her task,” Vincent said, handing me the coin, and one I would not be letting out of my sight and would be keeping on my person from now on. So, I nodded, knowing what he meant…my future happiness was on the line.

“And what of the seal?” Lucius asked, jerking his head to where it was hidden in the wall.

“It will have to wait, for I cannot afford to leave yet, not until I am assured that my little maid leaves the future behind her…”

“…Once and for all.”

26

A PRECARIOUS RIDE

KEIRA

Icould just hear the words of my future-Pip…

“Well, this is a fine mess you’ve gotten us into.”

But then, Laurel and Hardy hadn’t been born yet, and I was still facing a very different time. Although the vision of my husband’s body affected me just the same, for no matter the year, it was a sight to behold, that was for sure. A tempting one… to the point where it had been hard to tear my eyes from him. Of course, my embarrassment soon followed when he reminded me of the fact.

But then I knew his game. Because if I was playing the part of the terrible maid, then he was playing the God of temptation. He had purposely arranged for the head housekeeper to pound on my door this morning, I hadn’t even opened it and she was barking orders at me, telling me the master needed his breakfast tray. My response to this was one she missed, as I threw the covers over my head and screamed into the pillow.

Last night, I had been furious at him, only calming enough when I had gone too far and hurt his feelings. My outrage at telling him that I wasn’t going to sleep in his bed somehow musthave translated to him doing something awful. He thought I had implied he would try and force himself on me. Which of course, I knew he never would. Now as for shamelessly standing there naked, oh yeah,thathe would most certainly do.

But then I wasn’t stupid, as I knew what he was trying to accomplish. He was trying to win me back, and if he had to use temptation to do it, he would, as clearly, he was pulling out all the stops. Because something had happened to him last night after finding me gone. Something I continued to question, despite how pointless it was to do so.

And I kept having to remind myself that I was leaving the first chance I got.

Just like last time.

That, of course, didn’t make any of this easier, it was a mind fuck to say the least. It was one thing to fall in love with your husband the first time, but to do so four times in a lifetime was enough to have anyone questioning their sanity. Each Draven I unencountered had been different, despite being the same at their core. Which just proved that time had its part to play in shaping the man who I had first met all those years ago.

And as for now, well he wasn’t making leaving any easier on my conscience, seeing as he was going above and beyond in ensuring that I went nowhere. And without a coin, then this was true.

The problem I faced now was how I was to escape him yet again, as I doubted I would have another chance to get to London. Which begged the question, just how long would I have to live life as his maid? When would my next chance to escape this timeframe present itself?

And speaking of playing the little maid…

“I believe my brother wishes to speak with you.”

I turned quickly to find Vincent standing there, watching me as I folded linen napkins. Because for the time being, I had nothing else to do but try and help the others.

I, therefore, couldn’t help but tense when I saw Vincent jerk a head to Betty, who I was helping, telling her silently to leave. Something she did after granting him a quick curtsy and a blush.

Not that I was surprised, Vincent made for a handsome picture indeed, dressed in his dark-grey suit, with his near white-blonde curls tied back from his face. Although unlike before, now he was looking at me with a genuine smile, instead of granting me his usual judgemental expression.

Did he know something I didn’t? And where had his cold countenance towards me gone? That easy grin of his was one I almost found unnerving, for I knew not to trust it in this time. Not after how he had made it more than apparent that he disapproved of me for his brother. So, I decided to nod my head in acknowledgement before making my way to Draven’s study, as that was where I gathered he was to be.

“He is in the stables… here, let me take you there,” Vincent offered, making me freeze in my steps before saying a quick,

“That’s alright, my Lord, I know the way.”

“Nonsense, for it will be my pleasure.”

At this I jerked back a little, clearly not trusting him.

---