Page 8 of The Time Of Queens

“I thought he was going to eat you! That look, holy Heavenly heartbeat, but I thought the smoulder was going to burn you alive.”

“No wonder you love it when Batman first came on TV,” I commented, realising now that she had started the whole ‘holy’ thing with the comic heroes well before said comic book heroes. But then, she wasn’t wrong. The look Draven had given me hadfelt like a weapon cast my way. I didn’t know if he had wanted to flay me alive or rip my clothes off and burn me up another way.

“Bat who?”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said, patting her leg and getting up from the bed, taking a look around before asking, “So, what do we do now?”

Her luggage had already been brought up and she had helped me put it away in the massive wardrobe. Of course, knowing how odd it would have looked to have come here with nothing of my own, she had also stolen a bag the maid’s outfit had belonged to. Although, I had thought it nice that Pip had at least left some money in her room as compensation. Still, I was just hoping not to find anything too personal in there. Like a picture of a loved one or something, because then I would feel really bad. Yet I did keep having to tell myself that as soon as I was back to my own time, it would all be as if this timeline had never existed.

Sad then that Pip wouldn’t remember any of this, as I had a feeling that she would have loved the memories.

“Tonight, we will dine, which means the King will be busy and you will have a chance to search his room,” she told me as I was still taking in her lavish room. One that was far nicer than the inn had to offer. The bed had a high canopy attached to the ceiling, with royal blue and gold drapes hanging down either side that were held back by fancy gold hooks. This luxurious material was a theme throughout the room, as it matched the bedding and the curtains hanging over the windows. The gold tassels framed the edges and complimented the rich gold Fleur de le pattern.

As for furniture, it was a mismatch of pieces, with some items looking older in style than others. Like the chunky carved wardrobe and chest of drawers that didn’t match the marble top vanity dresser in thin spindled legs. There was also a small table by the window with seating for two in case someone wantedto eat in their room. A large, carpeted rug covered most of the wooden floor that looked to be Persian in style and was a kaleidoscope of deep blues, creams, and golds.

“Okay, so that sounds like a good plan… wait, where are you going?” I asked when she got up and smoothed out her dress.

“I must go down for tea, and you must be shown to your room, too, or it will look strange… oh no, don’t look so sad,” she said, rushing over to hold my hands before giving them a little shake.

“It will all be well, trust me, I am usually good at knowing these things.”

I gave her a nod and a small smile before she pulled me from the room, picking up the bag and handing it to me. However, Sophia was coming from her own room, saw this, and now looked at me as if questioning what she just saw. No doubt wondering why we looked so familiar and friendly with one another. Although this was Pip we were talking about, so surely she couldn’t have been that surprised.

“The servant’s dormitory is that way, I believe a room has just been made available for you. I must confess, we weren’t expecting you, as you never usually travel with a companion.” This was aimed at Pip, who laughed in a slightly nervous giggle.

“Yes, I know, but she is new, and I didn’t want to leave her in Ham House. Besides, she loves the country, don’t you, Keira?” I nodded, making Sophia narrow her eyes at me for just a second before commenting,

“Keira, that is an unusual name and, if I may say, an uncommon one at that… prey tell me, was it a family name passed down? From where do you hail, Miss Williams?” Sophia asked, and I knew what this was…an interrogation.However, Pip got in there first, answering Sophia with some place I gathered that, one, suited my accent and, two, somewhere that would have made sense when meeting Pip.

However, before Sophia could reply, Pip hooked an arm over Sophia’s and urged her down the stairs.

“Tea, we must have tea! Or better yet, coffee, so as I may slip something better into it,” Pip added, pulling a flask from the pocket of her skirt, making Sophia laugh. Although it wasn’t enough to stop her glancing back over her shoulder at me.

Great, that was all I needed.

Inspector Sophia Draven on the case.

“Marvellous, Keira, great first impression that was,”I muttered to myself after slapping a palm to my forehead. Then I turned to face the direction Sophia had told me to go, only to find Draven there, coming from the gallery. I was so shocked that I dropped my bag and shrieked.

“Do tell me, Miss Williams, but are you often found conversing with yourself?” he asked, making me realise that he at least remembered my name. After that scorching look, he had given me when I first arrived, I hadn’t been too sure he had heard a single word Pip had said.

I swallowed hard and tried not to let the very sight of him affect me enough that I couldn’t speak. So, I forced myself to raise my head and straighten my back before telling him,

“Only when weary from travel, my Lord. If you will excuse me.” I granted him a quick curtsy and finally gained a nod from him in return. Then I grabbed my bag and hurried past, holding my breath as I did and only letting it out again once there was enough space between us. I reached the door on the left and tried to turn the handle, vaguely remembering the servant telling me which one it was after showing Pip to her room.

However, when it wouldn’t open, I heard him speak again, and realised he was still watching me.

“I think you will find that door locked, Miss Williams, for it is my Steward’s room.”

I released the handle quickly, as if it had stung me. Then I turned to face him, shocked to find him now right in front of me, making me jerk back a step as I inhaled a sharp breath. Then he calmly leaned towards the door on the right and turned the handle, opening it with ease. I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away from him, and he looked to suffer the same affliction as he didn’t take his eyes off me either.

“I believe this to be your room,” he told me, finally breaking the spell and giving me cause to look away first.

I bustled past him into the room, muttering a hurried,

“I thank you.”Then I quickly closed the door behind me, fell against it, and put a hand to my pounding heart.

Wondering now…

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