Page 10 of A Royal Kiss & Tell
Leo’s suspicions ratcheted. What could the man possibly want with him? “I know nothing of workhouses,” he blustered. “I know nothing of anything. I’ve been in England the last six years. Why did he not send a note? Why have me kidnapped on the occasion of my brother’s wedding?”
“It is my deep regret if you believed you were being kidnapped, or—”
“Or murdered,” Leo reminded him.
The man winced. “You must know that there are those close to you who would obstruct any effort he made to speak to you.”
Leo stared at the man. What was he implying? That there were spies around him? “Who?” he demanded.
The large man behind him whistled. The smaller man started. “Tomorrow, in the palace gardens at three. Please. It is very important,” he said, and hurried to the entrance of the alley.
“Wait,” Leo commanded.“Wait.”
But neither of them waited. Leo started after them, but a beat too late. By the time he reached the entry to the alleyway, they had disappeared. He looked around wildly and saw Kadro walking down the street toward him. “Where have you been?” Leo exclaimed.
Kadro looked surprised. “We have the carriage, Your Highness.” He nodded to something past Leo. He whirled around—Artur was standing beside a waiting carriage, facing the several people on the street who had gathered to see who the carriage was intended to serve. Leo looked at Kadro again, his confusion mounting. Had his guards known he’d be accosted? Had they been part of it? Weretheythe spies? In London, after Matous’s murder, Bas had told him he could trust no one. But Leo had never dreamed that would extend to two men who had been his paid companions for several years now.
He felt uncomfortably confused and said nothing more, but turned and strode toward the carriage, his gait much steadier now that his heart had beat a good portion of the inebriation out of him.
In the privacy of the carriage, Leo leaned back against the squabs and closed his eyes. There was a dull throb at the base of his skull now. This was absurd. He wasn’t meeting anyone in the palace gardens on the morrow! He was incensed he’d been cornered like that and incensed with himself for being so careless.
His rage mixed badly with the ale and left him feeling sour.
CHAPTER FOUR
Their Majesties King and Queen of Alucia were pleased to host a royal ball celebrating the nuptials of Crown Prince Sebastian to Lady Eliza Tricklebank at Constantine Palace. The guests included dignitaries and heads of state from European and Asian capitals, and a healthy contingent of English nobility.
The wedding cake was made of five tiers and towering three feet, adorned with marzipan gold doves that appeared to be flying around the cake. Guests feasted on fine Alucian beef andKrantanhange,a delicacy made of potato, leek and asparagus. The ball was performed by a ten-piece orchestra, and a mix of Alucian dances and the standard English fare of waltz and minuet rounded out the sets.
A new bachelor has emerged as the most eligible from the fraternity of princes. Judging by the number of Alucian heiresses casting kohl-lined eyes in his direction and flocking to the side of this debonair prince, one might assume with utmost certainty that wedding bells soon will ring again in Helenamar.
It is noted that Alucian women do not shy away from cosmetics to enhance their appearance. Upon observing the beauty of Alucian women, we can highly recommend the application of almond complexion cream to one’s face every night before sleeping.
—Honeycutt’s Gazette of Fashion and
Domesticity for Ladies
CAROLINE’SGOWNFORthe wedding ball was the most gorgeous thing she’d ever seen. The pale blue-and-gold Alucian style was cut so tightly to her figure that she could scarcely breathe. But she didn’t care—so many ladies and gentlemen would admire her in it that it would be worth the discomfort.
She’d commissioned the gown for such a dear sum that she’d been compelled to convince the modiste to submit two invoices in two separate months, each for half the amount, so that her brother Beck would not know the true cost. He tended to be very cross when she purchased clothing and sundries. And as the train had not suited her, Caroline had made her own. It was, in her eyes, a work of art.
As she’d readied for the ball, she tried to entice Hollis to admire the gown, too, but as usual, Hollis was bent over paper, writing furiously, capturing every moment for her gazette.
Hollis’s periodical had been originally established by her late husband, Sir Percival. His publication had been a once-monthly conservative gazette that highlighted political and financial news in London. After his tragic death in a carriage accident, Hollis refused to let the gazette go. She was determined that the paper survive to honor Percival. However, she didn’t know a lot about politics and finances, so she turned the gazette on its head and dedicated it solely to topics that interested women. Now the gazette was bimonthly with more than three times the subscriptions of Percival’s and growing.
Caroline took it upon herself to point out how stunning was her gown. “Look at how beautiful I am!” she declared, holding her arms wide. “I think my gown is as beautiful as Eliza’s. Don’t you?”
Hollis barely looked up. “I can’t see the gown, really—I am blinded by your modesty.”
Caroline snorted. “Someone must make note of this gown, and if no one will,Iwill.”
“The gown is stunning. But Beck is right, Caro—you are terribly vain.”
“Well, it’s hardly my fault, is it? I’ve been so long admired that I can’t help but believe my appeal.”
Hollis looked up, surprised by Caroline’s lack of humility.
Caroline laughed. “I was teasing you, Hollis, although you must admit there is some truth to it.Nowwill you look at my gown? Frankly, it’s better than even yours, and I thought yours was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”
