Page 78 of Heart of Snow
“It’s what your father sent me to do,” I murmured.
She read over the letter again, shaking her head. “I knew he was ill, but to have him say it outright means he’s worse than I’d suspected.”
Looking to where the prince had just exited, her features settled with determination. When she moved to follow him, I stepped in front of her, stopping her.
“Take some time to think this through,” I said. “If you go off so rashly... I wouldn’t want you doing anything you’ll regret.”
Her eyes softened, and she gave me a small smile. “Don’t fret about Felipe. I know how to handle him.”
Then she cut around me and followed him out of the stable.
***
Margaretha
My sights danced over the courtyard as I frantically searched for Felipe, spotting him leading his retinue across the entrance porch of the palace. I picked up my skirts to dart between servants and up the steps of the porch, skipping every other stair in my haste to reach him. Each minute was precious to me. Each moment I delayed risked putting Samuel beyond my reach.
“Felipe!” I called to him.
He turned, his face brightening with a smile when he recognized me hurrying toward him.
“Already seeking me out?” he asked.
I puffed a laugh, reaching him and catching hold of his hand for support. “You said I need never fear to ask anything of you.” I swallowed and took a few deep breaths until my lungs began to steady. “I worry for my brother. He was ill at the Ommegang. He might be further still with so much time in captivity. You said you would inquire after his health. Have you yet?”
He dropped his eyes. “Not yet.”
“Will you?” I begged. “Quickly?”
He nodded, bringing my hand to his lips.
Knowing Samuel was suffering, I dared to ask more. “And will you send Vesalius to him?”
Felipe reared back his head. “That is a hefty request.”
“Yet I know you can meet it.” I stepped closer, my eyes begging him to agree.
His gaze studied my face, and his mouth lifted in a sideways smile. “How easily you persuade me.” Shaking his head with a sigh, he said, “I’ll send Vesalius.”
I beamed at him. This was it. I could feel it. This was the beginning of securing Samuel’s freedom.
Chapter 37
Margaretha
The ball cracked against theracket, echoing in the tennis court as Felipe grunted to return the volley. Egmont easily shot it back, sending the prince dashing to the back wall to make the return while the spectators offered their “oohs” and “aahs.” I was more interested in the little physician entering the viewing gallery, snapping his fingers. Three days had passed since I’d begged Felipe to send Vesalius to Samuel, and each night at supper the prince would promise me, “Soon.” Today the physician’s snapping was more pronounced than usual, and my suspicion of his news made the rapid pace of the game intolerably slow.
Egmont was gaining in points, showing the prince no clemency as he hit the ball with great force into the tightest corners of the serving court. Where Felipe was dripping sweat and frantic, Egmont’s confidence only increased, his hits becoming surer until he launched the ball into the grille and beyond the prince’s reach, winning the game.
The spectators applauded, and the two men came together at the net, bowing to each other in a display of respect, though Felipe’s flashing eyes betrayed his true feelings. Egmont did not cower. He straightened his shoulders and faced the prince, each man staring the other down until Felipe’s rushing attendants collected his racket and offered him a towel.
Egmont took advantage of the diversion by leaving the tennis courts ahead of the spectators ambling toward the doors. The little physician was fighting his way through the departing crowd in an effort to reach Felipe. I did the same, earning the condemnation of more than a few ladies in my hasty efforts to “chase after the prince.”
Meeting the two men standing at the net, I tried not to notice the prince’s bare chest beneath his gaping white silk shirt or thehard curves of his arm as he toweled the back of his neck. He seemed to know my mind, for he flashed a tantalizing smile that drew me unconsciously closer. He responded by reaching for my hand. The simple gesture calmed my racing nerves.
Once the building was finally empty of spectators, I accosted Vesalius with my questions. “Have you seen to Samuel? What is your opinion?”
“Vesalius hasn’t seen your brother yet.” Felipe gave me an amused smile. “He goes now. With you.”
