Midnight Pearls Read Online Free PDF Page A

the words made her feel better, made her feel like she had a choice. She smiled slightly as she fell asleep.

 

     

    P rince James walked into the castle. He couldn’t help but smile as a servant sweeping the floor only gave him a cursory glance. It used to be that his returns would cause almost as much of an uproar as his disappearances. The alternately happy and frustrating days of childhood had passed, though, and now no one seemed to care whether he came or went. Strangely he sometimes missed the old days.
    He made his way upstairs to his bedchamber. There, a frustrated servant, Peter, was waiting for him. James smiled. At least someone still noticed his comings and goings. His smile faded quickly, though, as Peter promptly began lecturing him on how long it took a gentleman to dress properly for a feast with guests such as the duke and that James should have shown up much earlier and with far less sand upon his person.
    With an exaggerated sigh, James sat down on his bed. He surveyed the clothes that had been laid out for him. It was going to be a very formal evening. Sir Stephen, the duke of Novan, and his son, Robert, were coming to dinner. James did not trust Sir Stephen. He had met the man thrice before and had disliked him more each time they’d met “Has Sir Stephen arrived yet?”
    Peter wrinkled his nose ever so slightly. James knew the servant did not like the duke any better than he did. Peter also knew more than anyone else about the comings and goings at the castle. If there was news, he would have it.
    “He arrived nearly an hour ago with his entourage.”
    “And?”
    “A foul group they are. His servants are an ill-mannered lot. The duke swaggered in like he owned the castle. He doesn’t show the proper amount of respect to your lord father.”
    “And his son? I understand he’s earned quite a reputation for himself abroad as a knight.”
    “More likely he’s earned himself a reputation as a scoundrel”
    James couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Has Father said anything?”
    Peter shook his head. “Your father has his mind on other matters. He doesn’t notice Sir Stephen’s insolence.”
    “But you think he should?”
    Peter dropped his eyes. “It is not my place to say what your father should do.”
    “And yet, you will,” James pushed.
    Peter paused for a moment, and James leaned forward eagerly. When Peter spoke, it was in a hushed whisper. “I think your father should watch him close. The duke’s an ambitious man, and I wouldn’t put much stock in his scruples.”
    “But he is my father’s distant cousin,” James protested.
    “And as such would take the throne if something happened to your father, and to you.”
    James felt a shiver dance up his spine. Although Peter was in touch with all that happened around the castle, he was not given to idle gossip. If he said a thing, it was gospel.
    James kept his own voice low as he answered, “Then I shall keep an eye on the duke for my father’s sake.”
    He extended his hand to Peter, and after a moment the servant clasped it. They locked eyes, and a silent agreement passed between them. They would keep an eye on the duke.
    Peter released his hand, and James stood up. “Well, it’s time to dress for dinner. We mustn’t keep Father and the duke waiting.”
    “No, Your Highness.”
    In short order, James was properly attired. What would Pearl say about his clothes? They were more elaborate than any she had ever seen him in. On the couple of occasions that she had actually seen him in the village, he had worn simpler clothes, still regal, but not like those he wore when they were holding court.
    He hoped she would laugh and call him a gilded peacock, or smile and tell him he looked handsome. More likely, though, she would duck her head and refuse to look at him, unable to forget his station—or hers.
    She was so beautiful, and yet she did not know it. There was something ethereal about her, as though she were from a different world.