The Temple of Indra’s Jewel: Read Online Free PDF Page B

I thought I would never see any of you again, but then a message arrived inviting me to dinner. I have to admit I thought that was very noble of your family, considering some would have been suspicious .”
    “Speak of the devil, isn’t that the Comte de Chalais coming toward us now? Why is he on a horse?”
    He rode up quickly and came to an abrupt halt directly in our path.
    “ Bonsoir, Graf Von Württemberg. Is everything all right?”
    “ Ja , Lady Sapphira tripped and twisted her ankle.”
    “Are you hurt, ma chère?” Henri’s brows lifted as he paused. He touched my ankle softly, which was close to him since Viktor still held me tightly. “It appears to be fine now. Why don’t you set her down and we’ll see if she can walk on it?” Henri’s tone was soft but held a growl. Evidently Viktor didn’t miss the threat. He set me down quickly yet gently and took a step back.
    I felt a surge of disappointment. I enjoyed time with the Graf. Besides, I didn’t want to go back inside the castle. It was full of lies and confusion.
    “You shouldn’t be so far from the palace alone; Nico would be most upset. It’s getting dark. So many things to be afraid of,” Henri scolded.
    I looked up sharply, wondering if that was some sort of warning.
    “Yes, you’re right, but I had nothing to fear with my rescuer here to protect me.” I smiled at Viktor.
    Out of the corner of my eye I caught a heated flash pass across Henri’s face. “Well, all the same,” he said, reaching his arm out to me, “let’s be on our way back.”
    Viktor lifted me onto the back of the Comte’s horse.
    “I trust you can find your way back to the palace,” Henri said to Viktor.
    “Yes. Thank you.”
    “No. Thank you for returning our precious Princess to us. We are forever indebted to you and your family. I know you’ll be journeying home soon to wed the beloved Principessa di Borbone, but Maria has suggested you join us again in three days’ time for dinner.”
    I saw a moment of pain flicker in Viktor’s eyes and wondered why he hadn’t mentioned a fiancée, but that was ridiculous. Why would he tell a stranger something like that?
    Henri went on as if enjoying the Graf’s discomfort.
    “I know my Sapphira would like that. Wouldn’t you, darling?”
    “Mmmhmm.”
    Viktor suddenly looked angry, and I watched him straighten his shoulders. Even from up on the horse, Viktor seemed massive.
    “Well, not to worry. I’m no longer betrothed. I’m staying in the area, and I have plans to speak with Maria and Nico in the morning. I shall court Sapphira.”
    All at once my pulse raced and I bit my lip.
    “Really? Good luck!” Henri said, driving his heels into the horse without even waiting for a response.
    I couldn’t be sure if Henri was upset or just bored by Viktor’s proposal, but I suddenly wondered if he was the man I’d eavesdropped on, the one Sapphira feared. I thought of jumping from the galloping horse. No, that was silly, but Viktor now wanted to marry the Princess?

CHAPTER FIVE
    “Y ou’re up and dressed early this morning, Your Serene Highness.”
    “Yes, Lisabetta and Chloe were just in.”
    “I’ve brought you crêpes, your favourite.”
    The enticing aroma of pancakes and honey caught my nose, and my tummy betrayed me with a loud groan.
    Anais smiled and began to fold the quilts on the bed.
    “Sit and eat, Mademoiselle.”
    I took a seat as instructed, shoving the first bite in my mouth. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. “I’d like to take a ride into town today. How would I go about setting that up?”
    Her eyes narrowed as she stared at me. “Didn’t anyone tell you? I’m afraid we’ve been given orders that you’re not to leave your apartments yet, Mademoiselle.”
    “Why is that? I’d like to speak to Maria, then,” I said, a little more than annoyed.
    “Your mother? I’m sorry, Princess, her disposition is grave. She’s barricaded herself inside her rooms. And Monsier Lamentz is