24. Under the Queen’s Nose
T he next evening, Adrian let Devon prepare him for the spring ball, shaving his face and cleaning him with a warm towel before helping him into his black suit and shiny shoes.
“You seem to have much on your mind this evening, sir,” Devon commented as he helped Adrian into his suit jacket.
“I am not looking forward to this night.”
“It is a big one. Your staff is abuzz hoping to see you with your lady of choice.” He buttoned the jacket and smoothed the lapels. “There are bets on when you will propose, and to whom.”
“You’re all a bunch of ninnies, even you males.”
Devon chuckled, brushing off Adrian’s shoulders. “There’s a good bit of money to be made. The pot’s up to several gold. It’s a shame I am not one for bets.” He eyed Adrian. “It is also a shame Miss Rose is being so elusive.”
Adrian watched Devon fold his handkerchief just so in his breast pocket. He would be worried about his staff being so aware of Rose’s movements, but he knew Timothy and Devon had been the best of friends since childhood. They roomed together, both being bachelors, and spent a good bit of their free time in each other’s company.
“Speaking of Rose, I need you to fetch more things for her for our upcoming travels.”
“Of course, sir.” Devon accepted the list Adrian walked to his small writing desk to retrieve. “If I may be so bold, I think it smart you not leave her here. The Queen will have a right fit learning she’s gone with you, and her temper when you return will be nasty for sure, but it is better than leaving Miss Rose here as prey.”
“You worry for her?”
“Yes, sir. Many of us do. She is a sweet miss, ever kind, and always has a smile. She lends a hand wherever she can, even if it puts her behind in her own duties, and her songs with your beast bring cheer to the halls we’ve never had. Some resent her, but that’s just jealousy. She does not deserve the Queen’s wrath.”
“She is protected.”
“Not discounting Tim—or any of your guard—their skills are no match for the manipulations of Her Majesty. Take tonight as an example. Your order was to keep Miss Rose away from the ball, but the Queen was much angered yesterday after an, uh, interlude with His Majesty. Word is, she ordered Miss Rose to serve for the entirety. Went straight to Ms. Shea, she did.”
Adrian stifled a sigh. He should have seen that coming. “Anything else?”
“Well . . .” Devon shifted uncomfortably. “You should speak with Tim, sir.”
“Very well. I am suitable? ”
“You are very dashing, this evening, sir, if I may say.” Devon brushed off his shoulders again and then used a comb to fix his hair. “You need a trim. I shall schedule the barber before your trip.”
“Good.” After a short nod, Adrian left.
He found Timothy inconspicuously watching the goings-on in the ballroom from one of the neighboring salons. Standing in the dark interior with the shadows blanketing him, Timothy watched Rose helping the gardeners. Stepping beside him, Adrian couldn’t take his eyes off Rose hanging flower garlands around one of the columns. She smiled and laughed, setting a hand on the arm of the gardener she was assisting.
She shouldn’t be touching another, Adrian thought possessively, especially as the male smiled back. Even if the human was portly and balding, Adrian wanted to rip his arm off.
Forcing a calm he didn’t feel, he asked, “She’s faring well today?”
“Your brother’s still watching her. I had to chase him off earlier today.”
Adrian clenched his jaw. Dimitri forever wanted what was his. He was jealous. And petty. And though Adrian would never admit it, he was afraid of what Dimitri could do in his resentment.
His brother, though second prince, had so much freedom. He cried about wanting more responsibility, but spent all his free time bedding the maids, drinking at all hours of the day, and he constantly skipped political and military meetings.
And then he whined that Adrian had all the advantages.
But he could also be cruel, as he’d already shown by hurting Rose. That jealousy and cruelty would only grow the more Adrian thwarted him.
It had been that way for most of their lives.
“I should kick his ass.”
“Schedule another sparring match. ”
“Hmm.” Adrian considered, picturing it, and wondered if a solid beating would put Dimitri in line.
Sooner or later, he’d have to resign himself to Adrian being in charge.
Until then, Adrian just had to keep watching his back—and watching Rose.
“She is tired,” Timothy went on. “She hides it, but she is nearing exhaustion. I do not think she is adjusting to a nocturnal schedule well. She doesn’t spend much time in her quarters and gets little sleep. Yesterday, there were nettles in her bed.”
Another part of the puzzle that was Rose slid into place. Pressure from his mother, pressure from his brother, more scare tactics, and being plain tired were all leading her to avoid him.
“I should assign an additional guard.”
“I am fine for now, sir. It is nothing I cannot handle. No one has gone beyond little threats. I will let you know if things get worse.”
Nettles were no small thing, Adrian thought, as they could cause quite the reaction in certain individuals, but he did not argue. They had been found. And if Rose had been stung and hurt, he would have simply had her treated.
And then he’d hunt the one responsible.
And gut him.
“Is there anything else?”
Timothy hesitated, setting off Adrian’s instincts.
“She has made friends in the kitchens,” his guard replied very hushed. “A scullery maid and a cook. They help her prepare and sneak food downstairs for the slaves. Late at night, when the rest of the palace is busy working and your mother and brother are sleeping, she visits them. She only stays long enough to say a quick word and hand out the food. From what I’ve seen, she’s becoming something of a . . . a dear friend to them. ”
“She goes every night?”
Timothy shook his head. “Every few days.” He cleared his throat. “In addition, she has solicited help from the doctors that healed her. She’s taken hurt slaves to them, two so far. She pays them from her wages and tips.”
Adrian thought of the silvers he’d sent her in hopes she’d indulge in nice things for herself. Of course, she’d rather spend it on those stuck in a situation she’d recently gotten out of.
He had to hand it to her, what she was doing was truly stunning. It took generosity and kindness, not to mention bravery—or blatant stupidity—to risk what she was. Did she not understand the danger, swaying the slaves toward her directly under his mother’s nose?
They needed to have a very serious talk.
“Who helps her from the kitchens?”
“Ms. Hutchins.”
Adrian filed the name away. He’d speak to her and the doctors soon. If they were keeping quiet, that meant they were loyal to Rose—no small thing—or they appreciated her money. He thought the latter more likely but would gauge the situation himself. He’d apply any pressure necessary to keep them from bringing harm to Rose.
“Does anyone else know of this?”
“I do not think any, aside from the participating parties, know what she is doing. She is very careful and has learned which hallways are better suited for sneaking.” He grinned. “I like her.”
Adrian narrowed his eyes. Timothy’s smile faded, and he shifted his weight uncomfortably, averting his gaze.
“Uh, Ms. Hutchins seems loyal.”
“Noted. What else? ”
“That is all. She constantly sings, your pet is always with her, and she lives for flowers.” He looked back at Rose across the room still hanging those flowers. “She has made friends with some of the gardeners, who all seem to adore her.”
“I am beginning to think all the males do,” Adrian said dryly.
“Your Rose hardly notices. She only has eyes for you, sir.”
For the first time, Adrian felt genuine fear that someone of lower rank who had the privilege of openly romancing Rose could catch her eye.
“Keep on your toes tonight. Nobles can be truly nasty. Keep my female safe.”
Timothy gave a short nod, standing tall. “No one will harm her, sir. You’ve my word.”