Chapter 17
“We’re nearly there,” Gabriel promised as he unlatched a sturdy set of double doors nearly twice his height.
Ro shrugged. “I don’t mind the long walk. In fact, the longer it takes, the happier I am.”
He chuckled as he pushed the doors open. “You really don’t want them close, do you?”
“What I want is space. I think it’s for the best, if they’re going to be here. Not just for my sake but for JT’s as well. And Violet’s.”
They went through into a long hall. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight coming through the windows. Tapestries and paintings covered the walls, all of which looked in need of a good freshening up. Thankfully, only the faintest mustiness lingered in the air.
Gabriel leaned in. “I should tell you that if you open this wing of the castle, additional staff will be required. Not just housekeepers, maids, and footmen, but you’ll need a small kitchen workforce, too.
This wing has its own dining facilities.
Nothing like the main kitchen, but when this was operational, it just made sense instead of shuttling food here and trying to keep it warm. Or cold, as the case may be.”
Ro hadn’t realized that. “I’m fine with that, so long as it won’t destroy the budget.”
“You’ll have to speak to the Professor of Finance about that, but I’m sure the money can be found. I don’t anticipate it being a problem, especially if it’s because you’re housing an aetheryn. Who’s also a member of your family.”
“Still a fairly reasonable if.”
He stopped by another set of double doors and put his hand on the latch. “This is the largest apartment in this wing, so probably best suited to what you’re looking for.”
“All right, let’s check it out.”
He opened the door and pushed it wide so she could go in ahead of him.
The faint scent of lavender and old wood drifted through the space. Sheer panels covered the windows, letting in plenty of light.
Gabriel came in after her. They were in a sitting room with tall windows overlooking the distant gardens and a path that led to the much closer stables.
The room was a decent size, more than enough space for two women and a young boy.
“How many bedrooms is this?”
“Three,” he answered. “But if Dove and Star don’t want to share an apartment, there’s a two-bedroom that would work for Star right across the hall.”
Ro considered that. “If it turns out Michael is in Summerton, that might be the way to go. I know I’m biased, but I can’t imagine him wanting to live in the same apartment as his mother-in-law.”
“I can let housekeeping know that’s something that’s being considered.”
“Thanks.”
Everything was tidy in the way of rooms that had been prepared long ago and then simply left.
She lifted a few of the muslin sheets covering the furniture.
The pieces were solid, well-made, and in good shape, but unmistakably dated.
The heavy wooden pieces were carved with scrollwork that she hadn’t seen anywhere else in the palace.
The upholstery was in deep greens and blues that had faded with age.
The rugs were thick and clean and bore patterns that mimicked the scrollwork on the furniture.
A writing desk stood in one corner, its surface polished but empty except for a single crystal inkwell that hadn’t held ink in a very long time.
Gabriel moved ahead of her, checking the windows and testing the locks with practiced efficiency.
“It’s isolated enough,” he said quietly, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness.
“Far from the main halls, the royal suites, and the daily traffic of the court. No one’s been back here since King Reedly’s time. ”
“Do you think it’s too isolated?”
“Not considering the circumstances. Besides the kitchen and dining room, this wing has a library, a common sitting room, a game room, a small theater, and a solarium. In its day, this was the premier guest wing, from my understanding.”
“And all of those spaces would be available to Dove and Mason, too?”
“They would be if you open them. You know, the library might be the perfect place for Mason to meet with whatever tutors he requires.”
That made Ro feel better. “Then I’d be sure to open them all.”
She lifted another muslin sheet to run her fingers along the back of a velvet settee, feeling the faint nap of the fabric. How long had it been since anyone had sat here?
The apartment felt untouched, like a stage waiting for actors who had never arrived.
She continued to look around, opening doors and cabinets.
She found fresh linens in the cupboards, the beds made with crisp precision, and shelves that held a modest collection of books and decorative odds and ends.
There was nothing personal about the space, but if Dove and her son moved in here, that would change. She could picture toys strewn across the living room rug as they made this place their home.
What mattered most was that it was perfect for what she needed. A place where Star, Dove, and Mason could settle into their own lives without the constant reminder for any of them of the complicated tangle that bound them all together.
This would give everyone breathing room, while keeping them close enough that they would be safe and provided for. And, on rare occasions, come together. Maybe for Christmas dinner or something like that.
She knew she’d see them once in a while; she wasn’t ready to make them part of her daily life.
Maybe it was cold of Ro that she didn’t want to navigate awkward hallway encounters or have to introduce her estranged family to any visitors, but she couldn’t help the way she felt.
Was this a perfect solution? Maybe not. But in the midst of everything else, it felt like the kindest compromise she could offer.
She exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision settling in her chest. She nodded at Gabriel. “I think it’s perfect. At least for now.”
“Good.”
“Is it unkind of me to want them this far away?”
“It’s exceptionally kind of you to house them within the palace, considering you could have turned Star away altogether.”
“Would you tell me otherwise?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
She smiled. “No. I just feel…I guess I’m feeling a little guilt over this and I don’t know why.”
“Because you’re a decent person who puts others ahead of yourself.” He took her hand. “This is not one of those situations. I promise. This is a generous compromise.”
“I hope they see it that way, too. We should head back and get some lunch.”
He nodded. “After you.” He followed her out. “Once the decision to go to the mortal world for Dove and Mason is made, I’ll give approval to open this wing so the cleaning and restaffing can begin.”
“You don’t have to do that. Seems like something the housekeeper should take care of.”
“Housekeeping will take care of it, but the approval has to come from security.”
“Well, forget I said anything then.” She smiled as they turned onto the corridor that led to the main part of the castle. “I learn something new every day.”
Kieran, JT’s squire, came barreling toward them at full speed, which sometimes seemed like the only speed he had.
“Whoa.” Gabriel put his hand out. “You knock the queen down and you’ll spend the next three days mucking out stables.”
Kieran skidded to a halt. “Yes, Lord Nightborne.” He bowed deeply to Ro, who had a hard time not smiling. “My lady.”
“Hello, Kieran. How are you?”
“Good, my lady. Mistress Posey and Professor Cloudtree would like to see you as soon as possible.”
That sounded like they had news. “Where are they?”
“In your sitting room with your aunt and Prince James, my lady.”
“All right. You run back and tell them Lord Nightborne and I are on our way.”
“Very good, my lady.” He took off at speed.
Ro finally laughed. “I wish I had half his energy.”
“I wish he had half his energy.” But Gabriel was smiling.
They resumed walking.
“Are you hoping they’ve found Michael, or hoping they haven’t?” Gabriel asked.
She didn’t hesitate. “Hoping they’ve found him. If that means a little boy gets to grow up with his dad, I don’t care that I have to deal with the repercussions.”
His hand brushed hers and it felt intentional. She looked over at him. His gaze held emotions too numerous to name.
“I love you,” he said quietly.
She gave his hand a squeeze as they walked into the main hall, not caring who took notice. “I love you, too,” she said, just as softly.
They entered the foyer of her royal apartment to the sound of laughter.
Ro smiled as she went into the sitting room. “What’s so funny?”
Professor Cloudtree stood and bowed.
Aunt Violet wiped her eyes. “I was just telling them about the time you decided to give yourself a haircut.”
Ro waved at Spencer to sit. She groaned good-naturedly at the memory Violet was referring to. “Aunt Vi, I was six years old.”
“And you had the shortest bangs I’d even seen. Took at least three months before you could stop wearing headbands.”
Ro laughed, taking her usual chair by the fireplace, which wasn’t lit. Aunt Vi was in the other one. “Definitely not one of my smartest decisions.”
Gabriel sat on the empty couch, the others occupied by Spencer and Posey on one, then JT on the other.
Ro addressed Spencer and Posey. “Kieran said you had information on Michael Engells.”
“We do,” Spencer said. “We found two men by that name.”
“Not quite a confirmation then,” Ro said. “But a strong possibility.”
“Yes, your highness,” Spencer said.
“Do we know anything else about these men?”
“One is right here in Rivervale, the other is in Silverglen. We think it’s more likely the Michael you’re looking for is the one in Silverglen. The Michael Engells who lives in Rivervale is a blacksmith in his eighties.”
“And the one who lives in Silverglen? What does he do there?”
“He’s a carpenter and woodworker,” Posey answered. “Cabinets, furniture, that sort of thing.”
“A worthwhile trade,” Ro said. “Makes sense, since Dove said he worked in construction.” She looked at Gabriel. “Can we send a pair of royal guards out there to speak to him? See if he is the man we’re looking for?”
“Yes, your highness. Silverglen is only a few hours’ ride. We should know by this evening if he’s the one.”
Ro nodded, her thoughts turning to what that would mean. “Then the only thing we have to do is wait.”