Seeds of Discovery Page 13

  “Is that legal -- aiming for someone’s face?” Quinn asked Linnea.

  “Um, there aren’t any rules against it -- there aren’t many rules in crumple at all -- but most guys try to keep it clean when they play, especially when they’re playing a friendly game with family.”

  The score was nearly tied, 16-14 blue when Howard blew the whistle for a break. The boys came over to sit in the bleachers and chat. Quinn was surprised when Tolliver climbed up and sat down right next to Linnea. “A kiss for your favorite crumple player, princess?” he asked.

  Quinn’s eyes widened. She’d been getting the distinct impression that Linnea wasn’t overly fond of Tolliver.

  “In your dreams, perhaps, my lord.”

  The casual conversation that had been taking place around them stopped. Every eye was trained on Tolliver, to see his response to that.

  Tolliver was undeterred. “And what lovely dreams they are. I do so anxiously await the day they become reality.”

  Quinn heard a sharp intake of breath from somewhere behind her. Suddenly, Quinn, Linnea, and Rebecca found themselves surrounded by Thomas and his brothers.

  “I think the lady is giving you a chance to bow out gracefully, my lord,” there was no mistaking the subtle undertone in Thomas’ voice.

  “Why don’t you let the lady speak for herself? Or does she still need help from her big brother to talk?”

  “I thought I had made my feelings explicitly clear to you last night, Lord Tolliver. I am not interested.” Linnea stood then and walked down the bleachers.

  Howard and Thomas helped Rebecca and Quinn stand, motioning that they should follow.

  Linnea walked quickly, back toward the castle. Quinn and Rebecca nearly had to run to keep up.

  “That... UGH!” was all Linnea had to say as they reached the entrance near the kitchens.

  “He’s quite the piece of work, isn’t he?” Rebecca asked her. “As grateful as I am to be out of his reach, I’m so sorry he’s moved on to vying for you.”

  “That makes two of us,” Linnea almost growled.

  At that moment, Queen Charlotte appeared in the hall. She smiled when she saw the girls standing there. “Rebecca! Linnea! I was hoping I would find you. And Quinn, how are you dear?”

  “I’m fine, thank you, Your... um... Charlotte.”

  Charlotte’s smile was warm as ever. “I’m glad to hear it. Have my children been keeping you entertained?”

  “Quinn just saw her first game of crumple,” Linnea said. “And she came with us on a horseback ride this morning. She’s quite the accomplished rider. She was a natural with Chestnut.”

  “Are you, my dear? That’s wonderful. Perhaps we should have you select one to use as your own while you are here with us. What do you think?”

  Quinn blushed, her eyes growing wide. She was grateful when Linnea jumped in to answer for her. “She would love that of course, wouldn’t you, Quinn?”

  “It’s...really not necessary.”

  “Nonsense. If you’re a rider, you need a ride,” Charlotte was adamant. “Linnea can take you down to the stables in the morning. Now, girls, I was hoping for your help with choosing some of the centerpieces for the ceremony tomorrow. Could I borrow you for a while?”

  Rebecca turned to Quinn. “Run away while you can,” she whispered. “I know it must have already been quite a long day for you, and this is not as exciting as my mother is making it sound.”

  Quinn smiled. She was about to open her mouth to object, but yawned instead. It had been a long day.

  “Want me to walk you up to your room?” Linnea asked her.

  “No, I can manage. I know my way now.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m positive.”

  “All right. I’ll be up soon and we can get ready for dinner together.”

  * * *

  “On your way to your room?” Quinn looked up, surprised by the voice. What Tolliver was doing back in the castle so soon, she wasn’t sure. She hadn’t seen him in the hallway. She quickly turned toward him, uncertain how she was supposed to greet a foreign dignitary without the company of one of the royal family. Though it was clear that Linnea and Rebecca both had no fond feelings toward him, he was still a potential king, and it was probably best to be polite.

  “Yes...Lord Tolliver, I am.”

  She’d apparently done something right, because the pasty grin on the man’s face deepened.

  “Allow me to escort you upstairs.”

  Uh... “Thank you, but I’m sure I can manage.”

  “Oh but I insist.” He took her arm. Whether she liked it or not, it seemed she would have to put up with him.

  “Quinn, is it?” She nodded as they walked, he was grasping her arm firmly, almost to the point of pain but she told herself not to pull away, they would be at her room in a few minutes and he would go on his way.

  “And it seems you have made quite the impression on young Thomas. He appears to be very fond of you.”

  “Thomas is very nice.”

  “And all this... living in the castle, gowns, fine food and wine. Thomas certainly doesn’t skimp on his ladies.”

  “No, Thomas has been very kind; the whole family has been generous.”

  “Oh, I see.” Somehow, the look on Tolliver’s face changed without moving a muscle; in an instant, it went from inquisitive to predatory.

  Suddenly, Quinn realized just how close Tolliver was standing to her. They had reached the hallway that would lead to the royal family’s quarters.

  “He’s actually keeping you in his own quarters? How delightful. I had no idea Thomas had it in him.” Tolliver pressed closer to her; she could feel his breath, hot on her cheek.

  In a flash, she caught his intentions, and a thrill of fear ran down her spine. What was she going to do? Instinctively, she pulled back. Tolliver’s grip tightened on her arm, and she gasped in pain.

  “Going somewhere, my dear? I’m sure Thomas would be happy to see you keeping his guests entertained. What say you to taking a tour of my accommodations in the castle?” Without waiting for a response, Tolliver began to pull her toward a different hallway. She tried to resist, but Tolliver twisted her arm, gripping it so tightly that it brought tears to her eyes.

  Suddenly, a door opened just across the hallway. Tolliver dropped her arm as Joshua and Daniel, William’s two younger brothers, entered the hallway. They sized up Tolliver in his athletic wear.

  “Did we miss the whole game already?” Daniel asked.

  “No, no... They’re still playing,” Tolliver’s response was too quick. “Why don’t you two go and join them? If you hurry, I think they might still need another player.”

  Daniel looked ready to turn and bolt down the stairs, but Joshua had a puzzled look on his face. “Then what are you doing in here?”

  “Quinn was just about to show me a bit of the castle I haven’t seen before. Weren’t you?”

  Heart still racing, Quinn took her chance, “I’m just not feeling up to it anymore, Tolliver. I think I’ll go and rest now. Alone.”

  “Well another time then, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities before I leave,” the threat was implicit.

  Quinn turned and walked back down the hallway as fast as she could without running, closing the door of her bedroom and locking it before she fell on the bed and burst into tears.

  14. Furious

  It was Mia who found her. After returning from her day-off visit with her family in the village, Mia was anxious to check on the girl’s room and make sure she had anything she needed. She was surprised when she reached the door and found it locked. Tentatively, she knocked. There was no answer.

  She tried again, calling through the door, “Miss Quinn?” Still nothing. She decided that perhaps Quinn was bathing to prepare for dinner in an hour, and that she could duck in and tidy up without bothering her. She unlocked the door and slipped quietly into the room.

  Mia gasped when she saw Quinn lying on the bed, perf
ectly still. Her eyes were open. Sticky, wet streaks ran down both of her cheeks though she wasn’t still crying. Her face was lying in a large, wet spot on the white duvet. Clearly, she had had quite a crying spell. “Miss Quinn! What is it? What’s wrong?”

  Quinn turned her head at the sound of Mia’s voice, but she didn’t answer. Mia saw moisture building again in the corners of her eyes. “I’ll be right back, Miss!” Mia ran to find Linnea.

  When Linnea came in, she climbed right up on the bed next to Quinn. “Quinn? What’s wrong? What’s happened?” Quinn just looked at her and shook her head, tears spilling onto her cheeks again. “Are you homesick?” Quinn only closed her eyes and silently shook her head. Linnea decided not to press her any further until she’d had a chance to calm down. “Let’s get you into a nice warm bath; see if that helps.”

  At Linnea’s words, Mia strode quickly into the bathroom and began to fill the large tub with warm water and bubbles. She added several drops of calming oils, and laid two large, fluffy towels within reach. Then she retrieved a soft bathrobe from the cabinet and carried it out to Quinn.

  Mia and Linnea worked together to gently help Quinn out of the sweaty and tear-stained shirt she had worn to the crumple game. As she pulled the sleeve over Quinn’s arm, Linnea gasped. Just above Quinn’s elbow, a large reddish-purple bruise was beginning to bloom. The distinctive outlines of someone’s fingers curled around the back of Quinn’s arm.

  “Quinn! Who did this to you?” Linnea demanded.

  Quinn opened her mouth, as if to speak, but then closed it again. Tears were flowing freely down her face again.

  Linnea felt as if the floor were dropping out from underneath her. “Was it Tolliver?”

  Quinn’s expression was fearful; she dropped her eyes to the floor and gave one short nod, the silent tears hot and flowing heavily. A wave of searing heat washed over Linnea’s entire body.

  “Mia, stay here.” She held her voice deliberately calm. “Quinn, I’ll be right back.” She didn’t wait for a response before she flew from the room.

  She found William and Thomas together, in what was technically Thomas’ room, but they both slept here while William was at home. Their casual banter and laughter stopped the instant they both registered the expression on Linnea’s face.

  “What is it, Nay?” Thomas crossed the large room in four quick steps.

  “William, It’s Quinn. Tolliver...”

  “Tolliver what?”

  “I... I don’t know what he did. But she has this horrible bruise on her arm...” Thomas and William both took off at a run.

  * * *

  “Hey, Quinn,” Despite the anger that threatened to choke him, William made his voice as quiet and gentle as he could as he eased himself slowly on to the bed next to her.

  The girl was calm now, sort of, though dried stains from tears ran down both of her cheeks. Mia had wrapped a thick robe around her, though she still wore her jeans underneath. “Is it okay if I take a look at your arm?”

  It took her a second to respond; he could tell she was trying desperately to keep herself calm, and he waited patiently. He didn’t want to upset her further. Finally, she took a deep breath and nodded. William used an extremely light touch to lift up the long, loose sleeve of Quinn’s robe. He swallowed hard, trying to hold onto his composure. “This is Tolliver’s hand print?”

  She nodded again and his stomach rolled, as his bubbling anger was joined with a thrill of panic. What had Tolliver done? He’d let this girl follow him to his world, and then not managed to keep her safe?

  William sent up a quick prayer before he asked the next question. Across the bed, he could see his emotions reflected in Thomas’ and Linnea’s eyes.

  “Did he hurt you anywhere else?” Please say no, please say no …

  “No,” Quinn’s voice was small, but the relief in the room was tangible, as everyone was able to breathe again.

  “Did he do ... anything else to you?”

  “No,” Quinn swallowed as fresh tears began pouring down, “he tried to pull me toward his room, but I ... got away.”

  William flashed a look at Thomas and gave one quick nod.

  “Stay here, Linnea.” He commanded as Thomas disappeared through the door. He needed Linnea here; he couldn’t do this on his own.

  “Mia, can you please bring me some ice from the kitchen?” William asked.

  “Certainly, Master William.”

  “Linnea, the salve in the bathroom, please?” Quickly, he added mentally. The injury he knew what to do about – Quinn’s tears were another matter altogether. He felt a pang of envy for Thomas and his older brothers, who were going to have the opportunity to confront that … William didn’t have the right word.

  Linnea seemed to understand the urgency – or else she didn’t want to leave the girl alone, either. She reappeared only a few seconds later with the small tin.

  “I’m sorry,” Quinn whispered, as he carefully began to rub the soothing balm onto her bruise.

  A sudden flash of fire blazed in William’s eyes. She was sorry? He was going to need something to hit when he was done here. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Don’t you ever apologize for this. We are the ones who should be sorry for failing to protect you from that ... poor excuse for a human being.” It still wasn’t a strong enough sentiment, but it was going to have to do in front of Quinn.

  * * *

  Thomas didn’t have the patience to wait for a response to his banging on the door of the guest suite that Tolliver was occupying this week. He threw open the door and stormed into the sitting room, followed closely by Simon and Maxwell. A quick glance at the tidy couches and the recently-dusted tables told them that the room was empty. The brothers quickly separated to check the rest of the apartment.

  Thomas had barely stepped inside the large, immaculate bathroom when he heard Maxwell calling from the bedroom, in a tone that sent a cold sense of dread running through Thomas’ veins.

  “Simon! Thomas! You’d better come in here!”

  Tolliver’s bedroom stood in sharp contrast to the rest of the apartment. The heavy curtains were drawn shut, leaving the room looking as dark and dank as it smelled from the collection of empty wine glasses that lined the surfaces of the tables and dressers, and from the disheveled sheets on the bed, which looked like they hadn’t been changed once during Tolliver’s stay. Curled up among the tangle of bedclothes was a girl. She was slight and pale, with thick black hair all the way to her waist. Her left eye was a horrible mottled purple and red, nearly swollen shut. She looked younger than Linnea.

  Thomas was grateful that Simon seemed composed enough to cautiously approach her. “Who are you?”

  “I am … Irene,” the girl shrank back as she spoke in a thick, unfamiliar accent. The look in her eyes reminded Thomas of a frightened rabbit.

  “Did Tolliver bring you here?”

  The girl didn’t answer; she only looked down, beginning to tremble as the terror in her eyes grew. Thomas thought he might be sick. He walked slowly to the side of the bed, hoping not to frighten her further. He spoke in a low voice. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. We won’t harm you.”

  The girl’s head stayed down; her trembling grew stronger. Where are you from?”

  The girl looked up, not with trust, but with resignation in her eyes. “I am a servant in his castle.”

  “Why did he bring you here?”

  Irene only shrugged, casting her eyes back down toward the floor. Thomas had to choke back the sudden bile that came into his throat.

  “Did he do this to you?”

  The girl didn’t look up.

  “Thomas,” Simon’s voice was low, “you and Max take her to Nathaniel. I will find Father.”

  Maxwell disappeared for a moment, and then returned with a heavy robe for the girl to put on over her thin nightgown.

  “Irene, will you come with us, please?” Thomas asked softly.

  Irene’s eyes widened in terror. “Are you taki
ng me prisoner?”

  Thomas was taken aback, “Of course not! Why would you think that?”

  “Tolliver said ... if I were discovered here, in your castle, that I would be captured … that I would never see my family again.”

  Fierce, white-hot anger coursed through Thomas. It took everything he had to keep his voice steady. “It isn’t true, Irene. That isn’t the way we treat anyone in Eirentheos. We’re only taking you to see a doctor … a healer. He will look at your injuries; make sure you are all right. You are safe now.” After a long moment, Irene allowed Thomas and Maxwell to lead her out of the apartment. Thomas wasn’t sure whether she believed that she was safe, or if she was merely resigned to whatever fate was in store. He noticed that she limped as she walked.

  * * *

  Thomas and his father both looked up in stony silence as the office door opened, and Simon and Maxwell entered the room.

  “He is not in the castle, Father,” Simon’s eyes were hard. “Joss in the stables reports that he had his horse readied a while ago and he left. Nobody has seen him since.”

  “Thank you, Son,” King Stephen sighed, then turned a stern look to Thomas, who had stood.

  “Sit down, Thomas. You are not going after him. He’ll turn up, eventually. And when he does,” Stephen added, likely noting the glint in his son’s eye, “you’ll stay away from him.”

  “But Father...”

  “Thomas, it’s not a request. Tolliver is a prince of Philotheum.”

  “Not rightfully.”

  “Rightfully, he is not the heir to the throne, no. However, his mother came to be the queen honestly with her marriage to a proper king. All of her sons have the right to the title of prince. As to the issue of the throne, it doesn’t matter how we feel about it; it is a separate issue from how we deal with Tolliver now. As long as Hector is Prince Regent of Philotheum and is holding Tolliver up as the heir, we have little choice regarding our treatment of him.”