Page 49 of Apple Boy

“You left it HERE?” Adam gasped in outrage when he saw what had fallen from the fabric bundle. “Are you out of your bloody mind?” Adam fisted his hands in his dark curls, “What were you thinking?” I was alarmed by his sudden outburst.

“We don’t know who we can trust in this bleedin’ house, let alone in the city. From the looks of it no ones tellin’ the truth about anythin’, and then there’s talk of a ship full of corpses and disease, and I don’t know what else,“ Adam pushed his curls back from his brow in exasperation, “We’re getting tangled up in some mighty nasty business,” he ranted, “The only thing we have of value is that!”

I was shocked by his tone, but Adam was correct. I understood I had been stupid to let the gem out of my grasp. He was also correct in that no one was forthcoming or honest with us. Percheval and Wrenfrey cared only for the gold—if it ever existed—I never opened any of the strong boxes and could not be certain if they contained sand or gold. My uncle Ivon’s agenda was clear. He had long overdue revenge to dole out, not only on my behalf, or our murdered retainer, but on behalf of his brother Aleccio. The twin kings’ games and greed led to his brother’s assassination, and so Ivon had waited a long time for an opportunity to see the kings suffer the wrath of the Lords of the Empire.

I mused on all that occurred during our meeting at the Great Council chamber, and I saw all-too-well how certain councilors attempted to flatter me and win my favor. I am no pushover, and I can game with the best of men. But I am sure there was covert power at work with several of the councilors. I am not the naïve lordling they believed me to be! I recognized the surges of fellow feeling and attraction aimed to bend to my will as magical in nature.

Adam stood with his hands on his hips, his face fixed in a scowl. “Be gentle with me, dear.” I pouted and flashed my eyes, trying to take the edge off of Adam’s ill humor. “I am well aware that I was foolish to leave the stone here, but you breakfasted. I am yet to eat today and weak. I fear… I might take an attack of the vapors if I am not fed soon,” I groaned pitifully, laying my hand against my brow and mimicking a swoon. Adam eyed me with mocking concern then swept me off my feet and bundled us both onto the newly made bed.

“Can’t have you faintin’ on me, can I, my Lord!” He laughed and then rolled on top of me and pressed his leg between my thighs, parting them so he could get comfortable. Adam’s silky jabot hung down covering my face.

“Do you mind?” I said, pushing the ridiculous swathe of fabric aside. The Sereinean clothing was cumbersome, and I desperately wanted to be out of it. Adam sat up, removed his frock coat, the jabot, and he undid the buttons on his britches. I watched him like a cat and approved of the way this was preceding. Adam’s eyes glinted mischievously as he leaned in closer to me. I pushed his curls away from his brow and cupped his face. He considered me with sparkling eyes, unable to disguise his hunger. The fact his ardor was for me and me alone was thrilling. And then, as if he had been kissing boys for years, Adam tenderly tasted my lips, my cheeks, and jaw, then taking the breath from me he moved to the most sensitive places on my neck and sucked. My arms flopped back in surrender, and I let out a helpless groan of desire. As long as the Star-fall was safe Adam could ravage me as much as he liked!

We kissed, laughed, and wrestled, removing the rest of our well-to-do garments until we lay in our disheveled shirts and small clothes, our urgent pricks already standing at full mast. A sharp knock at the door made me clench my teeth.

“Go away!” I howled frustratedly. I was far too busy playing our delicious game. Oblivious to the interruption Adam’s head was beneath my billowy shirt. He kissed my chest, licked and nipped at the taut buds of my nipples and moved down to my flat belly following the trail of white-blond hair that no one knew was there unless they were on intimate terms with me. The knocking came again, this time more insistently. The interruption was vexing. I needed to find out who was knocking and be done with them.

“Noooh” Adam protested as I pushed him away, rolled over and crawled across the mattress. I clambered off just as he reached for my foot and tried to drag me back onto the bed. I could not help but bark out a laugh, but I needed to deal with whoever was at the door, so I turned and gave him a reproachful look. “Hang on! I’ll be but a moment!”

“Fine,” He smoothed his curls back from his brow “But you really can’t go to the door looking like that!” I glared down at my semi-erect prick tenting my small clothes. I was sure my hair was a mess, my cheeks flushed pink, and my lips engorged from kissing. Damn it! The knocking continued as I rushed into the bathing room and retrieved a robe. I shrugged into it and tied the belt as I made my way through our lounge to the door.

On opening the door, I saw a harried-looking housemaid in a navy and white uniform. She blushed crimson to her cheeks as our eyes met.

“Begging your pardon, my Lord.” She simpered. “The master said that you and your companion are to meet him in the library in thirty minutes. He said, oh what was it? Yes, to tell you he has received a message from his man.”

Goodness. It must mean Luca sent news already. I was ambivalent to hear this, for I worried that such swift news would mean that Evan was in gaol, or dead.

“Thank you. What is your name, girl?” I said.

“Agnes, my Lord.”

“Agnes, could you see to it that tea and crumpets are served in the library when we meet my uncle. I have not yet broken my fast today and am rather famished.” I requested. The girl blushed a deeper shade at being addressed by her name.

“Oh my Lord, of course. I’ll tell cook immediately.”

It seemed our bed play would have to wait!

“I’m quite at a loss. This house is a warren!” I called as I saw the under-butler, Mr. Farrah step into the reception hall. Adam and I had wandered up and down corridors, the walls lined with countless peculiar portraits as we tried to find the library. The under-butlers brows rose in understanding.

“It does take a while to get your bearings.” He agreed. “Mr. Elliot had to provide me with a map when I first started working here,” Farrah admitted. “Well, maybe he should provide them to guests too!” I said petulantly. The unoccupied parts of the house were covered in dust sheets unnerved me, and I did not feel comfortable exploring without someone who knew the layout.

“We’re looking for the Library”

“Follow me, my Lord.” Mr. Farrah beckoned leading us down a hall, and to the left.

Adam and I followed to a part of the large mansion that was occupied. I observed the art, and treasures displayed in standing cabinets that lined the walls of the corridor leading to the library. The cabinets were filled with what appeared to be historical artifacts. They held items that I was sure were arcane in nature—crucibles, pots, a pestle and mortar, dried herbs in intricately labeled boxes, vials of liquid that danced in the light refracted by the cabinet window glass, and knives incised with yet more of those unreadable sigils. But before I could question the under-butler about the contents of the cabinets, we reached an ebony door that swung open as we approached and the doorway filled with Ivon’s lavishly garbed bulk.

“Ah, there you are mah boy!” Ivon backed away to let us enter. He strode to stand in front of the mantle and warmed himself beside the roaring fire. A tray laden with tea and a mountain of piping hot crumpets sat on one of the reading tables.

“Dig in boys. Forgive me. I rushed you away from your breakfast this morning. Mrs. Morrow’s crumpets are to die for!” Ivon enthused. Adam and I shared cursory hungry glances and made a beeline for the mid-morning feast. I pulled out a chair and sat, dragging the tray closer. Adam poured tea for three while I buttered the crumpets and spooned preserves on top.

“I knew Luca would not let us down. That man is like a hound seeking a bone, and a bone he has found without too much digging!” Ivon delighted waving a note in the air.

“My brother?” Adam asked keenly.

“Yes. We are to meet Luca in Cheapside at the seventh bell.”

“So has he definitely located Evan? He is sure?” I did not want Adam to get excited to then have his hopes dashed.