Chapter 49

Cassius took a deep breath and glanced around the hallway again. “Yes, it was distressing to see Jecob arrested. In my opinion, Armant was very professional. He did his examination, as he had for everyone in front of Jecob in line. I was a few places behind him. None of us ever pay any attention to the examinations themselves, as you can imagine.” She nodded. She didn’t suppose they would. “But when Armant called for the guards, we knew something was amiss. He asked that Jecob be held until he could consult with the queen, and then Jecob became irritated, demanding to know what the situation was. Armant told him he had tingo, and Jecob began shouting it was just a rash from slingball, that he was fine, but Armant had him removed, and he fought against the guard every step of the way. Your commander had to put him in a choke hold and drag him out of the room.”

Kit was shocked. Not only was she stunned to hear that Jecob had gone through all that, but she had no idea Eli had been there. “It wasn’t the Queen’s Guard?”

“No, your guard always accompanies us. I believe Jecob was handed over to the Queen’s Guard to be taken to a cell somewhere, after he was removed from the room, but they had to be called in after the matter.”

She felt the breath leaving her again and backed against the wall, wishing she hadn’t even asked as she began to imagine the scene in her mind. Cassius’s strong hand was on her arm, and she appreciated the support. “It must’ve been just dreadful.”

“Yes, but it was handled well, considering the circumstances. I’m sorry, my Princess. I should have refused to tell you.”

Kit met his eyes. “You would never refuse me.”

A crooked grin broke out across his handsome face, and she realized what she had said could have more than one meaning. “No, that’s true. I wouldn’t.”

A blush consumed her cheeks, and despite the situation, Kit had to giggle. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh, I know. But ‘tis true.”

She shook her head at him, ignoring the way his breath on her cheek ignited a fire within her. She’d have to put that to the back of her mind for a little while longer. “I’m glad you told me. Thank you. If you hadn’t, I would’ve been forever wondering.” He nodded, his smile becoming less mischievous and more sincere. “Do you happen to know where they took him?”

“That I do not know, but the commander of the Queen’s Guard made it clear none of us were to attempt to communicate with him. When Jate asked what his punishment might be, the commander said we know the law.” Cassius swallowed hard, as if it pained him to think about it. “I understand what he did was wrong, and the fellow could be a bit of a conceited fool at times, but I don’t think he did this purposely, and I certainly don’t think he deserves such a harsh punishment.” His voice was low so that no one else might overhear, and Kit appreciate the fact that he was willing to confide in her when she could very well take what he was saying as speaking out against the queen.

“I agree. He never meant to harm me. Death is too harsh a punishment. That’s why I’ve petitioned my mother to let me call upon the people to pardon him tomorrow. And she’s agreed. I will make a plea to the realm in the morning, asking them to spare his life, and Mother says if I can convince them, she will find an alternative punishment.”

Cassius was quiet for a moment, the surprise on his face evident, before he said, “That’s quite bold of you, my Princess. I wish you luck with that endeavor.” Kit nodded her thanks. “Do you have any idea what she may do in lieu of taking his head?”

Dropping her eyes to the floor, Kit admitted, “No, I don’t. But certainly nothing could be worse, could it?” She met his eyes again and saw that he was considering the possibilities.

“I suppose not, though there are some potential substitutes I can think of I wouldn’t want to go through. Still, the pain would be less permanent than death. No, I think if you could speak to him, Jecob would prefer for you to argue for his life.”

“Do you think I should try to get word to him, to see if that’s what he wants me to do?” Kit was beginning to think perhaps she had not made the right decision.

“No, Princess. That would be too dangerous for you. If your mother has given you the opportunity to speak for him, then do so. His fate is in the hands of the goddesses now.”

The truth of his statement was a comfort to her. “You’re right. I shall ask them for leniency for him as well.” The sound of her cousins coming up the hall reminded her that she had work to do inside of her chambers. “Thank you for coming to see me, Cassius.”

“Thank you for seeing me. There were others who wanted to come, but they weren’t sure whether or not you’d have time to speak with them. I will let them know we need to support you tomorrow.”

“It’s very kind of you to think about the others when you’re in direct competition against them.”

“Competition?” he asked, that grin back on his face. “I don’t think of it that way. Perhaps I should. But at this point, there are seven rooms to fill, and my plan is to take this one step at a time. I know there’s a connection between us, my Princess. I see it every time you look in my eyes. If I can help you to choose myself and the best six other Representatives, then that’s what I intend to do. There are some who are here for the wrong reasons. I want to make sure you don’t make that mistake again.”

His eyes shifted when he said “again” as if he realized he may have offended her, but she knew exactly what he meant. Even if he didn’t have tingo, Jecob was not the right man for her. It was evident now. Still, she intended to do everything she could to spare his life. And Cassius had just advanced his position beyond everyone else by disclosing he was truly there for the right reasons.

“You are a prize yourself, Cassius Peet from Warchester Keep.” She meant every word and actually saw a bit of pink come to his cheeks, as if her words embarrassed him. “I’m sorry, but I must go now. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Yes, of course. But I have something for you.”

Kit’s eyebrows knit together as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief wrapped around something that smelled delicious. She took the package and unwrapped it to find a strawberry pastry. Immediately, she began to giggle.

“I thought you might be hungry, and since there were plenty of them on the table in our gathering room, I decided to bring you one.”

“That was very considerate of you,” she said, still smiling. She imagined there would be a large buffet table in the Representatives’ lounge. “I’m starving.” Kit hadn’t eaten at all that day, and her stomach rumbled as a reminder. She placed her hand over her abdomen, and he chuckled, clearly pleased at having brought her something useful. “Thank you, Cassius. I will see you tomorrow.”

“You are quite welcome, Princess Katrinetta.” His eyes continued to dance as she looked into them, and despite the fact that they were not alone in the hallway, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. It was a sweet, simple kiss, but there was a promise there, one she knew would mean deeper, more passionate kisses later when they were alone and could get to know each other much better. Kit was looking forward to that and for this nightmare with Jecob to be over.

She smiled at him one more time and then turned to walk away. She could feel his eyes on her as she crossed to the doors, and the guards opened them for her. When she swiveled back, he was still watching her, and she ducked inside certain that this man would not fail her as her first choice had. Of course, she’d have to trust her instincts, and they had been wrong before, but she had a good feeling about Cassius Peet, and she knew when she was ready, he’d be there with open arms.