The Bastard (Darling #2) [complete]

Chapter Six

" Y O U  M U S T remain quiet," Miss Wright whispered as she allowed Prince Thatcher to enter her home. "She had finally fallen asleep some time ago. The lady needs her rest."

When she was first informed of the prince coming to retrieve Lady Louelle, her heart nearly jumped out of her throat. She was at the market just down the road fetching food and other supplies she needed for the lady's stay. Normally, she'd have the items stocked in her home for circumstances as such, however she hadn't had a lady come to her for help in some weeks. She only had enough food for herself.

When she left her home, Lady Louelle was still staring out of the front window. Since Miss Wright woke in the morning, she found Lady Louelle that way and the young lady remained there - unmoving and stone faced. When she attempted to speak to Lady Louelle, all she'd get in return was grunts or huffs of air as responses.

Miss Wright was busied at a counter full of natural oils that would help induce labor, amongst other things, when a man grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into a secluded corner. She was so caught off-guard she was unable to shout in surprise - or for help, even. She clutched her satchel tighter to her body, afraid it may have been a thief. Times in Darling were rough, not that it seemed their devoted ruler was doing much to resolve it, so many resorted to stealing to make ends meet.

The unnamed man wore a cloak, much like the one Lady Louelle wore when she arrived in the middle of the night, but his was a deep, forest green color. It was too nice of a material to be a common thief, so she allowed herself to relax. However, she was still wary of the man.

"Do not follow through with Lady Clemens' procedure," he ordered.

Miss Wright bent lower to see the face of the stranger. He had the hood of the cloud covering his eyes. "Who are you?" she questioned. "How do you know of my business?"

"On order of the crowned Prince of Darling, do not under any circumstances do what the lady requests of you." From under his cloak came his hand, and in it was a red sack - certainly full of money. "This is insurance to ensure you do not do it, with additional bribery so you keep this interaction quiet. He will arrive later in the afternoon to fetch Lady Clemens."

"The crowned Prince of Darling?" she queried in bewilderment.

The man jingled the bag, the sound of gold clinking together coming from it as he'd done so. "Take the money and tell no soul of who you encountered this day. Especially not Miss Clemens. On ordered of crowned Prince -"

"Prince Thatcher Darling, as you have said. I am aware," she interrupted in an absentminded tone.

She was still aghast that the man before her worked with, or for, the royals. He had come to her with payment to not follow through with the procedure. On orders of Prince Thatcher Darling, he'd asked around about her and who she was to find her. Prince Thatcher Darling was aware of who she was - and what she did for a living. In a way, it made her ashamed of herself for what she chose as her profession. She hoped the prince did not look down upon her for what she did to make it by