Hidden in the Castle

Part 5

Chapter 4

He walked towards Colin, a large smile on his face and purpose in his steps.  William couldn’t keep his excitement at bay.  Even if there were two very important people were missing from Colin’s side.  It did not matter to him that Cassie and her daughter were not nearby.  There was no way that Colin would allow the women in his life to wander too far.  The man would burst from worry.  Just as Will thought, Colin’s eyes were already shifting nervously behind him as if he were unsure Cassie would be there.

“Where is she?”  William asked as he reached Colin. With a frown, he glanced behind the man, still not seeing his best friend.

Colin cleared his throat before turning his back to Will.  “She was following.”

“Ah,” Will said with a laugh.  “For as long as you have known our Cassie you should realize that she does not follow.”

“Very astute of you,” a female voice called out.  William jerked his head towards the second entrance to the room.  Standing there, with her daughter in her arms, Cassie smiled at him.  Instead of walking towards him as he expected, she walked towards Walter.  “I see that you are up to your old jests.”

Walter placed a hand over his heart as if he had been spurned.  “My darling, you speak of me as if I am more than a humble servant of the king.”

“We would be fools to believe you are only a servant of the king,” Cassie smiled while Walter pulled her into a careful hug.  “I thought you would tell him of our arrival.”

“Patience,” Walter mumbled as they drew apart.  “I am teaching him patience.”

Cassie snorted, a sound that brought a smile to Will’s face.  It seemed that motherhood did not change her outlook on life.  “If you manage to teach William patience, your next student should be my husband.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Walter said with a small bow before rising once more.  “If you would excuse me, I need to speak with your father now that he has arrived.”

They all watched as the older man left the room, but it was Colin who was the first to speak.

“Amusing,” Colin called out, making Cassie laugh.  The little girl in her arms laughed along with her as if she found her parents amusing.  “As if I do not know patience.”

“I cannot take it any longer,” William groaned as he hurried towards Cassandra.  “Let me see her.”

Cassie jerked her child away from his grip, causing Charlotte to let out a giggle.  William smiled at her, reaching towards her once more.  This time, a small figure pushed its way between him and Charlotte. 

“Cooper,” William said with a sigh.  “Tell your mother to let me see Charlotte.”

Cooper stared at him, his eyes narrowing slightly.  “Will.”

“Good God,” William mumbled while glancing towards Colin.  “In a year he has grown to be the image of you.”

Colin bowed his head as if accepting a compliment.  “He is a great older brother.”

William smiled at the pride in Colin’s voice.  There was no doubt in his mind that Colin was happy, albeit a little stressed, but ultimately happy.  “May I please see your daughter?”

“Papa,” Charlotte called out, making William glance towards her.  Her small arms were held out towards Colin, her bottom lip stuck out in a way that was all too familiar. 

Colin immediately walked towards her, but when he went to grab her, Charlotte jerked her arms around her mother and pressed her face in Cassie’s side.  The little girl giggled while Colin tickled her sides.  “It is a game,” Colin explained when William did nothing but stare in confusion.  “She finds it amusing.”