Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XXXVII | A Game of Chess

"While I do understand that you seem so distant to the threats, Sasha, I also do not comprehend why you would put your servants at risk by staying in that villa."

West was terribly angry, which Sasha understood. She knew where his frustrations came from. Even she was frustrated with herself and she would hate to place Iyana and the others in danger.

"Is it your other gentleman? Did he call for you?"

Her jaw tightened. "Yes."

His eyes flickered to the opposite side of the room. The cords in his neck bulged as he controlled his anger.

"I need to see him."

"Why?"

"Because I am still a Belle, West! I cannot give Belcourt a reason to wonder."

He looked arrested. His hands fell to his side. Then he closed her eyes to take in a breath. When he opened his eyes, he was almost pleading. "You will not stay the night in your villa. You go home to mine."

She nodded.

Two days later, she was back in her villa.

The prince arrived at the usual time and proceeded to another game of chess. Sasha would have thought that it was one of their typical rendezvous if not for the slight difference in the prince's demeanor.

"You seem awfully quiet," Sasha noted in a jesting tone.

The prince rolled his eyes and sighed. "It is nothing, my dear. You must know that parliament has begun, and you do not know the devastation both houses can create."

"You should try to relax, Albert, for the season will last long."

"Why do you think I am here, Sasha?" he wryly said. "You are the only solace I can find in this situation. But even you have things to occupy your days, do you not?"

"Yes."

Albert's gaze cornered hers. Then he smiled. "Eaton has been missing quite a few sessions of late. I hope it is your doing?"

She smiled. "You were correct, Albert. Once I managed to get into his bed, it was easier to keep him there. He is slowly telling me stories from his childhood. How long do you think until he can trust me with more secrets?"

The prince seemed impressed. "That is my girl." Gracefully, he picked up a pawn and knocked out one of her own. "Have you found anything in Everleigh?"

"No, nothing thus far, but I know he received another letter from London."

That caught the prince's attention. The man's eyes quickly went to her. "Did he?"

Sasha nodded. "I believe he burns the letters, Albert."

"Have you no way of getting to them before he does?"

Sasha shrugged. "His valet is a fool."

The prince grinned. "Perfect."

"I am not certain if you are aware, but he has given me a proposition."

"What kind?"

"To find his sister in Belcourt."

The prince did not look so surprised. "I told you before, did I not? Well, what have you done thus far?"

"I already told someone in Belcourt. That person must have already told the Mistresses, but I am yet to receive more orders on the matter. West Blackwood, as you understand, can be quite impatient. He wants results and I am afraid I need to give him something, else he would suspect. I have been trying to search on my own."