Chapter 4

Curio checked his pocket watch, cursing under his breath as he tried to hurry back to the castle. His conversation with Madame Chuchila had lasted much longer than he had anticipated. Something she had said before he left had him puzzled, and he had wished he could ask her more about it, but he would have to wait. Right now, he needed to get back to the castle before Ashlie sent out a search party – assuming she hadn’t already.

He would not be surprised, given how long he had been gone now. He was in so much trouble when he got back. Maybe if he got her something, it would ease her mood and she would be lenient with him. Not likely, but it was worth a try.

He slowed to a steadier pace as he neared the bookshop, sighing in relief when he saw lights on indicating the shop was still open. He still had time. Good. The newest book to her favorite series had just been released and he had been wanting to get it for her. Well, now he had an excuse to do so. He went inside and hurried over to the new releases section, relieved to find there were still a few copies left. As he picked it up, another book caught his attention. Curious, he picked it up and read the synopsis, then smiled. Perfect! Now all he needed was some bookmarks. He walked over to the counter to look over the selections. He spotted four he knew she would like and picked them up, then paid for his purchases after asking the shopkeeper to put everything in a gift bag.

As he walked out of the shop, he checked his pocket watch again, then took off when he saw the time. He sheepishly greeted the guards as they welcomed him back and checked him over to make sure he had not been hurt. Once he was able to convince them he was fine and apologize for worrying them, he walked inside, keeping an eye out Ashlie or the princess as he made his way down the halls to his room. He never thought he would be grateful that his father and Lieutenant Lamaar were currently residing in another village as they helped them rebuild, otherwise he really would be in trouble. He greeted the guard replacing Lieutenant Lamaar while he was out – Pierre was it? – then walked into his room, sighing as he shut the door and set the bag down in the chair, “What a day.”

“I was wondering when you would decide to return.”

“Curio almost slammed into the door as he whirled around, then put a hand to his chest and relaxed when he saw who was sitting on the bed, “Roushierre, you scared me. I thought you were – “

“Ashlie or Lieutenant Lamaar?” Roushierre quirked a brow as he waggled a finger at him, “Such a naughty boy, sneaking off without even a single word to your guardian. Something awful could have happened to you.”

Curio glared as he stormed over and jabbed a finger into the vampire’s chest, “Do not threaten me, Roushierre. Now tell me what you came for then leave.”

Roushierre growled as he stood to tower over the boy, gripping his face in a firm grip as he sneered, “Insolent child, I’m not the one threatening you, and you know it. I came to tell you there is more to the web being woven around your case than you realize. You and the boy you sent after are in danger, Your Highness. A mighty storm is brewing, and you had best be prepared.”

Roushierre released the boy, then knelt down to be eye level with him as he watched the information sink in and spin some gears, “Keep your friends close, Your Highness. You will need them.”

And with a swish of his cloak, he was gone, leaving the prince to rub his jaw as he mulled over what he said. He hadn’t been alone to his thoughts very long when Ashlie came bursting through the door – someone must have alerted her of his return – and forcefully turned him to face her as she proceeded to scold him, “Where in the blazes have you been? Do you have any idea how much trouble you have – “

She then paused as she noticed the claw shaped bruises already forming along his jaw, “What happened?”

Curio swallowed then explained to her his encounter with Roushierre, including the warning the vampire had left him with, “This confirms my suspicions that there is more to this case than what we are seeing.”

“How does Roushierre know this?”

“I’m not sure.”

Ashlie sighed as she sat on the bed, leaving Curio feeling more guilt for worrying her the way he did. He picked up the bag, then slowly walked over and held it out to her as a peace offering, “I’m sorry for running off without saying anything. Please forgive me, Miss Ashlie?”

She took the bag then motioned for him to sit next to her. As he sat, she took his hand and petted his hair as she rested her forehead against his, “Do not do it again. You hear me?”

“Yes, Miss Ashlie. I’m really sorry.”

“You are forgiven.” She patted his knee, then looked into the bag to see what he got for her. Curio breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled out one of the books then leaned over and kissed his cheek.

She then seemed to remember something as she reached into her pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a letter, “This arrived earlier this evening. It’s from Lieutenant Hector.”

He nodded as he took the letter and opened it while she pulled out the rest of her gifts. The letter explained they would be staying the night in Mayfields to allow the storms to pass, then would be back on the road. He folded the letter and put in his pocket, then turned to see Ashlie was already reading her book. He smiled, “I’m glad to see you like your gift. May I read with you?”

She nodded as she held out her arm. He leaned against her, sighing in contentment as she wrapped her arm around his shoulder and read to him. It reminded him of the times when he was little, when she would hold him in her lap as she read to him. Granted, she still read to him from time to time, just not as often as she used to, and when she did, he was usually sitting across from her as he listened.

They were on the third chapter when there was a knock on the door as one of the maids walked in with a tray of food, “Minted scones and lavender tea for the young master.”

Curio had sat up as she walked in. He nodded and smiled kindly to her, “Just leave it by the bed for now. Thank you, Marcie.”

Once she left, Curio turned to ask if they could continue, only to pout when she shook her head as she set the book own and told him to eat his meal. He sighed but obeyed after she promised they would continue once he finished. He yawned as exhaustion from today’s events caught up with him. He finished eating then went behind the folding screen to change into his nightclothes. He climbed into bed, yawning again as Ashlie tucked him in then picked up where they left off. She read two more chapters then patted his head and bade him goodnight as she turned off the lamps and left the room, taking the tray and the gift bag with her.

As he laid there, his thoughts went back to what Roushierre had told him before he left, “You and the boy are in danger. A mighty storm is brewing, and you had best be prepared.”

It was similar to the warning Madame Chuchila had given him before he left her place, “Not everyone is as they claim to be. Beware of the one who wears a mask.”

He still wasn’t sure what she meant but had a feeling it was related to this “web” Roushierre spoke of. Whatever was happening, he hoped to be able to conquer it and restore peace to the city. He hated seeing his people frightened – he knew this was why they were being tight-lipped – and hoped to ease their fears as soon as possible. With this in mind, he sent up a silent prayer for the grieving families then rolled over and went to sleep.