“With each clue, you will find coins. The winner of the treasure hunt will be the team who has the most coins when the treasure hunt ends.” Duchess Emberly held up a pouch and jingled it. “We will ring the bells once when you have only half an hour remaining. And ring them again to let you know that the hunt is ended.”
“Once you hear the bells, you must return here and we will count your coins. Your first clue is in that box. As are your treasure collecting pouches. And no, Arthur, you cannot steal all the pouches.” Duke Emberly pointed to a box by the door as he gave his son a knowing look.
The young man flushed and looked slightly crestfallen as others around him laughed. Duke Emberly clapped his son on the back affectionately. “As many of you know, we encourage ruthlessness and underhanded tactics, but only after the official start of the games.”
“But not violence.” Duchess Emberly pointed to two of the younger children who were arguing already. “And that includes biting. Anyone who bites another contestant will be disqualified.”
The children hung their heads. “What about tickling?”
“Tickling is permitted. And of course, you may steal another team’s coins.” Duke Emberly continued. “And to the winner, go the spoils. Get into teams, and when we say go, the hunt will begin.”
Lady Natalie asked excitedly. “Emily, why don’t you team up with me?”
“Duke Warren, will you be on my team?” Lord Peter asked.
“Be careful your Grace, my brother is rather competitive.” Lady Natalie warned.
“You are a fine one to talk! You are just as competitive as I am.” Lord Peter shot back at his twin.
“Competition would imply you might win, which you will not.” Lady Natlie laughed.
“They are utterly ruthless.” Lady Marie sighed.
“Good, because so am I.” Luke grinned at Lord Peter.
“I am not. I fear I would only slow you down.” Rodger grimaced.
It was true, Rodger hated competition. Luke was about to suggest that he could still join them, when Duchess Caden said, “You can join me and Marie.”
The relief on his brother’s face was obvious, and Luke tried to ignore the relief he himself felt.He would be miserable if he was forced to be ruthless. And even if he had joined Emily and Natalie, he would have felt like a burden.He was only relievedforhis brother. That was it.
Emily murmured to Natalie. “Perhaps we should join Duke Warren and Lord Peter?”
Luke turned to her, understanding what she was trying to say. Before he could reply, Lady Natalie exclaimed, “Don’t be silly, we can’t have a team of four!”
“I know that you do not want to be stuck with the simple twin, Emily.” Lord Peter gave her a conspiratorial wink. “You could simply join us and abandon the dullard.”
Lady Natalie rounded on her brother. “She probably just feels sorry that Duke Warren will be stuck with a dolt like you.”
“Oh, just wait. We are going to win and then you will have to eat your words.” Lord Peter growled.
“You are going to eat your words.” His twin retorted.
Taking advantage of their distraction, Luke caught Emily’s eye, and glancing around to make sure no one was watching he moved close to her and whispered, “you can do this.”
“I am not ready.” She whispered back, so quietly he had to read her lips to understand her.
“You are ready. Just remember to take your time. Breathe.” Luke murmured. “You have already come so far in such a short time.”
“But what if I cannot do this?”
“There is nothing you cannot do.” Luke answered and stepped away.
He gave Emily a nod, and she nodded back. He noticed the set of her shoulders, the fear in her eyes but also the determination. He felt a surge of admiration, followed quickly by guilt.
Why do I feel guilty? Of course I admire her bravery, it is only natural to admire someone who is so capable.“We are friends.” Luke muttered to himself. “That is all.”
“Pardon?” Lord Peter asked.
