“Years of experience, and something our prisoner said.”
“And what was that?” Niki paused with a succulent piece of meat halfway to his mouth. “Don’t tell me he is finally talking.”
Freddie took a drink of his ale, eyes on the prince over the rim of the mug. “You seem upset about something, sir. But yes, he does speak occasionally, and this time, he said that when you returned to Holtswig, you would receive your comeuppance. And what a pity I would not be there to save you.”
Roberta gave a shocked gasp, and Niki turned to her, the animosity for Freddie draining from his dark eyes. “The man is a fanatic,” he said. “He will say anything.”
Freddie agreed. “He is also wrong because Iwillbe there in Holtswig, keeping watch over you.”
Niki opened his mouth as if to say something more and then stopped himself. He smiled at Roberta, but it was a poor effort compared to some of his earlier smiles. “You must not worry.”
She wondered how she was supposed to not worry when her husband’s life was at stake. Was that what princesses did? Pretend everything was all right when it wasn’t? She also felt guilty for being so tied up with the wedding and her own happiness that she had forgotten the danger to Niki.
“I am sure Freddie will keep you safe,” she said stiffly, and blinked back tears.
“Roberta,” Niki said softly, and reached for her hand.
“I am all right,” she said quickly. “Just tired from all of the excitement.”
“It has been an exciting time,” Niki agreed.
Roberta looked at her meal with distaste. “I don’t think I can eat any more. Do you mind if I go up to our room?”
She was half hoping he would jump up and announce he would come with her, but she wasn’t surprised when he glanced at Freddie. Something passed between the two men.
“No, I do not mind. Rest. I will not be long.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, the warmth in his eyes making her skin tingle.
Roberta left them to whatever they had to say to each other. The truth was, she was glad to spend some time on her own before Niki joined her. She had had a rather lovely nightgown made by the family modiste, but it was in the trunk with her new clothing, and that was with the coach. She was hardly going to ask someone to search out her wedding night ensemble, so—setting aside visions of being so beautiful Niki could not take his eyes off her—she stripped down to her petticoat, washed with the tepid water in the jug, and climbed beneath the covers. At least the bed was comfortable, and it felt nice and cozy tucked up there.
Gradually, her anticipation began to give way to weariness. Her eyes closed and, despite her determination to stay awake for Niki, Roberta slept.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Niki waited until Roberta had left the room before he spoke again, but Freddie preempted him. “I believe you have been making inquiries in various circles about my trustworthiness.”
Niki had not expected his careful probing to have reached Freddie’s ears, but he supposed he should have. The man seemed to have a great many friends and supporters in his government.
“Something came to my attention, and I had to follow it up,” he said. His meal no longer appealed to him, and he pushed his plate aside, taking up the glass of red wine instead.
“You think I am trying to have you killed?” Freddie spoke thoughtfully. “I was surprised by it, and yet I suppose it makes sense. I am in the perfect position to play a double game. If I were so inclined, that is, which I am not.”
“So I was told.” Niki glanced up as a maid came to clear the table and waved her impatiently away. The door closed, and they were alone again. “You were overheard speaking to a man in the mews outside my aunt’s house. My name was mentioned, as well as talk of sedition. Suspicion was raised as to who this man was. Until then, it had not occurred to me that you may have joined with my enemies but—”
“But it did then. I gather this is Tomas’s doing?”
Niki nodded. “That was one of the reasons I was inclined to discount my suspicion; but remember, it is my life at stake here.”
“I understand,” Freddie said. He placed his hands on the tabletop and leaned forward. “Tomas does not like me, but apart from that, you want to know who this stranger was I spoke to about you and what business he had with me?”
“Yes,” Niki agreed.
“I will explain quickly because you are impatient to join your wife in your bedchamber,” Freddie added, and it was not a question. “The answer is simple enough. The man Tomas saw is a comrade of mine from my army days. We meet up sometimes to discuss old times. He had come looking for me because he had been sitting in a drinking den in one of the poor parts of London and had overheard a conversation.” His mouth twitched. “Rather like Tomas overheard mine.”
Niki was not inclined to be entertained. “And what was this conversation?”
“A foreigner was suggesting it would be a good idea if the English rose up against their masters. Your name was mentioned as someone who deserved to be overthrown, but the fellow was not looking for recruits for his own agenda. He was spouting rebellion to those around him who were willing to listen.”
“Was he alone?”
