Page 43 of Eternal Obsession

Orpheus appeared to think upon this for a moment.

“This is nonnegotiable,” I said.

“Very well. There is a boat waiting by the water’s edge. Once upon the mainland, you will see my carriage. Its horses are white. This will take you directly to Stonehenge. If you deter from this route at any time or delay it, I will kill Alex. Do you understand?”

“How can I leave you here with my family, all these people?”

“Our agreement is over, then?” Orpheus pulled on the necktie, testing its strength.

“Wait!” I said. “If I do this thing, you must assure me, promise.”

“I am a gentleman who seeks nothing other than some kind of retribution for the death of a loved one. Such a thing is a nobleman’s right.”

I could see no other way through this. Father was here. He could take care of the guests. I would take care of Alex. “How will I know that you will not kill him anyway?” I asked.

“So long as I can take the life of an Artimas, I will be satisfied. A life for a life. Yours instead of your brother’s.”

“Very well.” Although reluctant, I walked past Orpheus and headed toward the boat docked in the bay. “Orpheus, if you harm my family, if you break your word, I shall personally pour your ashes into the stones.”

“Spoken like a true Stone Master.” He handed me the tie.

I stared at it. Not wanting to give my thoughts away, I quick-footed it down to the boat. Although this man had strength and speed, I hoped my adroit mind could outwit him.

Chapter Twenty

ORPHEUS

Alex eventually picked himself off the floor.

Realizing his favorite necktie, a gift from his brother, was gone, he did a quick search. Miserable not to find it, he headed down the corridors back to his room. He was uncertain what had just occurred. With his memory foggy, he tried to fill the gaps. Had he offended me? He believed he must have done something to displease me.

Or why else had I left him so abruptly?

He recalled an altercation but could not fit the pieces together. He considered that perhaps his engagement to Lady Theron, though now probably broken off, might have roused my jealousy although he reasoned I had dealt with the situation calmly at the time.

He rubbed the area where I had bitten him, soothing its sting. On looking down at his hand, he was dismayed to see some residual blood.

Some kiss, he thought.

Alex needed to be alone for a while, away from the meandering crowds partying within the castle walls below. On nearing his own room, he was surprised to see his father leaving it, approaching him with worrying speed. Alex reasoned that news of the conversation with Emily had reached his father and he steadied himself. He pulled his collar up.

“Father, please let me explain,” Alex said.

Lord Artimas was accompanied by four other men, whom Alex recognized as lords from other nearby estates. His parents had hosted them on many occasions. One of them, Lord Hawke, had presented him with his first fencing sword.

“Where is he?” Lord Artimas appeared distracted, impatiently glaring at his son.

“Who, Father? Good evening, sirs. Lord Hawke, it is wonderful to see you again.” Alex politely greeted his father’s associates.

“Lord Velde. Tell me where he is,” Lord Artimas said.

“He is gone, Father.”

“Gone where?”

“I know what this is about. I can explain.” Alex lowered his voice in fear of offending Lord Theron. “You see, Lady Emily Theron is pregnant!”

“And how do you think Lord Velde knew?”