Page 70 of The Broken Dawn

The kitchen fell silent. Jakob felt a cold weight settle in his stomach. The Royal Chamberlain wouldn't be sent for a routine matter.

"May I ask what this is regarding, sir?" he asked, keeping his voice carefully neutral.

Eklund's pale blue eyes flickered past Jakob to where Hal stood in the kitchen. Something calculating passed across his face before his expression returned to its usual mask of polite detachment.

"One might consider it a matter of some importance," he replied, the formal phrasing making it clear he had no intention of elaborating. "The car is waiting."

Behind him, Jakob heard the clatter of a pot lid hitting the floor. He turned to see his mother standing frozen, her face drained of color.

"When does he need to be there?" Sarah asked, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands as she bent to retrieve the lid.

"Without delay, madam," Eklund replied, his gaze taking in the humble kitchen with clinical detachment. He checked his pocket watch with a deliberate gesture. "I have instructions to return with Cadet Eliasberg immediately."

Hal stepped forward, his princely demeanor sliding into place like a mask. "Chamberlain Eklund, would you mind waiting outside for a moment? Cadet Eliasberg will join you shortly."

Eklund's eyebrows rose a fraction of an inch—the most emotion he'd shown thus far. "Your Highness," he said, inclining his head in a bow. "I was not aware you were... visiting."

The slight pause spoke volumes. Jakob saw Hal's jaw tighten.

"I'm helping with farm chores," Hal replied evenly. "A moment, please, Chamberlain."

Eklund bowed again. "Of course, Your Highness. Though one must note that time is of some essence." He backed out with practiced grace, closing the door behind him.

As soon as they were alone, Sarah crossed to Jakob, gripping his arm. "What have you done?" she whispered, her dark eyes searching his face.

"Nothing, Mama. I swear it." Jakob covered her hand with his own. "Maybe it's about my future assignment."

Sarah's fingers tightened. "The Royal Chamberlain doesn't deliver messages about cadet assignments, Yasha."

The fear in her voice made his chest ache. "Whatever it is, I'll handle it," he promised, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

Sarah reached up to touch his face, her palm rough against his cheek. "The last time men like that came for someone I loved, we had to flee the country."

"This isn't Russia," Jakob said softly. "And I'm not Papa."

Hal approached cautiously. "Mrs. Eliasberg, I'm sure it's nothing serious," he offered, though his eyes told a different story.

Sarah turned to him, her gaze troubled. "You don't believe that any more than I do."

Hal swallowed hard. "If... if it's what we fear, I'll speak to my mother."

"No," Jakob said firmly. "That would only make things worse." He met Hal's eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Queen Margreta had made her move.

"I need to change," Jakob said, already moving toward his room. "I can't show up in work clothes."

In his small corner of the room, Jakob pulled his uniform from the hook on the wall, his movements quick and calm. Hal followed him, out of sight of Jakob's mother and Rachel.

"This is my fault," Hal whispered, watching as Jakob stripped off his work shirt. "Christian must have told her."

"We don't know that," Jakob replied, though they both knew it was the most likely explanation. He pulled on his uniform shirt, fingers working the buttons with practiced efficiency.

Hal stepped closer, brushing Jakob's hands aside to fix his collar. "What are we going to do?"

"We stick to the plan," Jakob said quietly. "No matter what happens in there, we stick to the plan."

Hal nodded, his throat working. "Be careful what you say to her. My mother... she twists words."

When they emerged, Sarah was waiting with a small bundle wrapped in a cloth napkin. "You haven't eaten yet," she said, pressing it into his hands.