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“Oh?”
“I must throw him over but not so that she knows I’ve had a hand in it. And then, I want her loving me. Not forced as you were.” He scowled with a suddenly troubled look. “All that is jaded and meaningless. I want her to beg at my feet as you once did
—and do now—not because she wants her freedom, or her lust, but because she loves me. Because she desires me with her whole being.”
“Ah! Sir.”
“I need your help.”
Charlotte’s heart leapt excitedly. This was the first real chance for some release from the dreaded belt. “You would, perhaps, free me?”
“If I had this woman, Charlotte, trust me, you would be gone—without your present chastity. You leave my province, I don’t care where you go.”
“You are certain, sir?”
“Only if I win in love.”
“Then what shall I do?”
“It seems feasible to first find a means to discredit Leonas in the sweet Rosaura’s eyes. And then, your second task will be to enlist her love for me. Put her eyes on mine, her heart, her mind focused on me. She is a sweet and innocent thing and simply needs to turn her face in my direction for me to woo her. With Leonas out of the way, I believe that can happen. I want her in Caius’ dungeon willingly trained as my consort and future bride.”
“Your bride?”
“Our divorce can be simply made, can it not?”
“I assume so, if you’re the one to grant it.”
He smiled. “So, how does this collusion fit with your sensibilities?”
“It fares well. Leonas is no great man,” Charlotte rationalized. Yes, she thought the plan sound—even if it meant that she’d be consigned to moral treachery to be freed from her bondage. “I could tell Rosaura many things to turn her heart to you.” She paused. “Though it would be wise, sir, to demonstrate to her all that I report. Sometimes, the innocent have the most crafty intuition. They can spot a trick faster than the jaded sort like you and me.”
“I’m sure. But in this case, there is no trickery in my affection for her. If she truly loved me, I cannot imagine knowing anything but love my life long.”
“And you did not feel that way with me?”
“No,” he answered simply. “Any more than you loved me.”
“I see.” She rose to her feet like an equal in his eye. “My plans work fast. I can have Leonas far from sight in a short time. The winning of Rosaura, however, might take some time—and only after her heart mends from being broken.”
“Then it is settled with me. I have my prize, you have your sex restored to you. But remember, this must be done in secret, and no hint of our plan should ever reach her ears.”
“Of course,” she answered. “It is agreed.”
Chapter Fourteen
Charlotte waited in the garden in secret, behind a stone wall, which was covered by a thick mass of vines. Her two accomplices knew the spot well, and giggling, found their way into the lady’s confidence.
“Jontile, Lena, shush!” Charlotte quieted their excitement.
“Milady, why did you bring us here?” the bubbling Jontile asked.
“I’ll tell you, but it must be kept a secret. On my life, you must trust me here.”
“Please tell,” Lena implored her.
“I have your word?”
“You do indeed, ma’am,” she answered.
