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Cortez sat beside me. “Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Please.” I took two heaping bites of the goulash and the noodles that reminded me of German spaetzle.
“I have received a request that we accompany you to your mother’s house,” Cortez said a few minutes later.
My eyes remained focused on my food. “That won’t be necessary.”
“That we accompany you?” Grinder asked.
“No. She’d rather not go to her mother’s,” Cortez said before I had a chance to respond. It suddenly dawned on me who he was, although it didn’t explain why the Queen had asked him to come looking for me.
“You’re King Ferdinand’s nephew.”
Cortez nodded.
“Then, you should be aware I’ll be fine once we’ve returned to England. The monarchy provides security.” A look passed between the two men. “What?”
“There may be some retaliation,” Grinder answered; Cortez glared at him. “What?” he asked like I had.
“Her Majesty has made the suggestion.”
He emphasized the wor
d in such a way that I knew it was nothing of the kind. The Queen was demanding I go to America—to my mother’s house.
“What about my father?” I’d much prefer staying with him until my great-aunt deemed it safe for me to return home.
Cortez reached out and covered my hand with his. “I regret what you’ve just gone through. I will do my best to make the arrangements you’d prefer.”
Again, I couldn’t help but notice Grinder’s reaction. This time, he appeared incredulous.
It was my own reaction that bothered me more. I found myself wanting to crawl into Cortez’s lap and have him kiss me.
“Excuse me.” Before I could push my chair back, Cortez stood to pull it out for me, looking at me questioningly.
“I’m very tired. I’d like to rest now if that would be okay.”
“Of course. Do you need anything else before you retire?”
“I don’t think so.” Clothes, but he’d said he’d take care of that.
“Rile.” Grinder pointed toward another door.
“Right.” He rushed over to a closet and removed several hanging items, all covered in garment sleeves. With his other hand, he picked up two bags. “If you’ll give me a moment, I’ll bring the rest.”
“What is all this?” I asked when he returned with more.
“Clothes. And shoes, of course.”
“I may need a few more things.”
He looked at me with wide eyes. “Like?”
“I’m joking.” Even I was surprised at my ability to do so, given what I’d been through with that bastard Konstantine. “Thank you, Cortez. I appreciate this gesture very much.”
“You’ll find something to sleep in.” He motioned with his arm in the direction of the bags he’d set around the room.
“I’m sure I’ll find something for every conceivable occasion.”
