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Dash nodded to the window by the bed. “There’s soft, thick grass back there, and it’s just one story up. You’d only have sprained your wrist or ankle.”
“I see you have the place staked out, so I’d best take my leave while I’m ahead.” He headed toward the door and then turned back. “Does he know you snore?”
“Not sure. I only snore when I’m on my back. I sleep curled around him when we’re together.” He grinned back at the man. “He hasn’t complained.”
Theodore laughed and rolled his eyes. “That’s the image I get for asking.” He sobered and pocketed the coins. “Take care of yourself and your mate. This world’s a pile of shit most days.”
“I will. You take care, too.”
They nodded to each other, and Dash rose right away to lock his door. Once the hall was silent, he pushed a chair against the door for good measure.
This world certainly can be a pile of shit, but maybe I’ve found some people who can really change that.He smiled, knowing his world was already better and brighter because of Christopher. His mate might not love him yet, but Dash planned on spending the rest of his life making the younger man feel loved and protected.
* * *
Christopher sat in a chair in front of Mr. Drummond’s desk while the advocate consulted with his colleague in the next room. They weren’t whispering, but Christopher still couldn’t make their words out clearly. Renn had told Christopher this man could be trusted, and one of Renn’s letters had been addressed directly to him, but Christopher always felt more confident when Simon was with him. He knew he needed to get past that. Despite how young he looked, he was an adult. The people in the hall of advocates had all treated him with respect, and there was no reason for him to feel out of place here simply because he didn’t have someone older encouraging him or validating his actions. Those around him had always been deferential because he was a prince, but he knew he needed to start establishing an identity for himself beyond that.
Mr. Drummond returned to his desk and began writing out a list. “I can have a draft ready for you by the end of the day, if you care to return and pick it up.” He paused in his writing. “I can have it sent by messenger, if you’d prefer.”
“No. I’ll come get it,” Christopher said. He didn’t plan on returning to the palace right away, and he didn’t want anyone knowing he was staying in Simon’s home. Once the others had arrived, they could start to make plans. “But thank you for the offer.”
“Of course.” Mr. Drummond continued writing and then began to read over his list again. He set his quill aside and got up to close the door. He sat back down and leaned over his desk. In a low voice, he asked, “How soon do you think your brother can travel? He said his injury was minor.”
Christopher felt a little taken aback until he realized Renn must’ve updated Mr. Drummond in his letter. “They may be heading this way already.”
Mr. Drummond took a key from his pocket and unlocked his desk. “I have a draft of his petition. He said he’s going to make his claim orally, but I put together some notes. I tried to focus on the key points of his arguments and any precedents I could find. Perhaps you could give your opinion, while you’re here? You’ve been at court all your life, and you’ve probably been present when your father heard pleas quite often, I’d assume.”
“Yes. Since I was ten, my mother insisted we all attend most of the petition days. My brothers tend to slip out after about half an hour, but I usually sit with my mother and stay for most of the day. Sometimes I leave after lunch if I have somewhere to be.” He took the piece of paper and looked it over for several minutes. “This looks good. I think Renn wants to emphasize his desire to fulfill his birthright and serve his people a good bit, but I’m sure he already knows what he wants to say about that. I think this will be very helpful.” He handed the paper back. “Thank you for showing that to me.”
Mr. Drummond smiled. “I felt I’d best prove to you I’m actually invested in Renn’s cause.” He locked the piece of paper away again and then handed over the other list. “Look this over to see if I’ve covered everything you were concerned about. I can offer your mate a very reasonable deal. Once he signs the actual document, he’ll be protected from prosecution. And more importantly from imprisonment or execution.”
Christopher glanced over the list, which stated what Dash was confessing to as well as both what he had done and what he would be doing in future to make up for his crimes. “Regarding the items he returned, will he have to prove he did so?”
“That could get tricky. Some people might lie, while others might want revenge. The best course is to say he returned what items he could and surrendered the rest to the authorities without going into details. If anyone comes forward to make a claim for damages, Dash could offer compensation. Of course, they’d have to provide documentation regarding what was stolen. Many people don’t insure things small enough for a highwayman to steal, and without reliable, respectable witnesses, it’s hard to prove you were robbed in the first place.”
“His confession would be public record, but there wouldn’t be a public notice?”
“Not the kind most would pay any attention to. Out front in the vestibule, his confession would be posted along with the lists of convictions and arrests. The notice would probably stay up about two weeks, depending on how busy we are at the time. It’s highly unlikely anyone would take much notice. And of course, most highwaymen don’t give their names. There won’t be a picture, so there’s little chance of any bumps down the road.”
“So he’ll be safe as long as he keeps to his part of the bargain.” Christopher eyed the list again. “A hundred hours of labor toward public maintenance and staying within the city walls for one year?”
“Yes. And most of the public maintenance is fence repair and painting and rehanging signs. It’s nowhere near as strenuous as what’s required of men convicted of higher offenses. Regarding his civil arrest, as we call it, he could travel out of the city with you if you two were married. Your status will work in his favor there. Otherwise, only the death of a relative could gain him passage outside the walls. An escort would be required in those cases. But again, that would be if you weren’t married.”
“I’m not sure if we’ll marry. I imagine we’ll take the mate vow, but I’m not sure how my family will feel about marriage.” He set the piece of paper down and sat back in the chair. “I considered asking my father to pardon him, but that idea didn’t last very long.”
Mr. Drummond tilted his head, his eyes turning up to the ceiling as he murmured to himself. He frowned when he looked back to Christopher. “By my calculations, you’re twenty-two. Almost twenty-three. Not to mention you’re a third son. Well, technically a fourth son, if Renn’s claim is recognized. Would your family really try to stop you?”
“If they wanted to. They can’t tell me where to live or how to live, but I’m not allowed to marry without their blessing until I’m thirty. The rule is in place for Edgar and Jothen as well, even though it isn’t common knowledge. Jothen still has five more years. Edgar made a big show of selecting a bride two years ago when he turned thirty, but nothing ever came of it.”
“I always wondered about that.”
Christopher pressed his lips together, but a smile still spread over his face as he leaned forward. “He found himself surprised by how loyal some of the ladies at court were to each other. When it got around that he was telling more than one lady he was in love with her and intended to marry her to try to get her into bed, he found himself shut out at most of the balls and parties. He lashed out by openly trying to defame several women as a result, and that only made the female population grow colder toward him.”Embarrassing as it was, I’m glad of it. I’d hate to think of any woman shackled to him the rest of her life.
“Interesting.” Mr. Drummond chuckled. “Though I will keep that in confidence, of course.” He rose and pulled a book down. “I’ll have to do a bit of research, but I think the mate vow might be recognized in this case, meaning once Dash had completed at least one-fifth of his service you two could travel freely for up to two weeks at a time.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you. I’ll let him know.” Christopher rose. “Nothing’s official yet, but…” He trailed off and then shrugged.
“But you’re mates. My sister is married to a bear. Trust me when I say ceremonies and otherofficialthings are just technicalities.”
Christopher smiled. “He’s said something very similar before.” He looked to the clock. “I’ll return around five?”
“Yes, that’ll be fine. We don’t lock up until a few minutes after six, but this shouldn’t take me long to draft.”
“Thank you again,” Christopher said before they said their goodbyes. He slipped out the door and made his way back to Simon’s, taking a winding path. He’d purchased a plain hat on the way here, and with his hair tucked in, he’d been able to blend in quite well.
Once he was back in the house, he checked the candles in the upper windows again. He’d given Dash a clear description and precise directions, but he still doublechecked to ensure the red candles sat in all three windows. He’d need to light them after he returned home later, but for now, they were clearly visible in each window.
Christopher lay back on the bed, closing his eyes and willing his mate to return to him quickly. He had a surprise for Dash, and once the other man had calmed down, they had plans to make.
