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I tried to hide my growl but didn’t quite accomplish it. The Count ignored me. Autumn’s eyes met mine, and I tried to flash a warning.Tread carefully.
She dipped her chin subtly to show she understood. She was more perceptive than I’d given her credit for too.
“I require a whetstone, polish, and linen, my lord.”
“Of course.” He clapped his hands to two guards, and what I had to assume was a servant, and requested the items. They scattered to do his bidding. Even though he wasn’t the duke, he had high standings in the castle as the duke’s brother-in-law. Duke Haverell was as vile a human as Hastings.
“How was your journey?” Hastings gestured for Autumn to sit next to him on a low sofa. I took the chair across from them to watch the man’s hands.
Autumn took a breath and let her eyes wander over her surroundings before gracefully sitting next to the Count. She met his eyes evenly. “It was harrowing, sir. Brigands attacked us. They killed one of our men, severely wounded another, and took Miss Autumn. It's been a long, painful few days.”
Hastings sucked in a breath. “Brigands, in Demora?”
“Yes, my lord. Just south of Cashore.”
He put a hand to his chest in horror, and the other grasped Autumn’s hand, which lay in her lap. She stared at it a second before her eyes lifted to his. Tears swam in them, and she let out a sniffle.
Damn, if the girl wasn’tgoodat this.
Hastings quickly handed her his handkerchief, and she thanked him sweetly.
“I will apprise my brother-in-law of this news and ensure it is taken care of.”
No brigands survived, but I knew Hastings wouldn’t send anyone. As far as I knew, he had a contract with the brigands for the wares they stole from travelers, but I didn’t bother to tell Autumn about that. Queen Amira sometimes forgot that I was her silent shadow. I had learned how to blend into the shadows well over the years. She spoke to others and herself around me as if I weren’t there.
“You have my condolences and a promise to take care of the situation, my lady.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
The items came soon after, and watching Autumn take care of the weapons was such a captivating and sensual action that I nearly left the room. The Count watched her with as much lust and fascination as I did. Autumn knew her way around a blade. She caressed its length with care and ease and spent adequate attention on the beautiful gemstone.
My mouth went dry watching her. My cock reacted without my consent and lust-filled thoughts of her slender, capable hands touching my body swept so profoundly through my mind that I cleared my throat twice before I could speak.
“Lord Hastings, the lady should be heading back. We have traveling parties out searching for the missing Lady Snow.”
Hastings took a solid minute of staring at Autumn before his eyes flickered to me in annoyance. He wanted desperately to send me off so he could spend time alone with Autumn, but I don’t think he’d dare after her story.
“Yes, of course—” His eyes went cold, and he slowly assessed me again. “How do you fit into this story, Huntsman?”
“I… was on an errand for the queen when I came upon their traveling party and helped bring their wounded to healers. Got patched up myself, too.” I gestured to my neck, where it was still well wrapped. “A wolf attacked me in the Winterwood. Since Lady Snow had assisted me, I wanted to return the favor. It's been quite an upheaval since she went missing. Lady Blanche insisted the lady would have wanted the weapon transfer to be a top priority. Her family’s business is on the line. So, I am here to ensure that Miss Snow’s fate wasn’t for naught. I wanted to ensure this—” I gestured to Autumn. “This wonderful maiden, who took on the responsibility as her own, was successful.”
The Count’s eyes searched mine for deception, and I wondered if he knew about what I did for the queen. I thought she kept that to herself, but she had grown close to the Count over the past year. I’d even heard her mention a marriage with the man, or at least bringing him to the palace as a consort. A single ruler, especially a female, was always a target. As a spouse or consort, a man at her side would help solidify her reign. Even if only in appearance. I prayed to the Beyond she didn’t because I couldn’t be around this snake daily. Being near him made me ill.
I understood Amira’s need for a marriage alliance. Having a male counterpart for the throne would aid acceptance and distill joy in the union with the people of Catalan. Nothing lifted the people like marriage and babies.
“Well, let me get you paid, my lady.” The Count finally said, pulling out a large coin purse. Hasting’s eyes swept over Autumn’s calm demeanor, producing a smaller pouch. “This is foryou. For your service and troubles. Please buy something pretty for yourself.”
Autumn’s eyes widened as she took both purses and stood. “I shouldn’t—”
“Please,” Hastings said with a bow.
He was laying it on thick for her. But, unluckily, she had caught his attention.
Autumn gave him a soft smile and dipped her chin. “You have my open gratitude, my lord.”
And she shocked all of us when she hugged Hastings. I watched him slowly circle his arms around her and bend his nose into her neck. I tried to hide my disturbance at the action. She was playing a dangerous yet brilliant game. The Count didn’t even haggle the price or make a scene. Autumn was a cunning woman.
“I wish you could remain in the castle, Lady Blanche. Even for just the night.”
