Masters of the Game (Sutherland Book 4)

XXVII | Summer

It was no longer important what Reginald wanted. "It's just his ego," Leo had told them. "Or he might be senile. Why should we blindly follow him?" And he told them of his plans for the future. Once the Vandenbergs got Belcourt and once Napoleon was no longer a threat. "But first, I need to talk to the old man. Get his blessings, you know. And I have to first explain about the voting. I'm afraid he doesn't know how it works and he should honor it, king or not," he added before he left to join his father.

And so here they were, making a different deal with Gabrielle Shaw.

"Well? Do you want to hear my other plan?" Ellise asked.

"Do I have a choice?" Gabrielle gritted out.

"That's the point, Gabrielle," Ellise said. "I'm giving you a choice."

"And what are my choices?"

"One, as I've said, is you join your family. We get our Royals, your family gets you back." Ellise stepped closer. "The other choice requires you to join us."

"You're crazy."

"You'll understand my reason once you hear me out." Gabrielle waited, jaw clenching. "We have a ship full of Soldiers. The ones we captured before you reached Sutherland." At this, Gabrielle's face softened. "We need someone who can make them believe they're being saved, and then use them to scare away a ship full of French soldiers. And once that's done, you can join whoever you wish. Go back to your family or go home to Belcourt with the rest of the Soldiers on that ship. Just one mission for the Circus, that's all." A tense silence followed.

"Don't you have enough men to deal with the French?"

"Unfortunately, we don't have enough who can fight. Think about it. We'll deliver you to the Vandenbergs as promised to get our Royals. We'll leave on the second day. If you wish to join us, be there before midnight."

*****

It was easy. All it took was hours of chipping the edges of one brick with the end of their spoons and forks. They worked between meals, after they quickly ate their meals (and sometimes during) and before the Servants would take their empty plates again. Just one brick and then it became easier.

One, two, three bricks. Five... ten. Until it the hole was big enough for Leila to squeeze out of. The brick wall, as Esther hoped, led into a dark cupboard and the cupboard led straight into the hallway.

It was too easy, they both thought, that it made them suspicious. What if someone was waiting somewhere, expecting exactly for something like this to happen?

But they needed to take the risk, Esther had said. If they wanted to get out of there, they had to. And so Leila, after the third night of planning, squeezed herself through the hole and sneaked into the empty hallway.

Not a soul was in sight.

She knew where the tower was and where Esther wanted her to go. The Village, she said. Leave a message for a certain Servant, she said.

Leila headed down the stairs, but she did not take the direction that would lead her out of the Palace. With hurried, muted steps, she took the series of corridors she knew would be empty in this hour of the night. Until she emerged into the marbled hallway she knew quite well.

Esther was far away, probably hoping Leila was doing exactly what she wanted. And Arielle may kill her for good this time if she caught her.

But Leila was far wiser than her two aunts—one Albert trusted and the other he did not like so much. One Leila once trusted, and one she did not know much. One who stole her throne, the other intending to steal it again.

Arielle and Esther were not the best choices, of course.

So why not play both?

*****

Ruby enjoyed the chilly wind that swept the schooner. Once more, she was far away from home. She closed her eyes, hoping Sheridan was safe.

"Ah, there you are," Crystal, another Belle, stood beside her. "I did not know you're attending the Islefield party, Ruby. Are you back with a mission?"

"I am, yes," she said, eyes scanning the scattered guests on the deck. She was here because Aaron invited her, but she was also here because she had to talk to Summer. The woman missed no Islefield parties. "I'm hoping to get reacquainted with Summer."

"But Summer's not here."

"I'm certain she is. Belle or not, she should be here."

Crystal blinked at her with confusion. "Are you jesting, Ruby?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Belle or not?"

"Yes. Summer, Belle or not, will never miss Islefield."

"Why would she not be a Belle?" Then Crystal laughed, stepping closer that her blond hair almost touched Ruby's nostrils. "Darling, don't tell me you don't know."

"Know what?"

Her question caused Crystal to step back stiffly, face completely guarded. "Well, if you do not know, then there must be a reason. I will not be the one to talk."

"Good Lord, Crystal, tell me!" she charmingly prodded.

Crystal shook her head, her smile returning. "Darling, we are Belles. We know when to talk and when to shut up."

"But—"

"If you want answers, ask the Mistress."

"Jade is not here."

"Then ask her once we return home!" Crystal patted her cheek. "Ruby, dear, I missed you. Things had been quite a bore without you. I'm glad you're back."

When they arrived on the island, Ruby was still as confused as she was after her interaction with Crystal.

"Whatever bothers you, I hope you tell me," Aaron whispered beside her. "You've been quiet."

"Aaron, do you know if Summer is attending?"

"Why?"

"I was hoping to enjoy her acquaintance, of course. It had been months since I last saw her."

"She's not coming, I'm afraid."

"Summer never misses Islefield parties."

"Well, this year she is. I heard she's with Ridgemonton. And hear this—" He leaned closer and murmured, "They're spending a week in an abbey. Said they're cleansing their souls. Can you believe those two? Of the many odd things they could do, they chose an abbey for a retreat!"

Aaron followed his statement with a laugh, but Ruby did not. She froze where she stood, realizing Summer's mission.