Page 90 of Thus with a Kiss I Die
“Tell me who hit you?” I was all eagerness.
She frowned. “No. I don’t remember anything aboutthat.”
“But . . . but that’s what we need to know.” If she could only recall who had entered her chamber and struck her down, all this mystery would be solved, the constant guards canceled, and fear could be vanquished. “While you were sleeping, did you see Elder?”
“Escalus? My son? Was he here?”
“He was, and furious about the attack on you.”
As if saying his name was an invitation, Elder popped in. He placed himself close to her head, leaned close, and said, “That night she was attacked, she remembers being awake, and angry.”
As before, Nonna Ursula seemed to almost hear him. “I remember being awake. So much had happened: the séance, the knowledge that my son spoke to you, that he sought his unknown killer even from beyond the grave. I sent Pasqueta off to make me a posset.”
I checked that off in my mind. Pasqueta had told the truth. She’d left on Nonna’s orders.
Nonna continued, “I remember being angry that I didn’t yet know the answer I sought. After so many years, I should have discerned the villain who had killed my son.”
“Nonna, you age, but the weight of your duties grows greater. You helped raise Princess Isabella, comforted Cal in his grief on the deaths of his father, wife, and child, counseled him in his reign.”
“And all that time, the poison viper waited to strike us all down.” She lowered her voice. “I saw him, savage and cruel, come into my room with iron tools, a man who spent time on the streets.”
“Was it the same man who killed me?” Elder asked.
“I don’t know if it’s the same man who killed my son Escalus, but the villain walks a path of vengeance and destruction. Most of all, he seeks to save himself. He believed that in my séance, I’d discovered his name and he didn’t hesitate to strike me down. I did know his face. I did!” She leaned back, straining to view what was in her mind’s eye. “If only I could recall that moment of recognition. But those vengeful, angry eyes . . . that’s all I can see. That’s all.”
CHAPTER49
Cal walked in, his mouth no more than a thin, flat, grim line. He nodded at me, an acknowledgment that he’d found what I suspected; then he leaned close to Nonna Ursula and kissed her cheeks. “How’s my beautiful grandmother?”
“I’m better,” she proclaimed, then leaned back from him and searched his face with her gaze. “You seem distracted.”
He put his hands on my shoulders. “I must take Rosie from you. We have much to discuss.”
Nonna Ursula smirked. “Among the disorder of recent days, you two lovers must grab every opportunity for . . . conversation.”
I tried to smile, to act as if romance rather than tragedy directed our actions.
Nonna continued, “Frst, I wanted to tell you what happened while I was unconscious.”
Cal and I both ceased our departure and listened intently.
“What I remember is, I was very close to death. So close, I could smell the flowers my husband used to bring me. I heard his voice. As he had done so many times before, he vowed love for me. I opened my eyes. It was night, and dark in the room, and I saw him, alive and smiling, a glowing form. He told me . . . I couldn’t come yet. I have more to do.” She subsided with a sentimental smile. “I could have given up mint and the rosemary, and if I never smelled lavender again”—she gestured as if pushing it away—“I would be perfectly happy. When you’re my age, even sneezing hurts. But you need me, Rosie, to advise you in your role as princess.”
“I do, Nonna.” I meant it. The simple betrothal had stirred ancient grudges, and already violent death followed.
Cal kissed her cheek. “Relax now, Nonna. Gather your strength. You’re safe and well protected.”
With that, Nonna fell asleep as suddenly as a babe. Old Maria rushed to cover her with a blanket—honestly, the autumn day was warm, but one could never convince the old woman her mistress needed fresh air, not stifling heat.
Old Maria followed Cal and me, trailed by Tommaso, from the bedchamber and onto the great walk. She darted in front of Cal and stopped him with a curtsy. “My prince, Pasqueta hasn’t returned to her duties. I beg you, tell me where she is and what she’s done.” She sounded scornful and accusatory, but I thought her eyes shifted as if she feared . . . something.
“Look not for her return this day, nor any day ever again. Pasqueta has seen her last sunrise.”
Old Maria straightened and stared at Cal, her dark eyes narrowing. “That man! She said she saw the ghost, and she shivered, but I knew better. Stupid girl! He got her, didn’t he?”
I glanced at Cal. His gaze had fixed on Old Maria in penetrating interest. I asked, “When did Pasqueta tellyouabout this man?”
“She talked to you first, my future princess. I had to coax her to tell me what she’d told you. I told her no ghost could do to Princess Ursula what he had done, that it was a real man, a man who breathed and lurked in the palace and plotted to kill us all!” Old Maria was so pleased to be proved right.
