Page 11 of The Thief
Chapter Three
Alastair sat in his carriage and looked outside the window, not seeing the scenery. Instead, he saw Scarlett’s face, her lips swollen and her face flushed with desire. He hadn’t wanted to leave her like that but he hadn’t had time to speak to her.
Alastair heard a shout and his carriage stopped, making him wonder what was going on. He leaned out the window and looked around, seeing another carriage stopped alongside them. His driver Peter jumped down and walked to the window, taking off his hat and looking up at Alastair.
“Your Grace, the driver of that carriage says there is a letter on that coach for you. It needs to be handled especially by you and delivered to her highness, Queen Scarlett,” he said, looking back at the coachman and waving.
“Did he sound honest, Peter? Not one to deceive?” he asked him.
Peter nodded. “Yes, sir, Your Grace. He told me he works for one of the Keepers of the White and that he is not to let anyone but you open the box he has.”
Alastair sighed and said, “Very well. Send two guards ahead with him to make sure they get safely to the castle. Send word with Jacob to the hospital that I have been delayed. If they must have me there, I will come there as soon as I am able.”
Peter nodded. “I will make sure that gets taken care of, My Lord.”
They set back off and headed back to the castle, Alastair now very curious. He didn’t know many Keepers of the White and he was also very curious as to why Scarlett would know any of them. Especially ones who sent letters in locked boxes.
He sighed and rubbed his face with his hand, feeling frustration settling in at the back of his neck. He at least hoped the letter held some good news. They could always use some right now.
They arrived back at the castle thirty minutes later and Alastair sighed, stepping out of the carriage when Peter opened the door. The other carriage driver opened the door and reached in, pulling out a locked box and turning to bring it inside.
“My Lord, would you like us to go in your study?” he asked.
Alastair nodded and headed up the stairs to enter the castle.
He led the way but couldn’t help but glance through the open door of the parlor, hoping to at least see Scarlett. When he saw no sign of anyone, he kept walking.
Bard came to his study door just as he got there and opened it for him, his face showing his worry. Alastair smiled at him to reassure the old man.
“It is nothing to worry about. Just a letter for the queen.”
Bard looked relieved and Alastair had to hold back his chuckle. Ever since Alastair was a boy, Bard had been unable to hide his emotions, no matter how hard he tried.
Alastair’s mother and father had always joked with him about it, but Bard had always taken it with grace.
Alastair smiled inwardly when he thought about his parents. He should go see them soon.
Bard returned his attention to the men standing in his study and closed the door, walking over to Alastair’s desk.
“So, is there a key to open the lock?” he asked, looking at the driver and passenger of the carriage.
“I have it, Your Grace. My name is Ragan. This here next to me is Ronald,” Ragan said, pulling the key from underneath his shirt. He slid the cord that held it from around his neck and handed the key to Alastair.
Alastair studied the key for a few brief moments and then slipped it into the keyhole and unlocked it. He opened the box and saw a small card in the box as well as the letter. He picked up the card and read it, then simply slipped it into his pants pocket. Picking up the letter, he handed it to Bard.
“Bard, I’d like you to deliver this letter to Her Highness, Queen Scarlett,” he said, laying it carefully into the butler’s hands.
“Ragan, if you’d accompany Bard to ensure that the letter gets delivered to your employer’s satisfaction?” he asked.
“Yes, Your Grace,” he said, heading out the door to accompany Bard.
“Please sit, Ronald, while we await your companion’s return,” he said, pointing to a chair.
Ronald sat and Alastair took a seat at his desk.
“Your Grace, my employer wished to know if you needed anything from him while we are here. We were to ask to make sure,” Ronald said, looking at Alastair.
“I… I do have something. Thank you for reminding me,” Alastair said.
