Page 122 of Arrows and Gems
The maid’s words spurred Helena into action. She pulled papers out of the drawer as quickly as she could, scanning each before flipping to the next. When she reached the bottom, she tapped it lightly, then compared the depth on the outside to the inside.
“What are you doing?” the maid asked with folded eyebrows. “Are you here to study the technique used by the General’s carpenter?”
Helena felt a bit of heat rise to her cheeks, but she kept her voice even as she replaced the stack of papers. “I was checking for false bottoms. I’ve heard they can hide secret documents and such.”
The maid released a short laugh. “And where did you hear that? Stewart’s mysteries?”
“I read half of one once,” Helena replied, beginning on the next drawer. “But I lost it when Le Capuchon ran off with my horse.”
A strange expression crossed her companion’s face. “Le Capuchon stole from you?”
Helena hesitated, then said, “By accident. My horse joined the general exodus, and I wasn’t astride it at the time.”
“So if not from Stewart’s mysteries,” the maid said cautiously, “wheredidyou hear about false bottoms? And why would you look for them in the General’s desk?”
“From Lady Jocelyn,” Helena answered absently, distracted by the report she was skimming. “Although incidentally, she suggested it because of Stewart’s mysteries.”
The maid’s hand slowed. “And how did you come to speak with Lady Jocelyn? I thought no one knew you were in Amitié until the General rescued you.”
“She didn’t. It was dark, and I had my hood over my face. If Le Capuchon and I hadn’t warned her about the General’s men, I doubt she would have spoken with me.”
The maid stopped her search altogether, turning her brown eyes to Helena. “Then you really were part of his band? He didn’t kidnap you?”
Helena froze. Curse her distraction; she shouldn’t have revealed that to someone who worked for General Valentin. “Are you going to report me now that I’ve confessed my criminal past?” she asked casually without meeting the maid’s eyes.
“When I’m picking the locks for you? Hardly,” the maid scoffed. “I’ll be in just as much trouble as you if—”
She cut off at a voice outside the door. It was loud but friendly, with just a hint of mischief around the edges. The maid grabbed Helena’s arm and hauled her under the desk.
“Hello, General Valentin,” Lord Raoul’s cheerful voice rang out. “Have you seen Daphne? I’m afraid I’ve lost track of her.”
Helena tried to run, but the maid was stronger than she looked.
“He’ll find us under here!” Helena hissed.
“Have faith,” the maid breathed in her ear. “Raoul will take care of him. Besides, there’s only one door and nowhere else to hide.”
The voices were right outside the door now. “It must be the day for losing princesses,” the General replied jovially. “I can’t find mine either.”
“Well, I doubt you’ll find her down here.” Lord Raoul’s smile shone through his voice. “I’ve just come from the other direction, and I didn’t see her.”
The doorknob rattled. Helena held her breath while the maid gripped her arm more tightly.
“Do you expect to find her in your dusty old study?” the nobleman laughed. A dull sound like a hand slapping a back filtered through the door. “This is your party, General; don’t tell me you planned to sneak away and work!”
The General sighed. “Alas, a regent’s work is never done. I have yet to capture Le Capuchon, not to mention discover Prince Raphael’s refuge.”
“It can wait,” Lord Raoul said firmly, but with a touch of amusement. “Come be a good host, and we’ll seek our ladies along the way.”
After a few moments, the General relented. “You’re right.I suppose my work can wait a little longer.”
“Of course I’m right,” Lord Raoul responded with a laugh. “Entertaining ladies always comes before work.”
How did Princess Daphne stand him?
The voices disappeared down the hall, Lord Raoul keeping up a steady stream of conversation. Helena turned to her companion. “How did you know Lord Raoul would keep the General away?”
The maid winked. “Never trust appearances, Princess. Not all are as shallow or useless as they pretend.”
