Dishonored by L.J. Stock

Author:L.J. Stock [Stock, L.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I followed Alec through the Great Hall and down the staircase that led to the dungeons and the receiving area. He didn't stop in the vast stone antechamber. He continued through the open doors that led to a huge courtyard. I vaguely remembered the area from the night I'd arrived here, but somehow I'd missed the gardens beyond it.

There was a waist-high hedge maze spread out over a leveled patch of land, and each corner had a beautiful flowering plant I had no name for. In the middle of the maze sat a stone bench.

Taking in the surrounding view, I realized why this spot had been used for the receiving area. The ridge was barely visible from this point, towering pines and spruces bordered the stone courtyard and gardens, and the considerable palace managed to block out the view of all the other areas.

When Alec and I reached the bench, he stopped and searched the area surrounding us. I knew there had to be some surveillance, but the only camera in my line of sight was the one that was pointed at the courtyard.

“I apologize for the long walk. I needed to be sure we were alone before speaking. You were right not to trust anyone, and though I can't say I enjoyed the experience, I understand your reasons for accusing me.”

“I appreciate that, Alec. It's very graceful of you to forgive me, and I am thankful for that. You said you know something new…”

“Yes, Milady.” He nodded at the bench. He sat only after I had taken a seat, and looked uncomfortable doing so. “If my suspicions are correct, we've not only been betrayed but also deceived. I've been working on this for a while, and though I haven't caught them in the act, I'm sure that they're cautious in their actions. It is someone I believe you trusted—someone who had been around us often.”

“Who?” I asked, turning in my seat to face him. For an older gentleman, he had a very distinguished air about him. He held his shoulders back and his eyes always connected with whomever he was speaking to.

“Names would not be an advantage at this time, Milady. I need to be certain before I accuse this person.”

Ouch. That felt like a little jab at my hastiness, and it wasn't as though I could blame him. I decided to take the high road and allow him that little slight.

“Something didn't sit right with me for a while after a discovery we made. Since that time, I have been keeping surveillance on the person in question, which hasn't been easy. I think you should also know that the person in question has possibly planted any evidence you have on me, but again, I cannot prove that yet. They seem to have knowledge of our surveillance, and have ways in and out of the palace without being seen.”

“So, they're not in the palace?”

“That, I am uncertain of, but I am sure that they're easily hidden among us.”

“How do you know?”

“Your wedding day, Milady.

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