The Murderess Page 4

  "Do you think this is funny?" King Gideon asked. His hand reached out, slapping his son across the face.

  The smile vanished and the prince winced in pain. His father wasn't a gentle man. "No, sir." Aaron refrained from pressing his fingers to his swelling lip, refusing to give his father any hint of satisfaction.

  "I ought to bend you over my knee like when you were a child." His father stepped closer.

  Aaron refused to budge. "You could do that, but think about it father, I wouldn't have retrieved the painting without paying such a visit. You should be thanking me for all that I've done, saving the precious artifacts across Brayleigh. If I didn't find those relics, then scavengers would steal them and sell the relics on the black market. I did it for you, father. I stole our rightful painting back to be hung on our palace walls, where we can treasure its beauty every single day. I couldn't tell you I was going or take a guard, because I feared the increased risk. It was imperative that I came in absolute silence and no one knew of my plans." Aaron didn't dare admit he did it for himself too, for the adventure and the thrill of finding stolen artwork.

  Though he wanted to find Lorelei, he needed to protect her and right now facing his father was the best way he could. The last thing he wanted was her to receive his punishment, assuming she was part of the royal harem.

  "Who's your source?" Gideon asked. "You don't retrieve a painting of such magnitude without greasing someone."

  The prince scoffed at the notion. "I have friends, unlike you."

  "Perhaps I should have the servant bring down a belt."

  "I'm sorry," Aaron said, quick to apologize. His father's hand was nothing like the belt that would strike his backside. He didn't want to face a belt or a whip for disobedience. He'd met both instruments on two separate occasions, though they'd been far worse than anything he'd done today.

  Gideon pursed his lips. "I know you don't agree with all of my actions, including those of the courtesans. Have you chosen who will be leaving us?"

  Aaron didn't dare say Celeste. Her room wasn't technically available with Lorelei taking it over.

  "I'll have a name to you by this evening." Aaron had been so preoccupied looking after Lorelei this morning, he hadn't even thought about saving one of his girl's lives from slavery. He had to do something, but time was slipping by and out of his control. Usually he worked to help the girl escape, but he knew he'd be watched for the next few days. The guards wouldn't let him out of their sight.

  * * * * *

  Aaron headed up the stairwell toward Celeste's room in search of Lorelei. Would Clara ask questions, wanting to know who the new girl was? He didn't have to defend his position as prince or his choices, but if she said a word to anyone else, he knew he could find himself in further trouble.

  He gave a persistent knock before entering the bedroom. If she were changing out of her clothes, he didn't want to startle her.

  "Come in," she said. Her voice soft, relaxed.

  His eyes moved down the dress she wore, covered in reds and golds like all his courtesans. She looked the part, but he suspected the other girls would notice the change from Celeste to Lorelei.

  "Is Clara around?" Aaron asked. The bathroom door was shut.

  "No. She left a few minutes ago. Said she'd bring me a few more outfits and asked where I'd be staying. Why can't I stay with you?"

  It'd be fine for Lorelei to stay with him, if there weren't eleven other girls vying for his constant affection. "The girl's always stay in their rooms. It's part of the rules. To fit in here, you have to play the part as a courtesan, Lorelei."

  "I know," she said. Though she didn't seem too pleased. He'd talk with Clara, get Celeste's room turned over with fresh linens.

  "Did Clara ask where you came from?" Aaron asked. He needed to make sure their stories were all the same.

  "Actually she said she didn't want to know where I was picked up from. She noticed my brand." Lorelei flashed her wrist at Aaron. "The other girls will notice it too." The scar healed but it was far too obvious and uncommon at the palace, to not be seen.

  "When they ask and undoubtedly they will, you tell them you were one of James's courtesans from several years ago. The girls don't intermingle enough to know everyone from over the years. If they ask what you're doing back, send them to me. I'll deal with it."

  "I don't understand. Why would I become one of your courtesans if I was James's previously?"

  "On rare occurrences trades happen. August is usually the one interested in trying out all the girls, but you're not August's type."

  "What does that mean?"

  Aaron sat at the edge of the bed. "It's a compliment."

  "Oh, I see." She shifted on her bare feet. "Thank you."

  "You're welcome." He reached for her hand, entwining their fingers together.

  "Can I ask you why Clara ignored me when I wanted to know when I'd be getting shoes? She brushed me off."

  "You don't need them in here," Aaron said. "The girls on a rare occasion might join one of us for the day out, with the supervision of a palace guard. When that happens, there's shoes by the foyer. Unfortunately, I don't think my father will be approving of any vacation time away from the palace for awhile."

  Lorelei stepped closer, one hand staying gripped with his, while the other snaked up his arm to his chin. She stroked his cheek and he grimaced. "Sorry."

  "My father isn't an easy man to get along with."

  "Certainly not when you disobey him," Lorelei said. "I know a bit about being a hostage."

  Aaron shook his head. "I'm not a prisoner here." At least he'd never felt like one. He had permission to leave, he just needed a babysitter to accompany him. It felt as though he'd never been given the opportunity to grow up.

  "My apologies."

  "It's fine," he said, reaching for her hands and leading her toward the door that led to the living area in the royal harem. "I want you to meet the other girls. While you're here, they'll be your friends and companions."

  Her eyebrows furrowed. "I don't know, Aaron. I'm not good with other people. It's been awhile since I talked with anyone. I wouldn't know what to say."

  He couldn't convince her to speak the truth. It wouldn't go over well. Unless they threaded the tapestry of lies together. Perhaps parts of her story could be embedded with truth, making the story easier for the two of them to remember. "Just follow my lead."

  Chapter Five

  Aaron led Lorelei into the royal harem's living area. The moment she stepped into the room, her arm draped over the Prince's, the room stilled. Whether she wanted it or not, she had everyone's attention on her.

  "I'd like you to meet Lorelei. She's been brought back after some time away from the palace. Lorelei had spent time with Prince James. She's going to be joining us and staying in Celeste's old room."

  "Where's Celeste?" Riley asked. Her dark bangs made her sapphire eyes appear even bluer.

  "She had to leave us, after sneaking out of the palace." It wasn't a complete lie. "Enough about Celeste. I don't want to hear her name again around here, is that clear?"

  A murmur of acceptance followed.

  "Good. I expect you all to be kind to Lorelei."

  Riley sat up straighter. "Come sit." She patted the empty seat beside her on the sofa. "I want to hear all about Prince James, where you've been, and how you got reacquainted with Prince Aaron."

  Aaron let go of her hand, wanting Lorelei to get comfortable. Though he suspected Riley wouldn't let that happen.

  She showed no hint of nervousness as she sat down beside Riley, her hands politely on her lap. "I think it's a story that Prince Aaron might enjoy telling."

  Riley's eyes narrowed and her face blushed as he pulled up a chair and sat down across from Lorelei. "I can't speak about her time with Prince James, nor would I want to hear it. What happens in each royal harem stays there. We expect discretion."

  "Of course, Prince Aaron," Lorelei said.

  "After she left the palace, she returned home to discover her parents were deceased." Aaron remembered the story of how she had been sold into slavery. He added a few embellishments but stuck to the facts recanting how her uncle sold her, the dangerous man she'd been forced to live with, and how she had defended Prince Aaron when he'd fallen upon her cries for help. He made himself out to be the hero. It was better than any of the girls discovering that Lorelei had killed Celeste. Accident or not, they wouldn't so easily accept her.

  "Wow," Riley said.

  "I know," Lorelei nodded. "I'm lucky that Prince Aaron found me." She batted her eyelashes at the prince.

  He smiled and reached for her hand. "I'm just glad to get you away from the Courtesan Slave Trade. It's a nasty business enterprise. No courtesan should ever be forced into slavery."

  A blonde with brown eyes picked at lint on her skirt. "Maybe not, but isn't that what happens when we leave?"

  It was no secret King Gideon received funds for the girls he sold. "I try and make sure that's not what happens to my girls."

  "You can't guarantee it though," Riley said. "What exactly happened with Celeste? Is that why she didn't have the chance to say goodbye? Was she dragged out and held for auction?"

  Aaron stood, the chair squeaked as it slid against the floor. "That's enough!" he shouted, warning Riley to be quiet.

  Riley leapt from her seat, facing Aaron. "No, it's not! We were supposed to be the lucky ones. Chosen by you and your brothers. How are we lucky if the ones that get turned away get sent home?" Her nostrils flared as she shouted at the prince.

  "I warned you," he said, grabbing Riley by the waist. He sat down, dragging her across his lap and lifted her dress.

  "Let me go this instant!" Riley squealed. Her legs kicked and her arms pounded against Aaron.

  It didn't stop him. "Disobedience is not to be tolerated. Accept your place or be asked to leave." Aaron brought down her panties, letting the square of his palm smack her bottom hard.

  Immediately it left a red print against her creamy porcelain skin. His hand came down again, spanking her a second and a third time. He wasn't letting her get away with speaking to him like that. It wasn't just for Riley's own good but for all the harem girls to understand their role in the community.

  He felt Lorelei's eyes on him, but he refused to meet her stare. Was she angry by the power exchange? He doubted she'd like to be taken over his knee, but the thought stirred a warmth fizzling inside of him.

  Riley began crying, pleading with the prince to stop. Her legs continued thrashing and her hips bucked with every swat he gave to her raw bottom.

  Aaron watched with fascination as the redness bloomed not just from her rear but also her silky folds as they puckered and glistened.

  She was aroused by the spanking. Whether she admitted or not, he could see her source of desire dripping with wetness.

  He wouldn't touch her. Not in front of the other girls. He needed this to be a firm lesson for her to obey him and to leave Lorelei alone.

  Aaron lifted Riley's panties back up and over her hips, setting her properly on the ground to stand. "What did you learn?" he asked her.

  "Not to ask questions." She sniffled like a little girl, her eyes red and brimming with tears.

  "What else?" he said, drawing her closer, his hands on her sore bottom, though he didn't swat her again.

  "Not to be mouthy to a prince. I'm sorry." She wiped the tears staining her cheeks away.

  Aaron nodded. He would accept that as an apology. He let go of Riley. "I expect all of you to be kind to Lorelei or you will face the same punishment. I have some business to attend to. When I return, Lorelei, I'd like you to have dinner with me."

  "Okay." She smiled weakly, not saying anything else.

  Aaron hoped he hadn't frightened her.

  * * * * *

  Everywhere he went, a guard watched over him, except the royal harem. There was no leaving the harem without the guard noticing. The structure had been made so that no girls could easily escape. How had Celeste found her way out of the room and followed him to the car? Too bad he couldn't ask her the trick. She also hadn't been watched as he was right now.

  "Good afternoon," the guard said, nodding at the prince as he stepped into the hall.

  Aaron walked down the corridor. He didn't have to turn around to know he was being followed. The guard's heavy-footed boots echoed on the floor.

  There was no chance of him leaving the palace today, which meant one of his girls would be forced over to King Gideon for tomorrow's fresh pick of virgins. Without a hint of privacy, he couldn't decide which girl to send and help her disappear. Gideon didn't care, so long as the girl was gone.

  Aaron wasn't stupid enough to have thirteen girls. There weren't enough beds and rooms for that arrangement. Besides, none of the girls would likely give up their privacy to share a room. There was no advantage to that, especially as the girls shared their bed with the prince.

  Who would he hand over to his father? He didn't want any of his ladies subjected to such a horrible fate. No one should be thrown into the slave trade. Courtesan or not, a lady was still a person. She'd committed no crime and done nothing wrong. It was the princes that had to choose who was least desirable.

  Aaron hadn't even remembered how long the slave trade had been happening. Certainly since before he was old enough to take a courtesan. August being the oldest, he probably helped father come up with the idea. After all, the girls ate their food and slept like royalty, why not recover the costs. He could hear August saying such words in his head quite easily.

  "Where are you off to this afternoon?" the guard asked.

  Aaron paused on the bottom step, glancing back up over his shoulder. "I have work. You can rest assured I'm not leaving today. There's alarms anyhow, if I so much as try to open a window to the outside or a door."

  The guard relaxed his posture. "I wish I could afford you such privacy, Prince Aaron, but your father made it perfectly clear my assignment."

  "You mean my punishment." Aaron wasn't stupid. He knew that had been part of the deal. He hated having guards as it was, it made life feel less normal. He dreamt of living a humble life, much like he'd done the night before with Lorelei. Though he knew the country was far from that structure. It would be too dangerous with clans of thieves, the slave trade, and the price for a prince's head. Aaron knew royals were worth a lot kidnapped and even more dead. He had always been careful when he snuck out. He'd mapped the journey mentally, known of any suspecting trade routes that were dangerous before driving through the areas. If he wasn't familiar, he'd take the plane up and get a bird's eyes view of the sky.

  "I'm sorry, Prince Aaron. I don't know what you mean."

  Aaron didn't bother trying to play nice with the guard. The prince walked toward the nearest empty room and stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. Perhaps he could pen a letter and request assistance to smuggle a girl out. It shouldn't be a complete surprise, given the need every month for help from his friend's underground.

  However, he knew their movements were difficult at best, always trying to evade the palace and avoid detection. Sending a letter to them was dangerous. It would involve trusting a guard implicitly, and Aaron didn't feel confident enough to do such a task.

  There was a rendezvous point where he met with his rebel friends, but he couldn't get there with the courtesan before midnight. Maybe when the guards changed shift, he could try and escape, but it wouldn't be pretty if he got caught.

  Besides he still had to decide which girl he'd send away. If he didn't choose, his father would and that had been a worse fate. In the past, King Gideon had chosen and picked the girl for himself to enjoy her company and her body, before auctioning her off into slavery. He still remembered her pleas, begging to be set free.

  Riley had been the most challenging girl of the dozen courtesans in the royal harem. However, she also had the most potential to grow, to listen, and change. Besides, she was a leader in many respects, caring for the new girls and usually offering them a friendly shoulder. Though she hadn't been so kind to Lorelei. He had to take that into consideration. Perhaps asking Lorelei her thoughts would be enlightening. She had wanted him entirely to herself and though it wasn't possible, she also was beginning to know the girls. She saw what Aaron couldn't.

  Without hesitation, he headed out of the room and straight up the stairwell.

  The guard's footsteps echoed on the floor as he followed Aaron up to the royal harem. Aaron opened Lorelei's door, giving a soft knock. He slipped inside and shut the door. At least there remained a small semblance of privacy.

  Her room was quiet. Four new dresses in red and gold covered the mattress. Clara must have returned with the gowns as promised.

  Aaron walked from the room through the door into the living area.

  Riley and Sabrina had Lorelei pinned onto the ground. The rest of the girls circled around like vultures, watching the fight.

  "Tell us what you did with Celeste!" Sabrina shouted, holding the red-head down, making it impossible for her to fight back.

  "I swear if I had my gun—"

  "You'd what?" Riley asked. "Shoot yourself?"

  "We want you gone," Sabrina said, snarling.

  "That's enough!" Aaron pushed Riley and Sabrina off Lorelei.

  How long had he been gone? It couldn't have been more than ten minutes.

  He lifted her from the floor and carried her back to his room. The girls in the harem had made the decision easy for him. Riley and Sabrina were leaving. Jealousy would not be tolerated, nor would violence.

  Chapter Six

  Aaron felt like shit after what happened to Lorelei. He'd brought her to the palace to protect her, and all that happened instead were the girls disobeyed him and turned on her.

  After he carried her to bed, he hung the dresses Clara left for her and tucked her into bed. She needed a good bath and cleaning from the fight, but right now rest would do her good. He briefly instructed his father of who he wanted gone: Riley and Sabrina. King Gideon seemed pleased with the decision, but said nothing.