Page 15 of Hupotasso

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

“Why?”

“No one is permitted technology once they enter the castle grounds. It’s for your security and privacy.”

“Yeah, sure,” I scowl. “Tell me this,Caroline, if I told you I don’t want you. If I said I don’t want a companion, would you leave?”

“I’m Lord Falcon’s third cousin removed,” she smiles again, “it’s my honour and pleasure to serve you.”

“Just as I thought,” I snap, brushing past her and striding down the hall towards my bare cell.

When I reach it I slam the door in her face.

A few seconds later she knocks perfunctorily and enters without permission.

“I really am sorry if I’ve done or said anything to offend you,” she says quietly as she walks towards where I stand, staring out the window, rage at my predicament blinding me with tears. “This is not at all how I hoped our introduction would go.”

“Just fuck off, please,” I whisper. “Isn’t it enough that I’m a prisoner?”

“My lady,” she says gently, “you are no prisoner. You and I are about to travel the world.”

I grit my teeth and turn to her.

“And how do you imagine I’m going to do that if I have no clothes, no personal effects and no idea where I’m going or what the hell I’m supposed to do when I get there?”

“That’s what I’m for,” she smiles again. “Later I’ll escort you to the ballroom where many of the world’s best designers have set up racks of clothes for you to choose from. There’s no limit,” her eyes twinkle, “no expense is spared. You can choose everything you need from the bedroom to the ballroom. You can think of itas your own private royal boutique. Then there’s your jewellery and shoes to choose… such fun.”

I raise my eyebrows. It’s not lost on me that they don’t want me shopping in the real world or dealing with people. God forbid I should start screaming and begging to be saved.

“You’ll wear the traditional garb of each of the cultures you visit, but haute couture while travelling. I’ll guide you in your choices, of course,” she adds.

“Of course,” I snap.

“In the meantime, have a bath. I understand you’ve consummated your marriage — when was your last period?”

“That’s none of your fucking business!”

“I’ll send a maid with towels and a comfortable change of clothes for you,” she goes on as if I hadn’t spoken, and as if she hadn’t just shocked me by asking something intensely personal. “A hair stylist will also visit.”

I watch as she walks to the wall and rings the bell for the maid.

“I’ll also send up the itinerary for our trip and the protocols you’ll follow.”

“Protocols youhopeI’ll follow.”

She turns to me and smiles.

“Oh, you’ll follow them,” she allows her fangs to descend ever so slightly. “I’m sure we’re going to becomesuchfirm friends, your ladyship.”

“You are very much mistaken about that,” I growl.

Without another word she leaves.

I hear the key turn in the lock before she walks away.

12

“Of course she’s still here. She’s my wife,” I snap as I turn away from Sophie’s calculating stare to pour myself a drink. “Don’t think to try and control me, Sophie. That was never our way and it’s not about to start now.”