Page 34 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Marie, Natalie, and Peter were all grinning from ear to ear, whooping and jumping in delighted anticipation.

I cannot deprive them of this.

Groaning, Alexander drew his remaining sword and stood between Rose and Olivia as he proclaimed, “It would appear theterms are set. Or are you no longer brave enough to face the challenge?”

“Never!” the children cried in unison.

“Then, for your first challenge, I give you this clue.” With a flourish, Alexander produced a sealed piece of paper and handed it to Marie. “Though I daresay, you will be unable to solve my little puzzle.”

Marie stuck her tongue out at him as she beckoned Peter and Natalie towards her. Taking advantage of her distraction, Alexander gestured to Rose and Olivia, and together they strode swiftly towards the maze, glancing over their shoulders as they ducked into a hidden spot.

“I would say we have a little while before they discover the answer to the first puzzle.” Alexander rolled his shoulders back and looked at Rose. “I have hidden clues and puzzles all around the grounds. They will eventually lead them to the heart of the maze, where we will have our final confrontation, and they must defeat me in combat.”

Olivia nodded. “Usually, the Pirates also hide in different locations and attempt to ‘catch’ the officers as they solve the puzzles. Where have you hidden the other clues?”

Alexander pulled his pocketbook out and ran through his list of locations. “The first puzzle will take them to the boathouse, from there they will journey to the stables and must talk to a specific groom to unlock their next secret. Then they will be directed to the entrance hall.”

As he detailed the various locations, he tried not to look at Rose. Yet, her quiet intensity and focus seemed to steal his attention. When he was finished, her mouth was slightly parted.

She thinks you are ridiculous.

“Perhaps we could create a false trail? Is that in line with the game’s rules?” Her question surprised him.

Before he could answer, Olivia said, “Knowing Alexander, he has already created several false trails. Were you planning on being at some of them to fight our brother and sisters?”

Alexander nodded. “The secret of the lake and, of course, the apple tree by the stables.”

“I shall go to the lake and see if I can lure our dearest siblings off the trail, and then return to the center of the maze for our final confrontation. Alexander, give me one of your swords.” Olivia held out a hand expectantly.

“And what am I supposed to use?” He arched an eyebrow at her.

“I am sure your Pirate Queen will keep you safe. Besides, I have no doubt you have placed spare swords around the place.” Olivia turned to Rose and added, “Dread Pirate Golden Eye is known for losing his weapons in a fight.”

Rose bit her lip, clearly holding in a laugh. Alexander felt himself redden once more.

“There is a spare sword in the stables. You can collect it on your way to the lake.” Alexander attempted to sound authoritative and dignified but found that he simply sounded mulish.

How does my sister do this to me?

Olivia threw her hands in the air in frustration. “Fine! But if the others ‘kill’ me because I am unarmed, then I am blaming you.”

“I am sure you will be fine.” Rose’s eyes were full of mischief. “Besides, you have longer legs. You should easily be able to outrun them.”

“The betrayal!” Olivia shook her head, laughing. “To think you care so little for my life.”

“As Pirate Queen, difficult decisions must be made.” Rose giggled.

“Do not worry, Olive, your sacrifice will be remembered forever.” Alexander grinned teasingly. “We shall sing songs of your heroic deeds.”

Olivia shook her head in mock disgust. “Fine, but if they are not enough to make the minstrels weep, I shall haunt you for all eternity.”

She left without waiting for an answer, leaving Rose and Alexander alone. Silence stretched between them, but something felt different about it.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair. “Where would you like to wait for the Officers?”

Rose flushed. “I am not very familiar with the grounds. I am not even really sure how to find the center of the maze.”

“Ahhh, yes.” Alexander frowned. “The grounds and castle can be quite tricky to navigate without a guide. And I would not want you to be lost and miss the final confrontation.”