Murderous Matrimony(63)

Diego and Lorenzo?—not so much. They didn’t even know what they were doing.

Manny found me. He was grinning from ear to ear. An older man and woman were with him. They were dressed in elaborate, colorful robes and wearing heavy gold chains. The diamonds in the woman’s ears were the size of marbles.

“Lady Jessie Morton,” Manny began with pride in his voice. “May I present King Aengus, my father. And Queen Brarn, my mother.”

The king took my hand and smiled. “We understand that you have been a good friend to our son. We thank you.”

Queen Brarn also smiled. “My thanks to you also, Lady Jessie. Though we had hoped Manawydan was hiding out here because he was in love with you, it is good to know he has such a friend in this country.”

“They are going to let me stay!” Manny was so excited that he could barely keep his glasses on. “I don’t have to hide out any longer.”

I held his hand. “You saved my life, Manny. I’ll never forget it.”

Chase came up and bowed to the king and queen. “I have arranged for you to stay with Queen Olivia and King Harold at the castle until the wedding, if you like. Please accept this as an official invitation.”

King Aengus inclined his regal head. “We would love to attend your wedding, Sir Bailiff. Thank you for your kindness.”

“Manny, maybe you could see them up there and get them settled in,” Chase said. “They are expecting you.”

Manny’s face was serious as he bowed to Chase. “We thank you, sir.”

Chase dropped down beside me in the grass as they started toward the castle. I hadn’t even noticed that they had real courtiers and servants walking behind them.

“That should be interesting. Two kings and two queens, plus your parents at the castle until the wedding. I hope the castle is still standing.”

“Come on.” He helped me to my feet. “It will be fine. Let’s get you home. I believe you are in need of some rest, my lady.”

I thought he was being extremely optimistic about the kings and queens getting along, but I was done with worrying about anything—at least for that day. “Why sir, you wax poetic. Mayhap you should take a turn on the Romeo and Juliet Stage.”

“You are too kind.” He smiled and bowed. “Perhaps we could share a repast at Peasant’s Pub later today.”

There were no visitors around. We were just playing, but it was fun.

Chase got a wicked smile on his handsome face as he took me in his arms and dipped me close to the cobblestones. “Keep this on thy lips, my lady.”

As he kissed me, the crowd of knaves, fools, varlets, lords and ladies around us went wild. There were no photos, but there were dozens of good wishes.

I fanned my face with my hand, and the ladies around me smiled and nodded.

We walked back to the Dungeon, though Chase had offered to carry me. I was sore, and still a little winded, but I was capable of getting there on my own two feet.

“Did they find Marion?” I asked him.

“Yes. She was trying to leave the Village. I don’t think she’s going any further than the police station.”

“That’s so sad. Why in the world did she suddenly think she was going to be a famous actress?”

“Who knows?” He shrugged. “Why do people want to take off their clothes and get in one of the fountains? Why do visitors rush into the Field of Honor while the knights are jousting? People do crazy things sometimes.”

“I get that.”

“You’re lucky you weren’t killed today.” He kissed my hand. “Is there any way I can get you to stay at the museum all day and not get involved with crazy people who want to kill you?”

I thought about it. “I don’t think so. Maybe someday when I’m too old to walk or ask questions.”

“That’s what I thought.”

His radio went off, as always. He ignored it.

“You know I’d give all of this up for you, right?” he asked with the sweetest sincerity in his brown eyes.

“I know. You’d get a job as a lawyer somewhere that your family feels is appropriate, and play golf every week. I could join a garden club, and drink martinis with women I don’t like—and sleep with their husbands while you’re working.”

“Wait a minute!” he protested. “I didn’t say anything about all of that!”

I laughed and kissed him, feeling lighter than cotton candy. “I love you, Chase. I’d live wherever you wanted, but I’m glad we live here.”

His radio went off again, this time somehow more demanding.

“It’s Detective Almond. I have to go. Sorry.” He kissed me again with a fierce hunger that weakened my knees. “But I’ll be back.”