His Majesty chooses to do with his disobedient daughter is his own affair.’
Gerlach didn’t answer, for he knew the freiherr would do nothing to offend the king. The man was blind to the princess’s suffering, and he was glad Serena was far away from the palace. Thankfully, by obeying the freiherr and sending men to each of the estates, it would grant the princess more time, for Gerlach knew she wasn’t there. Though he feared her escape could only be temporary, he hoped she would succeed.
‘As my lord commands,’ Gerlach said, lowering his head to acknowledge his orders.
‘Captain Feldmann,’ von Meinhardt continued. ‘If she isn’t found, the king will hold someone to blame. It won’t be me.’
The implication wasn’t missed on Gerlach, and he bowed. He’d known the risk in aiding the princess, but he’d wanted to do what was right.
‘I’ve ordered the arrest of your wife,’ the freiherr informed him. ‘She will be held prisoner in your place, while you find the princess.’
The ground seemed to disappear from beneath his feet. Was that man that heartless to arrest an innocent woman?
‘My wife has done nothing wrong,’ Gerlach protested. ‘You’ve no right—’
‘No, you had no right to ignore the king’s orders. And perhaps this will motivate you to find her sooner.’
Gerlach gritted his teeth to hold back words he was going to regret. The freiherr was a dangerous man, especially when angered. And he didn’t know if the baron was aware that they had a son. If he mentioned the boy, he sensed that von Meinhardt would imprison him, as well. He couldn’t hide the fury and resentment on his face, his hands clenching into fists.
‘You’re dismissed, Captain,’ the freiherr said. ‘The sooner you find the princess, the sooner we’ll release your wife. And take you in her place.’
Chapter Four
The fürst quickened his pace, keeping his hand around her waist. Serena knew it was merely to ensure that she kept up with his stride, yet the warmth of his hand felt too familiar. She tried to move away from him, but his hand only curled around her in a protective grasp.
‘Please,’ she said softly, ‘don’t touch me.’
She expected him to ignore her request; instead, his hand dropped away, his face sobering. He waited for her to say more, but Serena felt her cheeks redden. What could she say? That any kind of touch bothered her, reminding her of the beatings she’d endured? His penetrating gaze pushed down her defences, leaving her to feel desperately uncomfortable.
The prince took the edges of her fichu and parted them, revealing her bruised throat. ‘This was why you left the palace. Wasn’t it?’
He knew.
Serena couldn’t find the right words to answer so she remained silent.
‘Who did this to you and why?’ he demanded.
She flinched at his harsh tone. Without answering, she took the edges of her fichu, and used the lace scarf to cover her neck.
There was a flash of anger in the prince’s eyes before he returned his gaze back to the house. Though he hadn’t pressured her for the answers, she sensed that he was only biding his time.
The prince led her to the back entrance of the house, locking it tightly behind them. As they continued through the maze of rooms, the silence continued. At last, they reached the drawing room.
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