Soldier of Fortune: The King's Courtesan (Rakes and Rogues of the Retoration Book 2) by Judith James Page A

me.”
    “Yes?”
    “And I was curious.”
    Charles nodded. “Naturally. That’s a wicked weapon, Captain, if not terribly practical. Worth a good deal of money, I expect. Most prefer something lighter, with more flexibility. A rapier or cutlass perhaps.”
    Robert shrugged. “It is not meant for dueling or to impress the ladies, Your Majesty. You might call it…a personal possession of sentimental value . It was left me by my father.
    “Ah!” The king looked at him with a grin. “Call me Charles. May I see it?”
    The moment he drew the sword four men at arms stepped from the shadows along with two gentlemen who’d been playing cards in an alcove across the room. Robert didn’t know if it was a display meant to warn him, but as an officer he was impressed. Charles motioned them back with a negligent wave and after Robert laid his sword on the table, gestured for him to sit.
    “Germanic perhaps. They do like their wolves.” He examined the blade with interest. “But I’ll wager this is a Spanish steel.” He turned it over. “ Lex Talionis. Tell me, Captain—” he leaned forward, and there was hint of playful challenge in his voice “—on whom do you seek revenge?”
    Robert leaned forward, too. “If it were some fellow seated in this chamber, Majesty, he’d already be dead.”
    “God’s blood, but you’re a bold and impudent fellow!” Charles’s laughter rang through the room. “You’re not exactly what I expected, but damn me if I don’t think you’ll do. Here. Take it back.” He slid the sword to Robert. “It’s bound to be an accursed nuisance when dancing. Have a care not to trip up the ladies tonight.”
    Is our interview over? Why in God’s name did he call me here? “Your Majesty. I came here at your summons. I’ve been waiting all day. Might I enquire as to—”
    “All in good time, Captain. Hurry now or we shall be late.”
     
    ~
     
    Robert knew the king was notoriously informal. It was said he attended private parties, taverns, even brothels, and played the country gentleman at Newmarket every fall. It was unheard of in any other court in Europe, yet he and his brother James could be seen frequently at dinner and supper, dispensing with formality for the sake of entertainment. It took remarkable courage and confidence in the love of his people to allow them to see and interact with him as simply a man. He felt a grudging respect. But it was a shock nonetheless to be bundled into a carriage and told they were off to a party that his other mistress and he were hosting in their town house on Pall Mall.
    It was May Eve, a beautiful night, and though dusk had already settled it wasn’t yet full dark when they rolled to a stop in front of grand three-story house on the desirable western end of the street. Shaded by elms, with a garden adjoining the king’s garden at St. James’s Palace, it backed onto the park. Several carriages were arrayed on the street out front and it looked as though the gathering was well underway.
    There were occasions in battle, when despite training, planning, and good intelligence, one found oneself cut off and lost in a situation one couldn’t foresee or control. When that happened, one trusted to one’s instincts and waited, going with the flow of events, watching for that moment when direction and momentum could be wrested back again. Robert Nichols still had no idea why the king who’d stripped him of his lands had summoned him to court and made him his boon companion. And with no answers forthcoming, he prepared to observe.

 
     
     
CHAPTER EIGHT
     
     
    Hope Matthews could hardly contain her excitement. Hosting this evening with Charles and his friends made up for a thousand tiny hurts. For the past year and a half, just like Cinderella, she would appear at Whitehall, set tongues to wagging, and then hurry home at midnight with nothing but the remnants of a dream. But tonight she was hosting the ball! Well…dinner party. Tomorrow would be