The River Maid by Gemma Holden Page B

same day that Lorelei had appeared.
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Eight
     
    Lorelei moved her aching shoulders and winced at the knots of tension in her neck from holding the same position for hours. Her eyes started to drift shut, but she jerked upright, forcing herself to stay awake. She had been waiting for Christian to return since breakfast, watching as the sun rose to its height and then started its lazy descent in the sky. Day had given way to night now and still she kept watch for him. Every noise, every movement outside, she jumped up, her heart racing, thinking it was him.
    Earlier, she had dined alone with Christian ’s mother. She still wasn’t sure how she should address her. The servants called her Her Highness, while Christian addressed her as mother. Her Highness had tried to make conversation with her, but she hadn’t known how to reply when she spoke about the latest fashions in Europe. In the end, they had eaten in silence. Afterwards, worried she had somehow missed Christian returning, Lorelei had excused herself. There was a better view of the path leading to the castle from her bedroom window.
    She finally saw movement outside. She held her breath as she waited to see who it was. A servant held a lantern up. In its light, she saw Christian swinging down from his black horse. She immediately jumped up and ran from her room. The pain in her feet forced her to slow her pace as she hurried down the stairs. Christian strode in, looking tired, his boots leaving a muddy trail behind him. She whirled to a stop as she caught sight of him. Dark growth shadowed his strong jaw and lines of weariness etched his face. She wanted to brush back the strands of wet hair from his forehead and soothe the lines from his brow.
    “Has my mother retired yet?” Christian asked, his question directed to the male servant who was helping him out of his wet coat.
    “ Not yet, Your Highness. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room.”
    “ Thank you.”
    Lorelei smoothed down her dress as she waited for Christian to notice her, but he was already striding away. She followed soundlessly after him, waiting for him to turn and see her. He entered the drawing room, closing the door behind him and shutting her out. She moved closer to the door and pressed her ear against it. His mother was with him. She could hear their voices through the wood.
    “You look exhausted,” his mother said.
    “ I am exhausted,” Christian replied. He sounded weary.
    “ Where is Gaspard?”
    “He’s still out looking. He refuses to give up.”
    “I take it you didn’t find her?” she asked.
    “ No.” There was a long pause. “We had to abandon the search once it got too dark to see.”
    Fabric rustled and Christian ’s mother said, “You tried, Christian.”
    “ Not hard enough.” He sighed. “I promised her mother that I would find her. I shouldn’t have given her hope.”
    “ You did what you thought was best.”
    “The girl’s mother is convinced that Lorelei knows something about her daughter’s disappearance.”
    Lorelei held her breath, unable to breathe.
    “That’s preposterous.”
    “ I agree, but Gaspard thinks she must have seen something.”
    At that moment, the door opened and Hanna came out carrying an empty tray and almost running into Lorelei. Through the open door, Christian ’s mother could see her from where she sat on the couch next to Christian. With nowhere to hide, Lorelei approached hesitantly. Christian immediately rose when he saw her and bowed.
    His mother frowned. “Lorelei, come in and sit down. Christian cannot sit until you do.”
    Blushing, she sat down on the chair facing the couch and once she was seated, Christian sat.
    “I’m sorry I had to leave you today,” he said, his blue eyes meeting hers. “I hope my mother has been taking care of you in my absence.” She nodded, unable to speak. “There’s something I have to ask you.” He leaned forward. “Yesterday, a girl went missing from