Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“The sons of a baker and a charwoman,” Augustine smirked. “True, but I wonder if Prince Everand would care.”
No, Ev didn’t seem the type to care.
But his mother and father would. That was all that mattered.
“Please, August, don’t tell Mother,” Hugo pleaded. All the nervous energy that had carried him out of bed fled him in the blink of an eye. He just wanted to return to his pillows and not think about the world for a day or two.
“Fine,” his brother moaned and crossed his arms over his chest. “I won’t mention it, but I think you’re selling yourself too cheaply.”
A ghost of a smile slipped across Hugo’s lips as he trudged up the stairs. Ev had told him the same thing.
He tumbled into bed and wrapped himself up in his blankets so that no part of him was visible to the outside world. It took a while to fall back to sleep, but he didn’t mind because it gave him a chance to replay each and every kiss he’d shared with the prince.
The next death seeker didn’t bother with knocking. He flung open the door and pulled at Hugo’s blankets, forcing him awake.
“Hugo, you must get up right now,” Dorian ordered.
“Why?” Hugo whined.
Why was the world so against him getting a few hours of sleep? It was a conspiracy. The universe hated when he was well rested.
“There is an official from the royal court here to read an edict from the freaking king, and you have to be present. Something about saving the prince and rewards. Mother is shouting for the smelling salts. Get up!”
Hugo flew out of bed a second time and started snatching clothes. At this rate, he was going to have a heart attack before supper. Thankfully, Dorian was more clearheaded as he shoved smarter clothing choices into Hugo’s hands and helped him to dress in record time. They hurried down the stairs to where the court official was waiting in the parlor, sipping tea and listening to Mrs. Baker fawn over him. The poor man looked eager to escape this madhouse, and Hugo was prepared to follow right on his heels.
“Mr. Hugo Baker?” the official inquired, putting his teacup and saucer aside as he rose gracefully to his feet.
“Yes, sir. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“No trouble at all, Mr. Baker. His Highness warned us that you might be feeling poorly because of your injury.”
“Injury? Hugo, darling, you were hurt?” his mother cried. Her bottom lip wobbled, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.
“No, Mother, it was just a minor cut. Nothing at all. His Highness is too thoughtful to worry about such a tiny thing,” Hugo said to his mother while tossing a warning look at Augustine, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat in the corner of the room. Augustine didn’t say a word, but Hugo didn’t feel good when he noticed Dorian edging closer to their younger brother. The little snot was going to spill everything.
But right now, Augustine was not his biggest concern. That went to Prince Everand and his very busy mouth.
“Mr. Baker, His Royal Majesty was greatly relieved to have his only son safely returned to the palace early this morning, thanks to your efforts. He has issued a royal edict that he has asked me to read,” the official resumed.
Hugo bit his tongue to hold back more words to downplay his efforts to save Everand. He really hadn’t done all that much, but there seemed no point in arguing that.
The official opened an elegant red-and-gold folio, which contained a single piece of parchment with beautiful script.
“His Royal Majesty, King Hubert Cornelius Thaddeus Rosewood the Third wishes to bestow his deepest appreciation for the gallant and quick-witted assistance Mr. Hugo Baker provided to his only son, Crown Prince Everand Rupert Desmond Rosewood the First. It was through his bravery and selfless actions that the crown prince was able to return home safely. Mr. Baker’s noble actions helped to preserve the peace and prosperity of Branem.”
As he started speaking, their front door opened and a servant in royal livery trooped in, carrying a medium-sized chest. He stopped next to the official and opened the lid, revealing a mountain of gold and silver coins, precious gems, and strings of gleaming pearls, each as big as Hugo’s thumb. Hugo and his family gasped at the wealth. It was more than enough to fund Hugo’s season and a comfortable life for all of them for at least several years.
“This chest of coins and jewels is a token of His Majesty’s appreciation,” the official stated. “A stallion by the name of Midnight will be delivered this afternoon. He comes from a long line of horses who were ridden exclusively by the royal family. A full accounting of his illustrious pedigree will be provided upon delivery.”