The Temple of Indra’s Jewel: Read Free

except Nick.”
    “Would you like me to give her something to sleep?” The silver-haired man rifled through his black bag.
    “No. I’m fine. I’ll cooperate. Please. Please don’t drug me,” I begged.
    The silver-haired man looked to Gabriella and then to Maria, who nodded and turned to whisper to me in hushed tones. “I know you’ve sustained quite a bump, but no more outbursts, Sapphira, or you’ll be put to bed.”
    I glanced around the room. All eyes continued to stare at me. Perhaps I’d better play along for the moment.
    “Fine.”
    The eyes began to turn away, and the chatter rose once again as Maria took my arm and introduced me to several people, as if nothing happened. As the introductions went on, I realized everyone believed I was this other woman, this Princess Maria’s daughter. I couldn’t help but wonder where this Princess Sapphira really was and why everyone was content to believe this little charade. But then again, everyone had a title, or so it seemed, and I concluded that this was some sort of murder mystery game or costume theatre, and they had all somehow decided I should play a role. Why they thought this would be fun was unbeknownst to me. The only introduction I cared about was to Graf Viktor Wilhelm Alexander Ferdinand of Württemberg, who stood about six foot two and had apparently rescued me from drowning the night before. This was the tall, dark and handsome stranger who’d stared at me earlier.
    He was very attractive in a rugged sort of way, not the type you’d like to meet alone, unless of course you were drowning. His green eyes shone, sweeping the room with a noble expression before settling back on me.
    “Prinzessin, it is an honour to be in your company tonight.” He raised my hand to his lips, but his eyes did not linger long on mine under the scrutiny of Gabriella. My hand dropped, burning, to my side, and my cheeks flamed to match. I longed to get him into a corner alone so we could drop the act and I could find out what the hell had really happened, but Gabriella remained glued to my side. I discovered that Viktor was visiting a neighbouring cousin when I’d turned up face-down on the shore. The topic, much to my dismay, was changed almost instantly. I was itching to know why he had deposited me here with these crazy people. The humming in my ears had finally stopped, and I could hear clearly, although at times I wished I couldn’t. They all spoke so formally, and many seemed to be visiting from different countries. It seemed odd that so many would travel for a dinner theatre, but the rich could be eccentric.
    “How charming you look tonight, Sapphira,” interrupted the Comte de Chalais, steering me away. “You will have some wine, won’t you?”
    It was a redundant question. The wine was already poured in a crystal goblet that stood on the table. It glowed like a bauble in the candlelight. I flashed on a hazy memory of a large, shiny gem, but the image escaped me as quickly as it had come. He handed the glass to me, following my gaze back to the Graf.
    “You are quite taken with him?”
    I snorted unattractively. “Where’s Nick?”
    “Nico? Why would you ask after him?”
    “I’m sorry. I realize you’re playing some sort of costume theatre here, which apparently you all take super-seriously, but I don’t appreciate being pulled into this. Please have someone take me back to that room, and send Nick in while you play your game!” As an afterthought I added, “And perhaps afterward, if you would be so gracious, please explain how the hell we’re getting back to our resort.”
    Gabriella signalled one of the armed guards and I was escorted back to the room I’d awoken in.
    Thank goodness, they’d finally listened.
    The ladies quickly appeared and helped me strip the heavy costume, leaving behind a thin, light dressing gown. They left again, promising to return and settle me into a bath. I stared at the familiar stranger in the mirror. My eyes