The Temple of Indra’s Jewel: Read Free Page B

Versailles. Where were the jeans, T-shirts and sundresses?
    As I fingered a richly embroidered gown, I shivered at the draft blowing in, and I noted there was no zipper. Quickly checking three others, I realized none of them had zippers. Fondling the material between my thumb and forefinger, it occurred to me that these dresses were authentic. Why would someone need authentic nineteenth-century dresses like these—and why so many, unless their whole life was a costume party? Where the hell was I?
    I walked to the antique desk by the fireplace. I pulled the first drawer open hard and fast, surprising myself as it hit the floor with a thud. A piece of wood went flying, and I realized I’d knocked out a small compartment. Rubbing my fingers along the back I discovered a panel that could be removed. A small, leather-bound book was hidden inside. The pages were dense with large, scripted writing. I flipped inquisitively; it appeared to be some sort of diary. I turned back to the first page and noted the initials S M in the upper right-hand corner. My initials, but clearly not my book. I flipped to the middle and glanced at a passage dated 1857.
    Panic flutters in my chest now day and night. Charles is still absent and Mother threatens to join him on his travels to quell the political upheaval we are faced with. I pray desperately to join. I do not wish to be left behind with the snake lurking.
    I placed the book back in the desk and left the room. As I rounded the corner at the end of the hall, I ran into the Graf just as he was about to enter another doorway.
    “Viktor, I’m so glad to see you again.”
    He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I thought you’d retired for the night.”
    “No. Are you staying?”
    “Your mother suggested I spend the night. I’m going hunting in the morning with your uncle Nico and the Comte, and I look forward to seeing you at dinner again.”
    “Uncle Nico. Who is this man?”
    “Pardon?” Viktor said.
    “Never mind. Why did you bring me here when you found me?”
    “What do you mean? Why return you to the palace? You’re displeased?”
    I frowned, shaking my head, unsure how to explain. “No. Yes. It’s complicated. I found this cavern in the sea—”
    “When?”
    I tried to think. “Today or yesterday.” I paused. “I don’t even know what day it is.”
    “You’re serious?”
    “Yes, if you’ll just let me finish. In the sea there is this—”
    “Am I a fool, Princessin?” Viktor interrupted.
    “No, of course not.”
    “Then you’re telling me you swim alone in the sea and that’s permissible?”
    I forced my chin up. “This isn’t coming out right. I’m not from here. Why do you think I belong in this palace?”
    “I apologize, Princessin. I think I am not understanding your English as well as I thought I did.”
    “No. You understand just fine. They’re lying. They think I’m this Princess, but I’m not. I think they’ve done something to her, and now they’re trying to replace her with me.”
    “Are you feeling all right? You’re still confused?”
    “Oh, never mind,” I said, pushing past him.
    “Wait!” I heard him call after me.
    Running, I came to the end of another hall with a staircase leading up. Noises came from behind me. I hurried up the stairs, and as I approached the landing, I saw a door at the top. Good, somewhere to hide. Then I heard the rumble of two male voices from behind it.
    Damn it! I was trapped. Excitement bubbled in my chest as women’s voices grew closer. It sounded like Viktor had alerted someone about my hasty departure.
    I hurried all the way to the top, pausing outside the door and shrinking into the deep doorway as they passed. I was so worried about the ladies catching me that I almost missed the conversation.
    “Does she remember anything?”
    “She doesn’t appear to. What did you do to her?”
    My pulse quickened at the words.
    “Nothing, I swear. I was only trying to catch her as you ordered, my