Chapter 26
Nicole ran all the way to the royal stables. Perhaps she could reach Auguste there. She needed to speak with him. She had missed him while he was gone and she wanted to tell him so. She had softened in her attitude towards him and was anxious to hear anything he might have to say.
“Auguste?� she called into the darkness, but the only answer that was returned was the whinny of one the King’s stallions.
“Auguste?� she called again, not knowing why. This time there was no sound at all.
She turned around and headed for the door, her head down, a little disappointed. Where could he have disappeared to so quickly?
She stepped out into the light. Of course, she thought, he came to see how the King was, not to see you.
On her way towards the castle courtyard, Nicole caught sight of a man speaking to two guards at the gatepost. As she approached however, the two men facing her way stopped and looked up. The man speaking to them turned to face her.
“Nicole?� he asked, a little confused. “Nicole de Lancret?�
Nicole squinted into the sun. She put her hand up to shield her eyes from it. Yet, she did not recognize the man who had spoken to her.
“Yes, that is my name. And may I ask who you are?�
“My name is of no importance right now, milady, but come and follow me. I have been asking these men if they have seen you this morning. I was told I could find you in the north tower. Pray, what are you doing out here?�
“I was looking for someone,� Nicole said, “I thought I saw him this morning from the north tower, but, alas, I see that I have been wrong.�
“I do not believe so, milady,� another voice called. The sun again blinded Nicole. She could not see with whom she had been speaking, but she had recognized the voice.