Chapter 7
“What about Marie and Nicole?� Auguste asked.
“Just that they aren’t who they seem to be.�
“And how do you know that?�
“Well,� Francis said, “it was something that the courier noticed when I asked him to deliver that note. He said that the one he delivered it to was called Marie, but yet, he heard her say that she had to go see Marie about something and said she’d return shortly.�
Auguste smiled slightly. He didn’t want Francis to see. “That would be Nicole, would it not?�
“Yes, Auguste, I believe it would. She’s the one with the auburn hair.�
“And Marie’s is slightly darker.�
“Yes, yes,� Francis nodded. “Nicole is the better looking of the two. And I am supposed to marry Marie next year.�
Auguste smiled. This was getting better and better. He had developed a liking for Nicole or Marie or whatever her name was and didn’t want to lose her. Not to Francis anyway.
“When would you like me to start this assignment, milord?� Auguste was smirking again, but Francis would have none of it.
“Whenever you see fit, Auguste. I would suggest tomorrow morning.�
“Do you want me to mention that you know who they really are?�
Francis stood up quickly. “No, man. Do not be foolish. Do not let on that you know. Besides,� he said smiling, “I’m not sure myself. That’s why you are going on this lovely assignment.�
“Will you be joining me anytime soon, Your Highness?�
Francis was getting angrier. “Of course, you troublemaker, as soon as I am able. Why, you know what I have to go through here? You know what a taskmaster my father is at times. You know that I can…
Francis stopped when he saw the smile on Auguste’s face. He smiled back. “Alright,� he conceded, “maybe I do take this stuff to seriously.�
“Someday,� Auguste said, scolding him playfully, “you will have that stroke that everyone talks about…�
“Get out of here, you fool,� Francis laughed as he pushed Auguste out of the room. “And don’t return until you have some answers for me.�
“Will do, my Prince,� he said, letting Francis pushed him out of the room.