Read Online Monsoon Mists by Christina Courtenay - Free Book Online Page B

He looked from one to the other. ‘I gather you’ve already met?’
    Mrs Miller nodded. ‘At the Factory the other evening, when you had another engagement.’
    ‘I see.’ He sent his stepmother an impatient glare. ‘Well, perhaps this will teach you to hold onto your possessions a bit better in future, Zar.’
    ‘I was! They’re just so quick,’ she defended herself, but Miller had already turned away. ‘Besides, there was nothing of any great value in there.’
    ‘If you say so. Now may we go, please? I have a meeting later so no time to stand around. Good day to you, Mr Kinross.’
    Mrs Miller opened her mouth as if she was going to protest, but then obviously thought better of it. She gave Jamie a quick nod, before hurrying off. ‘Thank you again, I’m in your debt.’
    As he watched her walk away, Jamie almost smiled to himself. That she was.
    Perhaps he should demand something in return?

Chapter Seven
    ‘Where have you been, Dev? I thought I asked you to be present yesterday during my meeting with our neighbour, the old Nawab of Bhalagat?’
    The Rajah of Nadhur was once again striding around his chamber, while his younger half-brother sprawled on a mountain of cushions in a corner picking his nails with the tip of a dagger. Bijal watched silently from his usual vantage point by the window – present, but not really a part of the scene. The quarrel was between the brothers and he had no need to intervene. It was going very well without any interference from him, in his opinion.
    ‘That old bore. Why should I sit around all day watching him dribble while he eats? He’s disgusting,’ Dev drawled.
    ‘And you’re not? Drinking yourself insensible every night. Bedding every woman in my palace – my palace mind – and picking fights with courtiers who dare not oppose you because they fear the consequences. I’ve had enough of it, I tell you!’ Nadhur’s fist came down on a small ornamental table and sent a gaming set flying off in all directions. No one came to pick it up as all the servants had been banished for the moment. Nadhur had said he didn’t need any witnesses to this confrontation, which was probably wise of him, Bijal thought.
    ‘What else is there to do here? You make all the decisions and there are servants to perform every task. As I see it, it’s my duty to be seen to enjoy the privileges of being your brother.’
    ‘Privileges, is it? And what of all the money you’re spending? Don’t think I haven’t noticed that a few of my possessions have gone missing. Are you giving them to the moneylenders in exchange for coin?’
    Dev shrugged. ‘So what if I’ve helped myself to an ugly statue or two. I’ve only taken the ones my mother told me she brought as part of her dowry.’
    ‘And what of the talisman? She most certainly didn’t bring that.’
    ‘Talisman?’ Dev looked up at last, genuine confusion in his gaze. ‘What do you mean? I wouldn’t take that. I may be bored, but I’m not unhinged.’
    Nadhur glared at him. ‘So you deny “borrowing” it?’
    Dev stood up and marched over to stand nose to nose with his older brother. ‘I most certainly do. Are you accusing me of something? Because I don’t find it amusing to be called a thief.’
    They squared off for long moments, then Dev flung away and headed for the door. ‘What would be the point of me taking the talisman?’ he threw over his shoulder. ‘I’d be struck down by the gods, everyone knows that. If you’ve lost it, you need to look elsewhere for a scapegoat, brother.’
    After his departure, Nadhur slumped down onto the pile of cushions so recently vacated by Dev and buried his head in his hands. ‘I don’t know what to think, Bijal,’ he muttered. ‘He always looks so innocent … no, guileless, and yet, I know he’s trouble personified. I want to believe him, but how can I?’
    He lifted his gaze and stared straight at Bijal, who suppressed a sudden urge to squirm. ‘I don’t know,