Read Online Pride of the King, The by Amanda Hughes - Free Book Online

so!"
    "Put me down," ordered Lauren coldly.
    "I don't understand," he said releasing her. “You left our home, not our hearts. Why don't you come and see us Lauren? We miss you terribly. Even Father wishes you would visit."
    "I am very busy now. There is no time for entertainment. Your family saw to that," she said turning and walking up the stairs.
    Rene hesitated in the foyer, trying to make sense of her words.
    "Well? Are you coming? Madame is expecting you," Lauren said from the top of the stairs.
    He climbed the stairs apprehensively and followed her to Madame's room stopping at the threshold. The breeze from the open window carried the scent of heavy perfume and unwashed dogs to his nostrils, and he suppressed a gag. Swallowing hard he entered the boudoir and there like a sultana on her pillows lay Madame Aberjon with Lauren standing next to the bed. The dogs jumped up and inspected Rene as Madame sat up.
    "My darling boy, how delightful to see you," cooed the queen. "Look how you've grown! Your mother must be so proud."
    Rene looked around the room, unable to reply.
    "Lauren, please have Marianne prepare us some chocolate."
    "Yes Madame," replied Lauren as she swept past Rene.
    Catching her by the wrist, he said under his breath, "You're not leaving me alone. Are you?"
    "Why not," she said, "Your father seems to think I can endure being alone with her permanently. Why can’t you for five minutes?”
    Downstairs Lauren found Eugenie, the Indian slave, in the kitchen kneading some bread. "Where is Marianne?"
    "At market," was the girl's reply as she continued kneading.
    "Madame would like some chocolate please. We have a guest."
    Eugenie nodded and turned to the cupboard for Madame's dainty yellow teacups. Silently, she prepared the chocolate as Lauren watched. For the first time since she arrived, Lauren scrutinized Eugenie. Although the same age as Lauren, the girl had experienced most of her life as a slave. She was petite and tidy, and her dark hair was knotted at the back of her head. She suspected that Eugenie had little to say because of her malformed upper lip. It formed a large crease under her nose and prevented her from properly forming her words. Everything she said had a nasal quality and a lisp was prominent.
    "How long have you been with the Aberjons, Eugenie?"
    "Over ten years, Madame."
    "What? You must be no more than fifteen years of age. That is your entire life."
    "Yes, Madame."
    "What tribe were you born to?"
    "Chickasaw. I was captured when the Illinois raided my village."
    "What of your family?"
    "Dead or enslaved," the girl replied flatly. Turning to Lauren with the tray of chocolate she asked, "Is there anything else or may I take this up now."
    "I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry, Eugenie."
    Looking down at the floor, the girl waited to be dismissed.
    "We shall go up now," said Lauren.
    She was reluctant to return to the Madame's room. She knew that once the visit was over, Rene would try to talk to her. Eugenie gave a little knock on the door and entered the boudoir with the tray. Rene was sitting stiffly in one of the pink armchairs next to Madame's bed, and the dogs were at his feet.
    "Where is Marianne?" demanded Madame Aberjon.
    "She has gone to market for tonight's supper," replied Eugenie quietly as she approached the bed with the tray of hot chocolate.
    "Let me see that," the woman said pulling herself up. She inspected the tray with a scowl and said, "You have never made chocolate before have you, girl?"
    Lauren sensed trouble and stepped forward on high alert. Rene read Lauren's face and shifted in his seat. His eyes were darting from Madame Aberjon to Lauren. Even the dogs sensed trouble and left the room.
    "This will not do!" shrieked Madame and in a flash sent the tray flying and its hot contents all over Eugenie. The girl screamed as the liquid hit her skin, and Madame lunged across the bed tearing at her. "You little whore! You are the one he goes to at night! I'm not stupid!" she