'No.' I came to kneel on the bed to prevent his departure. 'There is no mistake.' I kissed my knight to rea.s.sure him, hoping to pick up where we left off. 'Please stay with me.'

Clearly he wanted to, but I had planted a doubt in his mind, and he in mine. 'There will be other nights.'

I suspect that Albray saw how dispirited his decision made me feel, for he raised my chin and urged me to look him in the eye.

'Perhaps we shall both have the courage to speak of how we feel when you're in a conscious state.' He knew that this was partly the reason why I was having trouble believing that he did hold feelings for me.

'But this is my my dream.' I was convinced of that, at least, for our conversation had been too detailed and personal for Molier to have bluffed his way through; it could only have been my imagination. dream.' I was convinced of that, at least, for our conversation had been too detailed and personal for Molier to have bluffed his way through; it could only have been my imagination.

'No, Mia,' Albray confessed. 'You moved beyond mere dreaming when you sought me out last night in the etheric realms. You,' You,' he paused to emphasise, for he knew I would be amazed by his a.s.sertion, 'have mastered the art of astral projection, for this is an out-of-body experience.' he paused to emphasise, for he knew I would be amazed by his a.s.sertion, 'have mastered the art of astral projection, for this is an out-of-body experience.'

I gasped, excited by the news.

'So you see, I was pushed to make the truth known to you,' he admitted at last. 'I couldn't watch you trying so hard to develop your psychic talent when, in fact, you are doing splendidly. Just different psychic skills than those Miss Granville utilised.'

'So you know about our meeting last night?'

He nodded a little guiltily.

I was going to have a go at him for not mentioning it today, but then it occurred to me: 'Is that why you were in such a good mood this morning?'

He restrained his smile, tickled by his own cheekiness. 'That is also why I requested you sleep with the stone after dismissing me...for you could not seek me again in the etheric realms if I was bound to your physical plane of expression. I'm sorry I haven't owned up before now, but I truly thought I would be doing you a disservice...for no substantial relationship can ever come from loving me.'

I nudged his forehead gently with my own and smiled fondly to a.s.sure him, 'I am more than happy with the man of my dreams.'

I kissed him with all the pent-up pa.s.sion I possessed. The fascination was mutual; hence, there was no way in heaven I was allowing my knight to leave unfulfilled.

It had been an eternity since I had awoken from sleep feeling so content and vibrant. I smiled broadly as I stretched out, revelling in the release I felt; then my memory served to remind me that I had felt release several times over during the night, and the recollection of my lover made me feel all the more delicious.

Albray's stone was still in my hand and I held it to my heart. Albray, Albray, Albray. Albray, Albray, Albray.

Miss Montrose, he said, upon appearing at my bedside, and noting my large smile, he asked: he said, upon appearing at my bedside, and noting my large smile, he asked: And what is the cause of today's frightful good cheer? And what is the cause of today's frightful good cheer?

'Sweet dreams,' I replied.

Really? What about? he asked curiously. The smile fell from my face and panic seized my heart. he asked curiously. The smile fell from my face and panic seized my heart. Just kidding. Just kidding. He grinned and lay down on the bed facing me. He grinned and lay down on the bed facing me.

I would have hit him had he had more substance. I feel sure that giving your charge heart failure isn't part of your job description. I feel sure that giving your charge heart failure isn't part of your job description.

I shall never fail your heart, he said in all earnestness. he said in all earnestness. It is the most precious gift I have received in ages. It is the most precious gift I have received in ages.

Oh, G.o.d, he was so perfect. How could creation be so cruel as to place us centuries and centuries apart? I must thank you too. must thank you too.

What for? he inquired winningly. he inquired winningly.

For making me feel so divine...for helping me see the wonder of life and the potential within myself. I have never been more beholden to anyone, Albray. The desire and love I saw in his face made my heart do backflips, and my smile grew so wide it was starting to make my face ache. The desire and love I saw in his face made my heart do backflips, and my smile grew so wide it was starting to make my face ache. Perhaps I could just go back to sleep for a while? Perhaps I could just go back to sleep for a while? I wanted to wrap myself around his body again; union with him aided me to touch the divine within myself. I wanted to wrap myself around his body again; union with him aided me to touch the divine within myself.

I think we've done enough damage for one night.

What do you mean? I frowned, thinking he was having second thoughts about us. I frowned, thinking he was having second thoughts about us.

Albray smiled to rea.s.sure me and then cast a hand wide, indicating I should look at the inside of my tent.

I sat bolt upright when I noticed that my tent seemed to have been ransacked. 'Oh, my G.o.d!' I climbed out of bed, bemused. We did this? did this?

Albray almost laughed. No. YOU did this. No. YOU did this.

Me! I couldn't think how, and then I recalled Ashlee's tale and the instances of objects levitating each time Devere and Ashlee became intimate. I also seemed to remember that her psychic powers had increased when she had been awakened by her prince. I rushed to my mirror. I couldn't think how, and then I recalled Ashlee's tale and the instances of objects levitating each time Devere and Ashlee became intimate. I also seemed to remember that her psychic powers had increased when she had been awakened by her prince. I rushed to my mirror.

Lo and behold, I immediately saw straight through my physical image, through my etheric sh.e.l.l to my light-body's auric hues and the seven whirling centres of light and colour that had become known in esoteric circles as the chakra system. Tears of pride and relief filled my eyes. 'I'm doing it!' I was amazed to see my heart centre pulsating with huge bursts of rose-pink light; this was the same colour that Ashlee had observed emanating from the heart centres of her companions after they had fallen in love.

Yes, you are, Albray agreed, with admiration in his voice. Albray agreed, with admiration in his voice.

I looked back at him, simply beaming with the exhilarating mix of love and power that was surging through my being. Then there can be no doubt that you are my prince, Then there can be no doubt that you are my prince, I said seductively, and this also led me to comprehend something else. I said seductively, and this also led me to comprehend something else. Which means you must be of the blood, too. Which means you must be of the blood, too.

Ah...I was, Albray pointed out. Albray pointed out.

I knelt down in front of him. And your second name wouldn't happen to have been Devere? And your second name wouldn't happen to have been Devere?

Albray was shocked for a moment, wondering how I could have learned this, but as it was obvious I knew the truth, he nodded to confirm my guess.

You never told Ashlee? I a.s.sumed. I a.s.sumed.

It kept our relationship .. . uncomplicated, he justified. he justified. As you shall read. As you shall read.

'Oh...' I protested. Couldn't I just go back to sleep for a little while Couldn't I just go back to sleep for a little while...I mean, the place is already a mess? mean, the place is already a mess?

Placing my personal desires above the greater good would definitely be abusing my position, Albray reasoned. Albray reasoned. But I shall greatly look forward to this evening. But I shall greatly look forward to this evening.

Not nearly as much as me. I released a disappointed breath and resigned myself to my duty. Gazing around at the upheaval in my tent, I thought cleaning up should come first. I released a disappointed breath and resigned myself to my duty. Gazing around at the upheaval in my tent, I thought cleaning up should come first.

Thankfully, I hadn't damaged any of my equipment. Tonight I'll be sure to pack away anything valuable. Tonight I'll be sure to pack away anything valuable.

I imagined all my belongings floating around my tent while I slept, and wondered if I'd been moaning out loud at the same time as I had been in my dream. The idea made me blush with delight and embarra.s.sment. 'It's a good thing the camp is practically empty.'

I checked my email after breakfast, prior to sitting down with Ashlee's tale, to find a message from Andre.

It simply said that the team had been delayed in Sharm el-Sheikh, and wouldn't be back before tomorrow evening. He hoped my research was going well, and requested that I email him to a.s.sure him that all was well at camp.

What a sweetie, I thought, as Andre was obviously still wary of Akbar's interest in me. I, however, was not. I thought, as Andre was obviously still wary of Akbar's interest in me. I, however, was not.

I emailed Andre to a.s.sure him everything was fine, and then made a cup of tea and sat down at my desk with Ashlee's epic journal.

It seemed that the forthcoming chapter was in sync with my current mood, for Ashlee had ent.i.tled it 'Pa.s.sion'.

LESSON 14.

Pa.s.sION.

FROM THE TRAVEL JOURNALS OF MRS ASHLEE DEVERE.

I very much liked my new persona. The clothes that the Duc de Guise had supplied served my purpose beautifully.

I was green velvet from head to foot. This fabric, I was a.s.sured, had been tested with ammonia to guarantee it contained no lethal dye-the duke would not make that fatal mistake again.

The outfit consisted of green trousers that fitted my legs snugly; over the top of these were long brown leather boots which folded down at the knee and were designed to be unfolded as required to give more protection during swordplay or from the elements. On top of my very valuable corset I wore a pale green silk shirt and a long-sleeved velvet jacket that b.u.t.toned down the front. The coat fell to my mid-thigh, but as the duke felt this was not modest enough for a lady of the blood he had his tailor run me up a long sleeveless tunic of the same fabric and colour, which was little more than a length of fabric with a hole in the centre for my head. The tailor added a large hood to this, and once on my body the green velvet tunic fell to my ankles down the front and back. The garment was strapped to my body by the belt that was slung around my hips-in which was holstered my pistol on my right side while a scabbard that held my sword hung on my left. The additional tunic gave me the comfort of modest attire, but as there were no joins down the side of the garment, it did not restrict riding and swordplay.

With my hair braided back and the green velvet hood drawn over my head, I could easily pa.s.s for a man-albeit with a somewhat dated sense of fashion. Still, as a woman, I felt very bohemian.

On the first night of our journey, the males of the clan were delighted that their women had decided to journey with the caravans toward Orleans to await the outcome of my meeting with de Guise. Subsequent to my speedy victory, we met up with the rest of the Charon clan en route back to the road to Paris.

In the camp there was much rejoicing and the gypsies held a great feast in my honour that night-for we had provisions aplenty courtesy of the duke. I had the very great pleasure of being serenaded by Cingar, and he was masterful indeed; he played more pa.s.sionate and heart-wrenching violin compositions than any famed composer I had been made aware of. In addition, Cingar was also one of the most beautiful men I had ever seen, with long unruly dark curls falling to his waist and a wee French-style beard and moustache. He had beautiful soft brown eyes, a tanned and vibrant face, and a body that was long, lean and fit from life on the road. I also loved all his jewellery-rings, ornate wristbands and charms on neck chains-but most of all I liked the large round earring attached to his left ear and indicated to any interested girl that he was still a single man.

But not for long, Chavi had informed me. As Cingar's grandmother-her husband, daughter and son-in-law being deceased-it was Chavi's responsibility to choose a suitable wife for Cingar from among other Romany clans. This she had done and Chavi invited me to the wedding, which would take place en route to the sea. Cingar had yet to meet his bride and was more than a little apprehensive about doing so. Apparently, the band had been heading home to Italy for the happy event when Cingar had received the duke's request to play at the court in Orleans. As Cingar was willing to do anything to avoid facing his marriage vows he had had the caravan sidetrack to Orleans, which had nearly proven fatal.

Despite his engagement, in grat.i.tude for his freedom the captain had pledged his undying devotion and service-for a gypsy, there was nothing on Earth that was valued more than liberty. Cingar said that he would make my feats legendary and dedicate to me everything he composed from this day forth.

Of course, I was flattered, but there seemed little point to such devotion when I dared not even tell my gypsy friends my true name. 'If you will see me swiftly and safely to the sea, then I shall be forever in your debt, captain.' Cingar insisted it was not enough, and so we argued in merry spirits for most of the evening.

In recognition of my service, an entire caravan had been vacated for me to inhabit. Not even Nanny was to share with me for she had taken up lodging with a family of three orphaned girls, aged between five years and fourteen, who were not prepared to relinquish her to my company for the night.

I had not seen Nanny so well and filled with such vitality in many years, so I was not about to break four hearts and do away with the opportunity for privacy and quiet into the bargain! The arrangement suited me just fine.

At dawn my consciousness was greeted by the sweet sound of Cingar's violin and it stirred my heart fearfully. I had disciplined myself not to think about Devere and those precious few days we'd spent together, but the music was so emotive of love that I couldn't help but recall those intimacies that now caused me pain and torment. 'G.o.d d.a.m.n that man,' I muttered under my breath, my longing filling my eyes with tears. I surmised that my husband's dread of his brotherhood's wrath was the driving motivation behind his ardent pursuit of me.

'I shall not mourn the loss of his favours,' I lectured myself as I climbed out of bed to dress. I was convinced that that was all there was to it-I had never experienced s.e.xual bliss with any man but Devere, so how did I know that such ecstasy could not be found with any man that tickled my fancy?

I found myself dwelling on Cingar as I dressed and how enchanting he was. I held no delusions that he was in love with me, but certainly l.u.s.t was in the air.

That kind of thinking will land you in strife, Mrs Devere.

Noting his emphasis on the Mrs Devere Devere part of that statement, I looked to find Albray leaning against the closed doorway of my quarters. part of that statement, I looked to find Albray leaning against the closed doorway of my quarters.

I forced a smile, not in any mood to be lectured. I wanted Devere out of my heart and Cingar was just the man to take care of it for me. And as the captain was to be married soon I would form no attachment. 'I thought you said you were useless when it came to affairs of love?'

I am, he insisted, he insisted, which is how I can tell you're heading for disaster. which is how I can tell you're heading for disaster.

'No offence, dear friend, but I am not asking for your counsel in this matter.' I finished strapping on my weapons belt and waited for my knight to move aside so that I might join the rest of the band for breakfast before they packed up for the journey south.

Don't love in haste, for spite, he appealed, moving out of my path. he appealed, moving out of my path. It will leave you bitter and remorseful, guaranteed. It will leave you bitter and remorseful, guaranteed.

'Are you speaking from experience, Albray?' I strongly suspected that he was.

Yes, unfortunately.

'Well, we all have to make mistakes,' I told him and exited, to be greeted by Cingar who, I discovered, was playing for my benefit.

'I shall thus stir your soul to wakefulness every day,' Cingar vowed.

'Every day until you are wed,' Chavi added in warning, for she clearly saw how her grandson doted on me.

When Chavi and Cingar began arguing rather fervently in a dialect I couldn't understand, I left them to see Nanny about breakfast.

FROM THE HONEYMOON JOURNAL OF LADY SUSAN DEVERE.

I must say that I am very, very annoyed with my friend, Ashlee Devere, for I feel that her latest stunt to elude her husband was nothing short of cruel!

I can hardly believe our dear sister allowed us to think she was suffering in prison this last week when, in fact, she was probably halfway to Italy by now. Not only has she caused Mr Devere much distress and torment, but James and I have been worried out of our minds.

We would still be commuting to the estate of the Duc de Guise every day to plead Ashlee's case had Devere not found the opportunity to kiss the hand of the d.u.c.h.ess de Guise, whereby he learned the truth and was devastated by it. That Ashlee would go to such lengths to lose him weighed heavily on his heart.

'I am beginning to wonder why I continue this pursuit. I shall never be able to win back her heart and trust.' Mr Devere's eyes turned to the rain beyond our carriage window; the sombre weather complemented his grave mood.

'Of course you will.'

I was surprised when Lord Devere beat me to rea.s.sure our brother.

'All we have to do is get your dear wife to stand still long enough to hear your side of the story.'

'I'll never catch her.' Mr Devere sounded so defeated. 'She has a week's head start.'

'Our sister is travelling with a large caravan, and it is bound to move more slowly than we do,' I reasoned. 'And although no one in Italy will know who Ashlee is, I feel sure that Cingar Choron will be easy enough to track down.' I reached across and placed a hand over my brother's and squeezed it tight; I had never known anyone to be so cursed by love. I recalled Mr Devere retrieving Ashlee's charm from the ground on the first day they'd met, and how she had warned him that he would be cursed for his politeness. 'Don't give up on her yet. If Ashlee is in as much danger as you suspect, then you'll get an opportunity to prove where your allegiances truly lie.'

'You're right.' Mr Devere took a deep breath and attempted a smile. 'Thank you...both.' He included James in the equation. 'Your support through this has been invaluable, and very much appreciated.'

'Think nothing of it,' Lord Devere insisted. 'It has been a very interesting journey thus far, and no doubt more educational and stimulating than loitering about, and entertaining, at the Chateau de Vere for months.'

Both Mr Devere and I were rather surprised by my husband's change in att.i.tude.

'I'm rather glad I came along.' My husband pulled out his paper and a cigar, and as content as can be, sat back to read. 'This travelling business is a lot more character building than I gave it credit for. I'm beginning to see why the Grand Tour was so popular.'