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that what you are asking of me?”
    He made me sound like an unreasonable twit. “Of course not, Captain. We shall go willingly.”
    The captain nodded, his relief evident. “Please escort Miss Kilbrid to the deck,” he directed the crewman. “And notify the other passengers that they need to disembark within the quarter hour. I’ve no intention to keep the king waiting.”

Chapter Three
    Eyes Too Many
    We were a subdued lot as the boat slid across the water toward the dock. Two burly men pulled the oars, their thick necks jumping with cords of muscle from the effort it took to move our party of five and accompanying trunks to shore. Though the men seemed pleasant enough, smiling and inquiring about our journey, I stared straight ahead, my eyes searching the docks for any sign of soldiers. Nora sat quietly beside me on the wooden bench we shared with her mother. It was James who answered the men’s questions, his voice joyful behind me. No eyes were needed in the back of my head to be sure of the smug expression on his face.
    Less than an hour ago, I couldn’t wait to get ashore. Now my stomach felt like I had swallowed a flagon of ice. Before leaving the Callisto , I explained to Nora how the boat had been sent on behalf of the king. Her eyes had grown wide with curiosity, then narrowed slightly when I feigned ignorance as to his majesty’s purpose. I disliked lying to Nora but at this point I would do anything to prevent the Goodwins from being arrested with me. My plan, if it could be called such, was to discreetly approach the nearest soldier, offer my name and ask to be taken into custody. If all went well, I would be out of sight and on my way to the Tower before anyone was the wiser. During the voyage, James had always been friendly toward Nora, and I assumed he would make sure she and her mother were settled in my absence.
    The river fell away, bringing us alongside the dock. One of the men jumped out to secure the boat, and I breathed a sigh of relief when no soldiers rushed forward. Thankfully, they had opted to wait above on the street, which would give me more time to get away from the others. Once the boat was tied, the man turned to help each of us onto the dock. I went first, giving my feet just a moment to adjust before starting up the wooden ramps. At street level, I glanced around for the soldiers, expecting to see them at the ready.
    The dock swarmed with people, but to my great astonishment, not a single red coat could be seen amongst them. I looked back and forth, frantic to have my plan in motion while Nora remained preoccupied with her mother and the trunks.
    “Ballocks!” I cursed under my breath, realizing too late that I should have gone straight to the customs house rather than running off into the street. Now if I didn’t act fast, my actions would be misconstrued for an escape attempt, with the Goodwins as unwitting conspirators.
    In near panic, I started to turn toward the river to retrace my steps, when the crowds thinned in front of me, and I caught a glimpse of red. Spinning back around, two soldiers came into view on the opposite side of the street, leaning against the wall of what looked to be a tavern. They were deep in conversation, each holding a pint of cider. From their casual demeanor, neither man appeared to be on official business. But for my purposes, one red coat was the same as another, and these two offered the most direct route to mend my previous error.
    Squaring my shoulders, I attempted to step forward when a hand caught my arm, pulling me back onto my heels.
    “There he is,” Nora said excitedly, pointing down the street with her free hand.
    Blasted! I had lost my opportunity. Somehow, I would have to slip away and get across the street. “There’s who?” I asked, keeping my eyes locked on the soldiers.
    “Why Henry, of course. Look, he’s standing next to that black and gold carriage.” Nora raised a hand and waved.
    I turned in time to see Henry wave