England 1812
Martin toyed with the ring on his finger. Laresa had told him the rules. He knew he couldn't make Shastae fall in love with him, but he knew he didn't stand a chance of making her his if Andrew was always in the way. He licked his lips before taking a deep breath to call forth his secret weapon.
A small mist of smoke filled the air around him and he watched, once more amazed, as Laresa came forth and presented herself to her Master. "Good evening Master. How may I serve you?"
Martin smiled at the woman who was garbed in a gossamer gown of shimmering green and blue. He enjoyed looking at her and at times wanted to lay with her, but he loved Shastae and it was Shastae he needed to possess. "It is time Laresa," he said quietly and then nodded to the couple dancing.
Laresa looked at Shastae and Andrew, their bodies were pressed together as the music of the small orchestra played a sweet melody. She had dreaded this night. Martin was not a bad Master. He was just young and immature. He'd found her after he'd been tossed from his horse during a routine jump. He'd slammed into the ground, and her ring had dug into his hip as he'd try to rise from his new home on the wet ground. The ring slid easily on his finger and when he turned it and Laresa appeared, she quickly explained who and what she was and all it entailed.
As soon as Martin realized the true depth of her abilities, his mind began to weave ways he could make his desires become reality. Laresa had felt the true adoration for the woman Shastae and by the depth of Martin's feelings she was sure the young woman in question felt the same way. She'd been wrong.
"Master it is my job to do as you wish, but since you have allowed me to speak freely with you, I must ask you . . . are you sure you wish to do this?" Her violet eyes looked pleadingly at her Master.
"I just need Andrew out of the picture Laresa. I can't compete with him. Look, he's everything I am not. Even with your changes she hasn't noticed me." Martin stared at the beautiful creature in his brother's arms. Her long blonde curls were piled on top of her head, several curls had escaped caressing the back of her neck and tickle her shoulders. He longed to run his fingers through her hair and bring them to his lips. "Do it Laresa. I just need him gone. Not forever, mind you, but right now she only has eyes for him. Keep him safe, but it is time. Bring in the messenger and let my dreams come true."
Laresa sighed. She could sense the outcome of her Master's wishes, but as much as he allowed her to speak her mind, it was rare she was able to change his and never had she been able to convince him that Shastae was in love with no one but Andrew. "It is done," she told him and together they turned to watch one of the King's Captains walk into the ball room.
***** ***** *****
Shastae watched Andrew take the sealed parchment and open it. She leaned against him reading the script that had been written by some man's hand she did not know. The words brought a sting to her heart and she felt herself sway against her beloved. "No," she whispered and then tore the letter from Andrew's hand. "Andrew, what does this mean?" she asked, but knew the answer was not one she wanted to hear.
Andrew gently took her elbow and steered her from the room. Prying eyes followed them as well as Andrew's parents and Shastae's. Martin squared his shoulders and nodded to Laresa. "Thank you," he told her and then watched as she frowned before turning into the smokey mist and disappearing from his eager gaze.
Martin stepped into the ball room, his grin wide as he made the rounds shaking hands and bowing over ladies' hands. "Where is the happy couple?" he asked as he shook Andrew's best friend's hand.
Jeremy eyed Martin cautiously. "A letter came addressed to your brother, from one of the King's guards. Andy and Shastae are in the study with your parents and hers."
"I see," Martin said, pulling a cheroot from his pocket. "These things happen. Do you think it is the colonies they will be sending him too?"
Jeremy's brow shot up and he pulled the younger man over to the far corner of the room. He heard the players begin to strum their instruments again and knew that Andrew's Grandmother had given the signal for the dancing to continue. "You don't seem surprised by all this. Why? What game are you playing?" Jeremy hissed.
Martin laughed, pulling his arm free of the older man's grip. "Are you suggesting I have the King's ear?" he asked. "I wish. If that were the case, I would be the wealthiest man in all of Europe."
Jeremy studied him, but said nothing else. He had watched Martin over the last few weeks and he had seen the change in him, even if Andrew did not. Martin had become more cocky and he even looked different. His body seemed more filled out as if the wiry frame he had always possessed had suddenly sprouted toned muscle and physical endurance. He seemed to know exactly when Shastae needed assistance with something, whether it be a thrown shoe or help locating a lost piece of jewelry. Martin seemed to be everywhere and yet there was no real reason for Jeremy to be suspicious.
"Jeremy, I believe Lady Blackstone is looking for you," Martin said with a soft chuckle, knowing that Jeremy despised the young woman who was constantly looking for a way to land herself a nobleman.
"I'm watching you," he muttered to Martin and then turned to greet the woman whose bodice looked to be two sizes too small. Martin snickered as he crushed the cheroot and headed to his father's study.
He tapped gently on the door and walked in. "I just heard. Is it true? Will Andy be catching a ship to that Godforsaken country?" He closed the door behind him and walked over to his mother's side. He placed his hand on her shoulder the other he kept in his pocket, his finger twirling the ring, but knowing his little weapon would stay hidden in its amber jewel.
He looked at his brother and felt the pang of jealousy as Shastae's hands clenched Andrew's. "Yes, it is true," their mother said, reaching up and grasping her youngest son's fingers. "Andrew is headed to the colonies. He leaves tonight."
"Tonight? So soon?" Martin asked, and then walked over to his brother. He extended his hand and watched as Shastae reluctantly gave up her hold on her fiancé. Martin shook his brother's hand and then looked down at Shastae. "I know this will be hard on you," he looked back to his brother, "I will keep your betrothed in good spirits while you are gone. She will not become a wall flower for others to mock."
Shastae turned her head away. She felt Andrew stiffen as he too took in the way his brother stared down at her. She felt dirty in the dress that her mother had chosen for her to wear. It was not revealing at all, yet with Martin beside her she felt naked. A shudder ran through her and she pressed her face into her fiance's chest.
"When do you leave?" Martin asked, a slight growl rumbling from his chest.
