Book Eight: Chapter 160

Mike stepped into a large sitting room with windows that overlooked the village. He went to look outside, but Charlotte held him back and pulled him through a doorway to her bedroom. Once they were inside, Charlotte turned to face him.

“We can speak freely here,” she said. “This is one of the few places where I have some expectation of privacy.”

“Why is that?” he asked.

“Privacy in my own room has been earned for good behavior over the years.” Lady Charlotte crossed toward the other side of the room to close the curtains. “I don’t want the gargoyles looking in and seeing you here.”

“Can’t they hear us?”

She shook her head. “These walls have been enchanted. Vincentius and his vassals require privacy of their own.” Lady Charlotte knelt by her bed and pulled something from beneath. It was a large trunk, and particularly heavy based on how the wood creaked.

“What are we doing here?” he asked.

“Talking first,” she said. “And then I will take you