Free Insperatus by Kelly Varesio

Traith.”
    “ You must not believe this,” Saria choked, her words louder than Romanoff’s. “I would have seen your father sometime in those fourteen years. You live across the street; he was never—”
    “ You never even met my father,” Rein quivered to say. “How do you suppose your parents could not remove me from that horror of a boarding school? My father was deliberately keeping me there. It would make sense…” She had to stop talking to hold back her emotion, and cradled her head in her hands. She wasn’t going to cry in front of them as well—she wasn’t.
    “ Madame, I am inclined to say that what you read must be true,” Romanoff said. “I know this Mistress, and she does not lie.”
    “ You know the person who wrote this letter?” Saria asked him emphatically. “Is she on this ship now? Why, she must be! How else could—”
    “ She isn’t on this ship,” Harker replied sternly. Romanoff attempted to interrupt, but Harker continued. “It was more than likely a hoax, and I know by whom it was committed.”
    Romanoff was furious. “Traith, what are you talk—”
    “ Miss Pierson,” Harker said more gently to her, ignoring his friend. “Please.” His next word was hesitated upon. “ Breathe .” He sighed. “I’ll find out who has done this to you. Don’t be upset. It isn’t true.”
    When Rein looked up, the only thing that filled her line of vision was Traith Harker’s trademark brooding eyes, but they were shrouding something. He was lying; the tone of Romanoff’s voice made it obvious. But that gentleness she had noticed before was still glistening in his eyes. She was coming to admire it; it was the same tame gaze she had noticed him use on her before. But only on her.
    “ Do you want me to take you to your chamber?” Saria asked, seated next to her and fanning her uselessly.
    She shook her head and sat up. The embarrassment of portraying what she thought seemed like a prim, weak girl was crushing her. “I’m fine, now,” she said, forcing a smile. “I didn’t mean to make such commotion, you know I hate that. Mr. Harker is right; I can’t worry. I can’t get back to England for at least a month anyway.” She spoke with a shaky coolness, and she stood with as much dignity as she could muster.
    Saria had stood and given her hand to her French confidant, ready to take leave. “I’m sure that was some sort of prank, Rein,” she said softly. “Don’t worry over it, you must enjoy yourself here! But I’ll give you a little while to think, all right? I know how you are; you like your space when you’re tense, so I’ll let you go ahead.” She smiled with pity. “I’ll be by in a bit, all right? Promise.”
    “ Sure,” Rein said, clearing her throat and smiling. “Thank you.”
    Romanoff smiled with concern and handed her the letter.
    “ I need to talk with you, Traith,” he murmured before he went to take leave. “Tonight?”
    Harker never answered as Romanoff walked away with Saria.
    Saria left with that concerned, motherly attitude completely abandoned, and her arm resting with sudden frivolity in his. He was smiling at her, and the two disappeared behind a few wandering people and a door.
    Then it was only Edgar and Harker left near her.
    “ I’m their escort,” Edgar said, and shook hands with Harker.

“ Evening,” Harker said with a nod of greeting.
    “ Are you sure all will be fine, miss?” Edgar asked her quietly.
    Rein attempted a believable laugh at how dramatic she felt she had been. “Think nothing of me, Edgar.”
    He nodded with that timid smile. “I’ll be in room 1102 if you need me,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to get me if need be, please, Miss Pierson.”
    She smiled to him, and he turned and went on his way.
    She directed her attention to Harker, who was standing awkwardly amidst the staring passengers. He cleared his throat and took a seat next to her so he blended.
    “ So,” he began, looking around casually and trying