I RAN IN A COLD SWEAT back to the castle and my alcove under the stairs. There, I threw myself on my mat. My breath raced panicked and wild.

It was not her.

My beloved Sophie must he dead after all.

For the first time, I knew what had been understood all along by the people in my town, Sophie's brother, even Norbert, my mentor. There was no hope. She had been ripped from her child, raped, and left to die on the road. I knew it now, the darkest lesson in my life.

I buried my head in my hands. This silly charade was over. I had clung to a hope and now that hope was dashed. I must go. I ripped off my jester's hat and threw it onto the floor. I was no jester. Just a fool! A bigger fool had never lived.

I sat there for a long time. Letting the truth sink in.

I heard footsteps near my bed, then a voice. Is that you, Hugh?

I raised my head... to see Estella, the chamberlain's wife.

She had winked at me in court. Many times. She'd grabbed at me and teased. Tonight, she had a loose shawl covering her shoulders; thick auburn hair, which I had only seen braided and pinned until now, fell all about her neck. Her eyes were round and mischievous. And her timing-couldn't have been worse!

The hour is late, my lady. I am not at work.

Perhaps I did not come for work, Estella said, stepping into my bed-space. She let her shawl drop, revealing a loosely fitted bodice.

Wh............