Chapter 11- Treason of Fate

Why so angry?

Sunday June 13, 1688

Syed had every intention of taking the truckle bed for the night, allowing the girls to share the solitary bed. But Shannan had snatched the folding nightmare that was supposed to be a mattress as soon as Charles had shown it to them.

“I’ll take this,” she said curtly, pushing it over to the far side of the room, next to the window.

Charles had given him a knowing look and bolted from their room, clearly wanting no part of whatever tension existed between them. A wise fellow, that was certain.

The layer of filth and sweat on his skin itched as he stood in front of the bed, not sure what to do. Charles had made it clear there would be no bath until the morning when the serving girls boiled the water. Tired as he was, the idea of climbing into bed still covered in grime made him sick.

“You don’t have to be shy, Syed. There’s no need to keep the tux on. Charles brought up Alfredo’s bag, so you can use his sleep shirt. Besides, I’ve seen what you got.”

Monica’s smile was p…