“Thank you, Fredrick. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She headed down the hallway to the balcony overlooking the bay. Curling her legs underneath her, she settled into one of the chairs and closed her eyes.
Maybe a short nap would be good.
“I heard you had a little bit of excitement this morning.” Her father’s voice cut through the darkness before she could doze.
“It wasn’t that exciting. A little girl lost her guardian for a couple of minutes. I’m guessing she went out the wrong side of the bouncy castle and couldn’t see him.”
“But you brought her home?”
“She lives here. Her guardian is your new assistant valet.”
“I’ll meet him later tonight.” He lowered himself to the seat next to hers.
“He seems nice enough. I can’t imagine they’d hire someone incompetent, so you’re in good hands. He did say Mr. Ferdinand had taken ill.” Or someone had. Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure who.
“Really? He seemed fine this morning.” Her father stretched his legs out in front of him and leaned his head back. “This is what it’s all about, right here. I don’t get to do this often enough.”
They sat in companionable silence for several minutes.
“Will Benjamin be at the gathering in a couple weeks?” she finally asked. “I’d like to get to know his wife better.”
“I believe the whole family will be there, as will representatives from Sargasso and Auverignon.”
“Have you already worked it out with the news crews? What kind of coverage is acceptable? Who’s doing the interviews?”
“Yes. In less than three weeks, the countries will know that Darius and Esther have been married nearly eighteen months and be introduced to the newest princesses born to both San Majoria and Eyjania. No interviews yet though.”
“I can’t wait to see them again. I’d imagine they've grown quite a bit.”
“They’ll be little a while longer.” Her father’s voice was filled with mild amusement. He simply didn’t get strong reactions very often.
“Just a warning, if Kiara can get to you, she’ll ask if her new friend can come with us on the trip and to the gathering.” Jacqueline Grace was surprised Kiara hadn’t already asked if Mary could join them on their vacation-followed-by-diplomatic-trip.
“It would be fine with me if she comes to the gathering. We’ll have the nannies there to help. What’s one more little girl? It’s up to you about the other trip.”
“Her father will be at the gathering, but in his official capacity as your assistant valet. He wouldn’t be on our trip.”
“Father? You said guardian earlier.” The confusion didn’t surprise Jacqueline Grace.
“He dated Mary’s mother, and the woman just left Mary with him one day about a year ago. Mary refers to him as her father, but legally he’s not sure what his relationship is with her, though I think he’s trying to solidify it in the courts.”
“She’s welcome, regardless. Kiara tends to be shy around Gracie and Sofia sometimes. Plus, those two are thick as thieves, so a friend of her own would be good for her.”
Since Kensington and Anabelle lived closer to Astrid and Jordan, the other two little girls spent far more time together than with Kiara. “Good idea.”
“I’d even be willing to live without my new assistant valet until then so Mary could go with you. I’ve seen his file. He could act as an undercover bodyguard.”
Another bodyguard. Just what she needed. Jacqueline Grace stifled a sigh. She needed to get her cynical side under control.
“Was there something specific you wanted to discuss?”
Jacqueline Grace shook her head. “Not really. Just feeling a bit restless, I guess. How was your trip to Eyjania?”
“Good. Benjamin asked me to be his mentor a couple of weeks ago, after the story about Katrín’s indenture came out. We’ve talked on the phone several times, but he asked if we could meet in person, so I could look over some documents with him.”
“I’m glad things are going better. I know you were worried.” She let her head fall to the side. Her father looked utterly relaxed - and kind of ridiculous, sprawled in the chair as he was in his custom-made suit, insanely expensive shoes, and ridiculously patterned socks the public never saw. “I am quite glad we didn’t lose you at such a young age.”
“Me, too. Your mother would never have forgiven me.”
“And Queen Eliana?”
Her father’s face looked more thoughtful even as his eyes remained closed. “I wonder if she might be ready to move on. Finally. Alfred’s death was quite difficult for her, but it’s been nearly fourteen years. Maybe it’s time.”
“How will her children take that? How will the country react to the Queen Mother having a boyfriend? Or even remarrying eventually? She was a commoner, but would she need to marry someone with a title to make it acceptable to the people?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea. Just a sense I got when I was there.” He sat up and slouched forward. “I’ve got to get back to work. A monarch’s job is never done.” Her father reached over and squeezed her hand. “I am looking forward to a bit of a break soon, even if I don’t get to forgo working completely. I’m glad we had the chance to chat for a few minutes.”
After he walked inside, Jacqueline Grace stared out at the ocean for a few more minutes. A sense of foreboding swept over her as her father mentioned getting a break.
She didn’t know what it was, but she had a feeling the next few weeks weren’t going to be quite as relaxing as they expected.
Dave stood at attention off to the side of the room and paid close attention as the king walked into his dressing room.
“You must be the new guy,” the monarch called Dave’s direction.
Dave bowed. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m told my granddaughter and your daughter have become fast friends.” The king undid his cuff links, handing them over to Mr. Ferdinand to be put away.
“Yes, sir.” Interesting that the king already referred to Kiara as his granddaughter.
“I’m also told Kiara has asked for Mary to accompany them on their trip to New York, Ravenzario, and Athmetis next week.”
Dave blinked. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it, sir.”
The king turned and stared him straight in the eye. “I’ve read your file.”
And only seen what Dave wanted him to see.
“Would you be willing to accompany them, help look after the girls, and be a sort of undercover bodyguard for my daughter and granddaughter?”
There was an unspoken challenge in the king’s eyes, one Dave wouldn’t back down from. “It would be an honor, sir.”
King Edward chuckled as Mr. Ferdinand helped him shrug out of his suit jacket. “And the idea of a little vacation time four days after you start working for me doesn’t hurt either, does it?”
Dave tried to hide his smile. He hadn’t been to New York or Ravenzario in years. He’d never been to Athmetis. “No, sir. I haven’t had a holiday in quite some time.”
“Athmetis is a working trip. Jacqueline Grace will be conducting some meetings on my behalf. From there, you will likely go directly to Sargasso for the gathering with the Quatremaines and a few others.”
“Yes, sir.” And pray no one recognized him. He’d met both Queen Carlotta and Princess Esmeralda a number of times, but that was several years earlier. They would have no reason to expect to see him.
And people tended to see what they expected to see. This conversation with King Edward proved that point.
“You will not be expected to work the day before you leave to make certain you and Mary are prepared to travel. Jacqueline Grace’s assistant will make sure you have the details, so you will know what you need to take with you.” The king turned to Mr. Ferdinand and frowned. “Since they are accompanying Jacqueline Grace, please see her assistant and stylist are aware.”
“Yes, sir.” Mr. Ferdinand handed the king a more casual collared
shirt to put on.
King Edward tucked his shirt in as he turned back to Dave. “I will have security discuss the potential concerns with you, as well as the schedule for the weeks you’ll be gone.”
“Yes, sir.”
“When you return, you’ll finish your probationary period as Mr. Ferdinand’s new assistant.”
Dave nodded and bowed slightly. “Yes, sir.”
“Papa?” Jacqueline Grace’s voice carried through from the king’s bedroom.
“In my dressing room,” the king called.
The door opened, and she walked in. “Papa...” Her sentence stopped abruptly when she noticed Dave standing there.
“Dave has agreed to join you and Kiara, along with Mary, for your trip to New York and Ravenzario, as well as the diplomatic mission to Athmetis.”
Dave had long been familiar enough with pasted on smiles to know that Jacqueline Grace had perfected the art.
The smile that didn’t reach her eyes turned his way. “Wonderful. Kiara will be thrilled.”
He wanted to move closer to her, into her comfort zone. Not so much that she’d be uncomfortable, but enough to see if she felt the same attraction sizzling between them that he felt whenever they shared the same space.
“You’re only planning a day in New York, Jacqueline Grace?”
She turned back to her father when he spoke, almost dismissing Dave. “Not even. We’re leaving first thing Wednesday morning, going to the show Wednesday night, then leaving for Ravenzario afterward. I’m hoping Kiara will sleep on the plane to help with jet lag.”
The king looked back at Dave. “Have you been to New York?”
Dave nodded. “A number of times, though not in several years.”
A grin crossed the king’s face, the twinkle in his eye making Dave wonder what was going through his mind. “Why don’t you leave tomorrow instead? Spend a few days there. Maybe stop somewhere else.”
“I’m not sure three days in New York with two four-year-olds is as exciting as it sounds.” Jacqueline Grace stole the words right out of his mouth.
“You’ll have a hotel right in the middle of things, so the girls can take a nap when they need to. Or, better yet, I’ll see if I can get an apartment. You two could see a more grown-up show, maybe take the girls to something besides Lion King. I’m sure you can find plenty of things to do with them. They’d enjoy it.”
Dave wasn’t sure what he thought about that idea, but before he could respond, she did.
“I’m afraid that’s impossible. I have several things on my calendar that can’t be moved.”
Well, there went that idea.
“Too bad.” The king sounded genuinely disappointed, though Dave didn’t understand why.
Jacqueline Grace gave him a look out of the corner of her eye. “I do need to talk with you in a few moments, Father.”
Interesting. She’d called her father “papa” just a moment earlier.
“I have a few minutes right now.”
Dave knew that wasn’t entirely accurate. He’d be approving his wardrobe for the scheduled appearances the next day, but he was likely the king of multitasking.
“Privately.”
The king raised an eyebrow her direction. “What is said in here stays in here.” The employees trusted to be this close to the family knew better than to share anything heard at times like this. Even Dave, on his first day of work, knew that.
“I’d rather wait.”
King Edward tilted his head toward a smaller door off to the side. Dave followed Mr. Ferdinand into the narrow hall that allowed staff members access to different parts of the building without being seen. If asked, Dave would also bet his annual salary there were hidden passages somewhere.
He even had a few ideas on where they might be.
Mr. Ferdinand looked at his phone. “Your presence is being requested in the security office. Did you fill out all the forms they asked you to?”
“Yes.”
“Then I would imagine it’s about the upcoming trip and your role while away from the palace. Do you know how to get there?”
Dave nodded and started left at the next turn. “I’ll find it.”
He just hoped Mr. Ferdinand was right about what they wanted and nothing unusual had popped up in their background check of him.
It shouldn’t have.
But one never knew what could come back and mess everything up.
3
Jacqueline Grace perched on the edge of one of the chairs in her father’s dressing room.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Now, what is so private you needed me to send them away?”
“I don’t mind Mary coming with us, I think it’ll be good, but the more I think about it, the more I’m not sure Dave as an undercover bodyguard or whatever his role is supposed to be, is a good idea.”
“Why is that?”
“Remember Astrid?”
He did that irritating eyebrow thing.
“She spent time with a guy and next thing you know they were pressured into marriage by the tabloids.”
“Have you seen her with Jordan lately? Or their baby?”
“You saw her after she found out who his heart donor was.” Astrid’s first husband’s heart beat in the chest of the love of her life. The irony wasn’t lost on any of them.
“Two things. First, are you planning on making out with him on the beach in full view of the paparazzi?”
Jacqueline Grace shook her head.
“Second, do you think Dave is hiding some big secret like his heart coming from your first husband?”
“I’ve never been married before.” She’d never been in love before either.
“Then you won’t find yourself in the same situation with Dave, regardless of the time spent together on this trip.”
She clenched her hands together in her lap. “Wouldn’t you like at least one of your children to have a normal courtship?” Between Astrid’s tabloid induced wedding, Kensington’s elopement, and Esther’s shotgun wedding in King Benjamin’s office, her family’s relationships hadn’t had been very traditional in recent years.
Her father didn’t seem to be swayed. “Don’t make out with him in public, and you’ll be fine.” His gaze softened a bit. “I like Dave. There’s something about him that tells me you’ll be safe with him, both physically with an undercover bodyguard of sorts, but also emotionally. He’s not going to toy with your affections or try to start a relationship with you because of your titles.”
Jacqueline Grace knew when she’d been defeated. “Must he actually be part of the inner contingent when we’re out and about?” She knew how that sounded. “Speculation about our relationship will be rampant. I’d really rather not deal with all of that, even though there will be no making out.”
“If anyone contacts the press office, he’s the father of one of Kiara’s friends. Kiara took a friend, and her friend’s father, on the trip for company. End of story.” He pushed off the wall where he’d been leaning. “It will be fine, I promise. Dinner will be served in fifteen minutes.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Be there.”
“Yes, sir.” She sighed and followed him out of his dressing room through the sitting room and into the hall leading to the dining area of her parents’ quarters.
Most of the family was there. Sofia and Gracie sat next to each other on one side of the table. Kiara sat on the other end of the opposite side. There wasn’t an official seating chart in here, except that her father sat at the head of the table and her mother sat to his right, but somehow everyone tended toward the same seats.
Jacqueline Grace took her spot on the end next to Kiara. No one sat at the foot of the table these days. Harrison, her younger brother, sat across from her. Sofia took the spot next to her beloved grandfather with Gracie next to her then Astrid and Jordan. The babies were being taken care of elsewhere during dinner but would make an appearance afterward. Kensington sat next to their mother with Anabelle between him and Kiara
.
After the meal was served, her father took over the conversation as he usually did. “Kiara, I heard you made a new friend today.”
Kiara nodded, a serious look on her face, just as she usually wore at these dinners. “Mary is my best friend.”
It stabbed at Jacqueline Grace’s heart a little bit. The girl she’d just met shouldn’t be Kiara’s best friend. She, Sofia, and Gracie should be best friends together. She knew the other two girls didn’t intentionally shut Kiara out, but it happened nonetheless.
“Jacqueline Grace told me you wanted her to come on your trip with you.” Her father’s studied nonchalance cause Jacqueline Grace to watch him through narrowed eyes.
Kiara nodded.
“I spoke with her father earlier. They would be delighted to join you. In fact, you can leave almost whenever you’re all ready and spend a couple of days at the first place you stop then go to the beach.”
Jacqueline Grace narrowed her eyes at her father. What was he trying to do? At least he hadn’t spoiled the surprise of seeing Lion King in New York City. Kiara didn’t know where their first stop was, just that there was a surprise before going to the beach.
Kiara turned to Jacqueline Grace, excitement written on her face. “Can we leave now?”
Jacqueline Grace shook her head. “My father appears to have forgotten that I have several things on my calendar this week, so we won’t be able to leave early.”
“We can cover them.” Astrid seemed to be hiding a grin of her own.
“I can’t ask you to do that. You’ve got enough going on.”
“You’re not asking. We’re offering.” Astrid’s eyebrow arch was much more delicate than their father’s. “You need a vacation.”
Her sister wasn’t wrong. “That’s what Ravenzario is for. We’ll be there in a few days. We don’t need to start at the other location early.”
“Nonsense.” Her father actually smirked at her. “You’ve been under scrutiny from the media a fair bit recently. Go ahead and get out of here early.”
Jacqueline Grace’s eyes narrowed his direction. “What came out today?” There had to be something.
Her Undercover Prince Page 2