Warily, the older man watched King Eduard and Queen Marta make their way out to their waiting limo. Guards flanked the royal couple, and from the right angle, at least one sniper could be seen on the roof across the street to protect against any unforeseen threat. He spoke in hushed tones when he asked, “Are you sure this is going to work? Bringing in someone who dines with terrorists on a regular basis seems risky to me.”
“He’s the best at what he does, and we need him. Neither of us knows how to make a precision bomb that can go undetected by security sweeps.”
“I still don’t know about this.”
“It’s very simple. If we let things go as they are, the Americans will be running this country and the monarchy will be little more than puppets on a string.” His voice was dark and passionate. “This is the only way. This monarchy is dying, and it’s up to us to make sure we’re in control when the last drop of blood is shed.”
* * *
Stefano moved through the crowd at the reception, greeting guests smoothly and listening to snippets of the conversations around him. As expected at such an event, the women seemed content to discuss fashion and the men seemed unable to digress from politics.
The latest political topics appeared to center on his father’s recent decision to refuse to allow a local company to harvest the oil discovered in their territorial waters. As the president of Meridia’s environmental agency, Stefano agreed with his father’s decision completely. In fact, he had encouraged it.
Offshore drilling was risky, especially in the area where the oil deposits had been discovered. A single spill could instantly ruin Meridia’s tourism industry, and the payoff simply wasn’t worth the risk. Besides, the royal family solely owned and operated the oil industry in the northern region of the country. The company interested in drilling offshore was run by a group of local businessmen in partnership with Caspian Oil, a Libyan-based company.
A study of Caspian Oil’s past ventures had raised concerns that the company would put profits before the safety and welfare of the environment and Meridia’s citizens. Those concerns had ultimately resulted in the denial of their drilling plans. Shortly after the denial was issued, Meridia’s ruling council had enacted laws to prohibit such ventures in the future.
“Prince Stefano, it’s been a long time.” Jacques Neuville reached out and shook Stefano’s hand.
“Yes, it has. How have you been?” Stefano kept his voice polite and managed to gloss over his dislike for his former college classmate. They had both pursued their undergraduate degrees in petroleum engineering, but their views always seemed to be polar opposites, especially regarding the ever difficult topic of balancing economic progress with environmental protection. Not surprisingly, Jacques had aligned himself with Caspian Oil in their pursuit of offshore drilling.
“I am doing well. My wife and I just had our second child a few months ago, and business is booming.”
“Are you still working with oil pipelines?”
He nodded. “My company mainly works with the pipelines in France and Italy. Of course, we had hoped to expand into Meridia if the offshore drilling had been approved.” He shrugged casually. “But since that didn’t happen, I’m making do with other options.”
“It’s always good to have multiple options,” Stefano said mildly. “Give my best to your family.”
“I will.”
Stefano started through the crowd once more, this time only making it a few feet before the reigning archbishop greeted him. The archbishop was still dressed in his traditional black robes, a heavy gold cross hanging around his neck and coming to rest on his protruding stomach. Round-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, the dark eyes behind those glasses always serious.
“Prince Stefano. It is such an honor to be here with all your family for such a joyous occasion.”
Stefano nodded. “Thank you for performing the ceremony today, Archbishop Leone. It was lovely.”
“It is always a privilege.” He motioned to Garrett across the room. “Has your brother set a wedding date yet?”
“They mentioned next summer,” Stefano said vaguely. “I’m sure you’ll be among the first to know when they’re ready to finalize their plans.”
“I’ll look forward to assisting them,” Archbishop Leone said graciously. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“You too.” Stefano shifted away from the crowd until he managed to find a quiet corner. He wasn’t there thirty seconds before his brother stepped beside him, his company smile pasted on his face. Garrett lowered his voice and asked, “Is it time to leave yet? I don’t think I can handle getting cornered by our new cousin-in-law again.”
“Was she fishing for invitations?”
“You could say that.” Garrett gave a slight nod. “She doesn’t seem to understand that even though Philippe wears the title of prince, he has never assumed any family responsibility to warrant his inclusion in state affairs. He never even served in the military.”
“I don’t think she cares about his responsibilities. She just wants the perks.”
“Including frequent invitations to the palace and unlimited access to the chateau in Bellamo,” Garrett said with a hint of frustration.
“In other words, she wants to use our homes as her vacation spots.”
“I think if we gave her the chance, she’d move in permanently,” Garrett muttered.
Stefano nodded in agreement. “Unfortunately, Philippe hasn’t always been much better.” Then his attention shifted across the room, and his eyes lit with humor. “Face it, Garrett. Not everyone can be as fortunate as you.”
Garrett turned, and his smile was instant and genuine when he saw Janessa moving through the crowd toward him. Her hair flowed loosely over her shoulders, and her blue gown shimmered as she moved.
She returned his smile, and humor laced her voice as she addressed both men in Italian. “What are the two most handsome men doing standing in the corner of the room?”
“We were just waiting for you.” Garrett leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Of course you were.” Janessa looked from Garrett to Stefano. “So what were you two so deep in conversation about?”
“Our new cousin-in-law wants to move in with us.”
“What?”
“She mentioned that it might be prudent for her and Philippe to come live at the chateau until after we get married. After all, we don’t want to give the public the wrong impression.”
“She wants to be your chaperone?” Stefano asked before Janessa could respond. “You two aren’t even living in the same wing of the chateau. You’re in the family quarters, and Janessa stays in the guest quarters. Besides, I’m there as often as not.”
“I know, but I think she sees this as an opportunity to gain a foothold there.”
“Actually,” Janessa began tentatively. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone staying with us for now, especially if I had someone who would be willing to help with the wedding plans.”
Garrett looked at her, horrified. He lowered his voice and spoke in hushed tones. “Janessa, you can’t expect me to have my cousin and his new wife come live with us. Philippe has never been anything but a spoiled brat.”
“I don’t know Philippe well enough to have an opinion about him, but I wasn’t thinking about Philippe and Elaina.”
“Then who?”
“Alora DeSanto.”
“Your friend from Italy?”
Janessa nodded. “She’s incredibly organized, and I think the change would do her a lot of good. Besides, she’s an accountant by profession, so she wouldn’t have any trouble taking care of the business side of things.”
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Garrett asked with a grin. “You may have just saved my sanity.”
“Oh really?”
“You could invite a toad to move in with us, and I would be thrilled, as long as it keeps Philippe out of our house. Besides, you don’t have to ask my permission to
have a friend stay at the chateau. It’s your home too. She’s welcome to come and stay as long as you like,” Garrett told her. “We both know you need an assistant. You only have to tell Martino that she’s your choice to have her put on the payroll.”
“And we all know she’ll be worth every penny if she helps keep Philippe and Elaina from trying to move in,” Stefano added.
Garrett nodded. “Exactly.”
“Looks like they’re headed this way.” Stefano gave a subtle nod toward the bride and groom.
“Janessa, I’ve been hoping to talk to you.” Elaina leaned forward and kissed the air beside her cheek.
“You look lovely.” Janessa motioned to Elaina’s gown.
“I’m sure you will make an adequate bride when your time comes,” Philippe said as though he had rehearsed the words, his voice carrying a combination of arrogance and disdain.
Janessa gave Garrett’s hand a squeeze. “I was just talking to Garrett about plans for our wedding.”
“Really?” Elaina’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Have you set a date?”
“Not yet, but I just returned from Italy yesterday. The friend I was visiting has agreed to act as my personal assistant. She will be moving into the chateau until after Garrett and I are married.”
“Oh.” Elaina’s Cupid’s bow mouth formed a perfect O. “Garrett and I were actually discussing the possibility of Philippe and me moving into the chateau.”
“Elaina, that is so kind of you to offer to sacrifice like that for us, but I couldn’t possibly let you do that,” Janessa said smoothly. “After all, you and Philippe have a life to start together, and you certainly don’t want to do that in someone else’s home.”
Before Elaina could respond, Garrett spoke. “Janessa, we really need to get going. Both of us have to be up early tomorrow.”
“You’re right.” Janessa nodded and then looked over at Elaina and Philippe. “Congratulations again on your marriage. I wish you both every happiness.”
“Grazie,” Philippe said stiffly.
Stefano banked down on his instant irritation with his cousin and wondered again how he and Philippe could be from the same family. With considerable effort, Stefano managed to smile at Philippe and Elaina as he exchanged his good-byes. Then he motioned to one of his guards and let himself be escorted to the door.
Chapter 3
Stefano urged his horse up the path, the sound of crashing waves growing stronger, the scent of the sea carrying on the wind. The palace was behind him now, barely visible through the thick foliage that covered the steep hills leading up to his home.
“Steady, Midnight,” he murmured to the black stallion beneath him as they slowed to a walk. They moved out into the grassy field near the ruins of the castle that had once housed Stefano’s ancestors. He didn’t know why he always felt drawn to this place: it could be that the last man to rule from the ancient castle was also named Stefano or that the ruins served as a reminder of his duty as the future king to protect the citizens of Meridia.
Only one wall of the castle was still intact, a remnant of an earlier time, a time when warring religions had nearly torn his country apart. He thought of his own brother’s fight for religious freedom, Garrett’s conversion to the LDS Church still weighing heavily on his mind. His family hadn’t attended church regularly in years, but he had never considered the possibility of any of them turning their backs on the religion that had been a constant in his family for centuries.
In medieval times, his family had appointed the archbishop, and the monarchy had been actively involved in nearly every aspect of the church. Those close ties had loosened through the generations, the most recent adjustments coming several years before his father took the throne.
Although the changes only occurred twenty years ago, the reasons behind them had already been reduced to a combination of facts and legend. According to the family stories, a falling out had occurred between Stefano’s grandfather, King Alejandro, and the presiding archbishop at the time. Frustrated that several clergy members in the Meridian Church were trying to influence state policy, King Alejandro had insisted that all state and church operations be separated. In an effort to make the transition run smoothly, he also created a liaison position between the royal family and the church.
Since Stefano’s father, Eduard, was already actively involved in the politics of Meridia, King Alejandro had appointed his youngest son, Elam, to serve as the liaison. Stefano couldn’t be sure if Elam had ever been anything more than a figurehead, but regardless, the public perception was that the Meridian Church was still very much integrated in state affairs.
Stefano turned his horse toward the cliffs on the west side of the ruins, dismounting when he reached the spot where the grass gave way to rock. The salt-scented wind whipped through his dark hair as the waves of the Mediterranean crashed beneath him. Stefano looked out over the water, his eyes lingering on the dark rain clouds in the distance. A storm was coming, but it wasn’t the rain he feared. Rather, he worried about the political tempest most surely brewing on the horizon.
The ruling council could be fickle at times, and the presence of U.S. naval vessels in Meridian waters had already caused some ripples of dissent among them. Didn’t they see that his father was taking this country into a new era while still preserving centuries of tradition? The exploration of oil in the mountains had given Meridia’s citizens a new industry without impeding the stunning coastlines that had made the country a popular tourist spot for Europeans for decades.
His parents had used much of their increased wealth from their oil profits to invest in both the country’s infrastructure and local businesses and the arts, yet the villages that dotted the countryside continued to maintain their culture and charm. Traditions ran deep in Meridia, and change was rarely easy.
Glancing back at the ruins behind him, Stefano couldn’t help but worry about what would happen when his brother’s baptism into the LDS Church came to light. Only a handful of people knew of his brother’s conversion, all of them Mormons except for his immediate family. He was amazed that these relative strangers were protecting his brother’s privacy so fiercely. Stefano wished he trusted his extended family as much as he had come to trust Garrett’s newfound Mormon friends. Unfortunately, he knew his Uncle Elam and Aunt Victoria to be narrow-minded in most things. Their only child, Philippe, was simply self-absorbed.
Stefano imagined that, given the opportunity, his cousin and his new bride would be more than happy to see Garrett banished from the royal family so they could step in and take his place. It wouldn’t happen, of course, but Stefano’s distrust of his extended family was cause for concern. The news was bound to become public eventually, and the family needed to be unified to keep Garrett’s religion from becoming a spark for political unrest.
Midnight shied back from the edge, and Stefano patted his neck, murmuring soft reassurances. He swung himself back into the saddle and wondered what the future would hold for this little piece of earth his family had ruled for centuries.
* * *
King Eduard settled back on the couch beside his wife as their sons and Janessa walked into their sitting room. He motioned for them to sit and then addressed his future daughter-in-law in his native Italian. “I know you prefer not to work on Sundays, but I felt it prudent for all of us to meet before you and Garrett return to the chateau tomorrow.”
Janessa’s eyes lit with humor as she sat on the loveseat across from him. “Believe me, I am not a stranger to having family meetings on Sundays.”
“Is everything okay?” Garrett asked.
“I’m not sure.” Eduard lifted a file from the table beside him. “I was looking over our monthly financial reports earlier this week, and I’m concerned that there may be some unexplained irregularities.”
“What kind of irregularities?” Stefano asked.
“The first thing that caught my attention was the expense report for the gala.” Eduard passed copies of the report to everyon
e. “Look at the amount listed under security for the event.”
Garrett’s eyebrows lifted. “Two hundred thousand euros?”
“That can’t be right.” Stefano shook his head. “The basic security staff is funded through the regular household budget at the chateau, and most of the other security personnel were on loan from the U.S. government. Any reimbursement we sent would have posted as a foreign funds transfer.”
“Exactly.” Eduard nodded. “So where did this charge come from? I estimate our share of traditional costs would have been less than twenty thousand.”
“Could it be a posting error?” Janessa asked. “One extra zero and you would go from twenty thousand to two hundred thousand.”
“That’s what I first thought had happened, but then I started looking at some of our other accounts. A similar problem occurred for the Christmas party at the winter villa last year.”
“How much was it over?”
“I would estimate about forty thousand, although some of the other expenses looked high as well,” Eduard told them. “My concern isn’t only about the possibility that someone is skimming funds from our accounts but also that our quarterly audits have not revealed any problems.”
“Is it possible that the auditors are involved?”
“I don’t know. We’ve been using the same company for more than a decade. Either they’re involved or someone has faked the documentation adequately enough that the auditors missed the discrepancies,” Eduard explained. “Had I not personally approved the budget for security for both of these events, I never would have noticed the irregularities.”
“It sounds like we may need to bring in another auditing firm,” Stefano said.
Eduard shook his head. “If we bring in new auditors now, we may never find out who’s behind this. If it’s someone within the family, I want proof before I make any accusations.”
Garrett’s eyes widened. “You think it might be Uncle Elam or Aunt Victoria?”
“Or Philippe.” Eduard nodded, his expression solemn. “I hope that isn’t the case, but the fact remains that all of them at one time or another have had access to family funds. They have also been living beyond their means for some time. I was asked several times to help with the cost of Philippe’s wedding. While we did make a modest contribution, I don’t see how they were able to afford it without some help.”
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