Latvala Royals: Bloodlines

by Danielle Bourdon

  “I have to agree. I wonder what he meant, however, when he referred to your line back then as treasonous. That does not fit, unless Amschel’s emotions got the better of him while he was penning this letter. It’s not treason to decline to send warriors during wartime.”

  “A king might see it that way. Especially if he fears his country is about to be overrun. I’d love to see more correspondence from Amschel after that letter. There has to be more.” Elias experienced the old familiar urge to know more. He needed answers; wanted to finally, once and for all, understand the former discord between Imatra and Latvala. It did not rival his need to find out why Latvala’s crest had been altered, but he was intensely interested nevertheless.

  “I think I’d like to have answers as well,” Caspian said. There was a new glint in his gray eyes that hadn’t been there before. “So now, apparently, we’re on the lookout for more letters from Amschel as well as any hint or clue about Latvala’s crest.”

  “See how one thing turns into another so easily?” Elias said. That was how it had started for him, way back as a young boy. His interest in the tunnels had evolved into why his ancestors had needed such a complicated maze and, from there, to more direct information, personal information, about each king. Not just what the historians documented, but a king’s personal thoughts and feelings. His motivations.

  “Indeed. There may be more letters in this book.” Caspian put his attention on the tome, gloved fingers turning pages with more urgency. “If not here, then in one of the others.”

  “This gives me a good place to go back and do more reading in our own libraries. Now that I know there was an incident, and when, and with what kings, I might find out more about it. Sandersson’s viewpoint, perhaps.” After a moment, Elias added, “Now I think I know why my mother has pestered my father to keep a journal all these years.”

  “Has Sander kept up with it?” Caspian asked.

  Elias laughed. “He loathes it, but yes. I believe he has. I have not seen it, but I have heard him gripe about it from time to time.”

  Just then, movement near the door caught Elias’s eye. A shadow separated itself from the hallway and entered, solidifying into a solemn-looking Princess Inari. Elias stood from his seat, a frown building on his brow.

  “Is all well?” Elias asked.

  Caspian turned in his seat then stood. He, too, was frowning.

  Inari brushed her hand along the thighs of her black slacks. The thin turquoise shirt she’d paired with the pants wouldn’t have been enough coverage in the dank, chilled room but for the beige cashmere pashmina she’d drawn around her shoulders.

  “Lisbet has taken a turn for the worse. I . . .” Inari paused and lifted her chin.

  Elias needed no one to tell him that Inari was struggling with emotion. That she probably felt cut off from all things familiar—including her family—and that she was there looking for support. He stepped around the table, dragging off the white gloves as he went. The gloves landed on the desk just before he reached out and took Inari into his arms. He didn’t ask, didn’t pretend he misunderstood her reason for being here. The immediate way she sank into his body, cheek against his chest, confirmed he’d been correct.

  “How bad is it?” Elias asked, his mouth near her hair. She smelled like fresh strawberries with a hint of vanilla.

  “She stopped breathing twice. They’ve had to resuscitate her. Now she’s on a ventilator and the doctors . . . they’re not certain she’ll last the night,” Inari said.

  Caspian cursed under his breath and came to stand at Inari’s side. He set a broad, long-fingered hand on her back before he glanced at Elias.

  Elias traded a distinct look with Caspian that said, we need to get her to the hospital.

  The problem was that went directly against King Thane’s orders. Inari was not to leave Rehn Castle under any circumstances, unless he called for her specifically. Everyone in the castle knew it.

  “Leave this. I’ll have someone come mark our progress and preserve what we’ve found,” Caspian said with a jerk of his chin toward the desk. “Come up when you’re ready. I’m going to make a quick phone call or two.”

  “Thanks.” Elias knew Caspian intended to get on the phone with Thane and plead Inari’s case. What did a father do in that situation? One daughter dying, while trying to protect the other who was likely the original target. He didn’t blame Thane for waiting to have Inari come to the hospital. The king ran the risk of losing two daughters today if Inari got into the open.

  Caspian exited the room at a brisk pace.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to lean on you,” Inari whispered. Despite her apology, she didn’t move or lean back.

  “Don’t be. Anyone would be upset at the news. And at not being able to rush to the hospital immediately. I’m hoping for the best, Inari. Hoping that Lisbet fights back and pulls through.”

  “She’s too young and innocent in all this. If I wasn’t so terrified that she’ll die, I’d be furious that someone targeted our house.”

  “You can be terrified and furious at the same time,” Elias reassured her. He smoothed his palms up and down her back. Although he was inches taller than Inari, she fit against him like a puzzle piece. As if that space in his arms had been created for no one else but her. Startled by the thought, he reined himself in. That was not his usual way of thinking. For years he’d played the field, dated anyone who suited his fancy, and neglected to get really close to the women in his life. He’d certainly never thought of one in terms of longevity.

  Not yet.

  He was too young, had too much left to do and discover. It was his duty to marry and preserve his lineage, yes, but those things could wait.

  “We should go up,” Inari said. She finally tilted her head away from his chest and stared up into his face. “There could be more information at any time and we might need to leave quickly. It takes a while to get down here and back to the main floor again.”

  He wasn’t surprised to find her eyes and cheeks dry. Which did not diminish the anguish he so easily detected in her expression. She exerted control over most of her outward reactions, however, proof that her upbringing influenced her behavior. It never went over well when the public saw their future sovereign in severe states of emotion, yet they were far from the public eye and he wouldn’t have thought twice if she’d broken down in tears.

  “Then, let’s go.” He palmed her cheek, surprising himself with the tender action. She tilted her face into his touch, smiled, and turned for the door.

  Elias followed, frowning now that her attention was elsewhere.

  Perhaps it was time to take a larger part in securing Inari’s safety. He’d worked on her behalf in the background, gathering what information and evidence he could, but now he felt the desire to become even more hands-on in finding the bastard who terrorized her and her family.

  Chapter 13

  In that subterranean cavern, where the atmosphere was more like a tomb, Inari discovered a distant acquaintance could provide more comfort than she imagined. Elias had felt strong and steady under her hands, his body absorbing her weight like it was nothing. In times past, she’d been dismissive of him. Immune to his roguish smiles and charm. Perhaps it was because he was so sought after in their teens—but no. He was more sought after now than ever.

  What had changed? Age? Experience? Maturity?

  She wasn’t sure.

  All she knew was that being around Elias this past week had been pleasant and engaging. In a time of distress, he had not backed down or backed off. He’d shown admirable compassion, a stalwart disposition, and hadn’t balked at accepting her into his embrace.

  As they topped the final stair to the main floor, Inari set aside her thoughts of Elias and concentrated instead on her sick sister.

  She refused to give up hope. Refused to consider, for one second, that her beloved sibling would not live to see tomorrow.

  Caspian met them in his private parlor some minutes later, e
xpression grim.

  “I’m sorry, Inari. Your father expressed his desire for you to remain under Imatra’s protection. He did say that if Lisbet declines again, or her . . . death appears imminent, he will send for you,” Caspian said.

  Inari struggled against annoyance, frustration, and outright fear. The annoyance was not to do with her father, but the entity who had put them all in this situation. The bastard who had so brazenly attempted assassination in a crowd of people, who had somehow tainted a drink right under the king’s own nose.

  “All right. Thank you, Caspian.” Inari knew she would not be sleeping tonight. The small nap she’d recently woken up from would have to see her through until morning.

  “Chef has dinner waiting. How about we have a private meal in here, just the three of us?” Caspian said, gesturing to the parlor.

  Inari had forgotten all about food. Her queasy stomach protested the idea of a meal, yet the rational part of her brain demanded she eat to preserve her energy. She might need the strength later if another phone call came.

  “I think that’s an excellent idea. Thank you, Caspian.” Inari knew he’d suggested the private dinner on her behalf. She glanced at Elias, who stood near the fireplace with his hands in his pockets, to see if he intended to join them.

  “I’ll stay,” Elias said, not breaking eye contact with her.

  Inari had the idea that Elias meant he would stay for more than the meal. There was a hint of longevity to his reply, a meaning other than the obvious.

  You’re looking for things that aren’t there, she chided herself.

  Caspian exited the parlor and returned five minutes later. “Dinner will be here shortly.”

  Inari looked away from Elias first. She had to. Heat had begun to creep from her throat to her cheeks, a telltale sign that her emotions were rising. She should not be so susceptible to Elias’s apparent determination to see this situation through to whatever end. His willpower and steadfastness impressed her, soothed some of her inner turmoil. In his presence, she felt anything was possible.

  Elias took a seat beside her at the small, intimate table. Close enough that their shoulders nearly touched.

  She didn’t mind.

  “All right, then,” Caspian said as he settled in. “Let’s talk game plan while we eat. The faster we get rid of the threat, the better.”

  Elias said, “Actually, I already have an idea.”

  * * *

  “Erick has been looking through public photos and has found someone of interest. This person—a man, clearly—shows up at the parades, charities, and other events, even in other countries. I think we should draw him out. Not by using Inari as a sacrifice,” Elias said with a pointed look at the princess. “I’m not a fan of that tactic. But staging a few more ‘royal’ events should lure the man out. We’ll position cameramen all around the area to snap as many pictures of the crowd as they can. We leave the involvement of the royal family ambiguous, so the stalker won’t know if Inari will be there or not. I think it’ll draw him out, make him curious. Anyone actually involved in the parade can be armored up, just in case this nut job decides to start firing. I don’t think he would go for anyone other than Inari, however, so I believe everyone else will be safe. We’ll run the photos through the correct software, have people examine them in person, like Erick has done, and nail the bastard. This is all under the assumption we don’t get any other leads from the poisoning or shooting attempts.”

  Caspian set down his fork and dabbed at his mouth with his napkin. Elias knew by Caspian’s intent look that he wanted to use their group, the secretive cadre of princes, to apprehend the culprit. It was what they did, after all, out of the public eye.

  This mission was right up their alley.

  Elias did not mention that he planned to go undercover at these events to scout the crowd himself. He thought to position Erick and Jeremiah as strategic lookouts, and though the chances of actually locating this man were slim, it was proactive, and Elias rarely backed down from a challenge.

  “I like it,” Caspian said.

  “Anything to put whoever this man is behind bars. Before he finds another way around security and succeeds on his third try. Because there will be one,” Inari said.

  Caspian’s phone rang.

  Elias set down his napkin with a nod. It was settled, then. As Caspian excused himself to take the call, Elias turned his attention solely on Inari. She’d picked at her food, but had at least eaten enough to keep her energy up.

  “We’ll keep going through regular routes as well. Your father’s men are doing everything they can to find this guy, I’m sure,” Elias said. He studied the fine sweep of Inari’s brow and the frown that had settled there.

  “I know everyone is doing everything they can. It just doesn’t seem like enough, soon enough. You know?” she said.

  “There’s only so much they can do until they, or we, find the lead we’re looking for. Erick is still scouring photos, and now we’re going to set up surveillance at the venues this man frequents. We just have to be in the right place at the right time,” Elias replied.

  A look of distress crossed Inari’s features. Elias curbed a desire to reach out and cover her hand with his own. After a moment, her gaze finished panning the room and landed on his eyes. He didn’t think he mistook the flicker of longing he saw in the midst of her turmoil. Longing for what? For the situation to be over? For more physical contact? He might have asked, even parted his lips to do so, when Caspian returned to the table.

  “I got another call from your father,” Caspian said, looking at Inari.

  Elias snapped his attention to Caspian at the same time Inari did.

  “What’s the news?” Elias asked. His body tensed in anticipation of Caspian’s reply.

  “Lisbet has improved. Her stats are looking better than they were and the doctors think she has a real chance to survive. It’s good news,” Caspian said.

  Inari covered her mouth with her hands as if to catch the quiet sound of relief that slipped past her lips.

  “They also found the source of the poison,” Caspian said. “The cinnamon sticks were laced with it.”

  “Which means the contamination could have come before the cinnamon sticks arrived at the palace,” Elias said. “We need to trace the purchase back and interview the proprietor of the shop where the sticks came from.”

  “Or send someone proficient in our stead, since our faces would be too easily recognized in Somero,” Caspian said. He sounded disgruntled.

  Elias disliked being contained by his status when he felt they were on the right track chasing down the culprit. He wanted to be hands-on—except this case was particularly public. A disguise would be necessary to immerse himself into the crowds, which would be a nightmare for his security team and likely cause discord if his father found out.

  “Caspian’s right. If there are faces that will be recognized, it’s both of yours. Women will know immediately, even before the men,” Inari said.

  Elias glanced from Caspian to Inari. Tension shivered through his shoulders at the desire to act, to follow up on the natural leads they were presented with. He was not a man who liked to give up the chase when he was clearly ahead of the pack.

  Still. He recognized the wisdom of handing off the issue of the cinnamon sticks, though he fully intended to show up at the next royal event in which Somero was ‘scheduled’ to attend.

  “We should call Thane’s team and suggest our plan. I’m sure they’ll trace the purchase back and ask all the right questions,” Elias said, with a specific look at Caspian. “Otherwise, we should start making plans to attend these staged events and drop hints in the coming days, as Lisbet continues to improve, that the Ascher line will be represented at these functions. If nothing else, the stalker might be puzzled as to why the Aschers might show themselves in public, which should still draw him out.”

  “I have one more thing. Can I speak to you in private?” Caspian said to Elias.

 
“Why can’t you tell him with me here?” Inari said, sounding indignant.

  “Because it has to do with another matter entirely.” Caspian winked, as if to take the sting out of his dismissal of her.

  Elias knew Inari wasn’t at all pleased, but watched closely as she fixed a neutral expression on her face and rose from her seat. It struck him then that she wanted to be as involved in the process as she could be and still remain safe. She was a fighter, naturally inclined to follow leads to their final end.

  They had that in common.

  “I’ll go call Father and get my own update while you two . . . discuss things,” she said with a brief tug to her shirt, before pivoting smartly for the door.

  Elias tracked Inari until she disappeared from sight. His gaze swung back to Caspian, curious at the information he’d yet to deliver.

  Caspian said, “Ivanna called from Paris. And let me tell you, Elias, she’s got a whopper of a story to tell.”

  Chapter 14

  Inari tried not to be offended as she traversed the hallways of Rehn Castle. Caspian and Elias were only trying to help, she reminded herself, and that included secret conversations. Mollified somewhat that they were busy on her behalf, she followed a guard toward a different sitting room and entered with her phone in hand.

  There was the matter of her sister to see to, and while she understood that Caspian had direct access to her father and that the two traded calls over her safety and protection, she wanted to hear his voice directly. Wanted firsthand reassurance that Lisbet would pull through.

  “Hi, it’s me,” she said when he answered on the second ring.

  “Did Caspian pass on the news about your sister?” Thane asked.

  “Yes. Tell me, how does she look? What did the doctors say about her recovery?”