Royal Promenade

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  “Maybe.” Kellan paused. “He might have been trying to kill me.”

  Paddy looked at him askance. “You’re pulling my leg. Theissen doesn’t even know you.”

  “I can’t explain it but I’m not going to dismiss the possibility either.”

  “Seems like a stretch.” Paddy’s gaze slid past Kellan. “Dewar’s here.”

  “What?” Kellan turned to see Dewar enter the hospital alongside a slender youth in overalls.

  “Who’s that boy with him?” Paddy asked.

  Kellan frowned. “That’s not a boy.”

  As the pair joined them, Kellan gave Dewar a level glance. “Why did you bring her here?”

  The Ranger spread his arms wide in a shrug. “She insisted.”

  Alice tugged on the brim of her cap. “Nobody knows it’s me. I transformed my clothes so I could pass for a tourist.”

  Kellan’s eyes narrowed. “You shouldn’t be taking unnecessary risks.”

  Her expression was unrepentant. “I wanted to check on Ranger Carter personally. I felt I owed him that much.”

  A feminine voice called out, “Ranger Flynn?”

  Paddy lifted his hand. “Right here.”

  A curvaceous young woman in a nurse’s uniform approached. “I’m Nurse Morgan. I wanted to tell you that Ranger Carter is resting comfortably, and you’re welcome to see him for a few minutes if you wish.”

  “Yeah, I would.” Paddy gestured toward Kellan, Dewar, and Alice. “So would they.”

  “I suppose you Rangers stick together.” Her large blue eyes crinkled at the edges as she smiled. “Follow me.”

  She hastened off.

  Dewar gave Paddy a crooked grin. “We Rangers stick together. Isn’t that what Blade said?”

  Paddy chuckled. “Yeah…but somehow it sounds a lot nicer coming from her.”

  Kellan fell into step with Alice as they followed Nurse Morgan down the hall. The woman led them down a long corridor and gestured toward an open door.

  “I’m off to fetch some pain medication but you can stay until I return.”

  When they stepped inside the private hospital room, Gus was resting on his back with his upper body swathed in bandages. His color was very little different than the white sheets on his bed and his eyes were closed.

  Alice hung back as Kellan, Paddy, and Dewar surrounded the bed.

  “Hey, Gus.” Kellan kept his voice low.

  Dewar spoke at the same time. “How are you doing?”

  Paddy grimaced. “Can we do anything for you?”

  Gus opened his eyes and sighed. “Oh, it’s you guys. I thought you were the nurse.”

  Kellan bit back a laugh. “Sorry to disappoint you, buddy.”

  “Hey, I don’t blame you one bit for being disappointed.” Paddy shrugged. “Your nurse is quite comely.”

  Gus gave him a mock scowl. “I was there first, so behave yourself.”

  Paddy held up his hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering.”

  “We’re just glad to see you alive,” Kellan said.

  Gus met his gaze. “I hate to admit it, but Blackmon really helped me earlier.”

  Kellan’s eyebrows rose. “Oh?”

  “Yeah. He performed a spell to stop the bleeding and then took my pain away.” Gus shook his head. “I still don’t like him, but I have to give him credit for saving my life—particularly when it seemed to take something out of him physically afterward.”

  “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.” Paddy shrugged. “Whatever it takes to keep you alive is okay in my book.”

  Kellan nodded. “I agree.”

  Gus made an effort to point at Kellan with the index finger on his left hand. “That ice spire was aimed at you.”

  Even though he had already suspected as much, Kellan tried to keep his expression neutral. “What makes you say that?”

  “When you ran toward the princess, the spire changed its trajectory toward you, mid-air. I thought the both of you would be goners for sure, but it seemed to bounce off your back and careen toward me before I could blink.”

  “It ricocheted off my wizard’s shield.” Kellan’s lips tightened. “Gus, I’m sorry. I never wanted you to get hurt.”

  “I know, Kell. Our mission is to protect the princess and we did our job.”

  “Speaking of the princess,” Kellan beckoned Alice over, “…she came to see you.”

  “What?” Gus tried to sit up.

  “No, please relax.” Alice smiled. “I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your injury, Ranger Carter. I truly appreciate your dedication.”

  Gus wore a foolish grin. “Any time, Your Highness.”

  She nodded and backed away toward the window.

  Kellan retrieved his tracking device and activated it. “If you don’t mind, Gus, I want to collect some evidence. There should be some residual energy from your wound.”

  “Go ahead but Blackmon cast a spell on it. That’s all you’ll find.”

  Kellan positioned the tracker over the bandages and took a reading. “Blackmon’s energy signature is the strongest, but when I can correct for that…”

  Paddy glanced over his shoulder. “Is it Pompano’s?”

  Kellan shook his head. “The signature belongs to the suspect.”

  Dewar smacked his fist into the palm of his other hand. “When I get a hold of that wizard, he’ll regret it.”

  “I can’t use my hands, but I’ll be happy to kick him with my boots,” Gus said.

  Paddy smirked. “While Dewar punches the wizard and Gus kicks him, I’ll give him a tongue-lashing he’ll never forget.”

  The four Rangers burst out laughing but when a rustling came at the door, Gus immediately squeezed his eyes shut and began to groan. The nurse hastened over with a tray of medication and a glass of water.

  “You poor thing.” She lowered the tray to a bedside table and laid a slender hand on Gus’s forehead. “Do you think you can manage to swallow a pain pill?”

  The Ranger gave her a weak smile. “I’ll try.”

  As the nurse ministered to her patient, Kellan, Alice, Gus, and Paddy filed from the room and headed down the hallway.

  Dewar made a sound of disbelief. “Only Gus could get skewered and have enough energy left over to flirt with a lady.”

  Kellan, Paddy, and Alice laughed.

  While Dewar hailed a couple of autocabs to ferry the four of them back to the castle, Alice pulled Kellan to one side.

  “Whoever pushed my mother into the portal also tried to kill you today.”

  His expression remained unchanged. “Looks that way.”

  “You have to take the wizard shield back.”

  Alice fumbled for the device, but Kellan grabbed her hand. “Absolutely not and I won’t listen to any argument on the subject.”

  She had no choice but to acquiesce. “All right.” She glanced over at Dewar and Paddy. “The friendship you have with your fellow Rangers is admirable.”

  “Gus, Dewar, and Paddy are like the brothers I never had.”

  “All good men.” She bit her lip. “I’m afraid they have every reason to resent me.”

  “They don’t.” Kellan gave her a sharp glance. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because of me, Ranger Carter was injured.” She met his gaze. “And because of me, you’re in danger.”

  Inexplicably, Kellan laughed. “The nature of being a Ranger is putting ourselves at risk. I can assure you, the presence of danger is the spice of life for us.”

  “I just…I don’t want to lose you.”

  Dewar whistled as the autocabs arrived. “Our rides are here!”

  Kellan gave Alice a reassuring smile as he escorted her to the cab stand. “You couldn’t lose me even if you tried.”

  ∞∞∞

  As soon as Kellan entered his room at the castle, he reported Gus’s condition to Captain Woods via comscreen. Afterward, he pulled on his workout clothes and went down to visit the castle gym. Although
he’d asked Paddy to meet him there, the facility was empty when he arrived. Kellan hopped on one of two treadmills and began to warm up with a run.

  Five minutes later, Blade entered the gym. “Oh, it’s you. I usually have the place to myself this time of day.”

  Kellan refused to let the wizard bait him. “Sorry about that.”

  Blade tossed his towel down on a nearby bench, climbed on the other treadmill, and increased his pace until he and Kellan were running at the same speed.

  “Thank you for helping Gus today.” Kellan increased the speed on his treadmill. “He said you made a big difference.”

  “You saved my neck on the stairs, so I guess we’re even.” Blade increased his speed. “Don’t expect any more favors.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Gus corroborated what you told me about the ice spire,” Kellan said finally. “I was the target.”

  “I won’t bother saying I told you so.” Blade’s smile was grim. “Got any suspects?”

  “It’s the same wizard who attacked Helene.” Kellan increased his speed again.

  The wizard glanced over. “He doesn’t want you to catch him, apparently.” He turned the dial on his treadmill.

  “Nope.”

  A gentle mist broke out on Kellan’s brow, but Blade’s breathing was becoming labored. Out of the corner of Kellan’s eye, he noticed beads of sweat beginning to drip down the wizard’s face. With a sense of satisfaction, Kellan turned up his treadmill until he was running at top speed. Blade tried to keep up for another minute before he gave up and slowed to a walk.

  He scowled. “You’re a jerk, do you know that?”

  Kellan smiled, even as he blotted a fine mist from his upper lip with his shirt. “You’ll have an opportunity to best me tomorrow on the field of competition.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll beat you like a drum.”

  Blade turned off his treadmill, grabbed his towel, and bent double as he tried to catch his breath.

  Paddy came into the gym and gave the wizard an appraising glance. “You look a little done in there, Blackmon.”

  “Stuff it.” Blade walked off in the direction of the free weights.

  Paddy sniffed. “No need to be touchy.” He got onto the vacated treadmill and began to run.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The Royal Promenade

  Alice stood in the receiving line next to her father, greeting guests as they arrived at the first ball of the Royal Promenade. Dozens of beaming young women wearing the most exquisite gowns imaginable curtsied before they made their way inside the ballroom. Guests also included well-groomed gentlemen of all ages, elegantly clad in evening clothes. Most of the guests were participating in the Promenade but Alice recognized many others from the cocktail party two nights prior—including Theissen.

  She greeted him with as much courtesy as she could muster. “Welcome to the ball, Your Highness. It’s wonderful to see you again.”

  His gaze flickered toward her décolleté. “I watched your magical performance, Princess.”

  Alice covered her dismay with a smile. Had the man witnessed the horrific episode with Ranger Carter?

  “I-I hope it met with your approval.”

  Theissen shrugged. “Although your skills were impressive, I am sick of snow and ice. We get far too much of both in the Shadow Realm.” He strode off toward a bar set up at the back of the entrance hall.

  Alice’s dislike for the man was increasing with every encounter and the feeling appeared to be mutual, fortunately. Whichever Shadow Realm maiden is destined to become his bride had her complete and utter pity.

  A short while thereafter, Blade appeared. He looked dashing, as usual, and greeted her with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Good evening, Princess Alessandra.” He sketched a bow before leaning in closer to whisper, “You look absolutely devastating.”

  “Thank you for what you did for Ranger Carter today,” she murmured. “I’m quite grateful.”

  “Think nothing of it.” The wizard gave her a wink before making his way through the crowd mingling nearby.

  Alice and her father welcomed several more guests before Kellan finally appeared in the receiving queue. He was dazzling in his dress uniform and her breath caught in her throat. She was to have two dances with him tonight and couldn’t wait to be in his arms. The mere thought of it made her toes curl in her satin slippers…but she tried to maintain a serene expression. Not only were Minfo cameras pointed in her direction but her father was standing by her side. If the king suspected just how much she cared for Kellan, he would undoubtedly separate the two of them forever.

  ∞∞∞

  As Kellan waited in the receiving line, he scanned the crowds milling about. When he spotted Prince Theissen standing near the in the back bar, the hackles on the back of his neck rose. The wizard had eschewed his military uniform in favor of ordinary evening clothes, but his demeanor still bristled with contempt.

  Alice looked lovely in a dramatic gown of red satin. The crimson hue made the most of her brunette hair, which had been styled in a simple twist and a tiara. Her elegant makeup highlighted her flawless complexion and her heavily lashed hazel eyes could make any man’s heart stop. His disguised wizard’s shield shone on her wrist and a jeweled necklace lay nestled in the hollow of her throat.

  “Princess Alessandra.” He bowed. “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Ranger Stratford. Welcome to the first night of the Promenade.” Alice gave him a little wink.

  Etiquette obliged him to move on but as he made his way through the crowd, he caught sight of Dewar wearing his dress uniform and holding a glass of wine.

  Kellan frowned as he joined his friend. “Drinking on duty, Ranger?”

  Dewar’s expression grew merry. “Save the drama. It’s after seven o’clock, my shift is over, and Goff’s on deck.”

  Kellan glanced over his shoulder to verify that Ranger Goff was indeed positioned near the princess. “In that case, what are you doing here?”

  “Rangers are working undercover to keep an eye on you.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Only a little.” Dewar shrugged. “I entered the Promenade.”

  Kellan peered at him. “What?”

  His friend feigned pique. “Don’t you think I’m qualified?”

  “You’re more than qualified but are you serious about looking for a lady? After all, didn’t you say in the Briar Patch Tavern that ‘women are the hourse of all unsappiness’?”

  “Actually, my mother was the one who said that.” Dewar lowered his voice. “She was tipsy at the time.”

  Kellan laughed as he shook Dewar’s hand. “Welcome to the Promenade, then. Does Captain Woods know?”

  “He wrangled my invitation at the last minute. By the way, I’m serious about Rangers working undercover tonight.” Dewar nodded toward one of the bartenders. “Recognize him? That’s Bennett, in disguise.”

  Kellan chuckled at the Ranger’s fake black handlebar mustache. “So it is.”

  “Rangers are posing as waiters, too, so don’t let on when you spot them. After what happened to Gus, the captain decided to provide more security.”

  “Rangers stick together.” Kellan grinned. “I think that’s marvelous.”

  “Hello, there.” Paddy joined Kellan and Dewar, looking spiffy in his dress uniform. “The gang is together. All except for poor Gus, that is, but he’s better off with that pretty Nurse Morgan.”

  Kellan peered at him in astonishment. “Have you entered the Promenade too?”

  “When I learned Dewar was throwing his hat in the ring, I couldn’t let the two of you have all the fun.” Paddy shrugged. “Besides which, Kell, you need a couple of friends to watch your back.”

  “Actually, I could use your help.” Kellan stole a glance at the large clock on the wall. “We have a few minutes before the dancing begins and I need a distraction.”

  Dewar fluttered his lashes. “The ladies sa
y I can be distracting. What can I do for you?”

  “Prince Theissen is standing next to the bar. Order a drink, stand as close to him as you can, and I’ll send over the most irritating man in the room over to pick a fight. After a little while, Paddy, you step in and break things up. I should have what I need by then.”

  “No problem at all.” Paddy gave him a curious glance. “What’s this about?”

  “I’m taking an energy reading from the prince and I don’t want him to see what I’m doing.”

  Dewar’s merriment disappeared. “Be careful, Kell. A Shadow Realm wizard can be a nasty customer.”

  “If he was responsible for nearly killing Gus, I can be just as nasty.”

  “Right.” Dewar’s nod was decisive. “Here goes nasty.” He made his way to the bar as Paddy trailed close behind.

  Kellan found Blade in the corner, chatting up a young baron. “Forgive me for interrupting. Might I have a word, Blackmon?”

  The wizard frowned. “If you insist.” He bowed to his companion. “Please excuse me, Lord Moss.” As Blade joined Kellan, he scowled. “You’d better have a good reason for bothering me.”

  “I just wanted to warn you about something, as a favor. Two of my friends have entered the Promenade. Dewar Delacourt says he intends to make a fool of you in the competition.”

  Blade’s eyes narrowed. “Does he really? Point him out.”

  Kellan gestured toward the bar. “He’s the Ranger with the curly dark hair.”

  The wizard headed straight for Dewar, bristling with anger. “You there…Ranger Delacourt is it?”

  Kellan bit back a smile as Dewar sketched a flowery bow and proceeded to insult Blade in every manner possible. Once Prince Theissen’s attention was diverted by the spectacle, Kellan took his energy signature. To his surprise, the reading was not one he’d seen before.

  Dewar gave Blade a hard stare. “I’ll have you know my father is a viscount and my mother is the daughter of an earl.”

  Blade lifted his chin. “Even if I believed you, which I don’t, your manners are those of a jackass.”

  Many gentlemen within earshot chuckled, including Theissen. When Kellan nodded at Paddy, he grabbed Dewar’s arm.