The elevator stopped but didn’t open as they waited for the all clear from the agents.
Alex took Rebecca’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss, then slid her arm through his again and put his royal mask back in place.
A few more hours and then they’d be finished with this royal tour and could finally spend some time alone.
twenty
ALEXANDER
Vallerian Royal Palace
Royal Wing, Main Sitting Room
Alex tossed the newspaper on the table and sat down beside his wife. Several people had been arrested in the U.S. for planning a terrorist event, though thankfully nothing had happened during their tour. “How many times will we need to deal with these assholes before we can actually do something about them?”
“The leader’s claiming those were just rogue members and that E.A.M. is about ‘peaceful protest’ and that’s it,” Marcello countered as he poured Alex a drink. “Unfortunately, they’re good at covering their tracks because we haven’t been able to find something concrete that will hold up in court that can be used to dismantle the entire group and prosecute every member. We’re working on setting a trap for them, but it takes time.”
“Will Rebecca and I be safe?” Alex asked as he gripped Rebecca’s hand. “Mama and Papa? All of you? They could easily kill the entireroyal family in one fell swoop at the coronation since they’ll know where we’ll all be.”
“Should some of us stay back then?” Rio asked. “We haven’t officially announced the pregnancy, but we could and use it as an excuse to stay at the palace. Sarah could make her allegiance to you separately, and we could post it online so it’s public.”
“I’m inclined to wonder if Charlie and I should do the same.” Nate asked as he rubbed Charlie’s back. She’d been recovering well from the birth, and currently cuddled the newest Santoro in her arms while he slept.
“I think we need another solution,” Gabriel interjected. “You must all be there to show support for Alexander. I understand that security is the primary concern, and it should be. But months after the coronation, no one will remember security concerns and the press will only report who was and wasn’t there, which will infer that members of the family don’t support you, so why should they.”
“Then we need to move it somewhere more secure. I can’t think of anywhere but the palace, but we don’t have the space for everyone we’ve invited.”
“Well, actually, I think we do,” Charlie said as all eyes turned to her. “We only really use three wings of the palace regularly, but the unused wing has a fairly large ballroom and event space that would fit the amount of people we need. It—and the kitchens and some other rooms around it—would need some renovations if we were to use it, which would add to the coronation costs, but it’s doable.”
Alex exchanged a look with his father, who nodded. “Let’s take a look after dinner. I don’t think I’ve been in that part of the palace for years.”
“Probably at least a decade, I’d wager,” Gabriel corrected. “We’ve only used it sporadically since my father’s death. It’s a good idea, Charlotte. Would you come with us if you’re feeling up to it? I’d like to get your input on the state of the kitchens there.”
Charlie flushed but seemed pleased. “Of course. I’d love to help.”
Nate glanced at Charlie. “I’ll arrange for a car to drive us around to that part of the palace.”
Charlie rolled her eyes. “I’m perfectly all right walking.”
“MaybeI’mtired and wanted to use the car.”
“You weren’t invited.”
Nate sighed. “Charlotte.”
“Nathaniel,” Charlie countered.
Gabriel chuckled. “Ordinarily, I’d say let it go, Nathaniel, but actually, I would prefer the car to walking.”
“Then we’ll take the car,” Charlie agreed immediately.
Marcello handed Alex a glass of whiskey. “There’s also the Council to deal with, who are requesting a delay in the coronation on the basis of those photos you posted. They say the photos prove you’re not ready to be a world leader.”
“While it is a bad time to make a mistake in global politics, I don’t think those photos qualify as such.”
“The world will forget about the photos, then they’ll remember again, and forget again,” Gabriel said. “Nothing stays in the public consciousness for long, and the coronation will certainly overshadow the photos. Once it goes off perfectly, and the transfer of power is complete, we’ll improve our public image and silence the Council, at least for a while.”
“More and more people are wondering about the future of monarchies,” Charlie said, then quickly continued. “I hear about it all the time. People talk around ‘staff’ and don’t censor their words as much. Even people who work in the Palace wonder if it’s still a good long-term prospect.”
