“But they’re right,” Stellan replies. “You know Freya. If this is what she has set her mind on, neither you nor I can stop her.”
“But you could, Mr. Reid,” the queen says, almost desperately.
I smile, unable to hold it back any longer. I can’t believe I’m standing here in the rain, arguing with a queen and coming out the victor. “You hired me to protect your daughter, Your Majesty, not to make choices for her. If she chooses to leave this palace, I will be with her every step of the way. The choiceyouneed to make is whether I have help.”
With a sigh, Ingrid stands tall again and settles a calm expression on her face. “I can see why Derek recommended you, Mr. Reid. You are almostas willful as my daughter, and your boldness serves you well. I do not agree with the idea of Freya traversing the country, but I accept that I have little say in the matter. If you and Gregor can guarantee her safety, then I will allow it.”
“You have my word, Your Majesty,” Gregor says, giving me a look that tells me to join him in the office when I am able, then he bows to the king and queen and heads inside with the rest of the palace guard. Only the king and queen’s bodyguards remain, standing at a far enough distance that they likely won’t overhear the rest of the conversation.
I stay where I am, sensing further directions from the queen. She technically agreed to my campaign idea, but I doubt everything is settled yet.
Pinching her nose, Ingrid takes a few deep breaths. “I assume you will take Aleksander and Hendrik with you?”
“They’re by far the best of the palace guard, and having your children all together for something like this will show a united front among the Alverra family.” What I don’t add is the notion that it isn’t just Freya who’s under scrutiny. The most vocal people rallying behind Grimstad have made it clear that they think the entire family is out of touch, hence the need for an overhaul. Besides, Hex and Sander are charismatic and have spent the most time among the working class while training for the palace guard. Even as princes, they’re way more relatable than their uptight older sister and will be able to help prove Freya’s opponents wrong.
The queen shudders. “All of them,” she murmurs.
“It’s better than Hex joining the RIA,” Stellan points out.
The Royal Intelligence Agency, Candora’s spy network, has apparently been trying to recruit Hex for years, but he remains adamant that he wants no part of it. He certainly has the skill and would be a huge asset to the agency, but I’d be happier having him at my side with Sander. IfFreya continues to be reckless like she was tonight, protecting her is going to take all three of us.
“I won’t let anything happen to any of your children,” I assure the queen, still standing at attention.
“No,” she agrees. “You will not. You will protect them with your life, Mr. Reid.”
Involuntarily, my mind flashes back to a rubbled city scorched by sun and heat. Gunshots echoing around me. My brother-in-arms pushing me out of the way, taking fire that should have been mine.
I swallow as my shoulder throbs again. I should have died that day, but Griff took my place.
If I have the chance to repay the favor for someone else, I will take it without hesitation, which makes it easy to promise, “I will.”
Hollywood Hot Scoop
Her Royal Highness’s New Guard Dog
WeallknowPrincessFreya Alverra has a habit of going through bodyguards like I go through boyfriends, but this latest one takes the cake. Why? HE’S AMERICAN. That’s right, Scoopers! Her Highness has balked at centuries-old tradition and hired one of us Yanks to protect her, and from what we hear, he’s more than suited to the job.
With the princess’s upcoming election, we have boots on the ground in Candora, and one of our sources says Freya’s new guard dog recently prevented what could have been a disaster, coming to Freya’s rescue against a gang of thugs.
While we don’t know much about the mysterious American who snagged the gig of a lifetime, there’s no question that he’s a hulking hunk of a man who managed to strike terror into his enemies.
Don’t worry, Scoopers. We’ll get you a picture soon enough, but until then, we’ll have to imagine the man who is here to protect our favorite princess. (I’m going to imagine him looking like Derek Riley inMan of the Embers. Yummy!)
Speaking of Derek Riley, we asked our hometown hero what he thought about Freya’s new bodacious bodyguard, and I don’t know about you, but I’m sensing some jealousy on Derek’s side. Maybe our leading man doesn’t see Princess Freya as just a friend. Check out the video below and let us know if you agree in the comments! Make sure you subscribe so you can keep up with the upcoming Candoran election here onHollywood Hot Scoop. XO
Chapter Six
Freya
Atsomepoint,thewoman who brings the tea service every morning will admit to using the squeakiest cart when she comes into my room. She has denied it many times, but I am convinced there is a reason she has not bothered to get the cart repaired, and that reason is to annoy me.
“It is too early for tea,” I grumble from my bed without opening my eyes.
“My apologies, Your Highness.” But it sounds like she carries on with her work anyway, cups clinking and trays rattling.
If she would bring me something stronger than tea, I would be less annoyed, but my love for coffee has yet to make an impression on the kitchen staff. I have even purchased the necessary equipment, but they are adamant that a proper Candoran princess should only drink weak tea.
When the staff member finally leaves me alone in my room once more, I lie in my tangle of bedcovers in the hope of falling back asleep, but I already know it is pointless. I did not sleep during the night, so why would I sleep now when the sun peeks throughthe curtains?
