He would handle it. By avoiding Evelyne at all costs. Yes, that’s what he’d do. No anticipation at seeing her because hewould not. Perhaps he could even convince Alexandre that whatever needed his attention could be handled in one day and he would not need to spend the night.
He pulled up to the private entrance to the castle, frowned at the three guards who stood there, hands on their weapons, like they were barring entrance.
He got out of his car, handed his keys to the waiting valet. “Is everything all right here?”
The valet looked from the keys to the guards, then bowed and got in the car. Saying nothing. He drove away, leaving Gabriel with the guards.
Concerned that something bad had happened inside the palace, something dangerous or threatening, Gabriel approached the guards quickly. “Gentlemen,” he greeted. “Is there a problem?”
They did not answer, but the door behind them opening was an answer. Because out stepped General Vinyes. Dressed in his military regalia. He had been openly critical of Alexandre these past few weeks, but he had not mounted any actual attacks, nor did he defy any of the new king’s orders.
The general knew a good thing when he had it, or so Gabriel thought. Gabriel could not imagine whatthiswas about though. Nothing good.
“Good afternoon, General. You seem to be in my way.” Gabriel smiled at him. The sharpness in the smile was not likely to be construed as friendly.
“Alas, I am afraid you will have to come with me, Mr. Marti.”
“Ah, but it isn’tmisteranymore, is it? I believe you are to address me asmy lord?” Gabriel hadn’t had cause to use his new title, but if ever there was a time to flaunt it, no doubt it would be to this vicious general.
The general’s expression darkened. “It has come to my attention that you were the person who kidnapped the princess.”
Gabriel studied the man before him. Pompous and smarmy, those were the two main descriptors that came to mind. Him even mentioning Evelyne soured Gabriel’s mood even further. “You mean mywife?”
“She was not your wife when you illegally absconded with a member of the royal family. We have evidence. You will be arrested.”
Gabriel found it odd he wanted to laugh. Instead, he stood where he was and acted bored. Because he was. “Have you brought this evidence to the king? Have you come up with charges?”
“We shall arrest you first.” The general’s chin moved up. “Once we have, we will present the facts to yourfriend. Even kings have to admit when their friends are in the wrong when presented with evidence. Because if he does not use said evidence to punish you, the people will know.”
Gabriel pretended to mull this over. “A word of advice, General? I would not recommend this course of action. Whatever it is you think you’re going to accomplish, I can assure you, you won’t.” The public loved Evelyne. They didnotlove the general. While this plan might cause a bit of a headache for Alexandre, and Gabriel regretted that, he also knew Alex could hardly arrest him for what he’d done at Alex’s behest.
Especially when Gabriel was currentlymarriedto the princess. Perhaps hewasgoing to have to see her after all. It was certainly dread he felt at that realization.
Not hope.
The general leaned in, his eyes flinty and soulless. “If the king were still alive, you’d be tried for treason. And sentenced to death.”
“What a shame he’s six feet under instead,” Gabriel returned. He took a step to move around the guards, but their grips on the guns changed. Moved.
Aimed.
“I do not think the princess should be married to such a man. Perhaps there’s even a bit of Stockholm Syndrome happening. The king will sort it out, but you must be held while we do so.”
Gabriel looked from the guns, to the general.
“Have no concerns,my lord. I will ensure your…wife’s safety in the ensuing weeks as we sort this out.”
It was the most veiled of threats, but it was a threat. Gabriel looked down at the man, wondering what on earth gave him the gall to punch so completely out of his weight class.
“Mark my words,General, if you so much as look at my wife the wrong way, I will end you.”
“Your friendship with the prince—”
“The king, General. You forget yourself. And I am an earl now, as I have reminded you.” He smiled at the older man, though the expression held nothing but malice. “I believe that ranks me above you these days. Now get out of my way before this becomes an embarrassment.”
“You do not give me orders.” The general stood a little taller, the men held their guns a little tighter.
Gabriel surveyed the soldiers. The gleam in the general’s eye. And in a flash, saw this for what it was.
