It was the royal yacht used by Queen Victoria. An impressive steamer with a black hull, it boasted two funnels and a bow decorated with the royal coat of arms rather than a standard figurehead. A pair of auxiliary sailing masts rose amidship, the royal standards snapping in the Channel breeze at the top a combination of the arms of Britain and Prussia flying alongside the Union Jack.
Victoria turned to face him. “I’m travelling to Brussels for a series of diplomatic functions. After that, Salzburg and eventually Berlin. My schedule is quite full.” Her gaze sharpened with a familiar hint of stubbornness he was more used to seeing on the Queen’s face. “You should join us.”
Evander blinked. “I’m sorry?”
“Join our entourage when we’re in the same city.” Victoria’s eyes gleamed with determination. “At least for the Brussels portion of the journey. Royal tours provide excellent cover for intelligence gathering and you’ll have access to people and places that might otherwise be closed to you.”
“Vicky, I appreciate the offer, but—” he protested.
“It’s not an offer, Evander. It’s an invitation.” Her voice carried the subtle steel of someone accustomed to being obeyed. “From the Crown Princess of Prussia to a member of the British royal family and a dear friend. Refusing would put you in an awkward position and we both know it.” She flicked her fan irritably. “Besides, you know as well as I do that this tour is morethan just me prancing around various European cities before I return to Germany. Our alliances are more important now than ever before. It is our duty to ensure that our nations survive and thrive during these trying times. We are not just royals. We are diplomats, peacekeepers”—her eyes narrowed—“and if needs be, warmongers.”
For a moment, Evander felt like he was looking at a young Queen Victoria.
The apple does not fall far from the tree.
His mind raced as he considered her proposal. Like Victoria said, being part of her entourage might give them access to information they would otherwise struggle to obtain. It was a golden opportunity and one he was struggling to find a reason to refuse. Never mind that rejecting a direct invitation from the future German Empress would cause exactly the kind of trouble he couldn’t afford right now.
An impish smile stretched Victoria’s mouth. “Think of it like old times again. You, me, and Bertie getting into trouble together.” Her expression sobered a little. “Except this time, there is no Bertie and the trouble is rather more serious than sneaking out of balls or covering up my brother’s indiscretions.”
“Rather more serious indeed,” Evander murmured distractedly.
He glanced back at his team. Viggo was watching them with barely concealed apprehension. Though Fairbridge’s expression remained dispassionate, his posture suggested intense interest. Rufus looked concerned. Shaw appeared fascinated. Ginny was whispering something to Solomon with a glint in her eyes that told Evander he would not escape her interrogation later.
“It seems I have little choice,” Evander confessed reluctantly. “I accept your invitation.”
“Excellent.” Victoria beamed. “We depart in two hours. That should give your team time to settle their affairs and prepare fora slightly different journey than anticipated.” She indicated the royal yacht.
Evander swallowed a sigh as he glanced at the ferry they were supposed to take. It was dwarfed by the ship they would now be boarding.
I’m never going to hear the end of this from Winterbourne.
“You know, I should very much like to know Mr. Stonewall better,” Victoria said suddenly. “Anyone who can make you look this besotted must be quite remarkable.”
Heat flooded Evander’s cheeks.
“I don’t look besotted,” he protested in vain.
“Darling, you look utterly gone.” Victoria patted his arm with an indulgent smile. “It’s rather sweet, actually. I never thought I’d see the Ice Mage melt for anyone.”
Before Evander could formulate a response, she was already moving back toward her entourage and calling instructions to her ladies-in-waiting about accommodations and travel arrangements.
Evander returned to the others, conscious of a slew of gazes fixed on him from around the harbour.
“Well?” Viggo asked the moment he was within earshot. Though his voice was carefully controlled, every line of his body was strained.
“We’ve been invited to join the royal entourage to Brussels,” Evander said flatly.
Shaw gasped.
“Invited,” Fairbridge repeated shrewdly, “or commanded?”
“With royalty, there’s often little difference.” Evander grimaced. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t refuse without causing a diplomatic incident.”
Rufus exchanged a guarded look with Ginny.
“But surely—” the inspector started.
“The Crown Princess of Prussia requested a member of the British Metropolitan Police and his associates join her official tour,” Fairbridge interrupted smoothly. “Refusing would be seen as a direct insult to both the German and British crowns. His Grace had no other option but to accept.” His expression grew thoughtful. “Going to Brussels with an Imperial escort might not be the worst thing that could happen to us.”
