"My mother doesn't hate you."
"She’s just convinced I'm an unsuitable American who will embarrass the family?"
"She's protective and traditional and slow to accept change.That's not the same as hate."
"Could she be behind the sabotage?"
Archie was quiet for a long moment."I don't want to think so.But I can't say it's impossible.She liked to match me with a Spanish Countess, but you were the better choice because of your background."
We stared at the suspect board, four names with varying levels of evidence and motive, none of them conclusive, all of them people with the means to destroy my reputation and my rooms.
"This is impossible," I said finally."We have suspects but no proof.Evidence but no smoking gun.How are we supposed to figure out who's actually behind this?"
"We keep digging.Look for connections we missed, patterns we haven't identified yet."Archie rubbed his eyes."Or we wait for them to make a mistake."
"Great plan.Very proactive."
"You have a better idea?"
"Yes.We lure them out.Set a trap."
"What kind of trap?"
"I don't know yet.But there has to be something we can do besides sitting here staring at files and hoping for divine intervention."
Archie stood and moved to the window, looking out over the palace grounds."I need air.This is making me crazy."
"Join the club.We have t-shirts."
He turned back to me with a slight smile."I need to check on Azzurra anyway.Want to come?"
"Who's Azzurra?"
"My horse.She's pregnant, due to foal in the next few weeks.I've been neglecting her with everything going on."
The change of subject was so abrupt I blinked."You want me to come visit your pregnant horse?"
"I want us both to take a break from staring at evidence that's giving us nothing.The stables are quiet.No staff hovering, no political intrigue, just horses and fresh air."
"That actually sounds amazing."
"Then come on."
We walked through the palace gardens toward the stables, and some of the tension eased from my shoulders just being outside.The Mediterranean sun was warm without being oppressive, and the scent of roses and lavender replaced the smell of old paper and investigation stress.
"When's she due?"I asked.
"Technically three weeks.But the vet said it could be any time now."His voice had softened, the princely formality giving way to genuine affection."She's a Lusitano, Portuguese breed.Beautiful, intelligent, stubborn as hell."
"Sounds like someone I know."
He shot me a look."Are you calling me stubborn?"
"Are you calling yourself beautiful and intelligent?"
"I'm calling myself someone who appreciates a good horse."
The stables were indeed quiet, just the soft sounds of horses moving in their stalls, the smell of hay and leather and animals.It was oddly peaceful after the intensity of the morning.
