“Members of Alexius is my guess,” Michael whispered. “I recognize a few we’ve had dealings with over the years.”
“Theo told me the identities of other members were not widely known. Why are they here if secrecy is important to Alexius?”
“Clearly, our monarch wished it to be so.”
They all fell silent as a trumpet was sounded. Iris then watched the king walk down the carpeted aisle as the nerves in her belly fluttered. Where was Theo?
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
Monty would rather face a pack of lappet-faced vultures than what he was about to do. But his king had decided to acknowledge him after Geraint told him Monty wished to leave society. He had no idea what he’d find on the other side of those doors, only that when it was done, he could find Iris and touch her. Hold her hand and feel that wonderful warmth. With her, he knew what it was to be loved.
He could feel himself changing because of her and Henry. The boy who had smiled when he’d arrived at his home two days ago. It had been like the sun peeking out from behind a cloud.
They would marry soon, and he could not wait. He could then see her whenever he wanted. Go to bed with her in his arms and wake her with kisses.
Zach and Mary had brought her tonight as he’d had an appointment that he could not cancel.
“If you will go in now, my lord, they are waiting for you,” a footman said. He then opened the door, and Monty entered the room and stopped.
The room held Devilles and other men from society. Some he knew were part of Alexius, and others he did not.
“If you’ll walk down now, my lord, your king awaits you,” the footman said from behind him.
He walked down the carpet. The men bowed as he neared, as did the Devilles. Mary sank into a curtsy alongside his beautiful Iris when he reached them. With her was the Duchess of Yardly, which he thought odd, at least until he saw the ring hanging from the gold chain around her neck.
“Good God,” he whispered because he was in the presence of the king.
“Exactly,” Mary whispered. “Now walk up to the king. He does not like to be kept waiting.”
He dragged his eyes from the ring, managed a smile for Iris, and then walked to his monarch.
“Lord Montgomery, I owe you much and am aware of the sacrifice you have made to keep your king and country safe.”
“It was an honor, Your Majesty,” Monty said, bowing deeply.
“I have a gift for your services to your king.” He handed Monty a box. “It was given to my father by the late Lord Montgomery many years ago.”
Monty opened it and found a gold pocket watch. Taking it out of the box, he turned it over and found the Alexius pledge and his father’s initials beneath.
“It is a gift I will treasure always, Your Majesty.” Monty’s throat felt tight with emotion.
“Now it is time to shed Lord Plunge and become Lord Montgomery,” the monarch said. “Veritas scutumtibi erit.”
“That is my wish, Your Majesty.Veritas scutumtibi erit.” Monty bowed. Everyone in the room clapped loudly. It was both embarrassing and humbling to be acknowledged by so many.
When the king had returned to his guests along with the other members of Alexius, Monty moved to Iris’s side and took her hand in his.
“What now, Monty?” Forrest asked, shaking his hand.
“Now, we set about letting society see you for who you really are,” Gabe said. “Come along, there is no time like the present to start.”
They rejoined the fete and other guests.
“You are still wearing lavender and yet no heels or silly hair style,” Iris whispered to him.
“I did not want to shock them too much.” He acknowledged the other guests, who were giving him curious looks.
“I say, Plunge. Have you done something different with your hair?” Lord Cagney asked.
