Page 25 of A Wayward Movement

Captain Mitchell looked struck by these arguments, the hint of surprise again exasperating Xavier. He shouldn’t be troubled. He knew that most people assumed his head was empty of serious matters given he chose not to engage with them. But his thoughts were as sharp as Theo’s, and he was as capable of being strategic in getting what he wanted as his father was.

True, what he wanted had less to do with the investigation than he’d made it sound. But he fully intended to succeed in that goal as well, and what he’d observed of Alina’s interactions was enough to convince him she really could be an asset if she was inclined to help them.

That was a fairly significant if, of course.

“Well, it’s your decision,” Captain Mitchell said. “If that’s what you wish, I can make contact with this young woman and learn if she’s willing to assist us.”

“No need,” Xavier said, with a flash of triumph. He’d almost forgotten that his father wasn’t present, and he could just make the call he wanted without having to convince anyone. “I’ll take care of that.”

There was a moment of silence as Mitchell considered him, then the captain spoke again.

“Your Highness, may I speak freely?”

“Of course, Captain, at any time.”

In spite of the permission, it was another pregnant moment before the captain spoke.

“Is this young woman perhaps the reason for our change in plans as to where the team is to be based?”

Xavier raised an eyebrow, and to his credit, Captain Mitchell didn’t blink.

“I noticed that you were quite struck when we met her in the dressmaker’s shop.”

“Well, she’s very pretty, don’t you think?” Xavier said flippantly, not pleased with the captain’s shrewdness. He regretted having let his guard down, but for those first few moments, the strength of his shock had been too much for him to hide.

“I can’t say I noticed one way or the other, Your Highness,” Captain Mitchell said. “But she seems…different from the women who usually catch your attention.”

“You’re certainly speaking freely, Mitchell,” Xavier said ruefully.

The captain’s voice was somber, but there was the hint of a smile in the lines of his face. “As you gave me leave to do, Your Highness.”

“I take it you’re concerned about distraction,” Xavier said. “But I’m committed to the investigation. The fact that Miss Alina has skill with magic is surely to our benefit.”

“It may prove to be useful,” Mitchell acknowledged.

His tone was unconvinced, however, and Xavier suspected he still thought Alina more likely to be a distraction than a help. He was probably right, but Xavier wasn’t going to admit as much. Not given the stakes.

“I’ll make contact with her first thing,” Xavier said. “In the meantime, I think I will help select the man for the Alton mission after all.”

“Very good, Your Highness.”

Bless his long-suffering heart, Captain Mitchell seemed pleased, in spite of the fact that Xavier’s involvement was surely more hindrance than help at this stage. Not for too much longer, Xavier was determined. He’d come on this trip mainly to get away from Theo’s plans for him, but somehow he seemed to find himself with a great deal to prove. Including his capacity to be more than a flighty burden to the investigation.

Xavier rose with the sun the next morning, a turn of events so startling that Charles actually gasped when he emerged into the private parlor for breakfast.

“Good morning, Charles,” Xavier told the servant pleasantly. “From your face, I gather that I surprised you in the act of something illegal.”

“Of course not, Your Highness!” Charles spluttered. “I was merely—”

“It’s all right, Charles,” Xavier cut him off, removing Zuzu from his shoulder as he lowered himself onto a chair. “I won’t attempt to uncover your crimes. Your secrets are safe with me.”

He placed the anzu on the table next to his plate, offering her a small piece of ham with a hopeful gesture. She sniffed it experimentally but didn’t take it.

“Disappointing,” Xavier sighed. “I’m very ready for you to acquire the ability to eat real food. Feeding you milk several times a day is losing its charm.”

“Is the investigation team starting further questioning early this morning, Your Highness?” Charles asked.

Xavier shook his head. “No, I’ll be carrying out another task which doesn’t require the rest of the team.”