Cameras. There were cameras strategically placed everywhere. If she wanted to go to the library unnoticed, she’d better scout for them to make sure she found a blind spot.
“Where to next, Ms. Lima?” the bodyguard asked behind her.
Determination flowed in her veins, hot and thick. The library being closed didn’t stop her from taking pictures in front of it, did it? “Let’s go for a walk.”
…
“Thank you for talking to me, Your Highness,” the employee whose nametag read Vadik said, bowing. “I won’t take much of your time.”
Nassor looked at the desk calendar. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d attend the crowning ceremony. He should focus on talking to the IT technician who’d begged Guban for a time with him to talk about an urgent matter, and not think about how delicious Izzy had felt in his arms the previous night.
How he had her, and how he lost her at the end of the night—she’d been able to put her hair down, but, for some reason he couldn’t detect, she lifted her walls again after they had sex.
A part of him wondered what it’d be like if she wanted him without any money or transaction involved. His stomach clenched. What a stupid idea.
“Your Majesty?” The short, average-built man coughed.
Nassor gestured for him to sit across from him. “Go on.”
Vadik sat on the oversize chair. Sweat covered his upper lip and forehead, and he fixed his square glasses. “I’m afraid we have a situation. Some members of royalty have been spending time online, using a secure network to meet women.”
Ah. Nassor relaxed in his chair. He’d never be so carefree, but he understood the reason behind it—some men enjoyed chatting with women who had no idea about their position. Maybe it made them feel…different. “Dumb, but not illegal.”
“Yes. Well, I came across some information—”
He opened the manila folder he was carrying, retrieved some pictures, then handed them to Nassor.
Nassor studied the photos of beautiful women, in all stages of undress, lying on a bed surrounding Rasheed, one of his uncle’s oldest friends and longtime royal advisers. Nassor lifted the photograph, noticing the drug paraphernalia and the amount of empty bottles on the floor.
Frustration clogged his throat. He should fucking publish that picture online to embarrass the old man. “I’m sure his wives would be upset, but that’s his personal life.”
“Not if this was taken inside the castle, with drugs, using the contributor’s money.”
“How do you know?” He glanced at the picture again, recognizing the carving of the bed. Sometimes, after long meetings, senior advisers were allowed access to guest rooms to refresh themselves if they lived out of town. At least one of Vadik’s claims is true.
The man shifted in his seat. “It’s my job to keep the network secure.”
“Do you have evidence he used the people’s money to buy these drugs?”
“No, that’s a guess.”
Nassor rubbed the back of his neck. After a day full of meetings, this was the last thing he needed. Annoyance zapped down his spine. Rasheed had been irresponsible, and he’d deal with him after the coronation. But having an affair at your place of work—as bad as it sounded—didn’t mean you’d stolen money from the company. Or, in this case, the kingdom. Nassor stared at Vadik, who had been quick to make claims. Was he looking for a job with the new administration? “What do you want?”
“What?” Vadik ran his fingers through his hair. “Oh. I didn’t come here with this intent, Your Highness.” He blushed. “I wanted to bring this subject to you and for you to do as you will. I promise I won’t tell a soul.”
“You’re such a good Samaritan.” Not a lot of those around these days. Nassor snorted. Ever since he’d become an official royal, old friends had come out of the woodwork for a chance in the spotlight. People whose names he didn’t even remember, from parts of his life he’d rather forget, called and emailed. He hated being used.
“I just…” Vadik started, then cleared his throat and looked at him. “If you are grateful, there’s one thing you can do for me. I understand you’ll be choosing wives soon, and if I may, my sister Angelic may not come from nobility but she is a great—”
Nassor’s blood pounded hotter. “Get out.”
The man stood, gesticulating with his hands. “Your Majesty, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I swear I didn’t walk in here with this goal in mind.”
“Then you’ll leave without it. Thanks for the heads-up.” Nassor stretched out his hand, showing him the way out.
Vadik scurried out of the office, leaving the envelope with the pictures behind. Nassor scratched his chin. What a pathetic way to secure a good marriage for his sister. Nassor stood. He greeted Guban as he left the office and marched toward the south wing of the castle.
In search of Izzy.
