Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

My heart stopped. Fifty days since I had heard the rich tones of his voice.

“Is Kenley on board?” he asked.

His head turned in my direction as I stepped forward from behind the sofa. My fingertips pressed into the soft leather.

“Hi, your majesty. I am here, sir.” My head dropped as I curtsied.

My eyes lifted to his as my posture straightened.

Did fifty days feel the same way to him?

“Good you’re here. I missed you at the center.” He rubbed his jaw.

I smiled more brightly than usual. I started toward him.

I had wanted to go this morning, but the optics were best if he was on his own. This was the chance he needed to demonstrate the strength of his independence. To show the citizens of Galona their prince had control. To show the world he had power over his crisis finally.

“You can update me during the flight. I need a full rundown on the rest of the week’s agenda, starting with that absurd deal my brother made with the Bostique Islands.”

I blinked and took a step backward. My lungs felt heavy and each breath was rougher and more uneasy than the last.

“Kenley, is that a problem?” he asked. “You do have an update for me.”

“No. Of course there’s no problem.” I found my voice. “I have your itinerary and the details His Majesty forwarded from today’s lodestar. I’m ready to brief you.”

He took the seat next to me and pulled the seatbelt across his lap. “Are you going to sit?”

“Y-yes.” I sat across from him, buckling the belt.

I pulled the tablet out of my executive case. Only royal managers had custom crafted bags like mine. Inside, I carried the royal schedule and the files from the king.

“Tea?” Liddy walked toward us with a silver tray. I noticed how her eyes raked over Dominic.

His arms strained against the gray jacket. He didn’t miss any workouts in rehab. There was something alluring about the Sauvage men. It was hard to be around them and not notice how chiseled and dominant they were in any room. But it was Dominic’s sharp jaw and shockingly dark hair drew me to him.

He grinned at her. “I’ve flown with you before, haven’t I?”

She blushed and I wanted to kick her ankles with the spikes on my heels. “Yes, your majesty. Many times.”

“I thought so.” He took a china cup. “You make the best tea.”

I rolled my eyes. “Liddy, that’s enough. Thank you,” I spoke tersely.

She trudged back to the galley, but not before throwing Dominic another once over.

“Kenley?” He placed the cup on the saucer.

“Yes?” I knew there was something hopeful in my voice. Something that shouldn’t have been there.

But despite everything it was there. Fifty days had given me time to think. And all I thought about was Dominic.

“Start with the Bostiques.”

And like that, the hope cracked.

I cleared my throat. I tapped on the file and began.

3