Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

There was meaning and merit in the traditions of the crown. Was I abandoning my life’s beliefs now? Was I becoming as careless as her? Was one night with Nic all it took to undo everything that I valued?

“Maybe we can do something together when you get back,” she suggested. “Nothing official, of course. I like to keep it as unroyal as possible.” She smiled, uncurling herself from the chaise. She yawned, rising to her feet.

“I’d like that.” I walked her to the foyer. “Thank you for the visit.”

She paused at the door. “Kenley, I know you and Ayla can run circles around me. And she has more than once, but maybe you and I could help each other. I’m never going to be like Isabel. I’m ok with that. But I’d like to be more like you. I’d like to have your knowledge. Your background is incredible. And this transition isn’t going to be easy. People who were once your co-workers are now going to be serving you. I’ve stumbled through a rough transition, maybe I could help you too.”

“Thank you. We probably have more in common than I realized.”

She brushed her dark hair off her shoulder. I wonder if there was something about Sauvage men liking long hair. I was sure the king wanted her to keep it down.

“No problem. I wish I could go home with you, but I’m not feeling well enough to make the trip.”

“I understand.” I was close to letting her know I was in on her secret, but I’d wait and let her tell me on her own time.

“Have a good trip. Girls’ night when you get back.”

I laughed. “All right. I’m in.”

She left the apartments and I turned to face the workload ahead of me. I wondered if I had been too harsh on her the past months. It was easy to see how out of place she had been as an American. As the woman who created mass chaos inside these walls. As the woman who did something no one had been able to do—marry Damon Sauvage.

I dropped into the seat. I could figure out the family dynamics later. Right now, I had work to do.

25

Dominic

It was hard to believe only a few days ago I had been in this seat staring at the landscape of Spain pass under the wing. Now I was watching Galona fade behind us as the jet soared toward the United States.

Kenley had been on the phone all morning. I was irritated she hadn’t been freed up yet by another manager. I knew she was comfortable taking the reins, but it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted her next to me, not working security logistics with the airport.

We had brought a palace detail along with Kurtis and two aides. It was a small entourage, but after careful considera

tion Kenley and I decided the smaller our footprint, the better. There were plans to hire a full staff once we arrived on site.

She sighed, sitting next to me. “Ok. I think I have managed to explain to the head of security that we don’t need a full police escort through the city. They wanted flashing lights and a full parade.”

“Holy fuck, why?”

She shook her head. “Americans love it when you’re there. I politely declined the parade, insisting you didn’t want to disrupt the lives of the citizens of South Carolina.”

I chuckled. “No. I don’t want to disrupt.”

“But if you change your mind, they can’t wait to show off their new sirens. They will throw in one of their fire engines as well.”

I squeezed her knee. “Thank you.”

She leaned her head on my shoulder for a brief second. “You’re welcome.”

Liddy delivered tea and pastries. The china rattled as she set the brake on the gold and glass tea cart. Kenley immediately straightened her spine and slid my hand from her leg.

“I brewed this for you, Your Majesty.” The flight attendant smiled widely. Her blouse was tight and her vest cupped her tits, forcing them upward.

“Thank you, Liddy.”

“I’ll have a cup as well.” Kenley waited for a response.

Liddy poured a second cup and placed sugar cubes on the side of the saucer.