Don't Promise (Don't 3)

21

Damon

I pressed my thumbprint to the lodestar. It beeped and I opened the cover. I skimmed the top page, checking the royal schedule.

Liam was leaving the country for two days. He had personal business in London. He had agreed to attend a dinner while he was away.

Next to the lodestar was the file on the olive grove irrigation. I remembered Molly’s suggestion last night. Something about the simplicity of her words struck me. Isabel was scheduled to return today to the southern part of the country, but I needed to change her itinerary. I had agreed.

That meant there was a gap in today’s schedule.

I grinned.

I picked up the royal line. Sutcliffe answered.

“Good morning, Your Majesty.”

I still wasn’t pleased about his interference with Molly’s departure from the palace.

“I need you to change the itinerary for Princess Isabel today.”

“Sir, she’s scheduled to leave in one hour for Sangreaux.”

“I’m going in her place.”

“Today is your preparation for the cabinet meeting.”

I clenched my fist. “Sutcliffe, change the princess’s schedule. I will be taking a guest with me to Sangreaux.”

I could hear his breath through the phone. “Your Highness, who is attending?”

“Miss Washington,” I answered. “Make sure the arrangements are complete and that someone informs the princess she has the day off. She has traveled non-stop for two weeks. I will be downstairs in forty-five minutes.”

“But the cabinet vote.”

Damn it. Sutcliffe pissed me off. He was replaceable. If he couldn’t do what I directed, I’d find another palace manager.

“I know exactly when it is.”

“Yes, sir. I will make sure the arrangements are made.”

I chuckled, knowing he had to scramble to make everything happen. He deserved it after the way he had meddled

. The security detail would have to increase. My requirements were double what my sister had.

I looked up when Molly walked in the office. She grinned shyly.

“Hi.”

“Bonjour.” I walked around the desk to greet her. “How did you sleep?”

She ran her fingers through her long hair. “Like I was in a cloud.”

“Good. We have plans,” I announced.

“Oh?” She looked confused.

“Remember that problem I discussed with you last night?”