The Royal and the Rebel (Royally Pitched 2)

Jamie

5 April

Austin Manor

Jamie looked out over the terrace of Juliana and Rowan’s home. The wedding had been perfect and the day a respite from the constant battle of the last several weeks. He knew he didn’t have long to enjoy it. Once he left this property, he would have to step back into the fray. Part of him would have been content to leave the kingdom to his grandmother’s stewardship. But then she’d gone and threatened Juliana, and he could not let that stand. Even still, the danger and uncertainty weren’t over. He didn’t know if he had the political capital to pull together the fraying states.

He’d never been a monarchist, but he also wasn’t a straight-up rebel. If the people really wanted him to be king, he would do it, and he knew he would do it well. But if Nava wanted independence and it had nothing to do with the queen, well, he wasn’t going to stop them.

Rowan’s dogs began to bark, and Jamie imagined he was getting his present. Jamie had been in charge of keeping Padmé the last two days and was a bit sad to be passing her off. But he didn’t have time in his life for others—significant or otherwise—or for pets. At this point, he wasn’t even sure he could keep a cactus alive. He poured the last of the Balvenie into his tumbler and returned to his position of lookout.

In the garden beyond the terrace, someone strolled. At first alarmed, Jamie reached for a phone he no longer carried. But then, recognizing the figure, his stomach tightened with something other than fear.

He had the worst case of hero worship ever recorded. Something about Sir Nicolas Ramsey just got to Jamie. Being in Nico’s presence made him tongue-tied and nervous, and his stomach was a riot of upset. Sure, he’d worshipped Nico since he was a young boy. Followed his career with the intensity of a pundit prepping for a show. Might have voiced his support to the right people when they were searching for a national team manager. But he could very well hold a conversation with the most powerful leaders in the world, and Nico Ramsey reduced him to a simpering sycophant. It was bloody embarrassing.

If it had been anyone else wandering alone tonight, Jamie would have reached out, strolled the gardens, chatted, and gushed about how happy his sisters were. But he just couldn’t make himself call out. He must have alerted the man to his presence because Nico stopped and looked up at him.

“Hello, Jamie,” he said, his voice sending a shiver down Jamie’s spine.

“Sir Nico.”

A mischievous smile that Jamie could make out, even in the dark of night, lit the man’s face. Nico moved purposefully toward him. He quickly traversed the steps and was up on the terrace in no time.

“You’re the next ruler of the country and the only person who regularly addresses me by that ridiculous title,” he teased.

Jamie felt his face heat. “Aye. I open my mouth, and it just tumbles out.”

Nico’s head tipped back, and he laughed loudly. Jamie’s eyes zeroed in on Nico’s throat, and suddenly, he identified the source of the nervous tittering.

He was bloody attracted to the man.

Jamie took an involuntary step back, like he had done something wrong and was just waiting to get caught. He’d never been attracted to a man before, but he knew the signs even if he hadn’t experienced them in what seemed like forever. How long had it been since he’d developed an interest in someone for more than conversation? He couldn’t remember. He’d started to think of himself as asexual. But right now, he felt anything but.

Nico nodded at the glass in Jamie’s hand. “Having one last drink?”

“Yes.” Then, without any thought as to why, he said, “Care to join me?”

“Love to actually.”

Jamie stepped to what remained of the bar and poured a scotch.

“I was just saying good-bye, I guess. I only lived here for a year, and for most of it, I was traveling. But the kids and I had some good times here.”

Jamie was oddly touched. “It was a nice thing you did for them.”

Nico shrugged. “Leia, Pelé, and Leo have had their eyes on my place for a while.”

Jamie grinned. “They do tend to take over.”

Their drinks went quickly, and when there was nothing keeping them there, Jamie asked, “Are you staying here tonight?”

“No, headed back to the city. I just need to call my driver.”

“Don’t do that,” Jamie said, his mouth once again moving before he had time to process what he was doing. “I’m headed home. We can drop you.”

“Cheers!”

They left their glasses on the table and moved around the side of the house. Will was waiting at the Range Rover.

“We’re dropping Nico at …” Jamie turned in his direction.

“I have a flat. In Bishops Square.”

“Yes, sir.”

They climbed into the car. As Will pulled out of the drive, silence filled the space. But it wasn’t uncomfortable. The road and the dark and his companion put him at ease. He relaxed back in the seat.

They’d driven for no more than ten minutes when Will turned to Jamie.

“Sir, Robert is calling you.”

Jamie reached forward and took the phone from Will. Since Juliana’s detainment, they’d all gotten rid of their mobiles. Will had a secure line for official business.

“Rob,” Jamie answered.

“Jamie, we’ve intercepted a credible threat.”

Jamie swung his gaze to Nico and then turned toward the window. “How credible?”

“I’ve already mobilized Ele and Juliana. For now, I think you need to get to the safe house. We’ll reconvene there tomorrow.”

“I have a passenger.”

“Take them with you.”

“I want a sitrep waiting for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jamie ended the call and handed the phone to Will. Their gazes met in the rearview mirror and Will gave a subtle nod of understanding.

Then, Jamie faced Nico. “I apologize, but we have a situation, and I am going to have to keep you with me until we can get it resolved.”

The End