‘Everything’s in hand, right?’ he asked mildly.
His PA glanced around and was the one who stepped forward first. ‘Some of the Europeans have asked if you’d like a meeting—’
‘Not today.’ Felipe didn’t let him finish. ‘I need to focus on the coronation.’ Actually he needed to focus on regaining his focus. ‘Please assure them that in the coming weeks I’ll make time for them and I’ll greet everyone tonight at the banquet.’
Everyone stilled again. Yes, that wasn’t the answer they’d expected. Ordinarily he’d make a meeting if requested. But trade talks could wait. He had very few personal moments left before the ceremony.
‘The passengers who are stuck at the airport,’ he said thoughtfully.
‘Sir?’
‘Is there any way we could give them a tour or something in the morning? So they don’t feel imprisoned in that hotel for the full twenty-four hours?’ He rolled his shoulders, trying to think of something—anything—but Elsie. ‘A bus tour? A walk around the vineyard at the other side of the island? Then back to watch the coronation on the big screen at the airport before they leave?’
His assistant looked hesitant. ‘It would be a logistical challenge.’
‘But one I know you’re capable of pulling off. It would a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience they’re suffering—something to alleviate the impact we’ve had on their time and liberty.’
‘Of course.’
‘Your Majesty.’ Garcia stepped forward. ‘Someone’s been in touch about Ms Wynter.’
Felipe paused. He needed to talk to Garcia about what had happened. ‘Clear the room.’
Stillness again, then a sudden exodus.
Felipe eyed Garcia. ‘Who?’
‘One of the passengers on her flight asked airport security.’ Major Garcia avoided his gaze and read from the tablet he held in front of him. ‘Peter Sainz was seated across the aisle from Ms Wynter in the plane. A financier from Barcelona, he was concerned that she’d disappeared from the terminal.’
So Ms Wynter raised protective instincts in other people? Felipe’s own possessiveness tightened. ‘You can let him know she’s safe and will return for the flight tomorrow.’
Garcia stiffened. ‘Will she attend the coronation as well, sir?’
‘No.’ It was an instant, gut-instinct answer. ‘The plane will depart immediately after the ceremony. She’ll be at the airport ready to board with the other passengers at that time.’ She’d be gone from his life for good then.
Major Garcia didn’t step away.
‘You have thoughts on that, Major?’ Felipe regarded the man who’d been Head of Security for the last twenty years. His grandfather’s iron fist. The man who’d spectacularly failed once and who’d worked excessively hard to make up for it ever since.
‘Did you ever read my report on Ms Wynter, sir?’
‘I wasn’t aware I requested a report from you.’ He allowed his voice to drop to an icy whisper. ‘Major Garcia?’
Garcia’s nostrils flared. Yeah. It was time to remember who the King was in the room.
‘When Ms Wynter came to the palace I thought it would be prudent to check her background more comprehensively.’
Felipe’s anger grew. ‘And you did that immediately?’
‘Sir.’ Garcia nodded.
‘You went to the café while she was at the palace and asked her employers about her?’
‘Sir.’
‘Without my instruction.’
Garcia stiffened. ‘It is my remit to protect you and your family from any threats.’