The Crown Read online

  She bristled, until she looked him in the eyes. She recognized him and he had kind eyes. So she nodded. They moved quickly, she and Henry surrounded by a group of men. They pushed through two hallways and out onto a side alley. They ducked and walked three steps before they were inside a limo.

  Her phone dinged. Nico. “Are you ok?”

  “Yes. Where are you? Are you all right?”

  “I’m sorry Jo. Yes, I’m fine. I’ll see you back at the palace.”

  The limo pulled out of the alley, two cars following.

  When she returned to the palace, royal aides guided her directly into the house and then advised her to go to her room until she received further instructions. Marguerite was there when she arrived. “Oh don’t worry honey. These kinds of things happen all of the time. I’ve started a hot bath for you. Nico is going to be up into the night talking with security and tightening measures. I’d just relax if you can, and go to sleep my dear.”

  Jo nodded, slipped into the bath and found she was more tired than she thought she would be. Soon she was wrapped in her softest robe with soft blankets piled above her.

  6

  She woke up to a staff member entering her room, handing her the remote and a tray for breakfast. “Channel five.”

  Then she left.

  With shaking hands, she turned on the television. Taking up the whole screen was Nico, embracing Monique, his lips firmly planted on hers. Then the screen flashed to her and Henry. They had captured Jo laughing, her hand on his chest while they danced. The headline, “A Royal Trade?”

  She stopped herself from throwing the remote against the wall. The newscaster then covered the night’s scare. It was the first she had heard of what had happened, and it came from the morning news. Anger started to simmer, but she knew it had the potential to be a boiling mess.

  Her obvious exclusion from the morning breakfast meeting alarmed her even further.

  And her heart ached. She tried to find reasons why everything was still ok. It was an old picture. He wore the same outfit at the same club.

  A small voice reminded her of all she’d heard about Monique. Stops at nothing, conniving, cut throat, determined to win him back.

  But she couldn’t reconcile his lips on hers.

  Then the newscaster went on to report about the scare. “It has been a confirmed terrorist threat. A small incendiary device was located in the women’s bathroom off the royal ballroom last night. No one was injured, but the facility has been shut down today for a complete screening of the area.”

  A bomb.

  A knock on her door made her jump. Then Nico’s head poked around the corner into her bedroom. Too handsome.

  Her anger spiked inside. Her life was in danger last night and this is how he chose to let her know? The news? With Monique melting in his arms. She looked away so that she could stay angry with him.

  “Can I come in?”

  She scooted over so there was room to sit by her on the bed.

  He looked contrite, but strangely hopeful. She saw nothing good from the whole evening.

  “I got here as soon as father released us from breakfast.”

  “So you guys did meet.” She didn’t hide the hurt.

  “I insisted you were exhausted and recovering from our scare and didn’t need to be present.”

  A tiny flicker of hope returned. He was trying to shield her, not shun her. That was something. But the kiss. “So what happened? Was your father upset?”

  He cleared his throat. “I tried to get here before the news.” He indicated her remote. “You saw?”

  She nodded. “Your parents?”

  Nico let out all his breath at once. “He was furious. They both were. How could I even think of dragging you through my old disastrous life? And that weasel Henry, how could I subject you to his kind of vermin?” Nico’s face was full of smile lines. He was pleased. “And the best one of all. “She doesn’t deserve you.” He mimicked his mother’s voice. “You go and apologize to her this minute.” He leaned back against the headboard, sitting next to her and reached for her hand. “So I came here as quickly as I could.”

  She thought it through. “You are happy they were furious.” After she thought a moment, her smile mimicked his own. “Because they approve.” A great happiness welled up inside.

  “They do. They took your side.” He turned towards her. She watched as the stress tried to tighten his expression. And her heart went out to him. The burdens on his shoulders were heavy. But she needed to know. “And Monique?”

  He closed his eyes. “When the group separated us, she led me away, telling me there was an emergency.” He shook his head. “Then when the alarms went off, she jumped into my arms.”

  She raised both eyebrows and turned to him. “And the kiss?”

  “Photo shopped.” The candid truth in his eyes told her all she needed to know. She let out a huge sigh of relief. “She’d do that?”

  “Well, now I don’t think she did it.”

  Jo snorted. “You don’t?”

  He hesitated, but then continued. “No, it is likely part of this campaign to discredit our relationship, or to create news where there isn’t.”

  Jo still suspected Monique to be the mastermind of the whole situation. Or else why lead him away at just the right moment. Although a feather of suspicion remained, she tucked it away. The convenience of the photo shop explanation bothered her, as well as the whole set up nature of their separation that night. But she said no more.

  “But why would anyone do that? Why do they care?”

  “They just want to sell news.”

  “And where are your credible presses?”

  He tapped her hand. “And that is exactly the correct question to be asking. We’ve invited them to the event today. And we are going to block all the others.” A fire of determination in his eyes told her he was not as carefree about the events of last night as he let on.

  She sat forward, wanting to get moving so she could plan for everything to be perfect. “So, you are not secretly still in love with Monique? Your parents don’t hate me? And no one is ready to ship me back to America?” Her sheepish expression hopefully hid her true concern. She watched his face.

  He pulled her closer so that his eyes were inches from her own. “All of that is true, yes, and one other thing I stayed up all last night thinking.”

  Reassurance filled her. “And what’s that?” She twisted in place and leaned one arm across his body.

  He pulled her into his arms, cradling her across his lap. “I could never ever do any of this without you. I don’t even know why I tried all those years. I love you, Jo.”

  She thrilled inside. And then their lips met and everything inside her ignited. He loved her. He wanted her. His parents loved her. And most of all, she belonged. His lips continued exploring and she became lost to their sweetness.

  Then his lips mumbled against hers. “I just have one question.”

  Surprised, she pulled away. His face looked dazed, that wonderful sleepy well-kissed look, and she grinned at him. “What is your question?”

  “What did Henry say that was so funny? He’s usually pretty dull around me…” A hint of insecurity flickered in the corner of his eye.

  “He told me stories of you. I’m guessing the picture was taken while I heard of the time you fell into the Mediterranean in a tuxedo, came up, held up your glass, and asked for a refill?”

  Such relief filled his face, she almost kissed him all over again. “So, you were talking about me?”

  She laughed. “Almost the whole time. We talked a bit about him as well, as I’m sure you can imagine.”

  “That was funny, that bit about the drink.” He paused, studying her. “I never drink with you. I don’t want to dull my senses.’ He toyed with her fingers. “I’m afraid I might miss something.”

  “Well, from what I can tell, we don’t need to drink. We have too much fun perfectly sober.”

  He nodded. “And no heada
ches in the morning.” He paused. “Theoretically.” He rubbed his head. “I think we are giving my father plenty, or rather I am. Trane looked too self-satisfied. I wanted to pound him.”

  Jo grinned. “Ok, I must get ready. Out with you. Promise you will fill me in on the way about the bomb?”

  Nico frowned. “Yes I will. Also, I was supposed to tell you, father has upped security at all levels.”

  Jo was grateful. Being a part of this family felt more like home every day. “Oh, and does my father know?” She cringed, dreading the answer.

  “No. Staff checked on him and Nurse June, and they were both blissfully unaware.”

  Relief filled her. She had been so happy her father was safe and entertained, learning and relaxed here in the palace. It was such a relief not to have to worry about him.

  As Nico moved towards the door, he turned. “I think you should know.” He cleared his throat. “Monique will be there.”

  “Ugh!” the pillow hit the wall, his retreating figure already out the door.

  7

  Jo finished her speech and the entire room leapt to their feet in applause. Except Monique. She slowly stood, but did not applaud. Her scathing expression could have burned a surging hole through the crowd all the way to Jo.

  “Look at Monique.” Trane, behind her, whispered, “Do you think you could do that expression when we get home?”

  She snorted and bit her lip to keep from laughing. Instead, she waved and smiled at all the support in the room. They were good people, willing to support a great cause. Torren was almost a completely literate nation. They would keep working, keep reaching, keep searching for those who need to learn and help them. She was so proud of the queen’s cause and took it on as her own.

  Even as she thought it, Nico leaned over and whispered. “And now on to the new queen’s cause.” His eyes shown with love. Then he stood to speak.

  “We pledge to continue with this great cause for a fully literate Torren until every last citizen can read. And every child is supported as they learn.”

  The room erupted again in applause. When they quieted, he added, “And we would like to add another group of citizens to our watch care.”

  Jo sucked in her breath. She suspected…

  “The elderly among us.”

  He held out a hand. “Will all the grandparents in the room please stand?”

  They did, and those in wheel chairs waved from their spots up front.

  “Thank you.” He motioned for them to sit. Then he reached behind him for Jo. She stood up at his side immediately. He spoke to the group of the growing percentage of their population who were aging. He talked of the lack of centers of recreation or venues that would cater to their age group. “One by-product of all of our aging is that our memory suffers. But there are studies that show we can delay the process. We can continue with active minds well into the latter portions of our lives. Alzheimer’s can be stalled. New neural pathways can be built. It is our goal,” He held up their linked hands. “To offer more to our elderly citizens. And we have donated a portion of our land to build a full, comprehensive center, complete with the latest research, activities, and staff who can provide entertainment, as well as care, to our elderly citizens.”

  The crowd again erupted in applause. A few of the news reporters scribbled furiously on their pads. Jo’s tears fell down her face. She smiled with as much love as she could muster through tears into Nico’s eyes. “Thank you.”

  He kissed her cheek. “You’re welcome.”

  The cameras flashed. There would be nothing but good news to report today.

  She rode home from the event with her father. Nico and the others stayed to handle some details of the center.

  “I love what you are doing, Jo.” Her father leaned back in his chair, a tired and somewhat concerned expression on his face. “But you don’t need to do this for me.”

  Surprised at his reaction, she leaned forward. “Of course I do. Whatever we can, to give you a better life now.” She moved across the limo to sit beside him. “And it’s not just for you, Dad. These efforts will help fund further research geared toward an eventual cure.” She didn’t say it, but it gave her a lump in her throat to think that whatever research or cures they discovered would be too late for her father.

  “If you are certain Jo, because of all the causes in all the world, you don’t need to do this for me.” He seemed troubled. And she worried for the first time, in a long time, if his old anxiety and fears were resurfacing. She hadn’t had as many concerns for him since the start of his new medicine. But the doctors had said the medicine wouldn’t work to cure him, it could only delay symptoms.

  “Dad. I love you. Now, tell me how you think it went, the reaction of those around you.”

  He grinned. “They seemed to love you. As they should.” The pride shining from his face warmed her.

  “We can do some good here, Dad. This whole thing is a remarkable opportunity.” She paused, trying to hide her fears.

  “What is it? What is troubling you?” He placed his wrinkled aging hand on her own.

  “I just hope I am up for it, you know?” She fidgeted. “Queen.” There she’d said it to the safest person she knew, but she trembled with fear inside at his response.

  “Of course you are Jo. You can do anything you put your heart into.” He winked. “And from what I can tell, your heart is engaged.”

  She felt her face go red. And she didn’t even try to hide it. “I love him. Even more than before. I think I’m going to be very happy.”

  Before he could answer, shouts outside the limo startled them both. They were pulling into the palace gates at the base of the canyon and people lined the streets and stood at either side of the entrance carrying signs, shouting, marching. A crazed face approached their window shouting, “Keep out!” Another shouted, “Reform your own country.”

  She used the intercom to speak to the driver. “What’s going on?” She tried to keep her voice steady.

  Her phone dinged with a text. “Are you in the palace?”

  She texted Nico back. “We are at the lower gates. What’s going on?”

  “Just hurry.”

  They pulled through and went on up the hill, entering the canyon. She usually loved this approach, but could not enjoy it today.

  Her father sat still, his face pale, hands trembling.

  “Dad, what is it?”

  “Did you see their signs?”

  “Some of them. I’m sure we will know what’s going on in just a moment when we arrive.”

  “Go back to America. Take your father with you.” His voice shook.

  “What?” How could they say something like that? She watched her father. He sat still as stone.

  “They are picketing your new Alzheimer’s initiative.” He reached for her hand. “And targeting me.” He cleared his throat. “Don’t do this for me, Jo. I love what you have here. It’s incredible. You can do so much good.” He paused and searched her face. “The queen of a nation.” He looked out the window to see their approach on the open plateau to the palace. “I’ll tell Nurse June it’s time for us to go back to the marina.”

  “No! Dad, don’t do that. I need you here.” Panic rose inside. She couldn’t have him living so far away, not when his health could decline in an instant, not when she had so much on her shoulders here. “Let’s just talk it through and find out what’s going on. It may not be serious at all.” She waved her hand at the small crowd now shrinking in the distance behind them.

  Nico was waiting for them in the carport when then pulled up. She stepped out of the car before anyone could come to open the door. “How could you be here already?”

  He looked confused for a moment, then smiled. “Oh, we took the helicopter over when we got the first inkling of where the press was going with this.” He pulled her into a hug. “I wanted to be here when you arrived.”

  Her heart warmed to him again and a small measure of comfort settled inside. “Dad want
s to leave, to go back to Shady Lake.” She pulled back and whispered. “You can’t let him.”

  Her father approached them from the other side of the car. “That was quite a welcome we had at the gates.” His eyes showed his concern. He waited, watching Nico’s face.

  He nodded. “I’m sorry about that. Let’s get inside to our conference room and we can pull up the news pundits and talk about what is going on.”

  Her worry heightened. This sounded more serious than a handful of people demonstrating at the gate.

  They entered the family conference room, within the family quarters, that she had not yet entered. It was comfortable. Large, overstuffed furniture, a television, and beautiful floor length windows that lined one wall with the best view of the distant ocean and the town spread out to their front. The ocean looked a grey blue, almost matching the color of the sky.

  These family gatherings were becoming all too familiar. “Do you have this many meetings dealing with the press when I’m not around?” She forced a slight laugh, but no one smiled in return.

  She and her father sat, side by side at the table, across from Trane and Daniel. The brothers gave her half smiles once she was seated, but Dahlia rolled her eyes and turned to look at the far wall.

  The local television channels were up in a grid of boxes to their front. The sound muted. Trane called out. “Channel ten is back up.”

  The newscaster’s familiar voice filled the room. “Many have taken to the streets in reaction to Prince Nico’s announcement. They are holding signs, marching and planning to stay the night.”

  A close up shot showed one sign. “Change country policy to benefit the American’s father?”

  Many signs simply said, “Go back home.”

  The hurt welled inside. “What is the matter?” She looked around the room. “What did I do wrong?”

  Nico turned to her and pulled her into his arms. “Nothing at all. You’ve been wonderful.”

  She looked over his shoulder at the queen. Her eyes showed compassion but her expression was grave. “They feel we have created a whole platform of assistance and support in our country to benefit your father.”