Page 27 of The Phoenix (Spy Girl 6)
“Well, I used to want that,” she says, rolling her eyes, “until I started planning a royal one. Now, I want it to be just the two of us saying our vows to each other. Vows that don’t need approval from a committee but rather are merely promises spoken from our hearts.”
I sigh dreamily, having experienced that myself recently and knowing how special it is. “I think that sounds perfect.”
“What about you?” she asks. “What’s your dream wedding?”
I can’t tell her that I already had it, so I start to mutter something about roses. Fortunately, I see the prince of Denmark walking in my direction.
“Oh, I must go say hello to someone,” I politely tell Lizzie. “I’ll see you at the table for dinner.”
“Huntley,” the prince says, kissing my hand. “You wore red at the last ball, but this dress—”
“A little risqué?” I ask with a laugh.
“You’re a vision,” he replies, cocking his head at me. “May I ask you a very personal question?”
“Of course.”
“Why are you engaged to Daniel when you should be marrying Lorenzo?”
“Probably because his mother didn’t deem me suitable. You’re a prince. Will your family choose your future bride?”
He rolls his eyes and says, “My mother already has someone in mind.”
I can’t help but let out a little giggle.
“Oh, sure, you can laugh. You don’t have to deal with her. I recently purchased a penthouse overlooking the harbor here in Montrovia just to get away from the pressure.”
“And people think royalty have an easy life,” I tease. “Besides, I heard it wasn’t just a penthouse, that it is the penthouse at the top of the Royal Casino.”
“Well, if you need to get away from the pressures of daily life, why not do so in style?” He grabs two flutes from a passing waiter and clinks my glass. After a sip, his demeanor turns serious. “I am worried about Lorenzo. I hope it’s okay that he shared with me that you are aware of the possible threats to his country.”
“You are his closest friend, Kresten; of course it’s okay. And I share your worry.”
“And you should know that I have offered him the full support of Danish Defense.” He takes my elbow and pulls me closer, whispering, “A team of special forces arrived in town just a few hours ago with the sole intent of protecting Lorenzo should a coup occur. They are dressed in matching blue velvet dinner jackets with the Danish crest, are seated at tables throughout the ballroom, and armed.”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady the onslaught of emotions that has just overcome me. Tears of relief fill my eyes. “That’s incredibly generous of you.”
He pulls a white handkerchief out of his pocket and hands it to me. “You care deeply for him.”
I don’t reply, just nod as I pat away the tears.
“Speak of the devil,” Kresten says, greeting Lorenzo.
At the last ball we went to, Lorenzo wore attire appropriate for a prince. This time, he looks even more in command. There is extra braiding dangling from his shoulders and additional medals pinned to his jacket. He looks more regal than he did at his coronation. And I realize it’s the way in which he is carrying himself.
Even though it feels like the weight of the world is on his and Montrovia’s shoulders, Lorenzo’s standing straight and tall. A confident leader.
And here I am, the hardened spy and trained assassin reduced to tears because of a gesture of friendship. Two memories flash in my head simultaneously. The first being my instructor in hand-to-hand combat, telling me that being a girl was one of my greatest weapons because I would be underestimated by my adversaries, offset by the conflicting advice of the old woman who spoke to me the night Lorenzo and I snuck out by ourselves in Rome.
“Are you crying?” Lorenzo says to me.
“She had a speck of dust in her eye,” Kresten replies. “You must do a better job at cleaning the palace.”
“I’ll get right on that.” Lorenzo laughs.
“I was just telling Huntley how lovely she looks tonight.”
“That she does,” Lorenzo says, taking a slight step back to take in my gown, which was made for me by the designer of the dream dress.
It’s basically a bunch of sheer netting covered by strategically placed lace. And, although the netting comes to the base of my throat and buttons in the back, the red beaded lace forms a deep plunging neckline. The lace on the skirt is heavy, covering my lady parts well, but it ends on the upper thigh, allowing my legs to show through before continuing the lace at the hem and on the train. It’s very different from the princess-style gown I wore to my first Montrovian ball and of a much lighter weight should any of my special skills become necessary.
I’m also fully decked out with spikes in both shoes, a crystal cuff that contains poisoned darts, and my black diamond ring with its toxic point. My jeweled clutch can be turned into a small bomb equal to three grenades and is loaded with additional exploding pore strips. I also have a single piece of plastic-coated wire tucked into my ear that allows me to hear Ares and Terrance, who, with Lorenzo’s approval, have cameras located in every single part of the castle that will be used by guests tonight. Under our dining table is a hidden panel that will reveal a small arsenal of weapons. Both Intrepid and Gabriel are attending as well. We aren’t able to talk to each other with the new earpiece technology, but Ares is back at the villa, watching the live feeds and will tell us how to proceed if an event should occur tonight.
Lorenzo affectionately kisses my cheeks in greeting but not so much as to be considered inappropriate. “The announcement for dinner is about to commence. Why don’t we make our way to our table?”
Lorenzo holds out his elbow, so I allow him to lead me the short distance. I look for my place card and see that I’m seated between Daniel a
nd his mother.
The First Lady looks beautiful in a sparkling blue gown. “Huntley,” she says. “That’s quite the dress.”
“Red is Daniel’s favorite color on me.”
“Has he seen that dress yet?”
“No. He had a late practice. I suspect he will arrive about the time dinner is served.”
“Well, he will be even more of a fan. You look stunning.”
“Thank you. So do you. The blue of your dress matches your husband’s eyes.”
She blushes and looks over at President Ryan Spear, who is seated across from her. He gives her an adorable wink and then turns to speak to Kresten, who is seated next to him.
“Has our government heard anything else about what might happen in Montrovia?” I quickly whisper to her.
“Not really, although Ryan did mention that a naval squadron is in international waters very near Montrovia, and a fleet is in position to follow.”
“What for?”
“First and foremost, to be able to get the president out of the country if things get ugly. Montrovia, and particularly the monarchy, has always been our ally, and their strait is geographically and militarily strategic. We will not allow it to fall into the wrong hands.”
“Are you saying, they would come to Lorenzo’s aid?”
“Providing he stays alive, yes. A coup can go a few different ways. Sometimes, the family is simply ousted; other times, they flee for their safety, and …” She pauses.
“Often, they are killed,” I finish. “Lorenzo is not a coward.”
“I know,” she says. “That’s why Ryan is worried.”
Daniel strolls toward our table, looking much like he did the first time I saw him—hair mussed, cheeks flushed, and buttoning his jacket. I know, for all of our sakes, I need to make a fuss over his arrival, but the truth is, I’m really glad to see him. He’s been a constant in my life through all of this mess. When I stand up, he lets out a completely inappropriate whistle, marches to my side of the long table, greets me with a steamy kiss on the lips, and then holds me at arm’s length to look me up and down.
