Page 19 of Throne Off Course

Thomas’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture subtly tightened. “I’ve already retrieved everything His Highness specified as necessary.”

There was a loaded silence as Emilia realized the implication: Alexander had been discussing their research with his equerry, perhaps even directing the work through him.

“I see,” she said, setting down her bag. “Well, as the historical expert on this project, I actually realized that we’ll need some additional references.”

Thomas hesitated, just long enough for Emilia to notice. “Of course, Miss Carter. Though I must mention that His Highnessmaintains a rather precise schedule. Any… extensions to the planned research scope may require adjustments to his commitments.”

The words were perfectly respectful, but the message was clear: he viewed her as a disruption to Alexander’s carefully ordered life.

As Thomas turned to retrieve the requested volumes, the door opened again and Alexander entered, looking somewhat surprised to find both of them there.

“Thomas,” he acknowledged with a nod. “I see you’ve met Miss Carter.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Thomas responded smoothly. “I was just assisting with the preparation for this morning’s session.”

Alexander’s eyes moved from Thomas to Emilia, noting the subtle tension. “Excellent. Though I’ve noticed that Miss Carter has her own organizational preferences.”

“Indeed,” Emilia said, with just a hint of irony.

A flicker of something, almost amusement, crossed Alexander’s face.

Thomas watched this exchange with careful attention, his expression betraying nothing but his eyes missing nothing.

“Will there be anything else, Your Highness?” he asked.

Alexander shook his head. “Not for now, thank you.”

With another precise bow, Thomas turned to leave. At the door, he paused. “Your meeting with the Prime Minister has been moved to eleven, sir. I’ve taken the liberty of informing Lord Davenport of the change.”

“Thank you, Thomas.”

After the door closed, Emilia turned to Alexander. “Yourshadow seems very efficient.”

Alexander removed his jacket and hung it precisely on the back of his chair. “Thomas has been with me since I was seventeen. He runs my life with terrifying competence.”

“And does he always arrange your research materials?” Emilia asked, nodding toward the meticulously organized table.

Alexander looked slightly uncomfortable. “He… takes his duties seriously.”

“I see,” Emilia said, though her tone suggested she saw perhaps more than Alexander intended. “Well, he certainly seems to have strong opinions about how this project should proceed.”

“Thomas is protective,” Alexander admitted. “Of my time, my position, my…” he hesitated.

“Your reputation?” Emilia suggested.

“Something like that.” Alexander met her gaze directly. “He’s loyal to a fault and sees potential complications before they arise.”

“And am I a complication, Your Highness?” Emilia asked, her voice light but the question weighted.

Alexander held her gaze a moment longer than necessary. “Undoubtedly.”

The word hung between them, neither an insult nor a compliment, but something more complex. An acknowledgment that whatever was developing between them didn’t fit neatly into Thomas’s carefully scheduled world.

“Well,” Emilia said finally, turning to the documents. “I suppose we should make good use of your precisely allocated time, then.”

As they began working, Emilia couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Thomas had observed and what he might havereported back to the palace.

Later that morning, Emilia spread out a series of documents across the large wooden table, the scent of old parchment filling the air between them.