Page 15 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

Now that he was back and his brother trusted him, he would kill Gregor and then Alexander. Then the girls and Gregory would be last. He would be the easiest and Nicolai could do it at any time.

Nicolai pulled on his goatee, bringing it to a point, and arranged a hunt for the following week. Several of the lords that were loyal to him joined in.

* * *

Reina was not happy.She lay in bed with her husband, her arm across his chest. He was still a very fit man for nearly sixty-five years old. His stomach was flat, and his arms and legs were well-muscled. His hair was as dark as either of his sons, with only a little gray along the sides. She thought it made him even sexier. And his emerald eyes still twinkled with mischief whenever he looked at her. “Gregor, my love, please don’t go without your own men. I don’t trust Nicolai.”

She knew Gregor was happy to go on a hunt, since he hadn’t been on one for several months.

He squeezed her close with his left arm around her shoulders. “I know you and Nicolai have an unpleasant history, and it is all his fault. But he’s been a loyal subject for the last ten years, since I became king.”

Her heart stopped. She knew he would go, but she had to try. “I know what you believe about him, but trust me on this. Nicolai is up to no good. Please, at least take your men with you.”

He reached over with his right hand and lifted her face with a knuckle under her chin until she was looking at him. “My darling. I know what and who Nicolai is. I’m not a stupid man. I am taking Lord Rederov and Airk Thorbaer, my master-at-arms, and our son-in-law. I would not take him and risk making Catherine a widow if I thought treachery was afoot. I will be well protected.”

“Thank you.” She sighed, somewhat relieved. Even so, something nagged at her. Nicolai had been getting more and more familiar with her these last few months. She should have told Gregor, but what could she tell him? That Nicolai had been taking liberties? He hadn’t. That he’d brushed up against her in a crowded room? Yes, he had, but then so had many other people, men and women, as she and Gregor mingled with their guests.

Perhaps she was making more of it than need be. Perhaps her reaction was the lasting effect of the assault that Nicolai had nearly committed. Thankfully, she was well-trained with a sword and had defended herself that night.

Except for state occasions when it could not be avoided, she never let him within a swords length…and she always carried her sword. She even had dress sheaths made, so it would not be out of place for her to wear it to formal gatherings.

She made sure her children all knew how to use a sword and a gun. They were well-trained in many weapons. Alex and Catherine had also shown an affinity for martial arts, and she had encouraged that pursuit. Tivia and Gina took archery instead.

Alex was trained in using swords, guns, archery, karate, jujitsu, and judo.

Gregory was too young for sword lessons yet, but not for the martial arts. He’d been taking karate since he was three and knew how to avoid his uncle. Reina had been diligent that none of her children trusted Nicolai. She knew he was treacherous and did her best to keep them safe.

If only she could convince her husband that his brother was no loyal subject of the crown. But he would only listen for a short while before he would tune her out or, if they were in bed, make love to her. Either way, the conversation ended.

Now, as she and Gregor dressed for the day, she couldn’t get the feeling from the pit of her stomach that Nicolai had waited for as long as he was going to. Today, he would make his move. She was sure of it. But still, if Gregor was taking his two best swordsmen and marksmen, he must think Nicolai was up to something as well.

In the palace's courtyard, the horses were saddled and waiting for their riders.

Reina followed Gregor down to the top of the steps.

There, he took her in his arms. “I love you, Reina, and I love our children.”

Hot tears filled her eyes. “Please, Gregor—”

“Shh. No more. I must do this to keep him in line. I must show that I trust him. It’s important for our people. Nicolai is getting stronger, and I must show his forces I do not fear them.”

She straightened her spine. “You’re right. We must both be strong. Goodbye, my love. Return to me quickly.”

“Always, my darling.” He kissed her soundly, and then tore himself away and descended the steps to mount his waiting horse.

Nicolai looked up at her. His eyes narrowed, and he lifted a brow before bowing his head. Then he hurried to ride next to Gregor.

Reina watched them until the gates closed behind them, and she was afraid she’d just said a last goodbye to her beloved.

* * *

June 23rd– Twin Bluffs, Montana, The Fedorov ranch

Alex worked King Gregor in the arena. The animal was learning western cutting, but had a lot of work to do. His Arabians were already champions in dressage and steeple chase. He wanted them to be champions in Western cutting and barrel racing, too. Alex wanted them to be the all-around horse. Capable of almost anything.

He knew they were the most versatile of horses and were good for most kinds of riding. If he could teach them to be good cutting horses, he would have even more ranchers wanting to put them into their stock.

Today, Michele was coming to help teach him cutting and barrel racing techniques. He also hoped to teach her some more personal techniques. This was the start of their third week working together, and he already knew he couldn’t get enough of her if he had ten lifetimes.