Page 22 of Cooper

“Natalia, tell us about your friend,” Joe says to me. “Erik says he may be coming to stay for a bit.”

“Yes. Captain Ryan Cooper. He was my commanding officer when I was embedded with the marine unit, and we became close.” I clear my throat. “Not like that. I mean, not until the last day, after I was officially relieved of duty. We would never have crossed that line. Anyway, we thought it might be nice if he spent some of his recovery here since he won’t be cleared for duty for a while.”

Luckily, no one seems particularly interested in our personal relationship and are far more interested in what happened to him in Iraq.

“We didn’t have a chance to talk about the details,” I add.

“Maybe he would benefit from our group therapy sessions,” Xander Holt suggests. He’s married to Princess Elen and one of the original Royal Protectors, who signed on immediately once Erik took power.

“He’ll let me know if he gets permission to come,” I say. “The biggest issue is medical care since there are obviously no U.S. veteran services here.”

“Make sure he knows we’ll take care of anything he needs,” Erik says. “He doesn’t have to worry about care during his recovery.”

“As one of the people integral in launching our exchange program with the marines, we’ll make sure he’s well taken care of any time he comes for a visit.” Sandor nods.

“I’ll tell him.” I look away, suddenly a little uncomfortable being the center of attention like this. Unfortunately, the focus is still on me.

“Well, there’s one more thing we need to discuss,” Sandor says, looking at me, amusement glinting in his blue eyes. “Natalia’s official promotion to Royal Protector.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure what that means. “What, er, what does that entail?”

“Most of you guys kind of took the job with a few words from Erik and me, but historically, becoming a Royal Protector was a big deal. When I finished my training, there was a ceremony, where we took our oath for a lifetime of fealty to the king. Then there was a huge celebration. I think we should bring back some of the old traditions.”

“I don’t really love that kind of thing,” I murmur.

“I know, but we’ve let too much go around here,” Erik says. “I think it’s time we revisit our historic pride. That’s the only way to erase the bad memories of the decade before I took power.”

“Do I have to do anything?” I ask knowingly.

Sandor actually laughs, his eyes crinkling. He’s one of those rare men who is as good-looking as he is terrifying. He’s big, strong, and powerful, but also intelligent, fair, and generous. He’s still the scariest person I’ve ever met, so it’s always a little disconcerting when he laughs and reminds me of a movie star.

“I’m going to hate it,” I groan.

Erik is chuckling too but shakes his head. “No. It will be a private ceremony, and if you choose not to have guests, you don’t have to.”

“There will still be a celebration after,” Daniil says, “but you’re not obligated to attend.”

“When is this enlightening event taking place?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

“I’m not sure,” Sandor replies. “We need to get some semblance of order around here first. With Lennox on maternity leave, the new duty roster will take a little getting used to and we might wait for Dax to finish his training as well so we can swear in both of you at the same time.”

“Everyone needs to adjust to constant roster changes,” Joe says after a moment. “With Axel and Solange in Vegas on duty with Sasha, in addition to Lennox on maternity leave, things are going to be tighter than ever. Dax is in the second phase of his training, but I don’t see him being ready for to be a full-time Protector until early next year. And that’s if he passes all the tests Sandor has planned for him. Solange is training to be a cyber specialist, which will free up Jonas to a degree, but we don’t know when or if she and Axel will be back here full-time, so that’s sort of a wash. With that in mind, I need thoughts on the schedule.”

“I’ve got other things to do,” Erik says, standing up, “but everyone needs one day off. That’s one thing I absolutely intend to make certain of. I don’t care how we have to do it, but you can’t continue working twenty-four-seven. Make it happen. The only delay I’ll agree to in that regard is perhaps holding off until Lennox is back from maternity leave.”

We all watch him leave and then Joe gives a little half-shrug as he looks around the room. “Ideas anyone? Schedule, hours, who does what.”

We collaborate on the rest of the schedule for another hour and then I go up to the Royal Apartment to see if Casey needs anything. Duty with the queen is both the easiest and hardest job there is. She likes having a woman around because of the kids.

The children are far more nervous when a male security member is in the suite, as if that automatically points to imminent danger, so though it isn’t accurate, she requested female security whenever possible. While Lennox is on maternity leave, that means me.

She’s easy-going and pretty boring as far as royalty goes. Her focus is almost always on her children. She tries to work on royal duties while the older kids are at school, though how much time she spends on them varies daily. They have two full-time nannies for Levi, but Casey is very hands-on with him. She takes on most of the daytime diaper and feeding duties unless she has to be out of the palace or is in the middle of something that can’t wait.

For the most part, I either sit and read, watch television, and occasionally check the security cameras either in their private security room or on my own laptop.

I’m always on high alert, but also have time to do things like read a book, watch a movie, or even hang out with Casey. What makes it so hard is the need to be relaxed coupled with never letting down my guard. I can’t get overly distracted, but I also can’t pace around like a foot soldier and freak out the kids.

“Hi!” She looks up from where she’s playing with Levi when I come in. “How was your trip? I’m sorry it had to be cut short, but I want to hear all about yourfriend.”

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