Page 10 of The Spy

She swallowed, recovering. “Well, it’s no secret who you are, Prince.”

And that had been it. They never talked about their lives outside of the program. Looking back, Anna realized those were some of her happiest times.

But the problem with her and Lucan ever being together was just that. They fell in love in a vacuum, neither one living the life they would soon have to live. When real life started to happen, and choices had to be made, she had learned quickly that she and Lucan would never again have what they once did.

Chapter 9

Lucan watched the most evil set of eyes he had ever seen glare at him all the way to the police car. He had called in an international force to aid the local police, who he knew could not be trusted. And at last, the largest trafficking ring was dismantled in front of his eyes. Children with hollow eyes were whisked away to safe houses and a multi-million dollar entity was shut down. While he did feel satisfaction, triumph even, more than anything, he felt relief and a desire to be home.

If he hurried, left the closure of this shutdown in the hands of his local team, he could make it for Anna’s coronation. And he did not want to miss it. Ever since their talk on the phone, hope had started to grow inside that they could be together. He had informed his superiors that this mission would be his last.

Security on Torren could be managed by his second in command.

Really it was just Dahlia he had to be concerned with and he could keep an eye on her from Spain.Spain.A smile filled his face, totally out of place on the dingy, dirty streets of Thailand. He hurried past his hotel, one befitting the gold he wore on his neck, keeping in character until he entered the private hanger where his jet waited. Commercial airline would take too long. He had called in the jet earlier this week. Security was tight in the private hanger. He changed from his undercover clothing in the bathroom, shoved it in a duffle, washed his face and hands over and over, and then boarded his jet.

The staff greeted him with warm smiles. And the relief of being home filled him. They sensed his urgency to be on the road, hurried through pre-check, sped down the runway and took off without delay.

He showered on the jet. They would arrive just in time for the coronation and he didn’t want to waste one moment. The private chambers on his jet were stocked with several tuxes, his favorite soap, comb, and shoes. While he was tying his bow tie, a staff member brought in a tray for dinner. She paused and then said, “The captain asked that I tell you he expects some turbulence. In fact, there are several storm systems in between us and Spain.”

Impatience twisted around in a furious storm in his gut. “Please relay to him our urgent need to arrive on time.”

They did land in Spain, but not on time. His driver rushed to the coronation, dodging traffic, rushing through the roundabouts and almost screeching to a stop in front of the Church of St. Jerome. Lucan banged open the back doors. They recognized him and stepped aside as he raced down hallways, throwing open the back double doors of the sanctuary and running down the center aisle of the packed church just in time to see the crown descend upon Anna’s head. He breathed out in relief.

She gripped her ceremonial scepter in one hand and turned to face the room, head high, eyes gleaming. Her gaze fell on Lucan, and she stopped. For a moment, he thought she would stop breathing. He started moving towards her, down the aisle, and he winked.

Her face broke out in a smile and then she lifted her chin to face the room. Lucan slid into the pew with his brothers who just shook their heads.

The archbishop said, “I present Anna Fredericka Landron, Queen of Spain.”

Everyone stood and cheered; Lucan couldn’t stop his grin. It filled his face until his cheeks hurt.

Then Ferdinand rose and held out his hand to escort her down the stairs.

Nico leaned over. “You’ve got to oust that guy from his self-important position of the hovering ridiculous.”

Trane smirked. “Yes, save him from himself. It’s pathetic.”

Lucan nodded. “I don’t blame him though. She’s magnificent. The most beautiful creature on this earth inside and out.”

They were silent while Lucan watched her walk across the front and out the side door. The audience then started to chatter and make preparations to leave. He turned to his brothers. They stared in silence.

“What?”

Nico grinned and shared a look with Trane. “Nothing. We just heard you say something totally uncharacteristic of you. You sounded more like Daniel.”

Their artistic brother who waxed poetic about anything of beauty glanced their way and then continued talking to his wife, Melodia.

Lucan shook his head. “You’ve never heard me talk in such a way because no other woman ever deserved similar praise.”

They both stood taller and began to bristle, Lucan assumed to defend their wives’ honor, but he held up his hands, “Present company excluded.”

Nico placed a hand on his shoulder. “So what are you going to do about it?”

“Plenty. I’m back from Asia, for one. And I plan to stay.”

Nico appraised him, a pleased light in his eyes. “I hope so.”

They traveled to the Spanish palace where they were invited for lunch and then were given rooms to refresh themselves to prepare for a grand ball in Anna’s honor.

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