Page 25 of The Spy

“Partly, yes. Now let’s talk about something else. Dahlia. How is your sister?”

“Ha ha. She’s great. Seems a bit cranky all the time but I think that’s mostly for my brothers’ benefit. Determined to keep her independence. It’s not easy when you have six brothers.”

“No, I’d imagine it’s not. I’d love to get to know her. Maybe at the wedding.”

“I imagine you shall.”

They arrived at the palace, debriefed with a group of unhappy men, including Anna’s father, and then went to bed.

Lucan’s spot on the makeshift bed had never felt more uncomfortable.

Sounds of Anna tossing and turning in the next room told him she didn’t find it any easier.

But at last he stopped being aware of anything around him.

* * *

Two weeks with Anna,and Lucan was ready to propose. They sat on his jet, on the way to Torren for Sage and Thad’s wedding. His whole family would be gathered, except his father who had passed away five years ago. Lucan smiled. “Remember when you met my father?”

She laughed. “I do. I still think he saw right through me, acting like a photo journalist, but he let me keep up the cover.”

“He liked you.” Lucan felt immeasurably proud and happy that he knew that.

Her eyes grew misty. “I liked him too.” She reached for his hand.

“It will be good for everyone to spend some time with you. They will like you just as much.”

“You have an incredible family. I’ve never had even one sibling and suddenly I’m meeting six.”

“Well, really, eleven, if you’re including their spouses, which we do.”

She laughed. “I can’t wait. Does everyone get along?”

“You know how brothers are…” He stopped and then grinned. “Well, you don’t, but you will. They razz me all the time, but it’s just their way. Every one of us loves the other. And we are dedicated to the family and the crown.” He squeezed her fingers. “And now your crown too, I hope.” They hadn’t talked about anything permanent, only in vague terms, and every time it came up thrilling energy coursed through him. Anna was at last in his life.

They landed. Nico had sent the official royal cars with the suit of armor on the side. Lucan wondered at the fanfare, but then remembered that even though Anna was just Sammy to him, hers was an official visit of State. The Queen of Spain had come to their country, was courting their prince. Nico was following age old tradition.

When they pulled into the palace, a military processional lined a pathway up to the front doors of the palace. Each of Nico’s younger brothers, dressed in their military regalia stood at attention in the front, and his mother, the former queen in her full dress. Nico and Jo were more casually attired, but both were present.

“Oh. How lovely.”

Lucan watched them all as they slowed to a stop, suddenly proud of both his girlfriend, hopefully soon to be fiancé and his family and country. Watching one greet the other would be a grand moment.

One of the staff members opened their door, and Lucan jumped out. He nodded to his family and then held a hand out to Anna.

When she stood at his side, he placed her hand on his forearm and then escorted her through the military of his country. They approached the line of his brothers. Each one tall, broad, a man now. He nodded to them.

They each bowed in turn as Queen Anna greeted them. And then Lucan brought her to Nico and Jo, King and Queen of Torren. As monarchs greeted one another, Lucan looked out over the expanse of their view. The palace stood on a plateau, overlooking the ocean in the distance. Every day boasted a pleasant breeze. He was proud of his home, proud of his heritage. And proud of Anna’s Spanish crown. His mother would be most pleased. She loved the holiday Sant Jordi, they celebrated in Spain and had incorporated it in their own country in honor of her literacy efforts.

They moved to his mother next and she held out her arms, embracing Anna and kissing both cheeks. “I love you my dear. I’m so happy you’ve come.”

Anna wiped a tear from her cheek. “Thank you.”

Pleased, Lucan watched them with a smile. Then out of the corner of his eye he caught a familiar flash of light, round, the kind the scope of a gun makes when it reflects the sun just right. “Everybody down!”

He dove for Anna, cradling her as he fell to the ground. Another grabbed his mother Then he and Anna jumped up and they ran toward the cover of the pillars and then toward the door.

Lucan looked behind him. The others were doing much of the same. The men were spread out, guns pointed to the rooftops. His mother arrived at his side, flanked by three guards. They all entered the front double doors together. Lucan’s hands shook. He had never been so rattled. Why were they still after Anna? He thought they’d captured her only threat. He placed a call into Barlow. “Possible gunman. Is there news on our man in jail?”

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