Page 36 of The Spy

“You probably didn’t. At least not in the shed anyway. You’ve lost weight.”

They sat close and dismissed the staff. After a few bites, Lucan said, “This is nice. Quiet.”

She eyed him. “No one gunning us down.”

“Locking us up.”

“Breathing evil threats in our faces.”

“I could get used to this.” Lucan’s eyes smiled but his face was solemn.

“I hope you do. Lucan…”

“Wait. Come with me.” He stood and led her to the balcony off of their dining room. He nodded down below and music started playing, twinkle lights lit up the area above them and someone had placed a potted evergreen at the railing.

She laughed. “Is this?” Her heart ached with happiness.

He got down on one knee. “I want you to know, I have fifty men down there making sure we are safe while I ask you one very important question.”

“Of course you do.” Her grin hurt her face, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

“I can’t live without you. Even when apart, we are at risk, more so. I came to the realization we would actually be safer together. Queen Anna of Spain, my Sammy of old, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

“Yes.” She whispered, her heart full of happiness, relief, joy.

“What?” A voice shouted from down below. “We can’t hear you.”

Lucan stood and leaned over the balcony. “You’re meant to be silent observers.”

Anna gasped and leaned out squinting into the darkness. “Is that…”

“Hello your majesty, King Nico here.”

“And Jo!”

Lucan waved. “Yes, all the others are here too, but…You are interrupting!”

Anna laughed, tears streaming down her face. She loved Lucan’s brothers. “Oh Lucan. I love you. I love you so much. And Yes.” She shouted out to everyone below. “Yes! I will marry you.”

A great cheer rose up from the grounds and she turned to Lucan in surprise. “Sounds like a lot more than fifty.”

“Well, just to be safe.” He pulled her to him, close. “I love you Sammy. I will forever.”

“I love you too.”

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