Page 25 of The Princess Home for Christmas

Chapter 10

He took her hand. “Come on.”

“What? Where are you going?”

“We have to plan our costumes.” He ran down a corridor for a moment and then stopped. “Gah, I’ve forgotten where Lucan’s rooms are.”

“I don’t want to know why you’ve been to them before. But come on, follow me.”

As soon as they entered what used to be Lucan’s domain, the new head of security frowned at them.

“He acts like Lucan used to.” Thomas whispered, although everyone in the room could hear him.

The man narrowed his eyes and Thomas could tell they had but a few moments before they would be unceremoniously ousted from the room. “We need to look at the disguises.”

He nodded and indicated the door at the back of the room.

Thomas sifted through the hanging outfits and those in the box on the floor and he handed a hat to Dahlia. Then a wig.

“Blonde?”

“Sure.”

He grabbed a pair of gym shorts and a t shirt. “You go casual too.” He indicated a bin of yoga pants and jeans.

She laughed. “Where are we going?”

“Wherever we want. And that’s the beauty of this.”

They slipped into side closet areas and changed into their new costumes. Thomas’ hat covered his hair, leaving a little bit of shaggy red hair around his ears.

“Nice.” Dahlia looked in the mirror at herself. She looked so much younger, and like a completely different person. “Perfect.”

They left their things in the security offices. Thomas called in, “We’ll be back” as the door shut and they took off running down the hall.

Dahlia couldn’t help laughing, clutching his hand in her own. “Why are we running?”

“I don’t know. Cause we are in a hurry to go hide in public.”

They made their way to the garage. And then they stopped. The car was a problem. The garage attendant approached. “Might I help?

Dahlia smiled. “We’re going out in costume and need a car less conspicuous than let’s say, the newest Italian model.” She indicated the Lamborghini to their front, Trane’s newest purchase.

The attendant thought for a moment. “You could take the old truck out back.”

Happiness filled Dahlia. “Perfect.”

They ran around back with the keys in hand. When Thomas saw it, he lifted one corner of his mouth. “Will it run?”

“Of course. These things are made to last for decades. I’ll drive if you’re afraid of a little engine power.”

“Oh no, I’m driving.”

She tossed him the keys, and he revved the engine. “Love it.”

They passed through the lower gate of the palace. Thomas knew Lucan had security tailing them somehow, but he felt free. Dahlia leaned back in her seat and put her feet on the dash. “Where should we go?”

Thomas thumbed his palms on the steering wheel and then turned on the radio. Christmas music played through their front speakers. “What’s Torren doing to celebrate the holidays today?”

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