Page 7 of A Valiant Prince

“How many staff were at the palace?” I ask.

“Shit, I don’t know,” Chris says. “I mean on a given day, there could be anywhere from thirty to fifty staff on the grounds.”

“Well, that’s a lot of people,” I say.

“It’s less, with the lockdown and all. Probably closer to thirty, mostly security,” he says.

“We need to do our own investigation. I don’t want Victor or any other security staff involved except Pete. He was with me at the time, so I know he’s OK,” I say.

“Anna will want to be involved in this,” Chris says.

“I know,” I answer. I look at Chris. “I’m not going to stop her.”

“That’s very wise of you,” he notes.

“We need her computer,” I say to him.

“What?” he asks. “But she gave it to Victor.”

“How do you—”

“Dad’s office isn’t as soundproof as he thinks it is,” Auggie chimes in.

“She gave a computer to Victor,” I correct.

“Oh, where’s the other?” Chris asks.

“A little closet room up on the third floor,” I say.

Chris and Auggie exchange looks. “The butler’s pantry,” Chris says.

“It’s really a storage room, now,” Auggie explains. “Damn, she is one sneaky little…” He trails off.

“I’ll get it,” Chris says. “I’ll have Pete get it.”

I nod. “I’ll let him know where it is,” I say. Chris nods.

“Where will we go?” I ask them.

“Probably to Uncle Hans and Auntie Lara’s country estate,” he says. “Unless we end up back at your father’s palace, but I think Dad will want to stay close to home.”

“Shit, this is so fucked up,” Auggie says, running his hands through his hair, mimicking my earlier actions.

“You guys look exhausted. Let me see if I can get you some beds here, just to sleep for a few hours,” I say to them.

Chris laughs. “Uh, our family is the biggest donor to the hospital, I’m pretty sure we could get a wing if we wanted,” Chris says. I roll my eyes.

“Sorry, Your Highness. I’m sure we can arrange that,” I say, bowing as I leave. Chris flicks me off, and I smirk.

I run into Dr. Vanker in the hallway. “Any word on Lara?” I ask him.

He shakes his head. “Not yet, I’m afraid,” he says.

“How are you?” he asks.

“I’m good. Is it possible to get some beds for the rest of us? Everyone needs some rest, and we certainly can’t go back to the palace,” I point out.

Dr. Vanker nods. “Yes, I’ll have my staff find some rooms for your families. The royal physician, Dr. Lasson, is with Lara,” he says.

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