Page 3 of Iron Unicorn

“Don’t be sour, Terry. Daphne would have lost it if you’d been hurt, and even once they’d scored a knockout on you, she hovered until Melody confirmed you were hale and hearty except for a little cut on your forehead and a pulled muscle in your shoulder. The cut is what ruined your other suit. We determined it’s possible to take out a skilled RPS agent in ten seconds flat and make off with him off the palace grounds before the on-duty agents could react. It was fun.”

“You were in attendance?”

“So was Pat,” she admitted with a giggle. “I needed that sort of fun. We had the monarchs of four kingdoms in on it.”

Where Texas went, trouble surely followed. Most people blamed the fiery queen, but I knew better. The older RPS agents had assigned King Patrick the title of the Trickster King for good reason. With King Ethan’s departure from California, I could understand why the Texan king would head west to provide some fun and distraction for the new heir and his parents.

“California showed up?” I guessed.

“Their Majesties found the experiment to be amusing, and they’re the ones who provided the Armani, as they have a suit for every head of detail around the Royal States. We’ve found RPS agents get crabby if they can’t wear suits. Their new heir was also in attendance, and he was not amused over being dragged away from his princess.”

“I take it the gun is mine, then?”

“It’s yours. We didn’t want to mess with your firearm since you’re a metalweaver. There’s a carry permit in your wallet, although your RPS card is sufficient while you’re in Houston. So, I have a few questions for you. How do you feel?”

“I feel fine,” I replied. “I’m more than a little confused over what’s going on and why, but I’m fine. My shoulder should stop aching in a day or two from the feel of it.”

“No headaches, vision problems, or other physical distress?”

“I’ve had no concussion symptoms. I’ll admit to some significant confusion, as I was not expecting to be in Houston.”

“Well, that’s only natural. Excellent. Are you irritated with me?”

One day, a Royal would find my breaking point, but the Texan queen would not be the one responsible. I would make certain of it. She would not break me, not this time. “Had I been given time to work through more scenarios, I might have become slightly irritated. Mostly, I’m confused.”

“I’ll make sure Pat makes you coffee cake,” she promised.

I grinned, as I was one of the few who preferred one of his more sensible cakes. “May I inquire on why I am in Houston?”

“I have a job for you.”

Ah. I could make a few guesses. No, the longer I thought on it, I suspected the beleaguered Queen of Texas could use someone carting her off for some rest and relaxation. “Would you like me to plan a relocation scenario for your enjoyment, Your Majesty? That seems like a reasonable reason to bring me to Houston.”

Queen Jessica snickered. “However much I’d appreciate that, I’ll have to decline for the moment, but if you’d like to try a solo scenario to kidnap me, I’ll approve it under the condition Pat agrees.”

“I agree,” His Royal Majesty of Texas said in the background.

“And he agrees, so you can add that as compensation for being dragged to Texas.”

RPS agents dreamed of the day they were assigned to do a solo relocation attempt on a monarch, and I was no exception. “You thoroughly have my attention, Your Majesty.”

“Jessica. You’re off duty, and you’ve had a long night. Of course, you slept through it right until we made use of an illuminator to get you into the park and those Montana rascals released you.”

“They’re still in Texas, aren’t they?”

“Will is trying to convince Daphne to forgive him through horse shopping. He used the A-word on her.”

“He found her another Andalusian?” While she also loved Akhal-Tekes, the last I’d heard, His Royal Majesty of Montana already had a line on one for her confirmation as the future Queen of Montana.

“Found is not quite the word I would use. He begged Spain. Spain is sending over a newly weaned foal who has been moping since she left. It’s a probable bond to go with the first one. There’s been a ridiculous amount of begging going around lately. First Pat, then Will… I simply don’t know what I will do if more of the men in my life are reduced to begging.”

“Goodness. So, he lured her off with the promise of a new horse?”

“Yep.”

“And it worked?”

“Yep.”

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