Page 42 of The Prince of New York

“We make allowances for things like this,” Daphne replied, although her expression indicated she believed she’d swallowed a frog. “We will have to act if you target Rachel or Ian, but for this? We won’t pretend we never saw you, but we will indicate that it was best to allow you to return to your retirement peacefully. The jewels should help you with that venture.”

“We’re financially stable, but the sentiment is appreciated,” my mother replied, heading towards the back of the trailer. “Come along, Ian. We don’t have all day. Just do return the truck and trailer to its owner. We left an envelope with a payment for accepting the temporary relocation of their property, but they’ll need their rig back.”

According to Terry’s pained sigh, he understood the truck and trailer would be biting everyone in the ass sooner than later. “I’ll see that it is handled.”

“Good. Come on, Ian, today,” my mother ordered, pointing at the ground beside her.

I rolled my eyes but joined her. She threw open the door, and I came face to nose with a large black horse with feathered hocks. A quick check indicated I dealt with a stallion. The animal blew air in my face before leaning forward to seek out attention. I lifted my left hand, seized the animal’s halter, and offered assurance, holding out my right hand for him to sniff.

While the horse slobbered on me, I retained my fingers.

I’d missed having a horse, and I wanted to get to the serious business of brushing his coat until he shined. Not only did I want to groom him, I wanted to enjoy the animal’s warmth and just be for a while.

“His name is Thunder. We were told he is larger than the breed standard by a hand. He is a Jutland, and he will love you to a near death state. I have quite had my fill of petting him. Please take this demon. I smell like a horse, and I might never get that stench off my skin.” My mother huffed and puffed, and she glared at the horse. “He’s a complete and total attention whore, so you should get along with him quite well. His papers are inside with the information we have on this terrorist cell. You liked that horse those damned Texans gave you, so this should be some consolation that you have to cope with our existence. And don’t think you can trick me, boy. If we gave you an excuse, you’d rid the Earth of us and enjoy every moment of it. But you won’t. We are worth more to you alive. We’re working on this terrorism problem from the shadows, as we do not want terrorists infesting our turf any more than you want them infesting your turf. By leaving us alone, you have an ally to deal with a bigger fish—and a far more dangerous fish. You’ll pay the price, knowing we’re right here and can’t do anything about it.”

Bastards. I nodded to acknowledge the truth of her statement, and I rubbed Thunder’s neck. The stallion bumped his nose against my chest in a bid for more attention, which I gave him. “All right. You have free passage back to wherever you want to go. Terry, make the arrangements. If they want a cruise back to Europe, put them on a ship, and request a Montana detail until they’re overseas. They can do the job without personal feelings getting involved. We just got New York’s RPS functional, so let’s not rock that boat.”

My father chuckled. “A cruise would be nice—and get us out of the way for a few weeks while you look into the terrorist cell. The RPS will have to provide falsified passports, of course. And don’t think you can trick us. Rachel’s smart, but you’re smarter. You’ve been manipulating every little thing you could, a masterful chess player playing at a significant disadvantage.”

“Rachel aced California’s refugee exam,” I informed him in a cool voice.

“And I have no doubt that you could match her if given some time and a chance to study. We paid attention to you and her; we originally positioned Rachel to be an excellent consort, providing her new kingdom with a wealth of knowledge. She would have brought monetary wealth as well, but our gambit to get her into California or Montana was her brains, not her looks or her diplomacy, although she excels in both.” My father shrugged. “We prepared you both for life as Royals. You may never appreciate the lengths or the methods, but we succeeded at our job as your parents. Together, you two will bring prosperity to everyone within New York, and you know what to do—and what not to do—because of us.”

While I worried I was about to make a mistake, I eyed Terry. “Can the passports be done?”

“With the caveat that the passports will be tracked and monitored for illegal activity,” the RPS agent replied.

“We will continue providing information regarding the terrorist group in exchange,” my mother replied.

“Then we’ll see to the passports. As long as it is clear that you will not attempt to usurp New York from your daughter, we can quietly make certain arrangements. And Prince Ian is unavailable for any scheming that you might have in mind.”

“We have ruled the most prosperous kingdom in the world for decades. We have zero care for the duties and responsibilities of rulership.” My mother’s expression hardened. “I will not see some pitiful terrorists undo our legacy.”

Daphne eyed Terry, who nodded. “Then we have an understanding.”

The unspoken ‘for now’ hung in the air between us.

My father stepped away from the trailer, taking the briefcase I’d given to them with him. “We will take our leave. We’re staying at a motel near the port. The address is in the paperwork. Send the RPS agents there with the cruise tickets and the passports, and we will get out of your hair. Do enjoy your horse, Ian. He is a stallion worthy of even a king. If fortune favors you, we won’t see each other again, but mark my words, you will know we’re out there, watching.”

If fortune favoredme? I met his gaze and allowed myself a cold smile. “I won’t just be watching, Father. I’ll be waiting.”

Ten years ago, I would have been over the moon about the approval in his expression. “Good. Your sister needs you at your best. You were ready to take a throne since you were twelve and realized you might need to fall on that sword to protect your brothers and sisters. Rachel, despite doing everything we could to prepare her for being a consort, never quite figured things out. Now she’s stuck with being the Queen of New York while you? Well, I don’t know what you’re up to, so at least try to be useful.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re an asshole?” I asked, unable to keep the curiosity out of my tone.

“A few times, but it was rare. Honestly, Montana and California were the only ones brave enough to do it to our faces, which is why they were the only candidates to have your sister.”

“You’re an asshole.”

He chuckled. “Good luck with the terrorists, boy. You’re going to need it.”

TWELVE

Stallions who couldn’t learn their manners didn’t stay stallions for long.

A silver,unmarked car tailed my parents out of my junkyard, and rather than dwell on the meeting, I gave Thunder his owed attention, doing my best to comfort the horse. I had no idea how I would quarantine him at the palace, but I would cross that bridge in the next hour or two.

Horses disliked being alone, and I had no idea how long Thunder had been suffering through transport to get into the Royal States, where he had come from, or if I would be dealing with any symptoms of abuse. That my mother had been reduced to petting the animal indicated he’d come from a loving home, as did his impeccable behavior.

---