Page 13 of The Heart of the King

There would be jockeying for position and who could get the definitive photo - good or bad - of him with Jasmine onto their website or social media before the others. Half of them would be doing live feeds.

He sighed and stuck his tablet back into his bag. The pilot exited the cockpit and spoke briefly to David’s assistant. Stewart nodded then walked toward David and sat across from him.

“We’ve been told we’re not allowed to enter Auverignonian air space,” Stewart told him.

David froze. “What?”

“We’re not allowed into Auverignonian air space. We’re rerouting to Akushla for the moment. We may or may not land.” Stewart looked stressed, something David didn’t see from him very often.

“Who gave the order to deny us entrance?” He didn’t know that was a thing anyone could do - not to prevent the heir from returning home.

“I’m not certain. I believe only the monarch can, but it’s possible the order came from somewhere else.”

David leaned back. “Is there any valid reason why? Could it be because I got married without consent of the Council or Parliament?”

Stewart shook his head. “I have no idea. That’s possible. Or it could be there’s something more going on.”

The thought made David frown. “A coup?”

“Maybe?” His assistant shrugged. “I haven’t heard any rumblings, but anything is possible. Your news this morning certainly turned a lot of things on their ear. I can think of several Council members with daughters who are all disappointed, possibly even furious, right now. I can’t imagine any of them would go this far, though, if they even legally can.”

Randall, David’s head of security, joined them. “I don’t have any official word on why we’re not allowed in Auverignonian air space. We’re landing in Akushla and will regroup there.”

David looked over at Jasmine, curled up in a chair sleeping again. It had been a long time since he woke up with a hangover, but he suspected he held his alcohol better than she did. He didn’t think she had much experience with the morning after having a bit too much.

Before long, they landed at the King Alfred I International Airport. The plane went straight to a secure hanger, likely where the Eyjanian royal family’s plane was kept. Once there, David led the way down the stairs where he was greeted by three men - King Benjamin, the king’s head of security, and the king’s former head of security and current stepfather.

David greeted them all with handshakes then turned to the three people who’d followed him off the plane, but focused on one of them. “Jasmine, I’d like to introduce you to King Benjamin of Eyjania. He’s joined by Thor, his former head of security and current stepfather, and Justin, his current head of security.”

Jasmine gave the trio an uncomfortable smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you, though I do wish it were under other circumstances. That said, I’m not quite sure what these circumstances are.”

Justin motioned toward a small conference room. “Let’s have a seat and see what we can figure out.”

David fell into step with Benjamin as they walked. Everyone else came behind them.

In a minute, they were seated around the table. Justin told him what he’d learned, which wasn’t much.

“So what can we do?” Jasmine asked. “I don’t pretend to know what any of this is about. I’m the least informed one here, but clearly David needs to get back home before his father’s trial ends. He’s about to be king and his coronation and everything is already planned. Is it someone’s way of trying to keep him away so he can’t be king?”

Everyone looked at David. “I don’t think there’s anything that says I have to be in the country to become king when my father is found guilty, though the optics of that wouldn’t be good.”

“Could the Council or a faction of the Council or Parliament try to force you out as well? Use the time when you’re king but out of the country as a way to force you to abdicate or get rid of the monarchy all together?” Benjamin leaned forward with a frown. “Has your father signed any new treaties with Sargasso or San Majoria or New Sargasso? Or even Athmetis?”

David shook his head. “I don’t think so. I’ve heard there’s been some negotiating, but I haven’t heard of a signing.”

“Good. He tried to sneak a clause in mine and, I’d imagine, some of the others. Esme mentioned he tried to put it in the treaty with Islas del Sargasso. It would require the other country to offer asylum to a monarch of Auverignon no matter the circumstances.” Benjamin shook his head. “I caught it and confirmed with Thor and Edward that it was ridiculous then removed it.”

“Who’s Edward again?” Jasmine interjected.

“King of San Majoria,” David replied softly. “Your friend Harrison’s father.”

“Right.”

“You know Harrison?” Benjamin looked intrigued. “How do you know him?”

“I’ve known Lani since we were kids,” she explained. “I’ve met Edward and Miriam a couple of times.”

The room went quiet. Everyone in the room had known Miriam. David felt certain all three of the Eyjanians had been at her memorial service. Thor, in his role as security for Benjamin’s father, met her shortly before she met Edward.

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