Page 17 of The Heart of the King

“She’s allergic to shellfish and crab,” he told Stewart quietly. “Even contact with someone who’s touched it can cause a reaction.”

“I’ll make sure everyone knows,” Stewart assured him.

“Thank you.” He wasn’t sure how this whole marriage was going to go, but he needed to make sure she was taken care of until she eventually went home.

Stewart’s brother must have overheard because he managed to get the crab dip off the tray and set on top of a bookcase without his daughters noticing.

“Can we use your office?” Stewart asked his brother. “We have a few things to discuss in private.”

His brother nodded. “Of course.”

Stewart pointed toward the hallway. “Second door on the left, sir.”

David led the way with Stewart and Randall behind him. Randall closed the door.

“Have we learned anything?” he asked.

Stewart shook his head. “Not really. It probably wasn’t your father. His communications are all monitored. Daniel doesn’t know anything about why. He would if the order came from your father.”

“What about my grandfather?” David asked suddenly. “He didn’t really want to step down, but felt he had to with the growing pressure from the people to keep the traditions. Is it a power grab from him? Step in and take back over from the criminal son and incompetent, immature grandson?”

“It’s possible,” Randall conceded. “I don’t know how he’d have any legal authority to do so.”

“Maybe he doesn’t.” David crossed his arms over his chest as he thought about it. “Maybe he just has connections with the old guard.”

Randall and Stewart exchanged a look.

Finally, Stewart spoke. “Anything’s possible.”

6

Grateful that the crab dip had been removed, Jazz tried to enjoy sitting with the two little girls. She really wanted to sleep in a bed for a little while before getting ready for her first real appearance as David’s wife.

“I like your nose ring,” the older girl said.

Jazz felt horrible for already forgetting their names. “Thank you.”

“Can you change colors?” the younger one asked.

“I can,” Jazz confirmed.

“How?” she pressed.

“I can’t do it right now,” Jazz told her. “I have to have special stuff to clean it and my nose when I change it.” Which was part of why she didn’t change it as often as she did her earrings.

She answered a few more questions, including a couple about her hair when she yawned.

“All right girls, it’s time to let her get some rest.” Their father, whose name had never been mentioned to Jazz, intervened. “The guest suite is waiting for you if you’d like to lie down.”

“Thank you.” She managed to stand up, giving each of the girls a bit of a hug as she did.

Stewart’s brother pointed her to the stairs while ushering the girls toward another room.

Once in the guest suite, Jazz sank to the end of the bed. She needed a good night’s sleep and to wake up from this nightmare.

Maybe it was a bit early in the experience to call it a nightmare, but that’s what it felt like. After a minute, she went to the side of the bed, kicked off her shoes, and snuggled under the covers. Exhaustion was catching up with her despite the bits of sleep she got on the first flight and during the wait. The second flight was too loud and uncomfortable to doze off.

Hopefully, someone would wake her up in plenty of time to get ready. She probably should have told Stewart or his brother or someone that she’d like an hour to freshen up. Instead of texting David or getting up to let someone know, she drifted off to sleep.

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