Page 35 of His Runaway Princess

The summons to the king’s office did, at least a little bit.

As did the need to wait in the outer office. He’d been told it was a matter of some urgency, but wouldn’t that mean he should walk right in?

Fifteen minutes later, a signal sent him through the doors.

The king spoke to someone on the phone and held up a finger before motioning toward the chairs across from his desk.

Ryker didn’t feel comfortable sitting while the king continued to pace. He couldn’t hear what was being said, but something clearly upset the king.

A few minutes later, the king took his seat and nodded toward the chairs again. This time Ryker bowed and took a seat. “How may I serve you, sir?”

“Something has come to my attention.” The king sighed. “But first I need to ask you some questions. Thor will be here momentarily to observe. Until then, I’d love to hear about your holiday - before it went awry.”

Ryker blinked. The king wanted to hear abouthistrip? “Nothing impressive, sir. I spent some time in all three of the Belles Montagnes countries. I went hiking and did a few group excursions, like white water rafting and kayaking. Took some time to visit a couple of museums. Just did whatever I felt like at the time. I had certain reservations, like for the ferry and my return flight, but beyond those, I did whatever I wanted.”

“What did you do in Ravenzario while you were there?” King Benjamin sounded far more interested than Ryker would have expected.

“I spent some time in the water. I went SCUBA diving a couple of times in different places, went on a parasailing excursion, and a couple more hikes. It was relaxing simply because I didn’t have to be on the lookout every moment for anything that could possibly go wrong.” He shrugged. “I still did, but I didn’thaveto.”

“I understand.” The former head of security walked into the room. “I’m stillonfar more than my wife would prefer, though she does appreciate it when something goes even the slightest bit wrong.”

The tone in the room immediately turned more somber than it had been a moment earlier.

The king leaned back in his chair and blew out a breath. “I need to ask you some questions about the last portion of your trip.”

“Yes, sir.”

The king glanced at his step-father. “I know you’ve told the story a few times, but could you please relate it to me?”

Ryker told his story again, answering questions as they were asked.

“Did you have to present identification when you paid for the excursion?” The king wouldn’t look him quite in the eyes.

“I did,” he confirmed.

“And the princess?”

With a wince, Ryker shook his head. “I might have told the man that we were newlyweds and her wallet had been stolen. She wouldn’t be able to get new identification until we reached Pagosa, but we didn’t want to waste a couple of days and would rather take care of it when we returned for our flight home.”

The king and duke exchanged a look.

“Did you introduce the princess as your wife, or was that the only time you mentioned it?” The question came from the duke.

“I mentioned it several times, though I don’t believe the princess ever heard me.”

“Did she know about it?” The king made a note on a piece of paper.

Ryker thought back over the few days they were together. “I can’t say for certain, but we never discussed it. I believe she would have said something if she were aware.”

“I see.” He made another notation then glanced at the duke again. “I have no doubt of your honor or chivalry, Mr. Drasil. Please believe that as I ask the next questions.”

A little more fear stirred inside Ryker. “Yes, sir.”

“Did you at, at any time, for any purpose, share a bed with the princess?” Once again, the king wouldn’t look directly at him.

Ryker couldn’t lie. “Yes, sir. We watched a couple of movies while sitting on our own sides and once we both fell asleep while doing so.”

The king nodded, his face unreadable as he made another note or two. “Did you engage in any nonconsensual... amorous activities?”

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