Page 34 of Forbidden Crown

"Thanks,"Gregsaid.

Babik and the guards took Sophia out oftheroom.

"And Renee's parents?" Kristin asked as Antonio dialed a number on hisphone.

He spoke into the receiver, then raised his voice and said, "Lucio's on the phone. I'm putting him on speaker—go ahead,Lucio."

"Bonjourno. The FBI has confirmed Renee's parents are at home and currently serving the agents tea and doughnuts,” Lucio said. “There are agents checking Greg's mother's house now, but no sign of her yet. They will report to me so I'll know more shortly." He endedthecall.

Kristin closed her eyes and prayed everything was fine with Greg's mother. She had to be okay, for all their sakes. She finished her prayer and then asked, "So, how can we help Greg,Antonio?"

“We’ll tell you anything we discover.” Antonio rocked on his heels, his hands behind his back. “Let’s hope your mother is safe, but for right now, we can offer a room in the palace for as long as you’d like, and a flight home. Whatever you need, but I recommend waiting for my brother to call me back with news. He won't letyoudown."

Greg said thank you in a shaky voice. He took a few steps but his walk was unsteady. He stopped and coughed, then coughedagain.

Kristin went straight for the untouched buffet and grabbed a glass of water. She returned, handed Greg the glass and then hugged Antonio. "Antonio, let's go tell everyone what happened while we wait for news about Greg’s mom. It’s reallyovernow."

He kissed her forehead and they walked out of the room and across the hall. Beside Antonio, a rich and full life stood in front of her, but first they needed to ensure no one elsewashurt.

Chapter15

The moment Antonioentered the room, one of the designers moved the rack of wedding dress samples behind one of the other samples so it wasn't obvious to see. She’d always heard it was bad luck to see the dress so she’d not invite trouble, even if it was a sillysuperstition.

Greg went and hugged Renee with his arms only, as if he didn’t want to get too close. Renee‘s face was red, but she squeezedhisneck.

Kristin glanced at Queen Anna Camilla and a dozen designers in a row like this was a fashion show. A moment later, Renee joined Antonio who spoke to hismother.

The queen looked shaken at the news, then said, "Sophia's from Neblo, a neighboring region that did not bring back their monarchy. It is possible that she has followers fromthere."

Antonio held Kristinclose.

Babik opened the door and her breath caught in her throat as the general, straight-backed, bowed his head. "YourHighness."

The queen motioned for him tospeak.

"Sophia Venko promised a quarter of our guard lands and money for their help in reclaiming her rightfulthrone."

Antonio shook his head and continued to hold her with one arm around her waist. How many women had Sophia threatened throughout the years? She swallowed as Antonio asked, "How did such a thing happen right under ournoses?"

Babik stood at attention, his expression grave. "She's been a guest here for so long, Majesty. Most assumed she'd one day be Antonio's bride. Now that he's marrying the lovely Princess Kristin, most are questioning what they have already done forSophia."

"I'm not a princess, Babik." The title felt wrong at themoment.

Antonio answered without commenting on what she’d said. "The biggest question right now is what Sophia has done with Greg'smother."

Greg glanced over at them and the pain in his eyes was heart-wrenching.

Babik never blinked. "I'm coordinating information with the FBI, but we have no record of a plane landing here from the UnitedStates."

Good. If Greg’s mother was safe at home, then Kristin could breathe again, and the ordeal would be over. "Where would she be, if notinAvce?"

Babik answered like a well-trained soldier. "The FBI believes she's somewhere in Florida. And they have a trace on ZikaHorvak."

"Zika." The queen paled. "He worked for you. A member of theguard."

"Yes." Babik’s next words held a streak of cold. "If he returns, he'll face a courtmartial."

Greg piped in from behind them. "I just want my mom tobeokay."

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