Chapter 7
Hans stifled a yawn then scooped up another forkful of eggs. Behind him, through the glass windows overlooking the hotel's courtyard, the world was dark but for the dim reflection of light on the night's snowfall. He, along with Anton and Shades, and two couples at tables near the door, obviously tourists up for an early flight, were the only diners in the restaurant at nearly five in the morning. Bates and the new man, Pearson, were maintaining a post at the royal couple's suite.
Shades glanced at his watch and raised an eyebrow. "It's not like the boss to be late."
"He's got other things on his mind," Hans said around another mouthful of food. He added, laughing, "Can you blame him?"
"Can't say that I can," Shades murmured, recalling the beautiful woman they'd seen him talking with the evening before. "He got his Christmas present early."
"He's been getting a lot of presents, lately," Anton noted.
"I'd like to know how he does it- haven't heard him use a line on anyone yet." Hans chewed half a slice of toast thoughtfully. Anton, head now bent over his plate, simply nodded in agreement.
"He's had more offers in the past four months than I've had in the past year," Shades said. There was more than a little envy in his voice.
Hans and Anton stopped chewing and stared at him.
"All right, more than I've had in the past four years," Shades amended reluctantly then quickly continued. "But, if you've noticed, he doesn't have to do anything- the women have all come to him."
"Can't help but notice- he can't cut the mike off until after the woman's made her move, and then we've already heard it!" Hans snorted and Anton joined in. Hans looked at his fellow agent, gesturing with the sausage stuck on the end of his fork. "That reception next week- the one in London- I'd bet a twenty he gets three offers."
Anton stuck his hand out. "I bet he gets more than three."
"You're on!"
"You'd better be careful- if the boss gets wind of-"
"There he is," Hans interrupted, shoving the other half triangle of toast in his mouth.
Groaning slightly, Joseph took a seat. He rubbed his eyes with both hands then held them there for a moment, elbows resting on the table.
"Give that man a cup of coffee!" Shades said, pushing the insulated pot across the table's polished surface.
Joseph grunted as Hans put down his fork long enough to pour some for his boss, then warm his own. It wasn't until he'd taken a long swallow that he could speak.
"I'm getting too old for nights like that," he said, rubbing the side of his face with his free hand.
The other men didn't try to cover their laughter.
"Nah, maybe you're just out of practice, boss," Shades offered helpfully, then added half under his breath, "Shouldn't be for long, though, at this rate."
Joseph took another gulp of his coffee and let the remark pass- he deserved it.
He saw to it that every agent got a few hours off during a trip lasting over two days. Drinking alcohol was forbidden and an agent had to be within phone range and forty-five minute's recall, but his staff appreciated some personal time every now and then.
He rarely took any time off himself, but with when the opportunity arose during the evening, he'd taken it and claimed his free hours during the night. The woman was lovely and young, and reminded him of Lauren Quinn. Seeing other women had not dimmed his feelings for his queen, but had proved to be a diversion that helped him deal with the situation.
"Everything quiet?"
"Yeah. Their Majesties are still asleep, no problems. Wake up call's in an hour, coffee will be waiting, breakfast will be ready to deliver half an hour later, and the boys, here-" Shades jerked his head toward Anton and Hans, who were scraping their plates- "will check the cars and have them out front by zero seven-thirty."
Joseph nodded. "Good." He reached for the last roll in the basket. "Somebody remind Pearson to put out the 'do not disturb' signs before they hit the sack."
Anton snorted. "I don't think Bates is going to let him forget- not after those maids busted in yesterday morning just about time he got to sleeping good- him laying there in nothing but his birthday suit."
They all chuckled at the picture and the scathing Bates had given the new man.
"Boss, you want something to eat- something to get your energy reserves back up?" Shades asked innocently, catching the waitress' attention.
"Sounds good."
"Worked up an appetite, huh?" Hans joked, looking over to Anton. The two grinned at each other.
"Missed dinner last night," Joseph said pointedly, "and it took till after midnight to get that aircraft waiver straightened out."
"Oh, right." The grins got bigger knowing he'd not spent the rest of the night in his room. Their boss didn't seem amused and the two sobered. "We gassed up the cars last evening, by the way."
"Good." Joseph thanked the waitress as she set a fresh basket before him and reached for a whole-wheat roll. She smiled and lingered for a moment, watching him as he broke it open and smeared on the butter.
Anton punched Hans' arm. "Might as well pay up now," he whispered.
"My wallet feels lighter already," Hans replied dolefully, seeing the waitress give Joseph another hopeful look before turning away to greet a new customer. Joseph did not notice. The two men shook their heads.
"If you two are finished," Shades said, giving them a hard look, "take our friends upstairs some coffee and then go check the cars for supplies. I think we're running low on bottled water- and put a new box of tissues in the limo."
The two younger men stood. "Sure thing." They dug around in the basket, each pulling out two more rolls. "Later."
Alone, Shades relaxed in his chair. "I think they're coming along very well."
"I agree, but have to wonder how long our food budget will hold out." Joseph picked at the two rolls left and made a face. "Left only an onion and a raisin."
"Want more? I'm sure the waitress will be happy to bring another basket over," Shades offered, amused at the glances the woman was giving Joseph from across the room.
"No, I'll get something later. I need to call about our escort- I want them to run the route this morning before we leave."
"Worried?"
"It's my job to worry." Joseph drained his cup and stood. "Can you see to the check? Thanks. And make sure they have the area reserved for the cars out front cleared of snow. It came down rather heavy last night- still some falling." He lifted a hand as he walked away. "I'll see you upstairs."
Shades scraped his chair back and, giving her his most winning smile, motioned to the waitress to bring the bill. She didn't seem nearly as pleased to come over, now that his boss had left.
Queen Clarisse sighed with relief as Joseph shut her car door, the last of the out-of-country holiday functions finally over. For the next three days, she could relax at home with her family. Philippe would be arriving Christmas Eve from Rome, where he had been studying.
"Tired, my dear?"
"Very." She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the plush seat. "My feet hurt."
"Take off your shoes," Rupert said, removing his red cashmere scarf and undoing the top buttons of his overcoat.
"Oh, Rupert! I couldn't possibly-"
"Joseph," Rupert called, as his head of security took his place in the front seat.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Joseph turned in his seat.
"We'd like the partition up, please."
"Yes, sir. We will be leaving momentarily." Joseph turned away and the black, insulated panel rose quietly, giving them complete privacy.
"Now, let me see them." He reached down, pulling her feet into his lap.
"Rupert!" She sat forward to stop him as the car began to move. One by one, her shoes it the floor and Rupert began to rub her feet.
"Better, Rissa?" He smiled at her, looking at her the way he'd done when they were younger and there'd been none of the worries and responsibilities of the kingdom on his shoulders. His hair was completely gray and his handsome face was lined. His smile, though, was still as striking as before.
She fell back against the deep cushions, gazing at her husband. "Mmm, yes. Very much so."
He worked his thumbs against the sole of her right foot. "If I had not become king, I could have been a masseuse, yes?"
She laughed. "You would have made a very fine masseuse." His hand slid over the arch of her foot, soothing her sore muscles. "Rupert?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm concerned about Philippe."
His hand stopped for a moment then continued to massage each toe through her hosiery. "What about?"
"You know what about," she sighed. "I'm afraid he is not going to want to take the throne."
Rupert considered. "I know he has reservations…he's mentioned he enjoys his historical work, but… Rissa, do you really think he will refuse it?"
She shook her head. "I do. He's shown no desire at all and when he and I have spoken about it, he's made it clear his interest lies in his academic pursuits and not in heading a kingdom."
Rupert appeared thunderstruck. "I always thought he'd come around…never dreamed the boy would give up his rights as king. Why, if he doesn't accept the throne…"
"There is Amelia," she said quietly.
He nodded. "Yes, there is." The lines on his face deepened and to Clarisse, Rupert suddenly looked to be older than his fifty-nine years. He spoke again, but more to himself than to her. "Does a life of duty appear so unpleasant to him?"
They were quiet for a moment and the car sway slightly as they rounded a curve before picking up speed. Rupert turned his attention to her ankles.
"Has it been fun, Rissa?" Rupert asked, smiling uncertainly, his words serious.
"Fun?"
He stopped rubbing her feet and covered them with his hands. "Have you enjoyed our years together?" he asked quietly. He looked away. "I know that I have not always been the perfect husband, but I have never stopped caring for you…loving you. I cannot imagine not having you by my side, Rissa."
"It has been fun, Rupert. It's been wonderful," she answered softly. "I wouldn't have missed a moment- any moment of it- for the world."
He reached for her hand and kissed it. "You do not regret marrying me and becoming Genovia's queen?"
"No. Not at all." She meant it.
He kissed her hand again then carefully placed her feet on the carpeted floor. Leaning forward, Rupert pressed a button on the console and the reading lights in the roof snapped off, leaving them in near darkness. Flashes of light from the boulevard's decorations shone through the deeply tinted windows, muted colors barely touching them, as they sat silently wrapped in each other's arms.