“The west perimeter needs additional coverage during evening hours,” Viktor said, eyes on the tablet. Voice level. Professional. But I caught the way his thumb traced the edge of the screen, restless. “Shift change creates gap of forty-three seconds.”
“Forty-three seconds is hardly a vulnerability.” I kept my hands clasped behind my back, the picture of royal composure. “But if it concerns you, adjust the rotation.”
“It concerns me.” He scrolled through something that probably didn't need his attention. “Everything about your safety concerns me.”
The way he said it, quiet and certain, made warmth spread through my chest.
“Walk with me,” I said. Not a command. Not quite a request. “I want to see the changes to the east garden. Papa’s considering a sculpture installation.”
Viktor glanced at the palace windows, calculating. Then nodded. “Of course, Your Highness.”
We moved along the gravel path that curved behind a hedge of clipped yew. Apollo rose, shook himself, and padded after us with the solemn air of a courtier who knew every secret and would take them all to his grave.
The hedge blocked most of the palace view. Not all. Never all. But enough that I could let my shoulders drop slightly, could stop performing quite so hard.
“A sculpture installation,” Viktor said, the faintest hint of amusement in his tone. “You are very convincing liar.”
“I prefer 'strategically creative with the truth.'” I kept my pace measured, regal. “Besides, Papa actually is considering sculptures. I simply haven't cared enough to have an opinion until now.”
“And now you care?”
“Now I have excellent reason to walk through gardens with my security chief.”
His mouth twitched. Almost a smile. “Your dedication to security reviews is noted.”
“I'm a changed man. Very concerned about perimeter integrity.”
“Yes. I have noticed your newfound interest in protocols.” He paused by a statue of some long-dead ancestor, pretending to examine sight lines. “Strange it only appeared five days ago.”
“Can't imagine why.”
We reached the far corner where the hedge met an espaliered pear tree. Fewer windows here. More shadows. The fountain's steady rhythm carried on the breeze, providing cover for words that couldn't be overheard.
Viktor set the tablet against the statue's base, then straightened, adjusting his jacket with deliberate precision. Anyone watching would see a bodyguard checking his equipment. They wouldn't see the way his eyes found mine and held.
“How long do we have?” I asked quietly.
“Three minutes. Maybe four.” He glanced toward the palace. “Gardeners make rounds at half past. Staff uses south entrance during this hour.”
“You've timed it.”
“I time everything.” Something softened in his expression. “Especially things that matter.”
My chest went tight. I wanted to reach for him. Wanted it so badly my fingers ached. But I kept my hands at my sides, maintained the proper distance.
“This is torture,” I said.
“Yes.”
“Standing this close and not being able to touch you.”
“I know.”
“Looking at you and having to pretend I'm thinking about security rotations instead of—” I stopped. Dragged a hand through my hair, breaking my own composure for just a moment. “How do you do it? How do you stand there so calm when I feel like I'm going to crawl out of my skin?”
“Who says I am calm?” His accent thickened slightly. “My heart is racing. Has been since we walked behind hedge.”
“Good. I'd hate to suffer alone.”
