Page 21 of Secret Dynasty

Chapter Eleven

“You fucking wanker,” he growled.

Spencer turned slowly and regarded him like he might an insect on the wall. “Maybe you should sit this out.”

“You know, I think I will.” Holden strode toward the exit, but his mother grabbed his arm before he reached it.

“Please,” she begged. “What will people think if you aren’t there?”

“No one will notice as long as Spencer is there,” he bit out and continued on his way.

“It doesn’t matter,” Spencer said as an ancient door creaked closed behind his brother. “Let’s get this over with.”

Those of us remaining stayed silent as we lined up. Then after a few minutes, we were escorted to the back of the chapel where a casket waited, draped in the family crest. An arrangement of lilies covered the family motto. I strained to see it but Spencer coughed and I realized he wanted me to stay still.

The funeral was as overblown and pompous as the man had been. By the time, it was over, I was ready to leave.

“Kerrigan.” Spencer crooked his arm, and I took it, relieved to finally be done. But we were far from done.

He’d meant it when he said my place was at his side. His family, save for Holden, formed a reception line near the exit to thank guests for coming. I plastered a smile on my face preparing to nod and act interested. But the first attendees to offer their condolences weren’t strangers. I lit up when I saw Edward, but before I could step toward him, Spencer stepped in front of me.

“Your Majesty,” he addressed his brother. “We’re honored to have you in attendance.”

Seeing the King of England in photographs and on television had not prepared me for meeting him in real life. If Spencer charmed the room, King Alexander commanded it. He was taller than I expected, every ounce of him well-muscled beneath his mourning suit. Even as Spencer spoke, he remained carefully distant. I’d always thought he was attractive. He’d taken his good looks from his mother, a Greek royal, who had passed away when he was a child. Her genetics had gifted him with a strong jawline and a wide, mesmerizing mouth. It was his eyes that held me captive, though. They blazed bright blue like the tip of a flame. Up close, he wasn’t just handsome I realized, he was hot.

“I am sorry for your loss,” Alexander said in a deep, sexy voice that demanded to be heard. “I suppose you’ll be taking your grandfather’s seat in the peerage?”

“That is the plan,” Spencer said, maintaining his business-like tone.

“And if rumors are to be believed, then you’ll take the prime minister’s seat,” the king added.

Spencer’s mouth twitched. “If it is the will of the people.”

“Naturally.” Alexander tipped his head like he agreed.

But standing with the two of them, one the most powerful man in England and the other poised to become his equal, I knew their words were merely for show. They radiated a power that put people in their places. This was no true democracy. It was a battle for supremacy. I was reminded of what Brex, the security officer, had said earlier. Alexander owed Lord Byrd. That was why he was here. It was hard to imagine what a man like the king could need from the man.

“I’ll be taking his titles as well,” Spencer continued. “As will my wife.” he angled his body toward me as if presenting a trophy for the monarch’s inspection.

“You’re married?” Alexander lifted a thick black eyebrow. “Congratulations.”

“Not yet. Within the month,” Spencer said.

“A word of advice about marriage?” Alexander beckoned him closer and whispered something I couldn’t hear. Shock flashed over Spencer’s face, but he’d carefully rearranged it by the time he straightened.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said in a strangled voice.

Alexander turned his attention to me, and I found myself pinned to the spot. There was something about him that demanded total deference. Did he have this effect on everyone?

“Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I didn’t know what else to say, so I dropped into a curtsy. Spencer stiffened next to me, but Alexander’s mouth flattened to a line. I wasn’t sure what I’d done wrong.

“That’s not necessary,” the king murmured, “but I appreciate the gesture.” Amusement ran through his voice and I realized he was holding back a smile. I straightened as he bid Spencer farewell.

The next face was far more welcome. Edward hung back waiting for his brother to finish his condolences, but it was clear from his grin that he’d seen what happened. When Alexander moved to speak to Evie and Caroline, Spencer turned and continued overseeing their interaction with the king. Edward took the opportunity to speak to me quietly.

“How are you holding up?”