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I had broken several rules and laws today.
I had reached out to associates, other guards I knew worked in parliament and the government, acting as if I still worked in the palace to gather information. Since the king hadn’t officially announced my retirement, I was still listed as on vacation; I was able to get the information I needed. That was wrong. But I did not care at the moment. It was the only way I could get what I needed, especially knowing the palace would be on lockdown. Once I had crossed that line…there was nothing holding me back to keep going and shamefully return back to work.
“Iskandar? What are you doing here?” he asked, looking me over, and I could clearly see he hadn’t slept again, and instead of forcing him to sleep like the queen should have, she was joining him even in her condition.
“Returning from vacation, sir,” I answered.
He got up from his desk, coming over to me. “Just like that? Why? The queen was ready to send an army after you, and you still refused. Why now?”
I didn’t want to answer the question because I did not want to be honest, but I had to be honest. “When I left, I was sure Layland would be able to protect you in my place. And I was right. What I did not expect, sir, was how unsuited I was to not being there to protect you.” I did not like listening to the news and not being able to get information or confirmation on anything. “I did not like being a civilian…it made me feel helpless. And I do not do helpless well.”
“When you are so honest like that, it’s hard to say more.” His shoulders dropped. “I will not accept your return unless you assure me you are not going to abandon your work again. The next time you leave, I’m the one to let you know.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Welcome back, Iskandar.” The queen smiled. “We missed you. Really.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” I nodded at them.
It was good to be back. I did not like being the center of any attention. However, before Prince Arthur died, he assigned me to watch over his little brother. I swore I would no matter its cost to me…which meant I couldn’t run away.
…It took me far too long to accept that I was, in fact, running.
“The gang’s all back together.” Wolfgang grinned, looking at us all.
“Sir, may I smack him?” I asked.
“Why? You just did!” He gasped, his hand already back on his head.
The king and queen laughed at him.
“Oh, thank you both. I did not think I would be able to smile today,” the king said, taking the queen’s hand. “Wolfgang, we’ll rest for a few hours. Give us an update later, especially if there is any news on Layland or Balduin, all right?”
“Yes, sir.”
I followed behind them as they walked back to their rooms…yes, watching out from here was much better, and I was grateful they didn’t ask anything else of me.
Sometimes breaking the rules worked out.
“Your Majesty.” The prime minister finally found time to see me. “Forgive me for not coming sooner. As you know, it is chaos right now.”
“Yes, I saw your speech,” I replied.
“Ah, it was in the spur of the moment. They surrounded me as I was trying to leave,” he said, waiting for me to sit, but I did not.
“Prime Minister, was it not you who told me that we should hold to our traditions or they would be chipped away? It is a tradition for the sovereign and the prime minister to have a united address to the people during times of crisis.”
“Yes, but as you showed me, some traditions are meant to be broken.” He tapped his cane on the ground. “I follow the example of my king. Though I must say again, it was in the heat of the moment. I did not purposely seek to speak without you, sir.”
I smiled, nodding. “Good to know. Well, then, I do not want to keep you. I know you are very busy. Thank you for stopping by.”
He eyed me carefully before bowing his head. “Until next week, sir?”
“Until then.” I nodded.
I watched him go because I had a feeling my war with him would be a long one. I had tried going up against him directly over and over again. Each time I lost. I needed to wait and figure out a new way. But right now, while the country was mourning, all I could do was step aside and let him be the leader…even if he took us toward a cliff.
Chapter 38
