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I jerk my eyes toward him, unsuccessfully hiding my shock. “Excuse me, sir?”
“I debated how to best handle this…situation.” General Hudson steals a glance at my father. There’s no doubt in my mind his concern isn’t about my ability to act as chief protection officer on the week-long trip I’ve spent the past month advancing.
Instead, it’s about me working in such close proximity to Esme, considering our history.
General Hudson may have turned a blind eye to our indiscretions all those years ago. When Esme and I were together, I hadn’t yet been sworn into the guard. I was free to be with her, apart from the fact she was technically with Jameson Gates.
Still, most people seemed to overlook any of my past misjudgments, especially after Adam died. Since then, I haven’t strayed once.
I may havewantedto stray, especially that night at the opera.
But I haven’t.
“As you know, our priority is the protection and safety of the members of the royal family,” General Hudson continues.
“Of course, sir.”
“Because of that priority, I believe it’s best for you to remain on point for this trip. With the trip scheduled to start tomorrow, I don’t feel that gives you sufficient time to properly brief Captain Walsh on all the advance work you’ve done. For the next week, you’re officially reassigned as Princess Esme’s chief protection officer.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply in an even tone that hides my unease over the idea of spending the next week with Esme.
And I won’t just be seeing her in passing, as has been the case this past month. I’ll be her chief protection officer. I’ll have no choice but to remain mere inches away every waking hour from the time the plane takes off until it lands.
“Captain Walsh will be your second in command.” He glances toward Archie, who agrees with a curt nod. “Everything else remains exactly the same. The only difference is that Princess Esme will be traveling instead. You may need to make slight adjustments, since the potential threats against her are different than those against Prince Gabriel.”
“You can be assured that my team is more than capable. And with Captain Walsh’s assistance, we’ll be able to keep Her Highness safe from any and all threats.”
“Very well. You’re all dismissed.”
“Sir,” we say in unison before standing and filing out of his office.
“Do you have some time to go over things?” I ask Archie as we make our way through the palace halls.
“Esme’s schedule has been cleared for the day so she can prepare. Which meansmyschedule is now clear.”
“Great. I—”
“Creed.”
At the sound of the booming voice, I glance over my shoulder and meet my father’s eyes.
“I’d like a minute.”
It’s not a request.
It never is with him.
I look toward Archie.
“I’ll meet you in your office,” he offers, not needing any explanation.
Archie’s more than aware of how my father can be, not just because we’re all members of the royal guard and tend to know everything about one another.
But because he saw it all himself when Adam was alive. After all, Archie was on Adam’s team. His right-hand man, really.
“Will you be able to handle yourself appropriately?” my father asks once we’re alone.
I keep my expression indifferent, ignoring the meaning behind his question. “I always handle myself appropriately, onandoff the clock.”
