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When they settled, Derek grinned and winked. “Both, love. Both.”
Everybody loved that.
“Now settle down.” Derek gestured with both hands. “You’ll find your name cards are on the tables. If everyone can find their seats, we’ll have my dad offer a blessing over the food and our union and proceed with dinner. I know Malik has been begging Sophie to fix her famous coconut shrimp and steak skewers for him, but she saved that deliciousness for mine and Elle’s wedding day instead. You can tell who really is the ‘charming prince’.” He grinned. “Now please find your places and enjoy.”
Everyone laughed and started milling around looking for their names, assisted by the many staff on hand.
The king suddenly clasped his forearm and whispered harshly, “Jenn?”
Tristan followed his gaze. As the crowd milled around finding their seats, the woman in the hat, glasses, and white floral dress was being directed into the castle by Captain Levi Favor. Captain Levi was a devoted royal guard who’d been instrumental in protecting Sophie from William’s lackeys.
What were the two of them doing? Was Levi loyal to them, or was he helping Jennifer sneak in to do something at William’s command? What if Jennifer was a traitor and here to hurt his family?
Not a traitor, not his Jenn, but she could easily be William’s pawn. Her father had proven that.
Jealousy tightened his gut as Captain Levi put his hand on the small of her back, holding the door, and escorted her in.
“I’m going after her,” he told his dad.
“I’ll cover for you, but be quick. We can’t start the dinner without you.”
The fact that his dad, the king, was willing to cover for him during his brother’s well-publicized royal wedding said a lot. The king was upset and worried about his friends Henry, Leslie, and Jennifer. He, like Tristan, wanted the Rindlesbachers caught and shut down.
Tristan shook hands, grinned, and charmed his way to the lower entrance. If anyone had brought a baby, he surely would’ve kissed it. He knew his role and played it well, but he had little time and hoped he didn’t offend anyone with his brevity as he maneuvered through and worked the crowd.
Right now he was on assignment to figure out what Jennifer was doing, what she was hiding, and if she still loved him.
The last one wasn’t an assignment from the king, but from his crown prince.
He finally entered the door and saw Captain Levi walking with Jennifer. He tracked them. Soon he’d have answers.
And only he would have the privilege of placing his hand on Jennifer’s back.
Chapter Four
Jennifer used the bathroom, washed her hands, and put her sunglasses and hat back on, tucking her curls under the wide-brimmed hat. If the handsome captain who’d offered to show her where the restroom was thought it was odd she’d worn them into the bathroom, he hadn’t said anything. Very nice man.
There was also the very real possibility Captain Levi Favor had offered to escort her because she looked shady or because someone had instructed him to. They’d detained her at the gate and called General Raymond. Luckily, Tristan’s twin had told his men to let her use her dad’s invitation. Ray knew her well, and she had to believe he didn’t consider her a threat to anyone’s safety.
She’d made it through the beautiful ceremony with no one questioning her or paying much attention to her at all. Except for Tristan. As soon as his gaze had zeroed in on her, she’d known he would guess it was her. That was great. He was the one she was supposed to talk to and gain the trust of.
Except just him looking at her with those exceptional blue eyes of his and looking so exceptional in his dark-gray suit made her heart race out of control and her palms sweaty.
She had absolutely no idea what she was doing right now, or the best way to help her parents. But she had to at least be in a position of trust with Tristan so she could convince William to meet her when he reached out again. She’d rescue her parents or die trying. Hidden knives, the bear spray, a stun gun—ooh, she liked that last idea. That was what she needed to find. She could stun William and she and her parents could run away. Then she could send Ray and his troops after William and Naomi.
Finally, she’d be free. To love Tristan.
Please help me, Heavenly Father, she pleaded silently. My mum and dad are good people and all I have.
She took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door.
Leaning casually against the wall, and looking for all the world like the hottest crown prince to ever grace the earth …
“T,” she breathed out, sagging against the door frame.
Tristan straightened away from the wall and strode up to her.
“Where’s Captain Favor?” she asked weakly, clutching her throat in a vain attempt to get oxygen to keep moving through it. Tristan had always been the man who could make her pant for air, laugh until she cried, and forget any stress or responsibility.
