Page 31 of Royal Rebel

“What unit were you in?”

I’m imagining him in a military uniform and I quite like it.

“Haldonia Air Force. I flew fighter jets.” He blushes when I gasp.

“Like Top Gun?”

The laugh he lets forth with is one I’ve wanted to hear for days. “No, not like Top Gun.”

“A girl has to ask.”

He sobers up, taking the last drink of his water and eating the last bite of his sandwich. “I’m telling you these things because I trust you, and if I’m preoccupied in the next few days, I don’t want you to think it’s you. You’re the only thing that will keep me sane while we wait and see what happens.”

He kisses my forehead before clearing his throat.

“It feels wrong, sitting here.” I push my salad away, grabbing his hand in mine again.

“It does, but that’s how it is. We wait.”

“Tristan, Amelia, I think it’s time you come home.”

We both stiffen as we hear Parker’s voice.

“Busted.” Tristan grimaces. “Well, my queen, are you ready to head back to our castle?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Not like it appears we have a choice, but just so you know. Wherever you go, I’ll always follow.”

As we trudge back up to where we left the bike, I know those words are the complete and honest truth.

CHAPTER 17

TRISTAN

The past twenty-four hours have been some of the most tense of my life. I’ve been on multiple conference calls, including a few with my father and the President of the United States, along with the Prime Minister of England and the leaders of Scotland and Ireland. As of this moment, we’ve been able to stop the threat made, and while I want to feel relief in knowing we accomplished something, I know there will be another. In the political and world climate we live in, there will always be a threat. This was the first time I was included in the talks, and it brought forward the truth about the responsibility I’m going to have. This is one of the last times my father will take the lead. After I’m crowned, it will be me making these decisions. If that doesn’t scare a person, I don’t know what does.

“Will you be accompanying Ms. Amelia tonight?” Parker asks as he enters my office. I don’t know how he doesn’t look as tired as I do. He’s been with me every step of the way.Parker is a goddamn machine and even if I aspired to be like him, I think I would fall short.

I’m exhausted, haven’t showered or shaved since we left the beach, and truthfully all I want to do is go to sleep for about fifteen hours. However, being the king means I have to push all of that aside, even during this six-month period, and act as the responsible adult I am. Tradition says I can make her go on her own, while I continue to monitor the global situation, but the part of me that will be her husband knows I need to go with her. I should never expect her to do something on her own, especially this early in our relationship. I don’t want her to deal with the press on her own, or the questions she might get from others as to where I am.

Running a hand over my face, I sigh. “I will. How much time do I have?”

“Twenty-five minutes before you need to leave.”

Rubbing the back of my neck, I send a message to my dad, telling him that I’ll be attending the charity function. I’m not precisely asking for his permission, but letting him know I won’t be readily available if a response from me is needed.

It’s a good idea for you and Amelia to attend. If word gets out about what’s happened, the world being enthralled with the two of you will help. I’ll take care of anything that happens while you’re there, and we’ll debrief if need be when you get back.

While I appreciate what he’s saying, part of me wanted him to say both Amelia and I needed to stay here. That we shouldn’t be out in public with the threat that’s been made. It’s not that I’m scared, I’m concerned. Even if we seem to have stopped what may happen, who’s to say they won’t try and hurt the future queen?

“I’m going to go take a quick shower. Don’t let Amelia leave without me.”

“Will do.” Parker leaves quickly.

I want nothing more than to decompress after what I’ve been through, but duty calls, and I have a job to do. Even though I’m tired as hell, I take the stairs two at a time, entering our bedroom. Amelia isn’t here and I don’t expect her to be, even though I wish she was. Her quiet strength is needed right now. More for me than for anything else. With this being a huge event, I’m almost positive she’ll be down on the first floor, getting ready with Shannon.

There isn’t time for me to shave, or do anything other than shower and put on my suit. It’s almost robotic as I get in, washing off the best I can. The warm water does nothing to wake me up, and I’m half afraid I’m going to fall asleep at the worst time tonight. I’m clasping my cufflinks when I hear the door to the bedroom open. Glancing up, my mouth falls open at the vision standing in front of me.

“Lia…” The tone of my voice perfectly accentuates the awe I feel looking at her.

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