Page 41 of A Fierce Princess

“Daddy?” I ask.

He looks up and gives me a nod.

“I’m sorry to intrude. I was just wondering if you’ve learned any more since we were debriefed,” I ask.

He shakes his head. “We’re just viewing video footage from the local news. I promise I’ll keep you all informed once I know anything, Anna,” he says in a serious tone.

“Thank you,” I reply, and I walk back out, leaving them staring at the screen. I’m about to head back up to my room to grab my computer and find my secret hiding spot when Logan walks up to me.

“Do I get the grand tour?” he asks, holding out an arm for me to link mine with. There’s not much that could pull me away from my computer and curiosity at this moment, but Logan may be my kryptonite. I put my arm through his and escort him down the grand hall.

“You want the five-cent tour or ten-cent tour?” I ask.

“Well, I want to see it all, of course,” he replies.

I slowly walk him through each room, pointing out famous pieces of art, and the history of various artifacts and furniture. We spend the better part of the next hour walking the entire palace. I hear the buzz of the dinner bell.

“What’s that?” he asks.

I grin. “Dinner,” I explain.

“Fancy,” he says.

I shrug.

“Come on, I’m starving,” I say to him as I practically drag him down to the dining hall. I must admit, it is an entertaining sight to see the royal family dressed down and eating American food while sitting at a three-hundred-year-old table whose matching chairs are leafed in gold.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” my father says to Tessa who bows and takes her leave, but not before giving me a wink and raised eyebrow that tells me I’ll be needing to chat with her later. I give her a small nod, and she exits.

“I take it you have found your accommodations acceptable?” my father says to Logan.

“Yes, very much, Your Majesty,” he says, trying to use a more proper vernacular.

“Father, any news?” Chris interjects.

My father shakes his head. “I imagine we won’t know much more before tomorrow morning,” he states.

“Well, please—”

My father holds up his hand, silencing Chris. “I understand that you all want information, as do I. But we’ll just have to be patient,” he says.

That shuts up everyone. My father asks Logan polite questions, as his royal etiquette kicks in, while the rest of us eat in silence, except for a few statements about our trip.

Chapter 19

After dinner, my father excuses himself, leaving us all staring at each other.

“Well, that was fucking awkward,” Auggie quips.

Chris groans. “Augs, shut up,” he mutters.

Auggie stands. “I’m going to the lounge for a drink if anyone cares to join me,” he announces as he walks out of the dining hall.

I look at Chris who looks anything but pleased. “I’m just going to go up to bed, I think,” I say as I stand.

“Night, Anna,” Chris says to me as he also gets up. He meets me at the end of the long mahogany table and gives me a kiss on my cheek.

“Night,” I reply with a yawn.

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