Page 67 of Modern Romance June 2025 5-8

‘Very happy. Which makes me wonder. If it were all a hoax…’ His troubled gaze met Benedikt’s. ‘Her only condition is that the documents be examined in her presence. And that if there’s still any doubt about them, they be transported by someone of her choosing, who will remain with them throughout the whole process.’

Benedikt stiffened. ‘She’s implyingwemight do something nefarious with the papers!’

Matthias’s expression was solemn. ‘As if she doesn’t trust you.’

‘Which would make sense if her claims were true. Maybe she thinks I’m like my father.’ A nasty premonition stirred in Benedikt’s gut. ‘Any news on the car accident?’

‘Only the summary is digitised and it doesn’t say much. Accident due to reckless driving. I’ve requested the physical files. But I did track down someone who was there soon after the crash. They were nervous about speaking but eventually confirmed a significant oil spill right across the road.’

‘Which doesn’t tally with the official report.’

‘No, but there could be an explanation. We can’t jump to conclusions.’

Yet Benedikt’s thoughts turned irresistibly to the implications if this were all true. If the well-being of the nation rested on the narrow shoulders of a woman with no experience of government. Who, he’d discovered from Matthias’s digging, made a living researching plants.

How useful would botany be in the complex work of managing a government? In dragging Prinzenberg out of the shadows cast by his father and into a more equitable, prosperous future?

A shiver ran down his backbone. It wouldn’t come to that. It couldn’t.

The country needed someone with experience of government, international affairs, social issues and economics for a start. Someone to bring the nation together. Who understood the royal court and politics. Whose education and personal experience had been tailored to make them a suitable monarch.

It neededhim.

Annalena paced the gravelled path through the topiary gardens, heading for the parklike grounds she’d seen from her suite.

It had been over twenty-four hours since she’d arrived at the palace and, apart from her restless hours trying to sleep, she’d only been able to relax during a couple of walks through the gardens.

Being in the open air, preferably in wilderness, had always been her go to in times of stress. At home she headed for mountains and forests when she needed to clear her head.

No chance of doing that here. The palace was an opulent prison.

Her spacious suite, stuffed to the gills with ornate antiques, was nevertheless extremely comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble, including sumptuous meals worthy of a fine restaurant, which she’d eaten in stately solitude in her private sitting room. Benedikt had excused himself, saying he had to work, presumably frantically trying to disprove her story.

But she was aware of eyes on her whenever she ventured from her suite. Whenever she opened her door there was an usher at the end of the hall, ready to assist. Though those ushers looked more like security staff.

To stop her leaving?

Her case had been collected from her car and brought to her suite. She’d have preferred to get it herself, to enjoy the freedom of being beyond the palace perimeter for a few minutes, but Benedikt had insisted.

Annalena wasn’t fooled. He wanted her where he could keep an eye on her. He’d even suggested that instead of visiting the university today she stay close, to be available for any clarifications he required.

She could have insisted but hadn’t wanted to press him into a corner. It was easier to accede to a reasonable request than force him to reveal his true colours. That could mean armed guards barring her from leaving.

At least now you can pretend you’re a welcome guest.

Despite the tension cramping her neck and shoulders, she snickered. He probably feared she’d tell her story to a reporter. As if she wanted the world to know!

Nothing could be further from the truth. Annalena had a fascinating, satisfying career, friends, and a home she loved in Edelforst.

Coming to the capital, bearding the beast in his palatial lair, had been a desperate last resort. Not an attempt to wrest the crown from him.

Maybe if she’d been raised expecting to be Queen things would be different. If she’d learnt about politics, government and economics, she’d have considered it. But while her grandmother was a proud woman who hated that Annalena’s birthright had been stolen, she was a pragmatist and fiercely protective. She’d seen what King Karl was capable of and preferred to let her granddaughter build a life for herself, safe from the threat of harm.

The bonds of love between granddaughter and grandmother were strong. That was why, when Annalena had rung last night, she’d let the old lady believe she was staying in a hotel as planned. No need to worry her with the news she’d sleep under the enemy’s roof.

Benedikt of Prinzenberg was used to command, having people obey. He was a quick thinker, powerful, and hated being crossed. Yet he wasn’t completely like his father. His dismay when she’d spoken of murder had been genuine. She didn’t fear for her life.

Yet he disturbed her in ways she couldn’t name.

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