Page 47 of The Heart of the King

Randall walked in with a man and a woman who had to be related based on their similar features.

“Your Majesties,” the two of them said in unison as he bowed and she curtsied.

“Good afternoon,” he and Jasmine said at the same time.

“Sir, ma’am, I’d like to introduce Alexandra and Luxor Kibbler,” Randall said. “They will be the queen’s security team on a trial basis.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jasmine told them, her hands clasped in front of her like she wasn’t certain if she shook shake their hand or not.

David took the initiative and shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure. Thank you for your service.”

That was something he didn’t think he’d ever said to his team.

And definitely a change he needed to make.

17

After Randall left, the four of them sat down in the sitting area of Jazz’s office.

“Alexandra, Luxor, please tell me about yourselves,” she started.

The young woman started. “Please, call me Lex and my brother Lux. We’re twins. Neither of us have a significant other at this point in our lives. We’ve been working with different security forces around the world for several years before coming home to join the team at the palace, like our father, two uncles, grandfather, and many other family members have before us.”

“Lex is the first female in our family to do so.” Lux’s voice held obvious pride in his sister. “I’m older, but she’s much better than I am at strategic decision making.”

“He’s perfectly competent,” Lex interrupted. “But he’s not wrong. I am better at that, but he’s better at being physically intimidating. I’m better at stealth and close quarters.”

“We complement each other well,” Lux finished.

He was significantly larger than his sister so it made sense.

Jazz smiled at them. “I can see that. Where else have you served besides here in Auverignon?”

“We worked for a company based in the States for a while and traveled with their VIPs,” Lex offered.

“What part of the States?” she asked.

“Your part, ma’am.” This time Lux answered. “We worked with Jonathan Langley-Cranston for several years.”

Jazz nodded. “I’ve known him for a long time. Not well, but I know him. One of my friends married one of his employees, and they both speak very highly of him.”

“May I ask who?” Lex crossed one leg over the other.

“Sean Beach. I’ve known his family for years.”

They both nodded. “Mr. Beach is a good man. Excellent at his job.”

Jazz laughed. “But he won’t tell us what it is. He married one of my friends, but all I know is that he couldn’t tell her much about what he does until after the wedding.”

“Sounds about right. Most of us aren’t allowed to say much about what we do except to other members of our team and our spouses, but even then, there are limits,” Lex confirmed.

David stood. “It has been a pleasure to meet both of you, but I have a meeting in a few minutes. Thank you for your time and your service in protection of my wife.”

They both stood. Lex curtsied again while Lux bowed. “Thank you, sir. It’s our pleasure,” they told him in unison.

Before he left, David kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you for supper.”

Jazz nodded then turned back to her new security detail after he left. “All right. I know there has to be some kind of distance, and we can’t be too chummy because it’ll affect how we do our jobs, but this is all new to me. I need to get to know you better, to know I can trust you.” She leaned forward. “I have to know… Do you do the unison talking thing a lot?”

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