Page 5 of Their Property
“You must be exhausted from your journey,” the governor said once Nathan stepped back into place. “We’ll have the staff show you your temporary lodgings. If your ambassadorship works out long term,” his eyes shifted to his nephew, “we’ll add a housing stipend to your salary.”
“Thank you, Governor.” He turned toward the massive doors and I piped up again. “Um, only—”
“Yes?” He turned back to face me.
“These gentlemen have to return to Four Corners.” I tilted my head to indicate the soldiers at my sides. “My father said he arranged for a personal guard detail for me. Do you know where they might be?”
“They were supposed to arrive with you.” Already, the older man sounded cranky and in need of a nap.
“The lieutenant likes to drive fast.” I elbowed the man next to me, prompting a grunt in protest. “We probably beat them here. Maybe we can wait in the lobby?”
“Yes, if you wish,” the governor said dismissively. “I’m afraid I can’t stay with you. I have business to attend to.”
Yeah, nighty-night business with your pillow and blankie, old man.
“I’ll be happy to stay with you, Miss Vance,” Nathan announced. Before I could respond, he addressed my two soldier escorts. “You’re dismissed, thank you.”
Both men at my sides squared their shoulders. Lieutenant Gonzalez even touched the weapon in his holster. “We stay with the ambassador until her guards arrive. Those are our orders from Governor Vance.”
The shocked expression on Nathan’s face was priceless.Not used to anyone telling you no, are you?I was tempted to link arms with the soldiers to rub it in, maybe even kiss their cheeks.
“I appreciate the offer, Nathan.” I struggled to keep the smugness out of my voice. “But my father considers my personal safety to be of the utmost importance.”
“Of course. As a father should.” He smiled, recovering quickly. “Especially after thatveryunfortunate incident in Blakeworth. That must have been a harrowing experience for you.”
I held onto my practiced smile, refusing to let him see how my blood chilled. He really had no problems bringing it up in casual conversation like that? Was he that dense, or was he actively trying to insult me? And while he was supposedlycourtingme, no less.
“The lobby, then.” Mr. Willis broke the tension, turning with the governor to open the doors. Nathan stepped aside to let me through first. Unfortunately for him, Lieutenant Gonzalez stepped in to march directly behind me and blocked his view of my ass.
Inside, the building felt just as massive as outside. Tall, domed ceilings stretched high above our heads. Our shoes echoed with each step over the polished tiles. The place felt cold. Solemn and church-like, which was the complete opposite of Four Corners’ capitol building.
We had an expansive foyer with tall ceilings and tiled floors too, but it was always warm, even cozy, walking through that building. Dad supported local carpenters and artists by purchasing their furniture and paintings for the sitting areas. In the cold months, every fireplace was lit. Staff put out coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for anyone coming through the building for meetings or appointments.
As I turned in a slow circle, gazing up at the stark white walls that stretched on forever, I wondered how Governor Perry would react to me cozying the place up. Maybe some comfortable couches instead of the stiff benches, or a rug to add some softness and color.
They might enjoy thattoomuch, I thought bitterly. The young, female ambassador who cared more about decorating than actual policy. That would sure fit nicely into their expectations of me. Well, I didn’t apply for the position and come all this way just to prove these stuffy old men right.
In a world with so much chaos and conflict, I was proud of what my father had accomplished in Four Corners. For all his faults, he was a true man of the people and kept those in his territory safe. I watched him closely, especially over the last four years when I had little other choice. I knew his policies, his visions for the future. And through my ambassadorship, I wanted to bring Four Corners’ prosperity to other territories in need.
So what if the leaders of Sevier had already written me off as an empty-headed girl? I didn’t give a fuck if I was just a prospective business contract with them. I would show them. I would earn my place. I would show all of them how seriously I took my position until they were forced to takemeseriously.
With that resolute thought, I looked away from the architecture to find that Nathan had been staring at me the whole time. He’d been a respectful distance away, but edged closer when our eyes met.
“Remarkable, isn’t it?” He turned a reverent gaze upward. “Feels like we’ve already reached heaven.”
Lieutenant Gonzalez, still glued to my side, forced out a cough. I bit back my smile but couldn’t suppress a smart remark.
“Yes. I’m sure the citizens of Sevier are just in awe when they walk through here.”
Nathan looked at me with surprise, then barked out a laugh. “Oh, regular citizens aren’t allowed through here. But can you imagine if they were? Scuffing up the floors and walls, my goodness.”
I stared at him, forgetting all about schooling my features. “Not allowed? But where do people get building permits? Or marriage licenses?”
“Ah, she’s so eager to start work already,” he teased. “Sevier is a newly-formed territory, so we’re still ironing things out, but don’t worry. We’ll show you how things are done here.” I wanted to smack the patronizing look off his face, but he had already changed topics. “So, do you have any buildings like this in Four Corners?”
Thunder growled in the distance before I could reply. Everyone cocked their heads at the sound, looking toward the front doors.
“What an awful racket,” Nathan muttered as the rumbling grew louder.
