Page 22 of Risky Match
“I’ll let you know.”
My coach and I part ways as Erin and I slip into the black Range Rover. Recalling the look on Blake’s face when I mentioned dinner with Adrian and Stephen, I smile. Blake is such a celebrity that I think of him as tennis royalty. But his reaction was a reminder that he’s not accustomed to dining with titled royals and staying at castles.
My life isn’t normal even for a tennis star like him. Hell, my life isn’t normal for most royals. Only a handful of us are part of the Covert Royals program, and I’m the only one trying to have a tennis career while keeping up my royal duties. That’s why Adrian, Stephen, and I are such good friends. The three of us were the sole members of the first Covert Royals class, and we still train together in April and May each year, along with those who joined after us.
While I told Blake that dinner tonight is for catching up with the princes, it’s only been a couple of weeks since Adrian, Stephen, and I were sweating our way through martial arts drills, practicing our sharpshooting, running an obstacle course, and learning about the latest listening devices.
Somehow, I managed to meet Martina at the adjoining tennis facility for two hours each day as well. I couldn’t afford to skip that training in case the Wimbledon invite came through. Looking back on those weeks, Covert Royals camp makes my regular tennis training seem like a breeze.
That’s why Blake’s life, with only tennis to think about, seems like a dream to me. I owe my parents so much for allowing me to pursue tennis along with fulfilling the duties of my birthright. Most royal parents would have quashed my pro tennis career before it began. Fortunately, mine were more open-minded.
After a quick shower,I slip into a little black dress and apply some makeup. Transformation complete, I go in search of the dining room. It’s a bit of a memory test because I haven’t been here for a while. But I don’t mind. It’s a rare pleasure to wander around somewhere on my own. That’s the luxury of staying atthe castle. I’m perfectly safe and don’t need Erin shadowing me tonight. It’s almost like being at home in the Catalinius palace.
Hearing familiar voices, I walk through the double doors at the end of a long hallway and am instantly enveloped in the arms of my good friends.
Prince Stephen is two years older and an inch shorter than his younger brother Adrian. They both have golden hair with brown streaks, but Stephen wears his slightly shorter. That’s where the similarities end, though. Stephen is serious but empathetic, like his father. Adrian, on the other hand, finds interesting ways to have fun while still achieving his goals. They’re both wonderful guys I’m lucky to have as friends.
“We’re so excited you’re at Wimbledon this year,” Adrian says.
“Thanks. It’s been a long time coming.”
“We know. And that’s why we’re horrified that you were denied the invitation to play singles. You clearly earned it,” Stephen says.
“You know about that?”
“Of course, and we’re upset for you. I can’t imagine how disappointed you must be,” Adrian says.
“Extremely. Thanks for understanding. Tennis is important to me, but I love my family and country more. That’s why I eagerly embraced the opportunity to prepare for covert missions with the two of you when I turned seventeen. It made me feel special that I could do something for my country and our allies. I also knew there would be personal sacrifices, but this one hit particularly hard. How did you find out?”
“We’re your contacts for the mission. Tonight’s your follow-up briefing,” Adrian says.
“I should have known. Hopefully, the briefing includes dinner though. I’m starving.”
Stephen laughs. “We promise to feed you. We can’t have the next mixed-doubles champion collapsing from lack of food.”
“Definitely not. Can you imagine the tabloid headlines?Princess Collapses on Tennis Court Due to Food Deprivation!” Adrian teases.
“You two are such jokesters. It’s like being around my brothers, except they would never approve of the covert part of our lives.”
“I’m surprised you’ve kept that from them. I was sure they would find out when Xander became king,” Stephen says.
“I made a deal with my parents that we wouldn’t tell him unless it became a matter of national security. It took a bit of persuasion, but they eventually agreed.”
“You always have been persuasive,” Stephen says with a wink.
“I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, I’m ready for dinner and the briefing. The video briefing only gave me the basic outline of the mission. I’m still in shock that I’ll be spying on my tennis partner.”
“I’m sure you weren’t expecting that part,” Adrian says.
“Not in my wildest dreams. By the way, who’s here from British Intelligence?”
“Matt is on his way. He should be here any minute,” Adrian says.
“Matthew Harrington? The Deputy Director?”
They nod.
That’s a new development. This mission must be more serious than I thought if someone in his high position is handling the briefing tonight.
