Page 5 of A Foreign Crown
His brother Kristoff stood. “It seems as though we are in immediate need. While we move forward in growing our navy, in establishing a more vigilant and aggressive approach to our pirate problems, we need to reach out to our friends for help.”
Layton choked. He had not considered this possibility.
But the King nodded. “Very wise. I must agree.”
Layton schooled his features. “But surely the only navy with a force strong enough and a committed, friendly ally status would be England.”
“Precisely.” Kristoff nodded. “I submit we go to them for help.”
No one mentioned that by engaging Britain’s assistance against pirates flying the French flag, they would be officially entering the war against Napoleon, and Layton wasn’t going to be the one to do such a thing.
Father sat, and Kristoff followed suit. The King took out a sheet of paper and a quill. “I will send this directly to King George III, letting him know of Prince Layton’s visit.” Before Layton could formulate a response, his father continued, pointing a quill in Layton’s direction. “You will participate in their court, woo their nobility, and earn us some support and assistance at our coast.”
“Surely there is someone more equipped than I, someone who enjoys diplomacy, who wants to woo the British court...” He was already dreading this assignment, and he knew any of his brothers would be thrilled at the chance.
With a solution almost reached, the mood in the room had lightened, and the others laughed. Even Hayes seemed to approve of this new idea. “Layton will win them all, don’t you think?”
Kristoff smiled, and Layton could already see where the conversation was going. “Our little brother here, with his pretty face, will attract every noblewoman to his side in an instant. Their men are sure to follow.”
“I hear Prince George is something of a reckless influence though.” Frederick frowned.
“Even better, for he too will be influenced by the ladies.” Marc, the more fun loving of all his brothers, laughed.
“I am not traveling to London to become the biggest foreign flirt they’ve ever seen.” Layton folded his arms and scowled.
“No, but if you do use your charms...” Hayes appeared to be enjoying himself far too much.
Layton was finished with this ridiculous train of conversation, and he looked to his father, who took mercy on him.
“Layton will travel within the month. In the meantime, we will begin our new policy where pirates are concerned. No mercy. If a pirate is found in our shores or caught pillaging our ships, we will gun them down where they stand, no matter what flag they are flying.”
Once all were in agreement, Layton left the meeting and hurried to his ship, unsettled.
Hayes caught up to him. “It worked.”
Layton shrugged. “Why must I be the one to go? Surely we have an ambassador who would be better suited to woo the English court.”
Hayes clapped him on the shoulder. “But no one with the passion for the navy that you have.” The quick flick of his brother’s gaze over Layton’s face told him what was coming next. “Or your particular congeniality or—don’t look at me like that—your pleasant appearance. We know the British court and thetonhold a particular fascination with all that is beautiful. And thetonand their ladies make up the ruling body of England, more or less. I am certain our warm reception by the ladies when we visited England last year will only serve to further your aims.”
Layton considered his brother’s words. “I still think any of our other brothers would be better suited.”
Hayes walked with him along the docks. “It will do you some good, you know. Get you out in Society, associating with others. It’s not good to be lonely, brother.”
“I’m not lonely.” Their attention shifted up to his ship,The Marauder, and Layton, for the first time in a long time, felt awkward at his circumstance, alone on board his ship when he had a bed at his parents’ palace or a castle of his own in which to sleep. But his inheritance, Brittiny Castle, didn’t feel quite like a home yet. Though it sat in a stunning location on the edge of rocky cliffs, hanging over the bay, he knew that when he walked the rooms and slept in his spacious bedroom, he would be alone, more alone than on his ship, for he would be without crew or friend.
“Must you sleep here, Brother?” Hayes said. “Join us for dinner at least. You are so isolated. You’ve become more and more distant.”
The truth was Layton longed to be at sea. He bored easily of the tired conversations, the issues in his country that were never solved, and the slowness with which the royal advisors and his family acted on any issue. Instead of arguing at any great length with the lot of them, he was more comfortable avoiding their company. But Hayes was reaching out.
“I’ll come to dinner.”
“That’s the spirit. And you never know: the English court might suit you.”
“How long must I stay?”
“As long as it takes, I imagine. In the meantime, our admirals can move forward. Father will be closely monitoring the situation. And we will keep you informed.”
Layton could not feel satisfied, but he realized he had little choice in the matter. He was to be blamed, certainly, having drawn such a forceful shift in attention to the problems in their waters.
