Page 1 of Daniil
Chapter1
Daniil
It’srare that I need an alarm to wake me, but I always set one anyway.Just in case.The life I lead doesn’t allow for leaving anything to chance, and I like things controlled and orderly.To the best of my ability anyway.
So, I’m already staring up at the ceiling, trying to decide if I want to get in the shower or get dressed and go to the gym to work out, when my alarm starts to beep.I work out five days a week, but I try to take two days off to let my body rest and heal.I’ve been going for eight straight days, though, so I know it’s time.It’s just habit.And the need to stay on top of things.
I turn off the alarm and continue to lie in bed, which isn’t like me.
I’ve been restless lately.
It’s ironic, because things are good.
It’s been over a year since there’s been any kind of attack on the palace.
My job as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Parliament is going well and my country is showing signs of economic growth, stability, and increased tourism.King Erik, my first cousin, is doing an incredible job leading Limaj into the twenty-first century.I play a role in that, which gives me a purpose in life.
It just doesn’t seem like it’s enough these days.
I’m bored.
Lonely.
Not that I have trouble finding someone to warm my bed.I’m a prince by blood, a politician by necessity, and have more money than I’ll probably ever spend.My looks aren’t bad either, and as I stare at my reflection in the mirror, it occurs to me that I want more in life.
The trouble with that plan is that I haven’t been able to define whatmoreentails.More work?More play?More travel?Or more companionship—because there hasn’t been much in the way of meaningful relationships of late.
There was a woman who made me think about settling down, butshewasn’t interested.
Maybe it’s just me, because neither has anyone else I’ve been involved with.
I was married once, and that was…a mistake on my part.
Marrying Jesper Vanta, who’s currently the Minister of Finance in Parliament, is one of the few regrets in my life.There’s nothing wrong with him.In fact, he’s a great guy.Good-looking, smart, loyal, and a truly incredible father to the two children he fathered via a surrogate while we were married.I just didn’t love him the way I should have and in the end, I broke his heart.
We work together every day and there’s no animosity between us, so I’ve morphed into the role of Uncle Danny to the kids, while his new partner has become Daddy.
It’s probably better for everyone because fatherhood always felt strange to me, like it was something other people did.
With a sigh, I get ready for the day, opting to skip my workout, and go in search of coffee.I could have it delivered to my room—there are perks to being a prince who lives in the royal palace—but there’s nothing for me todoin my room.Besides, the daily security briefing is about to start and even though today is my day off, I amble in that direction anyway.
It never hurts to stay on top of security, considering the constant barrage of attacks on the palace and the royal family.
We meet in one of the downstairs conference rooms, and everyone is milling about, getting coffee, helping themselves to the pastries Cook provides for the meetings, and exchanging pleasantries.Just another day at the office.
I head for the coffee station, filling my cup as conversation goes on around me.
My sister-in-law, Lennox, looks frustrated as she talks with Joe Westfield, who runs palace security.
“…don’t understand.What do you mean you can’t find her?Did she die?Move to Siberia?She didn’t just disappear!”
“I don’t know, Lennox.”Joe looks equally frustrated.“I did a deep dive, and I even asked Chains to help.”
“And what did he say?”
“He was…cagey.That’s why I think there’s more to the story.He basically said to ask Grim, but he’s out of the country and currently not reachable.”
“AskGrim?”Lennox’s hands are on her hips.“He’s Courtney’s half-brother.They have the same dad.”
