Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #2 (35 page)

“I'll start a sweep. Everyone who has been near her room will be questioned first,” Jarrod said even as he called a man over to begin the process.

“She wants to continue with the event tonight.” Ronin shook his head as he spoke the words. She would be in grave danger. But it was a good plan.

If it were anyone else he would be all for it. But it was Thea. He didn't like it. Moving her to the Royal Estate and attending the reception that had been planned for her tonight would be suicide. There would be too many unknowns.

“She what?” his brother questioned.

It was obvious his brother shared his sentiments.

“It's a good plan.” He hated to admit it, but unless they could find the person behind it all before tonight, they might have to go along with it.

“I'll have the note checked for prints,” his brother said. Then he stopped at the doorway and turned back toward him. “This isn't the Dark Ages, you know. It's obvious you two care for each other. The princess is free to see anyone she chooses. It's not like it's in the rule book that she has to marry someone of equal rank or bloodline. Even if it was, she strikes me as the sort of person who would challenge it for something she wanted.”

Ronin smiled. She was that very sort. She would do what she wanted if it was for the good of her or her country or anyone else. That knowledge hardened his resolve. Thea would feel as if she had to choose between him and her country, whether she actually had to or not. Ronin would not be the man to put her in that position. Not when so many had done so much to put her back in her rightful place.

“Aren't you getting that note checked?” Ronin asked, hoping to change the subject and remind his brother of his mission.

Jarrod nodded. “We have a lot to do to get ready for tonight. I'll also double up the security on the princess without making it too obvious.”

“I want to be with her.” If they were actually going to let her go through with attending tonight, he had to be there. Too much was at stake to entrust her safety to anyone else.

Ronin handed Jarrod the folder that contained all the information they'd gathered so far and the statements from those who had been brought in already. Thankfully, only a handful of Guardsmen had been involved. They had to have been getting their orders from someone. But so far none of them were talking.

The obvious guess was the king himself. Ronin had met the man once. It had been years ago, but he hadn't seemed the treacherous type. But he also knew it wasn't always the obvious person who was capable of doing things you'd least expect. Given the way this person had infiltrated such an honorable group of men, it would seem they must be very closely tied to the king in some way.

“Well, then I suggest you get ready for your big night. The cars should be around in about—” Jarrod paused to glance at his watch “—an hour.”

“Fine, but someone needs to be on top of tracking this last number. There's still a threat out there.”

“I'm on top of it. Just keep her close. This will be their last chance before it all becomes official and she returns home.”

Ronin double-and triple-checked the assignments of cars and drivers before heading to his room and changing into something more appropriate for being at the side of a princess. He checked his weapon and communication, as well. When he was positive everything was ready, he made his way to Thea's room.

Once there, he paused. His hand froze in midair near the door. Everything was ready but him. A few hours ago when she'd come to his office he'd thought he'd once and for all ended the chance of anything they might have had. He was wrong. She was right. He cared for her, more than he wanted to admit, even to himself. When push came to shove she'd stepped up and made the decision he hadn't wanted to. She'd offered herself up as bait.

Tonight someone would try to kill her, and he was afraid. He wasn't a stranger to fear, but this sort of fear was new to him. Not being in control was even newer. Nobody controlled Thea. He'd learned that lesson the hard way. She was a very special sort of woman. Being with her and not being able to hold her and tell her of his true feelings would be hard. But it was what he was going to have to do. Tonight she would be put on display for the world to see. It might be just a small dinner party, but the who's who in their government's ring of influential people would be there. It would be her reappearance into the world that would now be hers.

She would be a bright and shiny lure in a room possibly containing a hungry shark circling, just watching and waiting for the chance to strike. And they were no closer in knowing for sure who that person was than they were days ago. No matter how difficult it would be to be with her for tonight, it was the smart thing to do. He would protect her with his life, just as he'd promised to do when he'd first gone looking for her.

Ronin took a deep breath and knocked.

“Come in.” Her voice was barely discernible through the door. He opened it and saw why. She stood at the far side of the room, the balcony doors open to the view of the majestic Rocky Mountain range on display. The sun was just beginning to set behind their white-topped peaks.

“It's beautiful,” she whispered.

He'd nearly forgotten her sleepy confession of wanting to see the mountains. He would have liked to have been with her when she saw them for the first time, but this would do. Sharing this moment with her brought a warmth to his heart.

He stepped into the room and shut the door behind him.

Even more beautiful than the view of the sunset-lit sky was the sight of her. She was dressed for the evening ahead. Her hair framed her face perfectly in a loose, twisted updo. Ringlets of russet brown drew attention to her soft features and large green eyes. She turned toward him, closing the balcony doors behind her. As she drew closer, he could see those eyes were also red and puffy.

He'd hurt her. The knowledge stabbed at his gut. She wore the tiara that had been in her family for ages. One large emerald stood in the center of the platinum framing, sprinkled with diamonds and smaller emeralds. Matching teardrop earrings hung against her long, elegant neck.

“You look breathtaking.” Those words weren't enough to describe her appearance, but he had to try.

“It's the same dress I had on earlier,” she stated, twirling, sending the layers of green into a rustling motion around her. “It is beautiful, but...”

“But?” he asked.

“I don't want to seem unappreciative, but I feel like a fraud. I don't feel at all like me.”

“You are very much you.” She was the most amazing woman he'd ever met, princess or not. “We've gone to great lengths to verify that.”

“You know what I mean.” She sighed. “I think I'd trade it all away to be back in the farmhouse in Kansas.” The wistfulness of her voice had him wondering if she didn't truly mean it.

“You'll get used to it.”

“Used to it?” she questioned. Her eyes filled with confusion. He could understand. This had to be a huge change for her. “But should I have to get used to being myself, or shouldn't I just be myself?”

“I think you will find that your people will accept you being whoever you want to be.”

“But you didn't.”

The simple fact floored him. He couldn't think of a valid argument for her words.

The truth of the matter was he did accept her. She was Princess Dorthea. As the princess she had his respect and his loyalty. He couldn't think of her in any other way. He should never have allowed himself to grow so close to her. Whether he liked it or not, he knew what was best for her. Given time, he was sure she'd come to the same conclusion.

There was a light rap on the door and Ronin opened it to find Jarrod standing outside.

“The car is ready,” he said.

Thea grabbed her wrap and moved past him. He struggled with the desire to reach out to her, to take her in his arms and once again tell her that everything would be okay. Instead, he followed along behind her as she made her way outside to the vehicles waiting to whisk her away to her future.

“I still don't like this,” he whispered as he held the car door open for her and she stepped inside.

“I know,” she replied. “But it will all be over soon and then you won't have to be bothered with my safety anymore.”

FOURTEEN

A
hush fell over the room as she entered through the large double doors of the royal estate. Her stomach clenched in fear. Thea took a deep breath. Someone in this room of strangers wanted her dead.

Part of her wanted to turn and run. She knew how to disappear. She'd lived her life that way. She could do it again. She would do it better this time. She'd hide so well even Ronin wouldn't find her. But was that what she really wanted?

She shook the thoughts away and took another step. She could feel Ronin's strength. He wouldn't get too close, but knowing he was there helped. She could do this. If she didn't, she wouldn't be just letting her country down, but her brother and all of those who had come before her. She would not be a disappointment to her family.

She took another step. She thought of those who had served her country loyally and been paid with death or imprisonment. Ronin's father would finally be freed and his name cleared once she was granted the authority to do so. When the real killer stepped out of the shadows and showed their true nature, they could all start their new lives.

She glanced behind her to be sure Ronin was nearby. She wished he'd move to her side, take her hand and help her face this new life that scared her so much. He nodded but stayed just behind her, despite her willing him closer.

Every eye in the room was on her. She felt as if she was on display. In a way she was. Everyone was here to see this princess who had been in hiding all these years. She'd known her father had been loved and respected, and she would be accepted just because of that. But she hoped her people would learn to love her, as well. Not for her father, but for who she was on her own.

Thea took another deep breath and prayed for the strength to keep moving.

Her eyes swept over the room, hoping to recognize at least one person among the guests. She wished Leo were here. The knowledge that he would be soon gave her strength.

The threat hid somewhere in this room of strangers. Once it was eliminated she could have her brother back. She could have her life back, any life she wanted.

That should have put her mind at ease at least a little. But it didn't. For that to happen, she had to get through tonight. She had to lure the person behind it all, the person who wanted her dead, out into the open.

Thea took another deep breath. Head held high, she made her way to the other side of the room.

Guest after guest was brought to her and introduced. Some of the names she recognized as people her father had known, but she'd just been a child and hadn't yet been introduced formally to most of them.

None of them seemed like the sort of person who would want her dead. They seemed friendly and excited and genuinely happy to have her return. But still she felt it, the shiver of fear lurking just behind her smile. As pleased as she was to meet those who seemed happy to see her alive, with every handshake and nod she wondered if this was the person who wanted her dead.

The thought lingered, but she kept reminding herself that she would not be the victim tonight. Ronin was close by and she knew he'd rush to her side if any slight threat were to show itself. It was his job. She was his job. He'd made that point painfully clear.

She could feel him watching her. His strength gave her the needed boost to continue through the evening. Part of her wanted the night to go on and on and never end. When it ended, his job might be over. If the threat were discovered, he would think she no longer needed his protection. But she would always need him.

Although she didn't treasure the thought of living in danger for the rest of her life, she didn't like the idea of going on without him, either.

Her eyes swept the room, taking in the grandeur of it all. A large crystal chandelier hung in the center of the room. Fine paintings adorned the walls. The extravagance was shocking. Days ago she'd been happy to come up with enough spare change to get a bag of potato chips from a snack machine. Tonight, uniformed waiters and waitresses carried silver trays filled with the most delicious-looking appetizers she'd ever seen.

As much as she was in amazement of it all, she knew this was not her life. It would have been if she'd never been ripped from it. But she had been. She had lived another life; she'd been another person. Some might not understand it. She knew many would see what had happened to her as tragic. They would take pity on her circumstances, but she didn't want their pity. God had taken something awful and turned it into something beautiful. She smiled at the thought. So many times she'd questioned why things had happened the way they had. But now, in this moment, she realized that without the pain of the past, she wouldn't have learned to love who she really was deep inside.

Life had been rough, but through that she had learned to love and appreciate the small things. The things many people took for granted. A waiter passed by with a tray of appetizers. He held the tray out for her and she perused the delicacies. She didn't know what half of the stuff was, which made her wary, but she was hungry and surely the food would have been prepared with her allergies in mind.

In her peripheral vision she could see Ronin's steady gaze on her.

In his eyes she could see all those things he wouldn't admit to feeling. It gave her hope. He nodded in acknowledgment and she took a bite.

He might think he was only doing his duty and didn't really care for her, but she knew he did. She felt it. She only had to find a way to show him, and if she had to be in danger to do it, then so be it.

Thea continued mingling with the guests. The hope that burned in her heart that Ronin would admit his real feelings put a new spin on the evening. She would enjoy the night. Ronin might be unwilling to accept that he cared for her, but she would cherish being with him, even if he was keeping himself at a distance.

Thea could tell when the mood of the room changed. The murmurs rolled like a wave through the guests, and then the small group beside her parted. A regally dressed man and woman stood in the opening. His tuxedo was adorned with medals and a tasseled purple sash. The woman held tight to his arm, her gown sparkling and shimmering over her slim body. The man smiled openly and stepped toward Thea. Taking her hand, he bent to place a light kiss against it.

“Princess Dorthea,” he addressed her formally. “I am King Marcus Alexander Wendell. But not for much longer, I take it. It is a pleasure to see you alive after all these years.”

Any thoughts of this man being behind the threats on her life fled. She could tell his joy at seeing her was genuine. There was nothing fake about the man. Thea smiled and returned his greeting.

“It is my pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said. “We are family, yet I barely remember you.”

“I'm not surprised. We only met a few times and we were both much younger then.” The portly man patted her hand and winked. “I hope you will do me the honor of sitting at my side during the meal.”

“Of course,” Thea replied. “I have so much to catch up on.”

“That you do.” Their conversation was interrupted by the woman clearing her throat. Thea could tell immediately she didn't like being ignored. She was used to being the center of attention. She stood in place, watching Thea through lowered eyes. “Where are my manners?” the man said. “This is my lovely fiancée, Lucia Delmont.”

“Your Highness,” the woman greeted her. Thea knew she hadn't met her yet tonight, but there was something strangely familiar about her. The woman's gaze slid over her slowly. Thea resisted the urge to smooth her dress and check her hair. “It's an honor to meet you.” The sound of the woman's voice set off warning bells in Thea's mind.

Lucia leaned in to kiss her cheek. The scent of her perfume assailed Thea. Every memory floating around the edges of her mind came forward. The smell, the voice... This was the woman in the room the night her father had died. This was the woman who had left her for dead, no doubt back to finish the job.

“If you will excuse me,” the king said, dismissing himself. “There is much to arrange and many people I must talk to before dinner. I'll leave you ladies to get acquainted.” Taking her hand again, he added, “I'll be sure to save you that spot.”

Before her mind could process a coherent reply, she was alone with the woman. Thea glanced around for Ronin, but he wasn't in sight. In the spot where he had been standing was the younger bodyguard they'd assigned to her earlier. Her heart sank.

“Is everything all right?” Lucia asked, her red lips thinning to a tight smile. “Would you like a glass of water? You look a little flushed.”

“Yes, thank you.” If the woman left to get something to drink, she could find Ronin. “A glass of water would be very nice.”

But the woman didn't leave.

“It's a good thing I've brought you a glass, then.” Lucia handed a glass of ice water over. Thea took a sip, but it did nothing to steady her nerves. She tried to smile, remain calm and not let on that she had recognized her voice. After all these years the voice had a face.

“It is nice to see you have made it home, safe and sound.” The words said one thing, but the woman's demeanor said something totally opposite. “I guess you are hardly home now really, though, but you have made it this far.”

“Yes.” Her skin heated. “I have.” Any other words stuck in her throat. A tingling sensation began in her fingers, working its way up her arm. Her throat tightened. She needed Ronin. She needed to tell him now what she'd remembered.

“Is something wrong?” the woman questioned.

“No,” Thea replied. “Everything is fine.” Thea choked the words out through her tightening throat. But it wasn't. Something was wrong. Her thoughts muddled in her mind and her hands began to tremble. She tried to make eye contact with the young man currently acting as her guard. Short of screaming out for him, she could only hope he'd notice her discomfort.

“If you'll excuse me...” Thea attempted to walk away. She had to find Ronin.

Lucia's eyebrows arched in question. “Are you looking for a guard?” Her voice remained low and steady. “Look around, they are all around you, but none will help. They don't see me as a danger.” The woman's hand rested against Thea's elbow in an attempt to guide her across the room. “But you do, don't you? Do you remember me?”

Thea wasn't sure how to respond. The truth hardly seemed smart when she was sure now the woman meant her harm. Every memory of that night flooded her clouded mind. Thea remembered her, or her voice at least. The voice was straight from her nightmares. It was a voice she'd never forget.

“I don't feel well,” Thea replied. The faces around her blurred as she struggled to find a familiar one that might notice she was in danger. Before Thea realized what was happening, the woman had begun leading her toward the patio doors at the rear of the house. “I'm sure you don't, Princess. But don't worry. It will all be over soon.”

The voice sent shivers up her spine. Thea suddenly felt hot, desperate for a breath of fresh air. It was stuffy and she felt as if the whole room were closing in around her.

“Princess, are you okay?” the young guard she had been searching for asked, suddenly appearing at her side.

“I need air,” she managed to squeeze from her tightening throat. Her lips felt swollen and puffy.

“The princess is not feeling well,” Lucia stated. “Does she have any allergies? I think she's eaten something she shouldn't have.”

Thea could only manage a nod as she struggled for a breath. Something was definitely wrong. She'd only had an allergic reaction once before in her life, when she was young. After that, everyone had always been so careful to be sure she was never given any form of nuts. But this felt a lot like she remembered feeling then. Her thoughts jumbled in her head.

“If you'll stay with her, I'll be right back with help.”

“Of course.” The woman brushed her fingers over Thea's forehead. Her hand felt cold and clammy against Thea's hot skin. The feeling only fueled her growing panic. “I'll stay with the princess.”

“No,” Thea croaked out on a whisper as the man's back disappeared through the guests.

The door opened and Thea sucked in a breath of much-needed fresh air as she was led outside. It burned her throat and lungs.

“Maybe you could use another sip of that water?”

Thea had nearly forgotten the glass she held in her hand and the woman at her side. She took another sip of the cool liquid. It soothed her throat and for a brief second she could breathe with ease again.

Thea's grip loosened on the glass and it fell, shattering into thousands of tiny pieces on the pebbled patio. A wave of dizziness hit her and she stumbled against the only thing she could hold on to. Grabbing at the woman's arm, she looked up into the eyes of the person she was sure meant to kill her.

* * *

“Explain this!” Ronin shouted. He slammed his hands onto the tabletop and slid the crinkled note across its smooth surface. With precise movements he pressed it out flat directly in front of the sobbing woman.

His gut twisted. She'd been crying before he'd entered the room, so he could hardly say he was the cause of her distress. But he wasn't going to take it easy on her because of it. Real or fake, tears were not going to stop him from getting to the bottom of this.

Thea's life hung in the balance.

“Why would you want to kill the princess?” Ronin glared down at the teary-eyed woman.

She was one of the few people who had access to Thea's room. She'd caved immediately and had been brought to the estate for immediate questioning. She held the answers to who wanted Thea dead. But something still didn't make sense. This woman had worked for Thea's family. She had been loyal to King Donovan even after his death. She'd been chosen weeks ago to be brought over from the family residence in Portase to once again be a personal maid for the princess.