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Captain Nicholas Deffand sat at his desk glaring down at the schedules spread out across it. Ancestors, this was driving him crazy. He'd had no problem working out the schedule when his men needed to protect both Jotham and Jacinda, even though it meant they'd all been working extra hours. It hadn't worried him because he knew his men could handle it. No, it was the sudden increase in the number of Royals needing protection that had him worried.
When Jotham had informed Nick he wanted Jacinda to have her own Guard, he'd split the forty, hand-picked men he had and put Green in charge of those protecting Jacinda. Nick then fast-tracked twenty House of Protection applicants for the RGTP, Royal Guard Training Program, bumping others. It was one of the advantages of being in charge of the program, and one he'd never used before. But Barek's permanent return to the planet had called for desperate measures. And Nicholas knew he'd do it again, and again, and yet again until he had enough men to adequately protect the larger Royal Family.
Surging to his feet, Nicholas moved across his office to stare out the window. Maybe if he hadn't had to split his men between three Royals the night of the Royal Ball... perhaps if he hadn't agreed to let Royal Guards from the House of Knowledge assist him, along with Captain Chamberlain's trainees, then maybe he could have prevented the attack on his King and future Queen.
He was the one that was supposed to guard his King.
It was his sworn duty.
Not Stephanie's.
Every night when he was finally able to close his eyes, he saw that crazy woman stabbing Stephanie again, and again.
It should have been him lying there. It should have been his blood pooling on the floor. It should have been his career that was over. Not the beautiful Stephanie Michelakakis whose career was just beginning.
Ancestors, the woman dominated his thoughts and dreams in a way no one ever had. She was smart, strong, and beautiful. She also refused to see him as anything other than the Captain of the King's Guard. Not that he had the time to court a woman like her. Wait... court? When had he started thinking about courting her?
Stephanie Michelakakis was now a renowned hero the likes of the High Admiral. She had single-handedly saved the King and future Queen of the House of Protection. She was also, thanks to her mother being the future Queen, a Princess, and Jotham's daughter.
No, he could never claim her as his own, as if she'd want him to, but he sure as hell could make sure she was never harmed again. Returning to his desk, he sat down and tried to figure out how to stretch the men he had so he could protect an additional seven Royals.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Stephanie stepped out of her transport, straightened her uniform, and then turned to walk toward the Palace. She'd felt bad for the guards surrounding the house when they'd realized she was the one driving the transport instead of Myesha. It was the first time she'd left the house for anything other than a scheduled doctor visit, and even those had been difficult since she was mobbed by well-wishers wherever she went.
She knew the attention wouldn't last forever. Eventually, everyone would forget, and things would calm down. But Stephanie couldn't wait that long, not if she was going to be the Commander of the Royal Guard.
She made it halfway across the Public Wing, her gaze fixed on the guards protecting the closed doors that led deeper into the Palace when her way was blocked by admirers all wanting to talk to her.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"Deffand," Nicholas answered his comm as he studied the schedules before him.
"Captain, it’s Turk. Stephanie Michelakakis has left her home without her guard."
"What?!" Deffand's chair slammed into the wall as he surged to his feet. "How did that happen?!"
"We thought it was the housekeeper, Myesha, as it was her normal time to get groceries. It was only when we saw the driver that we realized our mistake."
"Have you caught up to her yet? Tried to contact her?"
"No, sir, but she did answer her comm, and stated she was on her way to the Palace."
Without another word, Deffand disconnected from Turk and entered the code for the front gate. "This is Deffand. Stephanie Michelakakis should be entering the gates soon. I want to be notified as soon as she arrives!"
"Sir, she passed through several minutes ago."
"You directed her to park in the secure Royal area?" Nicholas questioned.
"No, sir. She parked in the public area, and I personally observed her entering the Public Wing."
Deffand frowned at that. The Guard's attention should have remained on who was coming and going at the gate, not the door. He'd have to remind him of that, but not right now. Right now he needed to get to Stephanie.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
The doors to the Public Wing were opened so forcefully that the guards protecting them jumped back, their hands going to their weapons.
"Stand down," Deffand ordered. "Have you seen..." he trailed off knowing where his quarry was by the mass of people. Moving across the room, he shouldered his way through the crowd. He wanted to rant and rave at her. He wanted to demand what the fuck she thought she was doing going anywhere without her protection. Then he heard her laughter, saw her smile, and watched as she leaned down to say something to the young boy who was standing in front of her. The boy's face turned beet red even though the smile never left his face. Whatever Stephanie had said, Deffand knew the boy would remember for the rest of his life.
But when she straightened, he saw the lines of fatigue that were starting to bracket her eyes, and she was beginning to breathe a little faster. He'd been kept up-to-date on her recovery and knew that while her stamina was increasing, this was still a significant outing for her, and she was tiring.
"Lieutenant Michelakakis," he said as he stepped up to her side. "King Jotham is waiting."
"Of course, Captain Deffand,” she replied, never letting on that he’d surprised her. “I'm so sorry. I lost track of time." She let her gaze travel over the crowd. "If you will excuse me, it was wonderful talking to you all."
With that, she followed Deffand along the path that cleared for them because no one dared get in the way of the Captain of the King's Guard. Once they were clear of the crowd, Deffand moved so she could walk beside him.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "I wasn’t sure how to get away without offending them."
Deffand said nothing until the doors between them and the Public Wing closed, then he rounded on her.
"Don't thank me, Lieutenant," he growled out. "Not after the stunt you just pulled."
"What...?" She was stunned at the rage she saw on his face.
"Did you give any thought to what could have happened to the guards that were trying to catch up with you? What would have happened to them, to their careers and lives, if something had happened to you while under their protection? All it would have taken was for you to inform them you wished to come to the Palace, and it would have been arranged. Instead, you snuck out of the house like some spoiled child going for a joy ride."
Stephanie felt her face flush with shame as Deffand spoke because he was right, then the shame turned to anger.
"How dare you!" she said through clenched lips. "I will admit that I never thought how my leaving would affect those on the house's security detail, but it's not because I'm spoiled. It’s because I'm used to being a guard, not the guarded! As soon as Turk contacted me, I realized my mistake and informed him of where I was going."
"But you refused to wait for him."
"Yes. I've been taking care of myself for over sixteen cycles, Captain. I'm a decorated member of the Coalition and have trained with Captain Peter Chamberlain. I can make it from my home to the Palace without an escort."
"Maybe before you were injured, but now it seems you need help just getting across the Public Wing."
She sucked in a sharp breath at how that truth hurt. "I didn't want to be rude, especially to the children."
"If your guards had been with you that wouldn't have been a problem. Your life is no longer your own, Lieutenant. You are a now a hero to the people of Carina, and more importantly, a Princess of the House of Protection."
"I'm not a Princess," she protested.
"You are, as your mother will soon be its Queen, so get used to it. Now, I assume you are here to see your mother. She is in the King's Wing with the Juruases for a gown fitting."
"I do want to see her," Stephanie agreed as they began walking deeper into the Palace. "But you were correct with what you said in the Public Wing. I'm here to see King Jotham."
"You are?" He frowned, going over the King's schedule in his mind. While Chesney was Jotham's Personal Aide and scheduled all of the King's meetings, he always informed Deffand of who was expected so he could clear them. Stephanie hadn't been on that list. If she had been, none of this would have happened. "The King isn't expecting you."
"No," she said absently as her gaze traveled over the portraits of the past Kings and Queens of the House of Protection. She still found it hard to believe that her mother's portrait would soon be hanging there.
"So you believe you can just show up and get an audience with the King, but don't see yourself as a princess?"
His words brought her to an abrupt halt in front of the doors of the King's Wing, and she felt her face flush again. Ancestors, she hadn't blushed this much since she'd entered the Coalition. But he was right. She'd just presumed Jotham would have time to see her. She couldn't have it both ways.
"You're right." Even with two guards present, she couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from curling up at the shocked expression on his face. "Yes, Captain, I'm more than capable of admitting when I've made a mistake."
"Captain?" One of the guards at the door asked when Stephanie and their Captain just continued to look at one another.
"Open the doors, Craig," he ordered.
"Yes, Captain." The guard named Craig snapped to attention and did as ordered.
"I will take you to the King's Office," Deffand told her as they walked through the doors.
"He's not expecting me, and I know how tight his schedule is. I should have comm'd first, told him..."
"Told him what?"
She just shook her head. "I need to talk to Jotham first."
"Then let’s see if we can't make that happen." He turned to his right, opened a door, and gestured for her to precede him. Stepping inside, she saw Chesney glance up, his eyes widening when he saw her. Stephanie knew who he was because she'd made it her job to learn everything about the House of Protection and those working there. She also knew his office guarded the inner sanctum that was the King's.
"Mister Chesney."
"Captain Deffand."
"Lieutenant Michelakakis was wondering if there might be an opening in the King's schedule so she could speak to him."
"I see." Chesney looked to the screen before him, scrolling through the schedule. "I'm not sure there is anything available..." As he spoke, the connecting door opened and Assemblyman Terwilliger walked out.
"Stephanie!"
Stephanie smiled as Evander Terwilliger's voice filled the room and he quickly moved to hug her. She'd known this man since she'd been in diapers. Or so her parents had always told her. She had different memories of him, all at important moments of her life, including her graduation from the Academy. So she was surprised when he suddenly froze moments before embracing her.
Stepping forward, she embraced the older gentleman. "Assemblyman Terwilliger, how wonderful to see you again."
"And you." He returned her hug, but much more tentatively then pulled back. "How are you doing?"
"Fine, nearly fully recovered." She didn't need to look at Deffand to see his disbelieving look.
"That's wonderful, just wonderful. That means we can proceed with the commendation ceremony."
"Commendation ceremony?" she asked looking up at him with confused eyes.
"Yes, for your heroism in saving the King and future Queen. I was just discussing it with King Jotham, but he thought it would still be some time before you were up and mobile. It's one of the few times I can say I'm glad he's wrong."
"I couldn't agree more," Jotham said, stepping out of his office. "Stephanie, I wasn't expecting you today."
"I know. My apologies, Majesty, I should have called in advance and scheduled an appointment."
"Nonsense. Please." Jotham gestured toward his office with a sweep of his arm. "Come in."
While Stephanie knew he was sincere, she also saw Chesney furiously typing on his keyboard, and the expressions that crossed those sitting in the chairs on the other side of the room patiently waiting for their scheduled turn with the King.
"No please, Majesty, these people are waiting for their scheduled time with you. It's not right for me to disrupt that, especially when this isn't an emergency. I'll schedule a time with Mister Chesney."
Jotham just looked at her for a moment, then turned to Chesney. "Please inform Safford that there will be three for lunch today."
"At once, Majesty," Chesney said, immediately contacting the kitchen to relay the information.
"I'll see you at lunch then, Stephanie. We can discuss whatever’s on your mind then."
"Thank you, Majesty," she bowed her head slightly, and Jotham reentered his office.
"I'll escort you to your mother, Lieutenant." Deffand opened the door then gestured for her to precede him. With a smile and with a nod to Chesney and Evander she did.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"Stephanie!" Jacinda turned, the absolute pleasure at seeing her daughter easily heard by everyone present. "I didn't know you were coming."
Stephanie found herself speechless at what she saw. Her mother was standing on a slightly raised platform with the designers, Kia and Pazel, working around her pinning and fussing with the gown she wore.
Her Union gown.
It was magnificent.
And while it would shock many, it truly represented her mother.
"Jacinda!" Kia snapped in exasperation. "I told you not to move."
"Kia! Remember who you're talking to," Pazel hissed.
Stephanie tipped her head back and laughed. Ancestors, she loved this couple. She'd known them for cycles ever since her mother used to take her with her for many of her fittings. Stephanie had been fascinated watching them create the stunning outfits her mother would wear during the next Assembly season. But all of those dimmed, like the light of the fading suns, compared to what her mother was wearing now.
It was a simple sheath dress made from charmeuse with a V-neckline. Stephanie recognized it because it was one of her secret vices, to have her eadai made out of the soft, silky fabric. She blamed that on her mother because she’d introduced her to the luxurious fabric. But Stephanie would never have once considered wearing it the way her mother was.
The gown was violet.
House of Protection violet.
There was no doubt where her mother's loyalty lay, or what House she would be Queen of, even though the beading along her shoulders and the nearly invisible material that made her back appear naked to the waist was House of Healing gold.
It perfectly reflected her mother’s and Jotham's love.
Kia's words had Stephanie chuckling. "Yes, Mother, stand still. How many times did you tell me that growing up?"
"More than I should have had to," Jacinda replied, but she returned to her original position. "And Pazel, you know I don't expect either of you to address me any differently than you have for the last thirty-five cycles."
"That might be what you expect, Majesty, but that isn't the way it shall be," he told her glaring at his wife, not realizing he was doing precisely what he'd scolded Kia for, chastising a Queen.
It wasn't lost on any of the women.
"So, Stephanie, who escorted you here?" Stephanie saw her mom's eyes widen suddenly. "Tell me it wasn't Jotham! I don't want him to see me until..."
"Mom," Stephanie cut her off with a warm smile. "It wasn't Jotham. He isn't going to see your Union gown until you want him to." She saw the tension leave her mother's shoulders. "It was Captain Deffand."
"Oh, that was so nice of Nicholas to take the time. He's been so busy what with all the changes going on."
"Yes, I'm sure he has," Stephanie said noncommittally, moving so she could talk to her mom face-to-face.
"You'll stay for lunch, won't you?" Jacinda continued. "It's such a beautiful day that we were planning on eating in the garden. Oh, I need to notify Safford that there will be one more."
"Jotham's already done that, Mom."
"He has?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Yes, I stopped by his office before coming here," Stephanie confirmed.
"He didn't tell me you had a meeting scheduled for today."
"That's because we didn't," she admitted. "I showed up without an appointment. The King was gracious enough to allow me to speak with him over lunch."
"You know you are always welcome to share a meal with us, Stephanie."
"I know, you've said so enough times, but I also know it’s some of the only uninterrupted time the two of you get together."
"True, but neither of us considers our children an interruption." She looked to Pazel and Kia. "Are we about done?"
"Yes, we'll just adjust this hem, add the final beading, and it will be done." Kia took a step back. "I can't tell you how much it means that you would trust us to create such an important gown, Jacinda." Kia and Jacinda had become close friends over the cycles, and she would treat her as such.
"There's no one else I would choose, Kia and Pazel. For not only are you extremely talented, but you are trusted friends. Now come, let’s get me out of this gown."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Turk stood at attention before the Captain of the Royal Guards’ desk.
"Explain," Nicholas ordered.
"Sir, I have nothing to add to what I've already said. The transport backed out of the garage attached to the house without anyone seeing who got in it. It was a mistake that won't happen again."
"That’s right, it won't,” Nick told him. “I understand we are stretched to our limits, Turk, but mistakes like this can't happen. Gilbert will take over the protection of the Michelakakis residence." Turk's jaw tightened, but to his credit, he didn't argue with his Captain. "You will be reassigned to the Palace."
"Yes, sir."
"Go get some rest, Lieutenant."