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Exhaling sharply, Stephanie sat back in her chair as the door closed behind Woodrow and wondered what she was going to do. He had an impeccable record, was exceptionally well trained and would be an asset to any House he served in. On a professional level, there was no reason for her not to immediately offer him a position, but on a personal level...
She'd never been in this position before. Oh, she'd had men under her command with an attitude like Woodrow's, and she'd easily shrugged it off. There would always be foabhors out there, and there was nothing she could do to change their attitude.
Good leaders didn't have to be friends with or even like those under their command. They just needed to assess their abilities, place them where they were most useful, and lead them.
Could she do that with Woodrow if she didn't trust his reasons for wanting the position? Because for her it was personal, highly personal, this was her family. She needed help and wasn't too proud to admit it. Leaning forward she punched a code into her comm. It rang several times before finally being answered.
"Chamberlain," came the gruff answer. The screen moved from a naked chest to Peter Chamberlain's face, and while his eyes were alert and sharp, she knew she'd woken him.
"I apologize, Captain. I hadn't considered what time it was in Kisurri. I'll contact you at a better time."
"Peter? Who is it? Is something wrong?" Stephanie heard the sleep-laden voice of the Captain's wife, Cyndy.
"No, Pixie. Nothing's wrong. Go back to sleep," he reassured her. The screen went dark and Stephanie didn't need to use much imagination to wonder why as she heard the sheets rustle. "I'll be back in a minute."
Several minutes later his image filled the screen again. This time he sat behind a desk, his well-defined chest was still visible.
"What can I do for you, Commander?"
Stephanie shouldn't be surprised he knew about her promotion. After all, he was the High Admiral's brother-in-law. "Please, Captain, it's Stephanie."
"Only if you call me Peter," he responded.
"I would be honored... Peter."
"Good, so now that that's settled. What can I do for you, Stephanie?"
"I need advice,” she admitted with a heavy sigh, “and you are the only one I could think to ask."
"Advice...” Peter frowned at her. “Concerning what?"
"Not what. Who."
Peter was silent for a moment then said, "Sergeant Woodrow applied for a position in the House of Protection."
Stephanie shouldn't be surprised that Peter had figured it out so quickly. He was Queen Cassandra's brother after all. "Yes."
"And you're indecisive on whether to accept him." Peter leaned back in his chair and waited for her response.
"I don't trust him," she finally admitted.
"Don't trust or don't like?" he questioned.
"Does it matter?" She asked and raised an eyebrow at him.
"If you're the Commander it does,” he informed her quietly.
"You're right," she agreed, "and it's both."
"So you're contacting me about this instead of someone from your own House because..?" Peter trailed off.
"Because he trained under you. You know him. You know me, and I can't help but think you've been in this position before."
"You're right on all counts," Peter said then paused for a moment before continuing. "Woodrow is an excellent guard and would be an asset to any House he serves."
"I don’t doubt his skill. I've trained with him. It's his attitude I have a problem with." She suddenly remembered something the High Admiral had said. "If he would be such an asset, why didn't you offer him a position in Cassandra's guard, like you were going to offer me?"
That brought Peter up short, and then he sighed. "William told you."
"Yes. So why not Woodrow?" she pressed.
"He wouldn't be a good fit with Cassandra and..."
"And..."
"I didn't like his attitude either... he tried to hide it, but I've seen it too many times."
"You mean the comments and discrimination because I'm a woman. Is that why you were going to offer me a position in Cassandra's detail?"
"I was going to offer you the position because you are highly qualified and would be a good fit."
"But Woodrow wouldn't?" That surprised her.
"Not with Cassandra. She would have chewed him up and spit him out. She doesn't tolerate shit like that. She was on the receiving end of too much of it back on Earth by self-important, male professors."
"They didn't like that she was smarter than they were."
"No, but we're getting off topic. Woodrow's attitude is with you specifically. It won't affect anyone else he's protecting."
"Even if that person is a woman?"
"You're thinking of putting him on Jacinda's detail?" Peter didn’t try to hide his shock.
"Ancestors no,” she immediately responded. “Mom would react like Cassandra. She ran into the same shit during her time in the Coalition, and there's no way I'm allowing him to be a part of Jotham's, Barek's, or even Danton's Guard."
"Why not?"
"You and I both know that Royal Guards overhear private and sensitive conversations. Ones that if other Houses knew of would cause problems."
"You think Woodrow is a plant."
"Plant?" She gave him a confused look.
"Sorry, it’s an Earth term. It means a spy. Someone who takes a position to intentionally gather information they can turn over to someone else."
"Yes. I have no proof of that, just a gut feeling. But it would be a coup for King Yusuf to have someone that completed your program in his detail. Woodrow was the only one from his House that did that, and he didn't return to the Coalition. Why would Yusuf give up those bragging rights, especially against the House of Protection, something I think he really wants right now?"
"Why right now?" Peter wondered out loud.
"Because of my mother. Cycles ago, Yusuf's and my mother's parents tried to arrange a betrothal between them. Yusuf was barely five, and my mother absolutely refused. By the time it might have been approached again, my mother had already found her life mate."
"Your father."
"Yes, a man from the House of Protection, and now she's done it again. Not with a lowly Assemblyman, but with a King."
"Who isn't Yusuf."
"Yes, and Yusuf isn't like Jotham or the High Admiral, for that matter. He is the walking definition of a spoiled 'Royal.' The only one I've ever heard worse stories about was Prince Dadrian."
Stephanie could see Peter's mind making the right connections. "So Yusuf would want payback. Something he could hold over Jotham’s and Jacinda's head."
"Correct."
"Did Woodrow give you a reason for not offering his service to Yusuf?"
"He said that serving the House of Protection is more prestigious and offered more credits."
"Wrong reasons," Peter growled.
"Agreed, and if he were applying for any other position, I wouldn't hesitate but this is my family, and that means we're playing by a whole different set of rules."
"Because it is personal,” Peter said understandingly.
"Yes, which is why I contacted you. What would you do? If the situation was reversed?"
She watched as Peter leaned back in his chair, rubbing a finger over his upper lip the way she'd seen him do when he was thinking a problem through. It was one of the things she'd liked when she'd trained with him. He would actually think before responding.
"The Royals of the House of Protection are vulnerable right now." He also didn't pull any punches in his assessments. "For one of your first decisions as Commander to be not accepting someone extremely qualified could be misconstrued on many levels."
"House discrimination. Personal bias. Inexperience," she listed the ones she'd come up with.
"Yes." He leaned forward bringing his face closer to the screen. "You need him, Stephanie, no matter his reasons. At least for now."
"It's a great deal more difficult to remove a Royal Guard than to refuse to allow someone to become one," she told him.
"True, but it can still be done. Are you considering making him a Captain?”
“Ancestors, no!” She couldn't believe he'd think that after everything she'd told him.
“Then put him where his skills can be utilized but there is little chance of him overhearing sensitive information.”
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Disconnecting from Peter, Stephanie made a few more comms, the last being to Woodrow.
“Sergeant, I’m calling to inform you that your application to become a member of the House of Protection’s Royal Guard has been accepted.”
“I never doubted it, Commander.” The smugness in his voice held just enough respect to keep Stephanie from calling him out on it.
“The Jacketing Ceremony is tomorrow at 1100. You need to report by 0900 to be fitted for your jacket. I will inform the guards at the gate, and they will direct you on where to go.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Is there anyone you wish to witness the ceremony? If so, they will need to be approved.”
“No.”
“Then I’ll see you at 1100, and congratulations.” She disconnected the call before Woodrow could respond. She hadn’t even had time to remove her hand when the comm rang again. Sighing, she answered.
“Stephanie Ann Michelakakis, you're late for your own celebration," her mother scolded.
"What? Mom? No I'm not. It doesn't start until 1800."
"And it's ten after," Jacinda said in exasperation.
"It is?" She looked at the clock and saw it really was after 1800. "I'm sorry, Mom, I lost track of time. I'll be right there."
"Make sure you are. Everyone is waiting."
Shutting down her comm, Stephanie rushed out of her office only to run smack dab into a wall, a wall of solid muscle. Strong arms encircled her as she stumbled back. Looking up she found Nick's chocolate brown eyes, full of concern, staring down at her.
"Are you alright?" he asked gruffly.
"I..." She was suddenly short of breath, and it had nothing to do with having only one lung, but with the man holding her in his arms. For so long she had refused to let herself think of Nicholas Deffand as anything other than the Captain of Jotham's Guard, but it was a losing battle, especially when she was in his arms.
Her mother had told Stephanie how Nick had been the first one at her side when she'd fallen. How he had used his hands to stem the blood pouring from her. He had helped save her life though he'd never come to visit at the house when she'd been recovering.
Before her injury, Stephanie had told herself that she couldn't interested in Nick when her goal had been to become one of Jotham's Guards. It wouldn't have been appropriate as he would be her direct superior. But once that possibility was gone, she'd found herself searching for him in every broadcast that contained Jotham and let herself wonder what it would be like, to be in his arms, as she was now.
"I... yes, of course, I am." Stephanie took a step back, and his arms dropped away. "I'm sorry. I was in a hurry and not looking where I was going."
"Is there something wrong?" he asked his brows shooting up at her haste.
"No, my mother just isn't pleased with me right now." His eyes widen and Stephanie whispered conspiratorially. "I'm late for last meal."
"I see." Nick's lips twitched, amusement replacing the concern on his face.
"I was going to comm you about it later, but now that you're here... Would you mind walking with me? It will keep my mom from becoming even more upset with me."
"Of course," he said, and gestured for her to precede him.
She waited until they were outside the Guard Wing and heading toward the Royal Wing before speaking. "I reached a decision about Sergeant Woodrow's application. I notified him we will be accepting it and that he is to report at 0900 to be fitted for his jacket."
To his credit, Nick didn't ask for her reasons after their earlier discussion. "I will make sure everyone is notified."
"I... that wasn't why I was informing you. You are the Captain of the King's Guard, Nick, not my aide."
His expression softened and Stephanie had to control her shiver. "I'm well aware of that, but you just assumed the position today. It's going to take you some time to get up to speed, and I'm more than willing to assist you when I can."
"I appreciate that especially as many believe you should have been named Commander." She studied his face to see if he felt that way.
"I have no control over what others believe, but I can assure you that I never wished for, or wanted to be the Commander. I am glad to be back to being just a Captain again."
His honesty and integrity were a few of the things that made him so attractive to Stephanie. "You have never been just a Captain, Nick." She smiled as she glanced at his handsome feature. "You are a respected member of this House and one who does his job extremely well."
"If I did it well you wouldn't have been injured." The vehemence with which he spoke stunned Stephanie
She swung around, halting him with a hand on his chest. "That wasn't your fault."
His face smoothed into a bland mask. "As you said, I am the Captain of the King's Guard."
"Who can't be everywhere at once. That's why he relies on those under his command."
"A good Captain anticipates everything," he told her gruffly, and she saw how much guilt and blame this fine man carried. It didn't matter that Jotham and her mother had both denied any of it was his fault.
"A good Captain tries," she corrected. "He uses all his skill and experience. No one could have anticipated that Adelaide Pajari would attack like that."
He reached up and covered the hand she had on his chest. "It should have been a consideration."
Ignoring the tingles his touch caused she asked. "Why? She was the wife of a long-serving Assemblyman. She had been attending these events for cycles. Even my mother never believed her capable of something like this, and she's known her for cycles."
"Still..."
"No, Nick, there's no still. You did your job. The men under your command did their job, and I did mine. No one died... I need to thank you for that by the way."
"What?"
"You were immediately at my side, stemming the blood flow. If you hadn't..." She gave him a wobbly half smile then said softly. "Thank you, Nick."
He didn't say anything just gazed down at her as if finally absorbing the truth of what she said. Ancestors, he was so handsome. His other hand reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing the soft skin of her cheek. The universe seemed to still while they gazed at each other until the sound of footsteps intruded. Stephanie spun away and started walking again.
"Woodrow will serve under Burk," she said as if they'd not been interrupted.
"Ethan's Captain?" he asked, nodding to the guard who passed them as he fell in beside her.
"Yes."
"Woodrow will be expecting to be part of either Jotham’s or Jacinda's Guard."
"No guard chooses his assignment. Woodrow will be treated no differently."
"It will also limit his chances of overhearing anything of a sensitive nature," Nick said, expressing his understanding of the placement.
"True, but Ethan is still actively investigating the Sokol Corporation and reporting his findings directly to Danton and Barek. That will need to be addressed especially as Keane Sokol isn't taking it well."
"And how do you know that?"
"They had a few meetings at the house. I sat in on a few of them."
"I see."
Turning the last corner, they approached the doors to the King's Wing, and the guards came to attention.
"Commander. Captain," they said in unison as they opened the doors.
"I will inform Burk. Is there anything else you need to discuss with me?" Nick asked as they walked deeper into the Wing.
"No, that should be it," she said, opening the door to where her family had gathered. "I..."
"Stephanie Anne, it's about time," her mother chastised then saw who was with her and beamed. "Nicholas! I'm so pleased. Stephie invited you to join us."
"What?" His gaze flew from his future Queen to Stephanie and saw she was just as shocked. "Oh, no, no, Majesty. I was just discussing something with Steph... with the Commander, on the way here."
"But you are here, so please, come in and join us."
"That wouldn't be appropriate, Majesty."
"Jacinda?" Jotham walked up to see what had his love so excited.
"Jotham," Jacinda looked over her shoulder to him. "Tell Nicholas that it's more than appropriate for him to join us for last meal."
Jotham gave her a small smile. "Of course it is, my love." He leaned over to press a light kiss to her lips before gesturing with his arm. "Nicholas, please join us."
Stephanie hid a smile as Nick had no choice but to accept. They both knew how Jotham worded things. This wasn't a request. Stepping into the room Nick said, "Of course, Majesty, thank you."
"There are no titles here, Nicholas," Jacinda told him beaming from Jotham to him. "Now let's eat before all Safford's excellent food gets cold."
Nick looked to Jotham and saw his barely perceptible nod. "Of course, Jacinda."
Stephanie's eyes narrowed on her mother's back as she followed her across the room. She sensed her mother was meddling, but there was no way she could confront her about it when the entire family was waiting for them on the patio.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"About time," Danton proclaimed when Stephanie crossed the threshold, entering the King's Garden. "You always were the last one to the table, Sis."
"Only because you and Ethan would shove me out of the way so you could get there first."
"Really?" While two sets of wide eyes turned to their father, it was Eliron that spoke. "We always get in trouble when we do that."
"So did your father and uncle," Jacinda informed her grandsons giving her first son a quelling look that told him to behave. "It's why Stephie usually got her dessert first. Now everyone take a seat."
As a guard, Nick had attended many meals where Royals were present. From the extremely formal to those which were supposedly informal, but never really were. He'd never been to one like this and was sure neither had Jotham or Barek. The table had been set up in the shade with chairs surrounding it with platters of food running down the center. Jotham sat at the head of the table with Jacinda on one side and Barek on the other. Stephanie sat next to her mother and everyone else filled in the remaining seats.
He was surprised to find himself sitting between Danton and Stephanie, while Ethan sat next to Barek. The boys sat between their father and mother. The conversations flowed easily as the food was passed. It was very much like the meals Nick had experienced growing up with his own family but had never witnessed in the Palace before.
"So, Captain, I don't believe I know where you're from," Danton commented when all the food had been passed around once.
"Danton, there are no titles at this table," his mother reprimanded quietly. "Remember?"
"I'm sorry, Mom, I forgot," he gave her a rueful look.
"I grew up in the Baku region," Nick answered Danton's question. "My mother and father still reside there, as does my younger brother. They both work in the family business. My sister lives here in Pechora with her husband and two children."
"And what business is that?" Danton asked.
Nick caught the frown Stephanie sent her brother. Honest questions didn't bother him but now this was starting to sound like an interrogation. Not tensing he answered the question.
"Handmade furniture," Nick told him, his tone never changing.
"Handmade furniture?" Jacinda leaned forward slightly, her interest obvious. "From the Lake Baku region?"
"Yes, have you been there?" Nick asked.
"Of course. We used to take family vacations there every summer when the children were younger. Stephan's brother, Byron, had a cabin there. You remember don't you, kids?"
"They were great times," Ethan smiled nodding, then looked to his wife. "We should take the boys there sometime."
"You clear the time, and I'll make it happen," Kasmira told him, knowing that would be the hard part.
"You need to make the time, Ethan," Jacinda reprimanded him gently. "There's nothing more important than family."
"You're right, Mother. Do you know if Uncle Byron still has his cabin?" Ethan asked.
"I believe he does, although Leander maintains it now. I'll get you his code." Her gaze returned to Nicholas. "There are many talented artisans in the Baku region. When we were there, I would browse all the little shops that surrounded the lake. One of my favorites was called Nicholas'."
Nicholas tipped his head slightly in acknowledgment. "My great grandfather started it, on my mother's side. I was named after him."
"Isn't it a small world?" Jacinda smiled. "I would always purchase a special piece every time we took a trip there. It's where I purchased Stephan's desk."
"Really? The one in the home office?" Danton asked, awe filling his voice. He'd always admired that desk.
"Yes. So now your father and brother are continuing the tradition?" Jacinda asked Nicholas.
"Along with my grandfather who still insists on coming in several days a week."
"How wonderful. And your mother?"
"She and my grandmother run the business next door."
"Next door?" Jacinda's eyes narrowed slightly as her fingers went to the necklace around her neck. "You mean Treasures?"
Nicholas was surprised that Jacinda would know that. "Yes, my grandmother started it. It's how she met my grandfather."
"What a romantic story," Kasmira said, only to have her two boys make gagging sounds. She just shook her head and looked to Jacinda. "See what I have to put up with?"
"Oh, I remember," Jacinda said laughing. "Thank the ancestors I had Myesha, or I don't know what I would have done."
"So you didn't work in the family business?" Danton asked.
Nick wondered if Danton had somehow caught his interest in his sister. "I did before I went into the Academy, and then when I was on break or whenever I was on planet after I graduated. But in all honesty, I was never as talented, skilled, or passionate about it as the rest of my family."
"I would have to disagree with that, Nicholas. Your talents and skills just lie in a different area," Jacinda told him. "Now would someone please pass me the salad?"