Chapter 11

Well, gentlemen, that’s the game!” Harrison said as he cleared the entire billiard table on the first break once again.

“Harrison, could you at least give us a chance to play?” Tomas rejoined with laughter.

Harrison grinned. “I did try doing that, my friend, but if you cannot figure out how to sink a ball into a pocket when breaking, it will eventually be my turn,” he said as he placed his stick on the stand, “and I believe you understand by now that I do not intend to lose.”

“How do you manage to sink every ball in each pocket without one miss? It is inexplicable to me,” Tomas returned.

Harrison folded his arms. “Inexplicable?” He nodded toward the table. “You have just borne witness to my doing so for the fifth time tonight. As I said, if you cannot clear the table while it is your turn,” he grinned, “I will be happy to step in and show you how. You must give me some credit for allowing you an opportunity to play; I did let you two go first.”

“Boring your opponents once again, I see, Harry,” King Nathaniel said as he walked over to Harrison.

“Wrong term, Father,” Harrison said with a laugh. “‘Entertaining’ or ‘educating my opponents with my impressive skills’ is more accurate.”

King Nathaniel smirked. “Clearing the entire table after their one miss is indeed quite boring.” He looked over at Tomas. “Am I not correct?”

Tomas nodded. “Your Majesty, I would never be so foolish to argue with your assumptions.”

“Well then, I stand corrected. For fear of boring anyone else tonight,” Harrison laughed as he gripped King Nathaniel’s shoulder, “I believe I shall step aside and let the great King Nathaniel take my place for the evening.” He grinned at his father mischievously. “Not only will your opponents have the opportunity to play the game, but they will also walk away from the table knowing the victory of beating an Oxley at a game of billiards.”

The group of men laughed, and his father arched his eyebrow at him. “Do not forget who taught you to play, son. I may be old, but I can still run the table like none other.”

Harrison chuckled. “This, I must see!”

For the two evenings since Levi and Reece’s ceremony, Harrison chiefly spent his time in the company of his father and the other kings. If he wasn’t among them, he was engaged in commanding the Guardians at the command center.

Most of the kings and their families were still taking up residence at the palace, and even though the noblemen were excellent company, Harrison was starting to grow weary of all the talk about running their kingdoms and how these particular men felt they could help Levi with the transition to being their new emperor. The only one who didn’t seem to bother him was King Marcelle’s son, Tomas. He was the young prince who had married Isabelle, King Hamilton’s eldest daughter. Given the closeness of the Hamilton family and the Oxley families, Harrison couldn’t be happier for Isabelle, as she and Tomas appeared quite taken with each other. It was nice to finally see Isabelle move on from when Levi ended their relationship, and she seemed to have found a man who was a perfect fit for the kind woman she was.

Even though Harrison had partnered with Tomas in order to have someone closer in age who he could agree with, tonight he had reached his limit of being in the company of this particular group. In need of fresh air, Harrison thought it best to seek his entertainment outdoors for the rest of the evening.

Searching for a proper excuse to make his exit, he watched as his father ran the table, dropping each ball into a pocket one after the other before any man had the opportunity to play against him. Arrogant man can’t help himself either, Harrison thought with a silent laugh.

“Tell me, Harrison, how are you getting along commanding our Guardians since the most unfortunate loss of Samuel?” King Maxen asked, interrupting Harrison’s thoughts.

King Maxen stood at Harrison’s side, yet Harrison would not turn to acknowledge him. Instead, he folded his arms while watching his father clear the last of the table and grinned. All too predictable, you underhanded old man! Harrison thought in annoyance at King Maxen’s question.

King Maxen was a very wise man. Disappointingly, however, he always seemed to underestimate Harrison’s abilities in everything he had ever done. Out of all the kings in Pemdas, Harrison liked him the least. He respected King Maxen because he was wise beyond his years, but Harrison didn’t appreciate being looked down upon in such a way either. As far as King Maxen was concerned, Samuel had also not been fit to be the Guardians’ chief commander.

Harrison continued to stare at the table as he answered, “I will not mislead you in any way, Your Majesty; it has had its challenges. There are some Guardians who are making it very clear that I must earn their respect as their new commander.”

Harrison glanced over at King Maxen, only to see him displaying a proud and knowing grin, but Harrison wasn’t finished.

Harrison turned to face the man. “Even so, I expect nothing less from our warriors. Commanding the fiercest and bravest men in existence requires skill and dedication that is not easily acquired. I have no qualms with proving myself to the many of whom I fought alongside. Those who may be wary about my utmost concern for their safety and the protection of our realm need have no fear, and I will prove that with every decision I make. So with that said,” he took a sip of his wine and stared directly at the man’s somber expression, “yes, I have had my trials. But you must know by now how much I love an excellent challenge.”

The man’s lips quirked in frustration, but King Hamilton, who stood at King Maxen’s side, laughed in return.

“That is one thing that has always delighted me about you, Harry, and I have no doubt that our warriors are in great hands with a man like you commanding them. Samuel has been missed greatly, as has our fallen emperor, and yet you and Levi are doing an excellent job of keeping Pemdas moving forward after losing men of such distinction.”

“Indeed,” said King Nathaniel as he handed his pool cue off to another young man in the room. He walked toward where Harrison stood facing King Maxen and the other kings now at the men’s side. “Both men have risen to meet their respective challenges admirably,” said Nathaniel. “As an uncle and father, I could not be more proud of Levi and Harrison in their new positions.”

King Maxen cleared his throat. “That is certainly good to know. I must say, I was a little concerned when Levi selected his closest friend to hold such an honorable and exceedingly crucial position in Pemdas.”

Harrison instantly became annoyed, and fortunately his father recognized it. “I am not surprised that a man like you would have as much to say, Maxen,” King Nathaniel said. “However, you have not only insulted a nobleman and his father, a king, in your presence, but you have insulted your emperor as well.”

“I meant no offense by it, Your Majesty.” Maxen nodded toward King Nathaniel.

“I say let King Maxen have his opinions, and let the emperor and me prove him wrong,” Harrison retorted.

King Hamilton laughed. “That is very bold of you, Harry.”

Harrison cocked an eyebrow and stared directly into King Maxen’s eyes. “Yes, King Hamilton, it is; however, it is not as bold as to insult the emperor in his own home, especially when he is not present to defend himself.” Harrison stepped back as he saw King Maxen’s cheeks flush red. Harrison eyed the men in his company. “Gentlemen, if you will excuse me.” Without waiting for their reply, he turned to leave.

As he walked out, Tomas came up along his side. “May I inquire as to what that was about?”

Harrison sighed. “Simply another opinionated king questioning his young and supposedly naïve emperor’s decisions.”

Tomas shook his head. “They shall all get used to it. I believe everyone simply needs time to get past the death of Emperor Navarre. Perhaps that could be the reason for their constant concern.”

“Believe me, I am not that disturbed by their opinions, as I have been listening to this nonsense since they arrived; but honestly, I have reached my limit this evening. My father and Hamilton can entertain the doubtful kings; I, on the other hand, will seek my diversions elsewhere tonight.”

They walked up on a small group of young men. “Gentlemen,” Harrison acknowledged them. The men turned abruptly to properly acknowledge Tomas and Harrison. “Are you all enjoying your stay at the palace?” Harrison asked as he walked into the sitting room to pour Tomas and himself a glass of wine.

“Yes, Your Grace, we are, thank you,” one young man responded nervously, trying to find a way out of the conversation.

Harrison grinned and handed Tomas his wine while taking a sip of his own. “I am curious, are you gentlemen lost?”

One young man laughed. “Excuse us, Your Grace—”

Harrison shot him a knowing look. “You may call me Harrison,” he said as he took another sip. “Now, before you say anything more, there is a lovely game of billiards being played in the parlor with most of the men. The Duke of Bryndal and I were just leaving, as I was growing tired of losing to all of those noblemen. I believe they could each learn a lesson from such young and able men as yourselves.”

The young man stared at him blankly, seemingly searching for a response to get out of the proposition that would interrupt their intended plans for the night. “Sir, I do not believe we were invited to join them because of our ages.”

“Well, how old are you?” Harrison asked, knowing very well the young man was trying to find a way out of his suggestive offer.

“We are between the ages of fifteen and seventeen.”

“Oh, that is not too young. Now run along, and be sure to let the wise kings know that the Duke of Vinsmonth personally invited you to join them.”

“Um, thank you, sir,” the young man stammered before the group scurried off.

Tomas stared at Harrison with uncertainty. “Why would you send them off to join the kings? Do you know who they are? I am having trouble keeping up with all of these new visitors.”

“I know exactly who they are,” Harrison responded dryly. “They are the grandsons of King Dresden and King Falun, two of the other kings who have chosen to vocalize their concerns about our young emperor. But the sly, young man who I was just speaking with? Well, I have watched him take notice of my cousin Elizabeth more than once. Those boys were gathered here in these hallways in hopes of finding a means of joining her and the other young women outside.”

Tomas laughed. “So you sent them off to play billiards with the kings?”

Harrison and Tomas walked outside the palace. “Indeed, I did. Those boys are up to no good, not to mention that I know it will drive King Maxen insane to have a bunch of young, foolish kids in his company.” He exhaled. “So I think it best they all should suffer the consequences for annoying me tonight—especially King Maxen!”

Tomas laughed as Harrison led them out through the palace gardens. The sounds of laughter from the ladies led Harrison to the location of where they were gathered.

“I need to check on Elizabeth anyway. She has been doing an excellent job of entertaining all of these young women, and I am sure she’d enjoy some help from her good cousin.”

Tomas shook his head. “Harrison, my friend, I do not believe I have ever met anyone quite like you.”

“And you never will again,” Harrison said as they approached the clearing where tables and chairs were set up for outdoor entertainment.

Harrison stopped abruptly when he found himself face-to-face with Annalisa and Suzanna Sterlington, daughters of the unfortunate Magnus Sterlington. Looks like the crazy train accidentally dropped off the stalking step-sisters, he thought as his stomach twisted in knots. Suzanna’s eyes bored into his, bringing back a memory of one of the biggest mistakes he had ever made in his entire life.

“Your Grace,” Suzanna said with a curtsy. As she rose up, she extended her hand to Harrison, and he quickly folded his arms in response, rudely declining a proper greeting. Suzanna’s countenance changed to that of fury in an instant. “What have I done to become so disagreeable in your eyes, Harrison?”

“This is not a conversation I wish to have here, nor anywhere else, at any time, ever,” Harrison responded. Will this desperate psychopath ever go away? “I am confused as to why you would wish to be in my company at all. After all, I was one of the men to personally escort your father to his prison chambers once we learned of his corruption and scheming with Michael and Simone.”

Suzanna’s cheeks colored red under Harrison’s icy glare, but she pressed the matter. “You must understand the shame and embarrassment our father has brought upon our household. To think that he was using my sister and me to gain more wealth and status by trying to marry us off to the most eligible noblemen was simply horrible. I am so desperately happy he is out of our lives.”

Harrison rubbed his chin and grinned. “Ah! Well, allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your selflessness. However, I am unsure as to why you are here at the palace if your intentions are not to be with a man of wealth or status.”

“Our aunt was invited, of course, and she extended her invitation to us. We are honored to be here to celebrate our emperor and new empress’ union.”

“Well, then forgive me for keeping you ladies. The servants have just brought out cakes and other treats for your comfort here at the palace. In case we do not meet again, I wish you both the best in finding a suitor who has no wealth or power so you can be truly happy, contrary to your father’s wishes.”

“Harrison,” Suzanna called out. “You are the man that I desire.”

Harrison glanced over at Tomas, who was visibly uncomfortable by the awkward conversation. Harrison quickly took Suzanna’s arm and led her away from the group. “Allow me to make myself perfectly clear to you,” he spoke in a low voice. “You need not make a fool of yourself in front of guests you do not know. You cannot imagine the extent to which I am not the man for you. I believe it is best if you move forward with your life and quit chasing dreams that will never come to fruition.”

“You are an arrogant fool,” she spat as she reached out and slapped his cheek.

“That, my lady, I have been told more than once. Take no offense from my words; there is no lady that I will allow myself to fall victim to.”

A slap to his other cheek brought forth a burst of laughter from Harrison. “Forgive my brazen words, but that is the man I am. Now if you will kindly excuse me, I fear I have no cheeks left to slap, and I am in search of my cousin Elizabeth before this drama fuels my need to leave the palace indefinitely.”

Harrison turned and nodded toward Tomas. “I believe your lovely wife also awaits you in the gardens.”

Tomas nodded, and the men continued along the path that led to the sound of ladies in conversation. “If I may be so bold, Harrison…”

“There is no need to be polite, friend. That woman was a dreadful mistake I made long ago, and no matter how hard I try, she will not go away.”

Tomas laughed once again at Harrison’s effrontery as they approached the area that Elizabeth and most of the guests had retired to.

Poor Lizzy, Harrison thought as they approached the outdoor location. More young men and most of the young women had retired to this location. Of course, the young men seized this opportunity to be in the company of the beautiful young princesses. I guess I cannot blame the boys. If I had a coin for every princess party I ambushed, I would be richer than the emperor, he thought. Nevertheless, he was thankful he came out in search of Elizabeth.

“Is it just me, or did the crowd of guests enlarge after Levi and Reece left? I believed it to be only kings and their families who were invited to this celebration. Where have all of these people come from?” Harrison whispered in a low voice to Tomas.

Tomas chuckled. “How easily you seem to have forgotten the part where everyone who wasn’t invited to the private ceremony was invited to Pasidian to celebrate the addition to the Royal Family over the ensuing days.”

“Remind me to thank Levi and Reece for this upon their return.” Harrison sighed. “Well, we should at least enjoy the sight of the beautiful women while they are all gathered together.

The loud and joyful group grew quiet when Harrison and Tomas came into view. Tomas walked directly to where Isabelle sat and joined her. While looking for a seat himself, Harrison took notice of a young man sitting next to Elizabeth. Well, well, well…it looks like someone surely picked the wrong seat this evening, Harrison thought, noting Elizabeth’s discomfort and her friend Angeline’s mild irritation with the young man who sat between them as though he belonged there.

Elizabeth noticed Harrison staring intently at the young man. She smiled in distinct relief. “Cousin!” she called out delightedly. “It is wonderful to have you join us. I do not believe that I have seen you since Levi and Reece departed.”

Harrison grinned as all eyes in the group looked in his direction, yet he ignored the surrounding guests. He didn’t care whether his current disposition caused any of them discomfort or not, as his sights were set only on King Maxen’s oldest grandson, the young man who was sitting between Elizabeth and Angeline Hamilton. The boy had earned a reputation upon his arrival at the palace of being rude and disrespectful to the palace servants, and that was something that did not sit well with Harrison, as the servants were always to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect at Pasidian. In Harrison’s personal opinion, this incompetent boy was a little too close to his sweet cousin, and her unease was his primary concern.

“That is sadly correct, sweet one. Forgive me for disappearing on you. I believe my duties have kept me distracted of late,” he answered.

He stared down at the young man who looked up at him in confusion, despite having a smug grin on his face.

“Commander, could I have someone get you a chair?” he asked in an offhand tone.

Commander? Who does this kid think he is? “There will be no need for that. You can simply get up and out of mine.”

Elizabeth grinned. The young man swallowed hard and hesitantly stood. He smiled overconfidently at Harrison, and it only irritated Harrison more. The group that sat in a circle around them quietly watched the exchange.

The young man was presumably trying to keep his composure as he stared up into Harrison’s unwavering eyes. “Forgive me, Commander. I—”

Why does this boy keep referring to me as his commander? “Tell me, have we been introduced?”

“Commander, I am King Maxen’s oldest grandson, Luke Maxen. Yes, we have been introduced, do you not remember?”

Harrison gave the boy a challenging arch of an eyebrow. No one referred to Harrison as Commander unless they were a Guardian warrior or recruit into the Pemdai army. This young man was neither, but he was trying to act as if he were.

If I remembered, I would not have asked, genius, Harrison thought as he cleared his throat. Instead of allowing the young man to taunt him, he exhaled and proceeded to play along. “Ah. It is not often my memory fails me, but apparently in this situation, it has.” He turned and sat on the long bench between Elizabeth and Angeline where the young man previously sat. He looked up at the boy’s annoyed expression and grinned. “Tell me something. You keep referring to me as though I am your commander. Since my memory is so poor tonight, I must have you refresh my recollection as to whether you are among the new Guardian recruits? Because I do not believe I have ever seen you in any of our trainings. And by the looks of you, you appear to be too young to be even considered as a recruit. What is your age, boy?”

The young man’s face turned red, and Harrison felt Angeline giggle at his side. “I am fifteen, and I have every desire to join—”

Fifteen? This kid needs to get lost! Harrison refrained from laughing aloud. “Yes, young man, I am sure you do have every intention of becoming a Guardian one day. But for now, run along. On our way out here, His Grace and I passed a group of your friends in the palace corridors. They said they were heading down to the music room to practice the harp or some such instrument.” He looked over at Tomas. “Wasn’t that right, Your Grace?”

Tomas’ lips pressed into a hard line. Fortunately, he kept a straight face, as Harrison could tell he was about to erupt into laughter at any moment.

“Uh, yes. I believe they made mention of a flute as well, Your Grace,” Tomas responded.

Harrison’s eyebrow’s shot up, feigning excitement. “Yes! Indeed, they did,” Harrison said as he looked up at the young man’s angered expression. He stretched his long legs out in front of him and crossed them, dismissing the man with his gaze alone. The young man said nothing more and quickly turned to leave.

“Young Mr. Maxen,” Harrison called out, stopping him.

Luke turned and glared down at Harrison. “Most refer to me as ‘Your Grace,’” he sneered.

Harrison chuckled, “Oh! Well, please forgive my disrespect, Your Grace. I just wanted to say that I shall be sure to let the emperor know he personally owes you his gratitude for keeping such a watchful eye over his beloved sister in his absence.” Harrison smiled wryly. “I am most positive he will be extremely interested to know about your concern for her welfare.”

The young man said no more, yet spun on his heel and stormed out of the area. The group around them softly laughed as Harrison directed his attention to Elizabeth sitting to his left. “Do not tell me that boy has been following you everywhere. If so, I am deeply apologetic for allowing my other duties to distract me over these past few days.”

“Cousin, I am simply glad you showed up when you did. Mr. Maxen has indeed been keeping close company with us, and I had not a clue as to how to get away from him.”

“Lizzy, I do not believe we will have a problem with him anymore after tonight,” Angeline interjected. “Oh, and if we do, I will not mention that you did not refer to him as Your Grace a moment ago,” she smiled.

Harrison burst into laughter. “Indeed not! Has it been that bad?”

Angeline chuckled, yet said nothing. Harrison stared down at Angeline. “Angie?”

“Let us just say for now that Lizzy and I are extremely thankful you showed up tonight.” She arched her eyebrow at him.

The expression on her face had Harrison’s eyes now locked onto hers. They were a brilliant bronze color, and they seemed to dazzle against her flawless olive complexion. It was undeniable that she had grown up to be a profoundly beautiful woman, and he could only wonder how miserable it must have been for her and Elizabeth these last few days with all of the young men visiting the palace. He grinned. “Well, I will consider it my duty to make sure you both have peaceful evenings until these senseless men finally leave the palace.” Both women laughed as Harrison brought his attention back to the rest of the group sitting around them.

The rest of the night passed easily while Harrison entertained the crowd of young couples in the gardens. It was a nice break from being in the company of the kings and listening to incessant talk of ruling kingdoms, politics, and the superficiality of things that, in Harrison’s opinion, only fueled egos.

After breakfast the next morning, Harrison was in the command center with the Guardians who were reporting to him about the recent assignments they had returned from. After his unexpected run-in with the Sterlington ladies the night before, there was no place he’d rather be. Once he finished with his usual duties, Harrison set out to check on the new recruits going through training in the training center. A good workout with the men would ease his irritability with the palace’s numerous guests. He walked the corridors with Gerald, the senior Guardian instructor who had requested his assistance in the training center.

“Give me a moment to change into my combat attire, and I will meet you there,” Harrison informed Gerald.

“Very well, Commander.”

As Harrison crossed the foyer, he spotted Elizabeth and Angeline walking toward him. They were caught up in humorous conversation and unaware of Harrison’s approach.

“Ladies, it is easy to see that you are both having a much more enjoyable time than you were last evening.” He stopped and grinned down at them. “Or do the wolves only come out at night?” he asked with a smile.

Elizabeth returned Harrison’s humored expression. “If you must know, this is the first morning I believe we have not ducked into darkened alcoves to avoid the wolves,” she said with a laugh. “Angie and I are both grateful for what you did last evening. It is obvious you frightened the young men off.”

“I am pleased to hear that I was successful in that regard.” He looked over at Angeline, who had a delightful grin on her face. “Tell me, where are you lovely ladies heading off to this afternoon?”

“We had planned to change and take a horseback ride,” Angeline answered.

“Ah, that is an excellent idea! Well, I shall not keep you any longer.” He nodded at both women. “Enjoy your afternoon.”

Elizabeth and Angeline offered Harrison a smile of gratitude before they brushed past him. Strangely, Harrison couldn’t resist the urge to turn back and take in the image of Angeline as she and Elizabeth walked through the halls. For the first time since he had known Angeline Hamilton, Harrison allowed himself to admire the beauty of the young woman. He turned back and shook his head while continuing to walk down to his rooms. His eyes no longer saw her as that young girl constantly trying to tag along with him, Levi, and her brother Julian. At nineteen, she appeared to be a picture of absolute beauty. How had he not noticed before? Well, a man has every right to appreciate the fine beauty of a woman, he told himself, excusing the idea that he could be attracted to his cousin’s closest friend.

That evening, Harrison kept to his word and searched for Elizabeth and Angeline to ensure they weren’t being bothered by the young men again. As he walked alone through the palace’s grand hall, he encountered his aunt.

“Nephew, it is refreshing to see your face,” Lady Allestaine said as she extended both hands to embrace him.

Harrison happily returned her embrace. “Aunt, you look as beautiful as ever.”

She chuckled as he kissed her cheek and stepped back. “Thank you, Harrison. So how are you managing these days without Levi around? I know you, my child, and you are usually lost without him,” she teased.

“Fortunately, commanding the Guardians has kept me busy, and most recently I have made it my duty to ensure that Lizzy and Angie can have some peace without these young men chasing them all around the palace.”

Lady Allestaine laughed. “You should know their intentions very well, dear nephew. Elizabeth told me about last evening, and I am grateful that you took the time to help her and Angeline. But this evening you should not have to concern yourself, as Elizabeth seems to have fallen somewhat ill. She has opted to spend the evening in her rooms, and Angeline has volunteered to keep her company.”

“Ill? That is strange.”

Lady Allestaine smiled. “Do not worry over her. She is perfectly fine. I believe she has overexerted herself lately, and she could use the rest.”

“I certainly understand. May I ask, how are you managing since Levi and Reece’s departure? You must be exhausted as well with all of these guests. I cannot remember the last time that Pasidian had so many visitors at once.”

Lady Allestaine laughed. “I am surprisingly well, and I do admit that it is nice to have the distraction. Do not worry over me; your mother seems to be making sure that I am not overdoing myself with all of the entertaining.”

“That is good to know.”

“Now,” she smiled, “speaking of your mother, she is waiting for me in the sitting room with a few other women. You enjoy the rest of your evening, and I will see you tomorrow. You must join us all for breakfast.”

Harrison grinned. “Excellent! Until then.”

Harrison was up earlier than usual the next morning. An unexpected issue had come up with a few Guardians on assignment. Once again, he was forced to take his breakfast in the command center and unable to dine with the rest of the guests. After a few debriefings from the Guardians who had returned from Earth, he decided he would step out for a moment to check on Elizabeth’s health.

“Vincent, I will leave you to handle reports for now. I shall return within the hour,” Harrison said as he pulled his coat on.

“Very well, Commander. If anything should come up, I will have one of the men search you out,” Vincent responded.

With that, Harrison turned and exited the command center.

Vincent was turning out to be a great help, and Harrison understood why Samuel had depended on him so much. As Harrison walked up to the first floor of the palace, a door to one of the rarely used sitting rooms was open slightly, and it jarred his interest. He opened it further, and when he did, he saw Angeline curled up on a chaise, reading a book in solitude.

“So this is what it has all come to?” he asked to announce his presence to the room.

Angeline turned and looked to the doorway where Harrison stood. He noticed the relief apparent in her expression when she saw it was only him invading her privacy. “Yes, I guess it is,” she answered with a laugh.

Harrison took a seat across from her. Angeline sat in a proper position, closed her book, and offered Harrison her undivided attention. For a moment, Harrison was overcome by her beauty and struggled to remember why he stepped into the room. Fortunately, he kept his composure and was able to think rationally. “Is Lizzy still unwell?”

“Yes, I left her to rest. She is recovering easily, only suffering from minor weakness today. Doctor Fletcher paid her a visit this morning and diagnosed her with fatigue. He says she should remain in bed for the rest of the day.”

Harrison sat back. “Poor thing. She never has been one for entertaining large crowds. I am not surprised she would fall ill as a result.”

“I believe she is missing her father as well,” Angeline said with concern in her voice.

Harrison grew troubled at the thought, not realizing that Elizabeth would obviously still be grieving the loss of Emperor Navarre. With Levi and Reece gone and Lady Allestaine constantly monopolized, there really was no one but Angeline for Elizabeth to turn to for solace.

“I have been so distracted lately that I fear I have entirely forgotten about my sweet cousin.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I feel awful.”

Angeline laughed, bringing Harrison’s attention back to her. The smile she wore was brilliant, showing off a single dimple in her left cheek, engaging her eyes and enhancing the beauty of them. Once again, Harrison was spellbound by her. Wow! This was no longer the young Angie he forever teased as they grew up together; she was now a remarkable woman.

“Harry, you are being much too hard on yourself. You have no idea how delighted Lizzy and I were that you intervened on our behalf the other evening. I am confident she will feel better soon enough.”

Her smooth voice and maturity added to her physical attractiveness. “She is fortunate to have a friend like you, Angie. I am quite confident that your spending the next few weeks with her will help her cope as well.”

Their conversation was halted when Harrison heard voices out in the hallway. The sounds of young men had Angeline visibly tense. Looks like it’s time to rescue the damsel in distress, Harrison thought as he stood up and extended his hand. “Come. Allow me to offer you a much better hiding place until Lizzy has recovered.”

She took his hand and stood. “Really, Harrison, you should not concern yourself over me.”

“I beg to differ. If those prowling hounds are to remain on a constant hunt for you ladies in the hallways, you will likely end up in Lizzy’s condition.” He offered his arm. “And we cannot have that,” he said with a wink.

Angeline laughed and took his extended arm. “Thank you, but I believe you will exhaust yourself finding a place to avoid those young men; believe me, I have tried.”

Harrison chuckled. “Trust me, I have an excellent place in mind, and hopefully it won’t bore you. At the very least, it will give you a break.”

They walked out of the room and nearly ran into the group of young men lurking outside. It was plain to see they were waiting for Harrison to leave Angeline alone. This is absurd. I am sure I never had to try this hard when I was their age. Angeline’s hand gripped tightly to the bend of his arm.

“Gentlemen,” he called out deeply. “Are we lost in the palace corridors again?”

Luke Maxen stared impudently at him. “As a matter of fact, Your Grace, we are not. We were only seeking out Princess Hamilton so as to inquire after the condition of Princess Oxley.”

At least he figured out my proper title. “I must say, that is truly astounding for a man such as myself to hear.”

“Your Grace?” Luke asked in confusion.

Harrison sighed. “I find it very odd that young noblemen have suddenly lost their manners when it comes to concerning themselves over a woman’s well-being, especially if they know not what her ailment is. Tell me something, have you been personally provided with any information in regard to the princess?”

“Not formally, but we did overhear as we dined this morning that—”

“Ah!” Harrison interrupted him. “Young men finding their entertainment with gossip. This indeed is a problem, especially when it is in regard to Princess Elizabeth.”

“You are mistaken, Your Grace,” Luke snapped back brashly.

Harrison had enough. His glare alone had Luke swallowing hard in return. “Get outside,” Harrison ordered him darkly. “If word should come from Lady Allestaine that she wishes to inform you of Princess Elizabeth’s current state, only then will I tolerate your concern for her.” Harrison’s baleful expression did not falter against Luke Maxen’s. “Now,” Harrison continued, “if you will excuse Princess Hamilton and me, we have wasted enough time in your presence.”

With that, they marched forward, forcing the group to divide and let them through.

“That boy needs to find his place, and quickly.”

Angeline laughed. “Well, you were provoking him.”

Harrison rolled his eyes. “Do you have any clue as to when they are all departing?”

“My mother informed me that their families are preparing to leave by the end of the week.”

Harrison looked down at her in disbelief, and she laughed in response.

“Where are we going anyway?” she asked.

“Well, it may not be that exciting of a location, but those boys will come nowhere near it.”

“The command center?” she asked quietly.

“Do not fear. There are isolated rooms with comfortable seating for you to enjoy your reading without distractions.”

She gripped his arm tightly, forcing him to look down at her. She smiled with excitement. “No, you do not understand, I am thrilled. I have always had a profound interest in our warriors. To see them in person, to watch how the command center works…” She trailed off.

Harrison smiled down at her, amused. “Really? I have never known of a princess who would be intrigued by such things.”

She arched her eyebrow up at him. “Have you forgotten who I am already, Harry? I was the little girl who as a child always wanted to play with you, Levi, and my brother. I was always upset when I was scolded for it and told it was not ladylike.” She chuckled.

Harrison laughed. “I do remember now. You used to drive us insane.”

“I have not changed much, and so you can understand why visiting the command center would delight me greatly.”

Oh, you have certainly changed. That is one thing I am rapidly being made aware of every time I look at you, he thought as he continued their walk toward the command center.

That evening, Harrison sat in his office unable to remove the images of Angeline from his mind. Even though he was kept extremely busy with meetings and debriefings, he still managed to discreetly watch Angeline through the glass walls of his office. She remained mostly in the company of Vincent, watching him interact on the transparent screen with the men serving on Earth. It intrigued him to see such a lovely and proper woman finding all of it so fascinating. Never once would he have thought that a woman in Pemdas could be so interested in such things.

Harrison was baffled by this woman, to say the least. He was gradually forgetting the young girl he used to view her as. He saw her now as a very captivating and delightful woman who had unexpectedly captured his interest. She stayed for only a couple of hours before she felt she needed to go check on Elizabeth, and even when she gave him a friendly and grateful hug before she left, he found himself somewhat taken by it. Her delightful fragrance strangely assaulted his senses and heightened her appeal to him.

He inwardly laughed at himself for feeling such a way. He knew very well it was not right. Him being twenty-seven years of age, and her being his cousin’s closest friend, he could not allow emotions to overrule his judgment by developing an attraction for her. But now, he began to wonder if that was already happening.