Jake and Moira waited in the bar by the lobby for what seemed like an eternity when Katerina blew in the door. She was barking orders into her cell phone.
Jake grabbed Moira’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go.” and they followed her up to the elevator. Jake waited for her to push a number and then smiled and said, “Our floor.”
Jake had no way of knowing that Katerina controlled the entire floor of that hotel. She eyed him warily. Moira laughed shrilly hoping to throw off Katerina’s train of thought about where she might have seen this man.
“Oh, darling. That is not our floor,” and punched the number below it. She chattered on shrilly about the wonderful little shop she had found while he spent his whole day at the Casino. She didn’t understand why he had to waste his time like that. There was a wonderful city out there just waiting to be explored but no, he had to throw good money away. Katerina was more than relieved when they exited.
Once the door closed Moira quieted.
Jake exhaled. “Thank you, Moira. I was so anxious to follow her I didn’t think about the possibility she might recognize me. Do you think she did?”
“No. But I think she was well on her way. She seemed very agitated. I wish we knew what happened out there at the villa.”
“This is the hard part - the waiting and watching. I’ll go back to the lobby and keep out of Katerina’s sight.”
“And I’ll do a little snooping around of my own.”
“Moira be very careful. Katerina is one of the most dangerous women I have ever encountered.”
Moira smiled reassuringly at Jake and thought, She should never have messed with my granddaughter.
* * *
Kenann’s head lay on Danny’s chest. The sound of his heart beat was comforting to her. She had remained in that position for a long while when a plan struck her with such force she jumped up. Before she could consider consequences or chicken out, she went out to the hallway and looking down to the main floor from the balcony, she called Pierre’s name. She cleared her throat and adopting her most imperious tone, called again. He appeared through the doorway and looked up at her. He did not speak but merely waited. She thought, There’s no going back now.
“I request your presence.”
He started up the long stairway. She stood in the doorway to their rooms. She felt her knees shaking and willed them to stop. She stiffened her spine and reminded herself what was at stake and felt suffused with resolve. When Pierre rounded the corner column at the head of the stairs, he was awestruck by the woman he saw. The shy naive young woman was being replaced by a Valkyrie- a goddess of war with fire in her eyes. Once again, he waited for her to speak first. She wasted no time.
“You are very aware of my identity, so I will not insult you by pretending any longer. I knew the first time I saw you that you recognized me as Inanna.”
Pierre gasped. Even though he knew the legend, it was unbelievable to be standing here as she revealed herself to him. He took a step toward her but stopped cold when she raised her palm. She wanted to maintain her edge of authority.
“You have made a grave mistake in harming Daniel.” Pierre started to protest but she cut him off.
“Do not pretend otherwise. It was not a creature in the sea who poisoned him. But you can redeem yourself if he recovers.”
“Oh, he will, he will. He is only now sedated. He is in no danger. I swear to you.”
“This is fortunate for you. The oracle purposely omitted Daniel’s role for reasons you will soon see.”
Pierre felt a surge of rage at the thought that Daniel would rival him for power with Inanna. She could see his reaction and the last thing she wanted to create was a power struggle between Danny Mac and Pierre, so she went on.
“Daniel will be the high priest in our international kingdom but the man to stand beside me is yet to be revealed.” She saw him come alert.
“It is imperative that Daniel and I remain together at all times until my consort is determined. Is that clear?”
“Of course, Your…” he faltered
“Your Highness will suffice for now until my full identity is revealed. My full title is too cumbersome.” Kenann bit the inside of her jaw to stem nervous laughter.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I will have no further instructions until Daniel is awake and I know he is well.”
And with that, she turned back into the room to continue her vigil beside the sleeping man. As she sat down and took his hand, she offered a silent prayer that she had done the right thing.