Royal Scandal by Marquita Valentine

Author:Marquita Valentine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2017-01-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Colin

I feel like a complete ass for leaving Della on her own for dinner.

However, I agreed to this meeting in order to smooth over the ruffled feathers due to my blatant disregard for their proverbial olive branch. Perhaps they have a point, but I won’t change course and I won’t divorce Della simply because Davies and his counsel are in a snit.

I stare out the window, watching everyone going about their evening. Couples hold hands, mates are toasting one another, and shops have their doors propped open. The storefronts are charming and inviting, full of customers.

This is what the Isle should look like. This is what my ancestors fought for—economic independence. It’s why Baroness Strange married a Sinclair and used their combined influence and income to stay the power of a mightier nation.

A nation that was favored to win—not by warships or cannons, but by a contract that would make us toothless. A puppet nation with no say in how we live, how we do business…

I crack a smile at my rather passionate view of my country’s history.

But honestly, in 1763, the Isle was presented with a choice—rule by Britain or rule by her own queen. King George didn’t give a damn as long as he gained gold for his treasury.

“Once we arrive, my second in command, Peter will be your escort. I’ve known him for years. He’s a good sort and you can trust him with your life. I will return to the castle to pick up the princess,” Beaumont says. “She will be under my watch.”

“I’m not worried.” Reaching over the front seat, I squeeze his shoulder affectionately. “You’ve always taken great care of us.” Almost like a dad, but this is not the time or place to remark on that, and I have no idea what our driver will share with the media. While he is paid well, money is nothing compared to fame. And that bloody Walker is still out there, gathering information about us.

“Here we are, sir.” Beaumont gets out first, followed by three more security guards. He opens my door and I get out, striding to the entrance. “Peter is here.”

“Thank you.” With a slight incline of my head, I allow Peter to open the door for me.

“We’re cleared to go, Your Highness,” Peter says.

“Beaumont wouldn’t have allowed me out of the car if he thought otherwise.” I suppress a smile at the look of horror on the young man’s face.

“I didn’t mean to imply that—”

“No worries. I was only trying to break the ice,” I say, attempting to smooth things over with him.

“Leave the ice alone,” he mutters under his breath.

I don’t respond to that, mostly because I don’t want Beaumont to be cross with me for giving Peter a hard time like he is with Imogen at the moment. Old habits are rather hard to break and I’ve depended on Beaumont for so long that it’s second nature.

But good God…my sister.

What am I going to do with her? She attempts to

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