The Summer Palace: A Midlife Fairy Tale by Kristen Painter

Author:Kristen Painter [Painter, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Published: 2023-07-13T18:30:00+00:00

“Professor Cloudtree got off all right last night,” Gabriel filled Ro in as they walked toward the portal elevator. “I sent a royal guard with him and he’s going to stay to escort him back as well, but I also requested ten more guards be sent to us here. They should arrive late this afternoon or early evening. They’re coming on horseback, not by portal, so that they’ll be able to provide additional protection when we eventually return home.

“I’m glad about Spencer, but ten more guards?” Ro blinked at him. “That seems like a lot.”

“In light of the news about the diary, I don’t think it is.”

They stepped into the portal. He closed the doors and dialed the first floor.

Ro wasn’t going to argue safety measures with him. It was his job, and he was very good at it. “I’m sure you’re right. You’re the head of security for a reason, after all. Thank you for being proactive.”

“You’re welcome.” The doors slid open. “Your majesty.”

They stepped out into a soft wave of noise, almost all of it coming from the dining hall. There were a lot of people, and staff, milling about. More than Ro had seen so far, although if she’d come down for the music last night, she’d have probably seen them all then.

Ro’s brows lifted. “I guess we’re not the only ones who’ve shown up for breakfast.”

“Safe guess. I’ll be right here if anyone gets too close.”

She cut her eyes at him. “Don’t run anyone through, all right? These are still citizens of the kingdom. If they want to talk to me, that’s to be expected.”

There was amusement in his eyes as he nodded. “Heard and understood.”

“At the same time, I would like to actually eat something. We have a long day of library searching ahead. I don’t want to waste too much time sitting around the table, so if someone does come to talk…”

“I can handle that.”

She smiled at him. “I know you can.”

She started forward. He stayed at her right shoulder about a half-pace back. As soon as she entered the dining hall, the buzz of conversation dropped in volume and all eyes turned toward her, except for the staff, who went right on about their business.

Ro gave a nod and polite smile to those already in their seats, then headed for the royal table, which was set with several carafes. Probably coffee, tea, and that delicious spiced cocoa, but there were too many other good aromas to pick out any particular ones.

An older man stepped into her path. “Your majesty, please forgive the intrusion.” He bowed.

Gabriel moved in closer.

Ro might not have known every single line of royal protocol by heart, but she knew that it was generally considered inappropriate to address a monarch before they addressed you. However, she understood that if someone really wanted to talk to her, their best chance was to seek her out and hope she’d forgive them. “What can I do for you, sir?”

He rose. “I am Sam Silversmith, my lady, and I must first thank you for returning us to the tradition of Willow Hall.

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