Royal Target (8 page)

Chapter 12

Queen Marta tapped a perfectly manicured nail on her antique desk and made the final adjustments to the seating chart for the upcoming dinner. What had begun as a quiet family affair had expanded to include several members of the ruling council and their wives.

Only the members of the royal family knew who Janessa Rogers really was, with the exception of Martino, the chateau manager who had been assigned to assist her, and Enrico, the chateau driver. Marta had hoped for a quiet dinner and a chance to assess the woman who would be coordinating so many details for the gala. Now she would have to wait until morning to meet with Janessa privately.

Marta reached for one of the magazines her assistant had given her. On the cover, her youngest son was kissing Janessa Rogers. A sigh escaped her. She wasn’t sure she wanted her son to voluntarily put his private life—however fictitious—so firmly in the public light.

Of everyone in her family, Garrett was the one who was the least comfortable in front of the press. He had been trained to handle the reporters and photographers, but he always looked forward to getting out of the spotlight. Marta understood how he felt. She could remember a time when she too had shied away from the cameras, especially during the early days of her courtship with Eduard.

As the daughter of a Meridian councilman, Marta had grown up around cameras, but they had rarely been aimed at her. But when the press learned that her childhood friendship with Eduard had bloomed into a full-blown romance, they had been relentless. She had just turned twenty-one when her photograph began appearing regularly with Eduard’s.

Eduard had been protective of her when dealing with the press in those early days, but he didn’t quite understand Garrett’s discomfort in front of the media. Though Marta was annoyed that Eduard had put his current plans in motion before consulting with her, she understood
his reasons. After nearly thirty-five years of marriage, she knew her husband was just protecting what was his. She also understood that Eduard needed Garrett to start acting more like an active member of the royal family.

He had been gone too long, first at sea and then at law school. The year he had spent at home before leaving for school had been much too brief and felt so long ago. He had always been restless, even as a child. She had hoped he would find what he was looking for in the Navy, but while four years in the service had helped him transition from boy to man, he still hadn’t found his peace.

For a while, she thought that he had found contentment while at law school, but something had been troubling him since he had returned home, something she had yet to identify.

Perhaps once they moved past this current crisis, she would finally have some time to spend with both of her sons.

* * *

Janessa fiddled with the ring on her finger, still adjusting to the new weight there. She hated to admit it, but she loved how the diamond sparkled in the sunlight, even if the engagement itself was a sham. During the two-hour ride from the chateau, she and Garrett had hardly spoken a word except for a brief conversation about the upgraded security at the chateau. Their relationship had once again taken on a professional air.

Janessa could only assume that the brief interest he had shown in her had been extinguished by her revelation that their religious differences were an impassable roadblock. She convinced herself she was relieved that the spark of attraction between them was little more than an obstacle to overcome in doing her job.

She glanced over at Garrett, who was currently taking advantage of the time to review reports on the embassy bombing. He looked so aristocratic just then, his brow furrowed in concentration, his chiseled features set. For a moment she wished he wasn’t quite so handsome but immediately realized that it wouldn’t matter anyway. Although his looks had been one of the first things she had noticed about him, it was his kindness that she found most attractive. She hadn’t expected that someone who had been raised with nearly unlimited wealth and power would be so appreciative of those who served him.

Janessa turned back to the letter she was writing to her sister Mary. She couldn’t tell her much except that she was doing well. She wished she could inform her sister that the engagement which would appear in the papers so soon was not real, but Mary would never be able to keep a secret from the rest of the family, which left Janessa no choice but to avoid the subject.

Instead Janessa tried to describe the beautiful setting in which she was currently living. Palm fronds swayed alongside the road, and a glance at her watch told her that they should arrive in the capital city of Calene in a matter of minutes. Looking out the window, she noticed a rambling village on the hills above the sea. It wasn’t until she saw the port that she realized the village was Calene.

They went around a curve, and Janessa got her first look at their destination. She leaned forward in her seat and moved closer to the window so she could see it more clearly. The palace could only be described as magnificent.

While the chateau was nestled right on the seashore, the palace spread across high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The palace faced the water on a jut of land that fell off sharply into the sea on three sides. A short distance away, the ruins of the Fortiers’ first family home was visible. Only a single stone wall still remained.

Unlike its predecessor, the palace was nearly impregnable. Attack from the sea was unlikely, as it rose high above the water, and the steep hills leading to the palace made attack by land nearly impossible. Janessa approved of the functionality of the location just as she approved of the structure itself. Turrets, towers, and battlements were constant reminders of the centuries that had come before, but the gleaming white stone looked fresh, as though the building were brand new. Situated on the highest point overlooking the village, the location afforded its inhabitants protection even as they sought to protect the village and lands below.

“It’s beautiful,” Janessa said softly.

Garrett looked up at the palace and then turned his gaze to Janessa and smiled. “I thought you would like it.”

Within minutes, the limousine pulled through the palace gates and stopped in front of the magnificent structure. Two uniformed guards stood solemnly on either side of the massive wooden doors. Just as Garrett and Janessa got out of the limo, the front doors opened. Janessa lifted her hand to shade her eyes against the setting sun as two servants walked outside and moved to bring in their luggage. A moment later, Garrett’s older brother emerged from the palace and descended the wide steps. He was slightly broader through the shoulders and an inch or two shorter than his younger brother.

“I was wondering when you were going to get here,” Stefano told Garrett, his eyes shifting from his brother to Janessa.

“Stefano, you remember Janessa.” Garrett glanced briefly at the servants attending to their luggage before continuing the façade. “I introduced you a few weeks ago in Caracas.”

Stefano played along. “So nice to see you again.” He took Janessa’s hand and brought it to his lips with a great deal of charm.

Janessa smiled, but she couldn’t help noticing that her heartbeat continued its normal rhythm, unlike its tendency when Garrett performed the same action. Then Garrett stepped forward and, in a possessive move, slipped an arm around her waist, and her heartbeat quickened.

Stefano motioned to the door. “Please come inside. I have to go into the village for a meeting, but Father is waiting for you both in his office.”

Garrett nodded and guided Janessa inside to his father’s office. Garrett rapped on the door, opening it when the command came from within.

The moment Janessa stepped inside, she felt power emanating from the man behind the oversized desk. Like his sons, his face had sharp angles, reminiscent of the aristocrats and the warriors he descended from. His dark hair was graying, giving him a distinguished look. His eyes were sharp and somewhat troubled.

“Welcome home,” he said to Garrett before turning to Janessa. He stood and moved around to the front of the desk. “Signorina, welcome to our home.”

“Your Majesty.” Janessa dipped into a curtsey. “Thank you for having me.”

King Eduard took her hand and motioned for her to sit down. “I’m afraid our quiet dinner plans for tonight have expanded considerably,” he began as he sat down across from Janessa. “Several members of the ruling council will also be in attendance with their wives.”

“Lord Tratte?” Garrett asked, settling onto the love seat next to Janessa.

“For one.” King Eduard nodded. His eyes shifted from Garrett to Janessa. “Lord Tratte has been one of the biggest opponents to US military presence here in Meridia. I’m afraid he isn’t pleased to see my son paired with an American.”

“Don’t worry, Father.” Garrett placed his hand on Janessa’s. “If anyone can handle him, Janessa can.”

The king nodded, and Janessa wondered what he thought about his son’s easy familiarity with her. He again directed his comments to Janessa. “Have you had time this week to analyze our security at the chateau?”

“To some extent.” Janessa nodded. She retrieved a file from her oversized bag and handed it to the king. “Here is my initial report.”

King Eduard opened the file and skimmed its contents. “Explain to me about these sensors you want to install.”

Janessa leaned forward slightly. “The chateau is most vulnerable to a clandestine attack from the hillside behind it. We would like to install a series of motion detectors in that area to alleviate this concern. Since you already have guards stationed on the road leading to the chateau, the most likely source of trouble would then be an insider penetrating security through some type of service job.”

“Our staff is loyal. I don’t believe that any of them would hurt the family in any way.”

“I agree. I have only found a few minor indiscretions, nothing to indicate otherwise.”

Garrett asked, “What kind of indiscretions?”

“Little things.” Janessa shrugged. “Lilia on the kitchen staff leaves twenty minutes early every day to go pick up her daughter so her mother can get to work on time. Ronaldo in the stables is romantically involved with both Regina from housekeeping and Maria, the assistant gardener. But nothing indicates a potential breach in their loyalty to the royal family.” She turned back to the king. “I’ll meet with the caterers this week. I didn’t feel it appropriate to begin my research there until the engagement was announced.”

Eduard nodded in agreement. “My wife will meet with you tomorrow to review what still needs to be done to prepare for the gala. She should be able to give you some additional insight as to where it would be easiest to penetrate our security.”

Janessa nodded. “Also, I would like your permission to send for a dog trained in bomb detection. One of the best dogs in the world is currently in London, and he and his handler are experienced with the devices that are most common in this part of the world.” She was glad her friend Alan Neisler and his dog, Max, were available for this job. She hoped the king would agree to use them.

“How do you plan to use this animal?”

“We will do daily sweeps of the chateau. On the night of the gala, the dog will be stationed at the gate to check out all of the service vehicles.”

“Very well.” King Eduard stood. “Garrett, please show Janessa to her rooms. Our guests are expected to arrive at seven.”

“Your Majesty, is there any way I can get a copy of the guest list for tonight?” Janessa asked.

“Of course.” King Eduard nodded, glancing at Garrett.

“I’ll take care of it, Father.”

With that, Garrett led Janessa from the office and through a series of hallways to the family quarters. “In case you need anything, that’s my door there.” Garrett motioned down the hall as he paused at the room that would be Janessa’s for the next few days. He pushed her door open to reveal an elegant sitting room in pearl and soft blue.

Janessa stepped inside and crossed directly to the window seat. She stared at the village below and the boats on the water. “I keep thinking that I’ve already seen the best view in Meridia, and then I see something new.”

“You are fortunate to appreciate the beauty the Lord has blessed us with.” Garrett laid a hand on her shoulder, for a moment staring out the window as well.

Warmth spread through her at his touch, but she tried to ignore her unwanted reaction and turned to face him. He looked down at her, and for a moment she felt as though she were the most important thing in the world to him.
Snap out of it,
she told herself, but when she tried to speak, to say something to break the mood, she found herself speechless.

Garrett lifted his hand and caressed her cheek. Even as she told herself to move away, she watched him lower his mouth to hers for a brief kiss.

He pulled away from her. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I’ll stop by a few minutes before seven to escort you to dinner.”

As she watched him leave the room, she felt even more confused than before. She looked down at the ring on her finger, concerned that its sparkling presence was clouding her judgment. Turning away from the view and the sinking feeling in her stomach, she moved to the bedroom to prepare for the upcoming evening.

Chapter 13

Janessa looked over the evening’s guest list, tapping away on her laptop as she retrieved biographies on the various council members and their wives. The guest list included more than twenty guests, and she wished she had enough time to research everyone’s background thoroughly.

She didn’t see anything in particular that raised concerns. All of the members of the ruling council were financially secure, and none of them had any suspicious changes in either their income or their spending habits.

As she reviewed the council members’ political views, she noted that Lord Tratte consistently voted against ties with the United States and had voted that way throughout his political career. Realizing that he wasn’t the only council member who preferred to avoid strong ties with the US, she sighed and hoped that she wasn’t sitting next to any of them at dinner.

* * *

Garrett knocked on Janessa’s door at precisely five minutes before seven. He had chastised himself for giving in to impulse by kissing her earlier and resolved to keep his distance tonight. When she called out for him to come in, he pushed the door open. She stood in front of a framed mirror hanging on the wall, and for a moment Garrett stood rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by her beauty.

Her hair was swept up, leaving her slender neck exposed and making her seem more delicate. A few curls escaped to frame her face, and her eye makeup gave her a mysterious and exotic look. Diamond earrings winked from her ears, and a column of ivory silk hung from her shoulders down to her ankles. As she turned to him, he doubted anyone would question why he had chosen her to be his bride.

“Should I wear the ring tonight?” she asked as he continued to stare. “I didn’t know if I should wear it in public before the engagement is officially announced.”

“Wear the ring. The council members always like it when they find things out before the press does.” His resolve to keep his distance melted away as he reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips. “You look exquisite.”

“Thank you.” Janessa looked down at their joined hands and shifted uncomfortably. “We should go.”

“Are you afraid to be alone with me?” Garrett asked, at first guilty for causing her discomfort but then suddenly pleased as he realized she was less upset at his show of affection than at her own reaction to it.

“Uneasy would be a more accurate word.” She tilted her head, as though studying him from a new angle. “I thought I made myself clear that this engagement is only for show. There can’t be anything else between us.”

“It would be simpler, wouldn’t it, if you weren’t attracted to me.”

Her breath came out in a little huff. “Garrett.”

He grinned now. “Ah, so you don’t deny it.” He squeezed her hand and led her to the door. “Now I just need to get you to admit it.”

“It doesn’t seem like there’s any point. Why—”

“Maybe things aren’t always what they seem.” Garrett opened the door. “Besides, I like a challenge.”

* * *

The main salon was wide and spacious, sectioned in half by a wide archway running through the center of the room. When Janessa and Garrett entered, Stefano was already entertaining the first arrivals over drinks. A servant immediately offered to get Garrett and Janessa a drink, and Janessa was both surprised and touched when Garrett ordered ginger ale for both of them.

Janessa only had to look around the room to understand what the evening would entail. The language was Italian, the food was French, and the conversation was all about the Americans. Determined not to lose her objectivity, she easily adopted Italian as her language for the evening as Garrett began introducing her to the guests.

Most of the council members were middle-aged, though a few were of an older generation. Garrett had just introduced her to Councilman Hennero, one of the few single members of the ruling council, when Stefano requested a moment with his brother. Janessa continued her conversation with the young council member, talking about the quality of handcrafted sailboats in Meridia. As they chatted, Janessa discovered that Hennero owned a company in Calene that had been producing some of the finest sailing vessels in the Mediterranean for generations.

“You really must go out sailing this summer. If you think the view is magnificent from the beach, you will love it from the water,” Hennero told her as an older gentleman approached.

“I’ll seriously consider it,” Janessa replied, pausing as the older man shook hands with Hennero.

“Eric, you do always find the most beautiful women in Meridia.” The man turned and looked at Janessa.

Hennero smiled, motioning to the new arrival. “Lord Tratte is just jealous, signorina.”

“You are both too kind.” Janessa smiled, surprised that Lord Tratte failed to recognize her from the numerous photos that had been taken of her and Garrett. “We were just discussing how perfect the weather has been for sailing. I think I may be tempted to go out myself this week.”

“This is the best time of year—not too hot and not too many tourists.” Lord Tratte nodded his approval. “Hopefully we won’t soon have American naval vessels cluttering up our waters as well.”

“You worry too much,” Hennero said mildly.

“And you worry too little,” Tratte replied.

Janessa bit back the temptation to try to guide the conversation. She was disappointed when the argument didn’t continue. Instead, Hennero again steered the conversation away from politics. A moment later, Garrett appeared at her side.

“Lord Tratte, I see you have met Janessa.” Garrett placed a hand on the small of her back, even as he shook hands with Tratte.

Before Lord Tratte could respond, Janessa said, “We were just discussing how perfect the weather is to go sailing.”

Garrett grinned down at her. “If you think I’m taking you sailing so you can avoid the press conference tomorrow, you’re sadly mistaken.”

“A girl can hope.” Janessa smiled up at him, appreciating how well he played along.

Hennero spoke now. “Your father has been somewhat elusive as to the nature of tomorrow’s press conference.”

“I’m afraid that’s my doing,” Garrett told him. He grasped Janessa’s left hand and brought it to his lips to bring attention to the ring on her finger. “We will be announcing our engagement tomorrow.”

“Congratulations!” Hennero shook Garrett’s hand and leaned over to kiss Janessa on the cheek.

Tratte’s response was more reserved, although he too offered his congratulations. “I wasn’t aware you had known each other that long.”

“Our paths have crossed a number of times over the past few years,” Janessa told him.

“It wasn’t easy to convince her that she’s the only one for me,” Garrett added. Then, noticing his mother walking into the room, Garrett nodded to the two men. “If you will excuse us, I need to speak to my mother for a moment.”

As they approached the queen, Janessa struggled to believe that this woman was old enough to be Garrett’s mother. She was a couple of inches taller than Janessa, her face was nearly free of lines, and she looked like she was in better shape than most twenty-year-olds. She exuded elegance, from the tiara situated on her dark hair to her gown of midnight blue. She smiled as she excused herself from the couple she was talking to, her voice somehow managing to be both warm and regal.

When Garrett reached his mother’s side, Janessa watched as the woman before her transformed from royalty to motherhood in an instant. She opened her arms as Garrett stepped into them for a warm embrace. Love flowed over them, creating a little island of affection amid the crowded room. When Garrett stepped back, Janessa was surprised that he didn’t offer any formal introductions. “Mother, I’m sorry we didn’t see you this afternoon when we arrived.”

“That’s quite all right.” Queen Marta’s quiet eyes studied him for a moment before she turned her gaze to Janessa. “You look lovely this evening.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Janessa dipped into a curtsey, appreciating the obvious affection the queen had for her family.

“I wish we had a few moments to chat, but I’m afraid dinner is about to be served.” The queen motioned to the dining hall. “My husband told you I want to spend some time with you tomorrow?”

Janessa nodded. “I look forward to it.”

* * *

King Eduard presided over his table, keeping a sharp eye on those dining with him. So far it appeared that everyone believed the fictionalized version of how Garrett and Janessa had come to be engaged so soon after being spotted together by the press. The talk of the US naval base had come up as had been expected, but the majority of the ruling council still remained supportive of his wishes.

Frustration over the investigation of the US Embassy bombing continued to cloud negotiations, but so far no one had stepped forward to claim responsibility, and leads were practically nonexistent.

Eduard’s gaze landed on Janessa, and he smiled at the way she charmed those around her. He would have to thank Director Palmer for sending her to them. He doubted even he could have selected someone so well suited for the task at hand. As he watched Garrett lean over and whisper something in Janessa’s ear, he felt the undercurrents between the young couple. His eyes narrowed fractionally as he recognized that Garrett’s feelings for this young woman might be genuine.

Not sure how he felt about his son having a relationship with an American, he looked up to see his wife watching Garrett. It took only a moment to realize that she, too, was analyzing their son’s true involvement.