Royal Target

by Traci Hunter Abramson

  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.

  Chapter 14

  Photographers and reporters shuffled on the eastern terrace, vying for the best position for the upcoming press conference. As anticipated, news of Prince Garrett’s engagement had leaked out from a member of the ruling council, and the press had come out in droves for the historic announcement.

  Garrett stood inside the terrace doors, waiting for his father to give the command to begin. Janessa stood beside him wearing a dress of sunflower yellow, a dress he knew his mother had helped her select from her wardrobe earlier that morning. She fingered the ring on her left hand, the only outward sign of nervousness.

  “Don’t worry,” Garrett assured her, placing a hand on her back. “If you run into a question you don’t want to answer, we’ll help you out.”

  “I didn’t expect there would be so many reporters,” Janessa admitted.

  Garrett nodded in agreement as he tried to quash his own nerves. He couldn’t remember ever seeing so many reporters at the palace.

  “Are you ready?” King Eduard asked, motioning to the doors.

  Janessa took a deep breath. “I think so.”

  “We’re ready,” Garrett confirmed.

  Queen Marta took Janessa’s hand as she passed by and gave it a squeeze. “You’ll do fine.”

  Janessa nodded, allowing Garrett to guide her through the doors behind the king, the queen, and Prince Stefano.

  King Eduard stepped up to the podium that had been set up for the occasion. The crowd instantly quieted. “Thank you all for coming.” King Eduard’s gaze swept from one side of the crowd to the other. “My countrymen, my friends, I do not wish to delay in sharing with you the joy that has come into our family. Queen Marta and I are pleased to announce the engagement of our son Prince Garrett Eduard Fortier de Meridia to Janessa Rogers of the United States.”

  A ripple of excitement shot through the crowd, and a few enterprising photographers began snapping photographs of the young couple. Before the questions could start, King Eduard continued, relaying the story of how they had met several years ago and had been in loose contact since that time. He provided enough details to keep the press from asking difficult questions about their courtship.

  When the king finally allowed questions to be asked, the first ones were directed at Janessa. Instinctively, Garrett took her hand in his, giving it a quick squeeze of encouragement even as he felt her tremble with nerves.

  “Signorina Rogers, how does it feel to be marrying a prince?” the first reporter asked in Italian.

  Janessa looked up at Garrett. “I am thrilled to be getting married, but I have to say, I am more interested in the man than the title.” Surprise rippled through the crowd at her ability to speak Italian.

  “How do you feel about leaving your country?”

  Before Janessa could answer, Garrett edged forward. “Janessa has often said that Meridia is the most beautiful place on earth. I think she is excited that she won’t need a painting on her wall to see this incredible scenery each day.”

  Janessa nodded in agreement.

  The questions continued to flow, some to Janessa, others to Garrett and his family members. The answers became easier as the questions slowed down, no longer tumbling over one another. After thirty minutes, King Eduard closed the question-and-answer portion of the press conference. He then allowed the photographers an opportunity to take pictures of Janessa and Garrett, both with and without the other members of the royal family.

  When at last King Eduard concluded the photo session, the family proceeded back inside to the parlor. A servant holding a pitcher of lemonade stood nearby. At Queen Marta’s signal, she moved forward and began serving them as they all settled into their seats.

  “You did very well,” Queen Marta told Janessa, and then she included Garrett as well. “Both of you.”

  King Eduard nodded in agreement. “I didn’t expect the press to warm up to you so quickly.”

  “I’m just glad that part is over,” Janessa said.

  “That makes two of us,” Garrett agreed. He turned to his brother and grinned. “If it was this bad for me, I can’t wait to see what happens when you get married.”

  “I’m going to elope.”

  “Even better,” Garrett teased. “The press always loves a scandal, and the buzz about the heir to the throne eloping could last a year or more.”

  “I can see you won’t be much help to me when the time comes.” Stefano said wryly.

  Queen Marta interrupted and asked Garrett, “When will you return to the chateau?”

  “Wednesday,” Garrett informed her. “Janessa is meeting with the caterers that afternoon, and the extra security we’ve requested will begin arriving Thursday morning.”

  Marta reached over and patted Janessa on the knee. “I wish I could be there to help with the details.”

  “I hope we can arrange that soon as well,” Janessa agreed as a servant entered the room.

  “Excuse me, Your Majesties.” The servant dipped into a curtsey and addressed the queen. “Queen Marta, Signora Vorneaux has arrived.”

  “Thank you, Anna.” Marta rose from her seat and turned to Janessa. “Signora Vorneaux has been designing gowns for me for years. I asked her to come help us fill out your wardrobe.”

  “Your Majesty, thank you, but it really isn’t necessary.”

  “Oh, but it is. You will be attending social functions continually while you are here. Now that you are associated with the royal family, we must make sure your wardrobe is adequate.”

  Garrett nodded in agreement. “Janessa, please let Mother do this for you. Consider it a job requirement.”

  “If you insist.” Janessa said politely and moved to the door where the queen was waiting for her.

  * * *

  Fifteen minutes later, Janessa fo
und herself standing in the middle of her sitting room while Signora Vorneaux took measurements. She felt like a mannequin as the queen and Signora Vorneaux talked around her, discussing various styles and fabrics. When Queen Marta suggested a gown that would leave her shoulders bare, Janessa finally spoke up.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t wear anything sleeveless,” Janessa told them.

  “But this gown would be perfect for the gala,” Signora Vorneaux insisted.

  “Yes, it is only for one night,” Queen Marta agreed.

  “Please understand that I am not trying to be difficult,” Janessa began. “It’s not just my style I am trying to preserve but also my religious beliefs.”

  “What religion are you?” Queen Marta asked, curiosity in her voice.

  “I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Janessa replied. “Many people refer to us as Mormons.”

  “Isn’t that funny,” Queen Marta commented. “Garrett’s best friend from law school is Mormon.”

  “Really?” Janessa considered this new information, wondering how familiar Garrett was with her beliefs. “He never mentioned it.”

  “You’ll meet him and his wife at the gala. They are making the trip from Washington a few days before the festivities begin.”

  “I look forward to meeting them,” Janessa told her.

  “Come sit down, and we’ll decide what we should start with,” Queen Marta instructed. “Signora Vorneaux can make whatever adjustments you require.”

  Janessa took a seat, grateful that the queen seemed willing to accommodate her clothing guidelines.

  The queen motioned to the designer. “You brought your sketches.”

  “Of course.”

  Together they sat in the sitting room as the queen pored over sketches, discounting most of them because they were sleeveless. Others she set aside with suggestions that they be modified to accommodate Janessa’s requests.

  Janessa gave her input when needed, but mostly she just watched as the queen skillfully cajoled her favorite and now frustrated designer, ultimately cornering her into adapting her designs for Janessa. When Janessa was finally left alone with Queen Marta, she shook her head in amazement. From what she could gather, the queen had ordered at least three dresses suitable for evening affairs as well as a gown for the gala. “Thank you for your generosity, but this really is too much.”

  Marta shook her head. “Not at all, but at least it will be enough to get you through the next week or two.”

  “I don’t know how you do it all.” Janessa settled back in her seat, studying the elegant woman across from her. “Your family spends so many hours each day seeing to the needs of others, and then you devote so many of your evenings to political and social events. It’s a wonder you don’t hide at the chateau for months at a time just so you can catch your breath.”

  Marta laughed. “Sometimes we do just that. When the boys were little, there were times when all I wanted was to be left alone to be a family. The chateau gives us that.”

  “It’s a beautiful home.” Janessa nodded.

  “It will go to Garrett when he marries,” Queen Marta said absently. “Not that it will change things much. He will always have a home here, just as he will continue to open the chateau to the family when it becomes his. Still, it’s good for a man to have a place he can call his own.”

  Janessa considered her words, struck for the first time with a reality she had never before considered. What would the woman Garrett married be like? Would she appreciate the beauty of the land, the history of the chateau itself? Would she be Meridian and already understand and appreciate Garrett’s role in this society? More importantly, would she recognize Garrett for the exceptional man he was, or would she only see the title?

  The thought of him marrying someone other than herself made her feel unexpectedly jealous, and she looked down at the ring on her finger. Why was she reacting like this? She couldn’t love him. She couldn’t imagine anyone else loving him more.

  Confused by her feelings, Janessa looked up and prayed that the queen wouldn’t be able to sense the panic rushing through her.

  Chapter 15

  Janessa stared down at the paper in her hand, sickened by the graphic images in front of her. The threats against the royal family continued to arrive with alarming regularity, usually through the mail system. Today’s artwork showed an image of Garrett tied down to a set of railroad tracks with a train steaming toward him. Instead of an engineer, a photo of Janessa had been pasted in.

  The words glued to the page spelled out the meaning: The Americans will be the death of the royal family.

  Janessa picked up the telephone and called Levi to check on the current security levels at the chateau. He assured her that he would increase the number of guards patrolling the grounds until the enhanced security systems could be installed and activated.

  After hanging up with Levi, Janessa put the latest threat into an envelope so that she wouldn’t have to see it any longer. She then crossed to her window. She noted the peaceful scenery, but today it did nothing to ease the tension knotted in her stomach.

  When a knock came at her door, she quickly scanned her room to make sure that nothing was out of place before calling out, “Come in.”

  Garrett stepped through the door, and for a moment Janessa just stared. She fought against her instinct to embrace him, to feel the reassurance that he was safe and whole. Unaware of her concern, he moved inside and closed the door behind him.

  “I wanted to stop by and see how you’re doing. I’m going to be in meetings the rest of the day and probably won’t see you until dinner tonight.” He moved farther into the room, looking at her with concern. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, more because it was expected than because it was true. “I was just talking to Levi about increasing the number of guards at the chateau until the new security measures are in place.”

  Garrett reached out and tipped her chin up so she was looking him in the eye. “Did something happen?”

  “Another threat arrived a little while ago. You were going to be run over by a train.” Her voice wavered. “And it was me driving it.”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. This happens all the time.” Seeming to sense her needs, Garrett pulled her into his arms. His voice was soothing as he continued. “You can’t take them too seriously.”

  “I don’t know how you can live like this. Security is everywhere, and still these threats keep showing up. I’m good at my job, but it scares me that someone might manage to get through and harm you or your family.”

  He pulled back so that he could once again see her face. “With all of this extra security, I don’t think that’s possible.”

  “Garrett, anything is possible.” Janessa took a deep breath. “We’ll do everything we can to make it difficult for someone to get through, but no security is perfect.”

  “You’ve been working too hard.” Garrett released her, brushing her hair back from her face. “Maybe you should take some time off, go for a swim in the pool.”

  Janessa shook her head, a tingle running down her spine at his touch. She took a step back in an effort to reestablish a professional distance between them. “We both know I don’t have time for that.”

  Garrett started to disagree when he noticed a neat stack of papers on the end table. He picked it up and flipped over the top page. “What’s this?”

  “Nothing.” Janessa reached out to take it from him, but he stepped back and held it out of her reach. She sighed with frustration. “Garrett, please give it back.”

  He ignored her, skimming over the first few pages. His tone changed from comforting to accusing. “Why are you involved with the new naval base for your country? I thought you came here to help us with security for the gala.”

  “I did. I just thought that my government might not have considered all of its options when deciding on a location for their base.”

  He flipped another page over, and his
eyes narrowed. “Where did your information come from?”

  “I haven’t been spying on you, if that’s what you’re asking.” She folded her arms across her chest and let out another sigh. “I believe this plan can help my country accomplish its goals without Meridia having to give up any more coastline to development.”

  Garrett flipped over another page and read some more before he looked back at her, his face more relaxed. “I didn’t mean to accuse you. I just didn’t realize you were working on this.” His eyes were focused on hers as he quietly added, “Sometimes I forget what you are and why you’re really here.”

  Janessa blinked and reminded herself of her reasons for being here as she held her hand out once again, relieved when he gave her back the proposal. “My director only presented it to our navy a couple of days ago. I haven’t been authorized to discuss this with your family yet.”

  “It’s not like you’re revealing anything we don’t already know,” Garrett pointed out. He glanced at his watch. “I’d better get going. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  Janessa nodded and watched him go.

  * * *

  The library in the palace was spacious, located in the same wing that housed the offices of the royal family. Lining the room were bookshelves that contained centuries of history and knowledge. Janessa sat at a large conference table situated in the heart of the room, wishing she could just grab a couple of books and go back to her room. Sadly, that wasn’t an option. Currently, she was surrounded by an assortment of US officials who ate, drank, and breathed politics. The proposal she had sent to Director Palmer had been rewritten by someone with the State Department and then revised and polished. Each member of the group seated around her now had a copy in hand.

  If today’s meeting went well, similar meetings would eventually take place in Washington and at the embassy here in Meridia. For now, representatives from different organizations within the US government would determine the feasibility of the proposal that had evolved from Janessa’s original idea.

  Janessa was well aware of the US Navy’s tactics to ignore the proposal, and their sending a mere lieutenant to represent the Navy at this meeting served to further cement her opinion. The State Department representative’s presentation of the concept took only fifteen minutes. The discussion that ensued, however, lasted two grueling hours, during which many points were repeated more than once.