‘You didn’t trust the work Ortiz had already done?’
‘With respect, it wasn’t detailed enough.’
Possibly true but beside the point. ‘I had told him to hold off on a full check.’
Garcia stood his ground. ‘Would you like to see the report, sir?’
‘No.’
‘But—’
‘No.’Felipe straightened. ‘I appreciate your concern, Garcia. And I respect that you need to do your job but in this instance you overstepped the mark. Furthermore, you were not discreet. The resulting impact on Ms Wynter was unacceptable. It damages the monarchy’s reputation that she was dismissed because of palace interference. Can you imagine the media headlines if that were to get out?’
Garcia swallowed.
‘The fact it hasn’t been leaked is a credit to Ms Wynter.’
‘But—’
‘But nothing. I trust that your team has the entire island at maximum security. You may be assured Ms Wynter is no threat to me, Amalia or any of the dignitaries here for the coronation. Tonight’s banquet is a sealed occasion and she will depart the palace tomorrow and the country moments after the coronation, which she will not attend. I am confident you will be able to keep her identity and attendance tonight under wraps. Am I clear?’
‘Of course, Your Majesty.’
‘Thank you. That will be all.’
He didn’t want to read the report. He didn’t want to watch the video.
What he wanted was so much worse than that.
Elsie was amazed at the efficiency of Felipe’s staff. They’d had a selection of dresses delivered in less than an hour—during which a trio of stylists had descended to begin work on her hair and nails. It was only in this brief moment that she and Amalia were actually alone and even then Amalia was burrowing through the rack of dresses.
‘I’m sorry you had to leave so suddenly.’ Amalia smiled awkwardly at Elsie. ‘Felipe shouldn’t have done that.’
‘I don’t think it was necessarily his fault,’ Elsie said slowly, realising she’d actually believed him when he’d said he hadn’t known his team were going to investigate her.
‘We could skip the banquet altogether,’ Amalia suggested. ‘I could say I have a rash and we could just stay up here and play music.’
Elsie laughed. ‘As nice as that idea is, I don’t think we can do that.’
‘Why not? He won’t even notice if I’m not there.’
‘I think he would, actually,’ Elsie said softly. ‘I know he’s very busy but he’s concerned for you. I think he doesn’t want you to be alone. So...let’s go together.’
‘Okay, then, what about this one?’ Amalia held up a scarlet dress, her eyes sparkling.
‘Oh, um. I think that might make me stand out too much.’ Honestly, she was terrified.
Amalia looked curious. ‘You don’t want to stand out?’
‘Definitely not.’ Elsie laughed. ‘I don’t really fit in here, Amalia. And I definitely don’t think I can wear something like that.’
‘I don’t really fit in here either.’ But Amalia suddenly smiled. ‘We can not fit in together.’
‘Discreetly.’ Elsie nodded.
‘You want discreet.’ Amalia shook her head. ‘That’s disappointing.’
Elsie didn’t just want discreet. She wanted wallpaper—something in which she’d melt into the background. She had no desire to be Cinderella and make everyone stop and stare and wonder who she was. She wanted to enjoy the evening with anonymity.