“Initially, I wasn’t sure,” he said frankly, “but then you took care of me during our hike, so it’s obvious you were destined to bring ease to the crown.”
He spoke loftily, his nose in the air high enough to ensure she knew he was teasing, and she had another glimpse of the man he’d been before tragedy had replaced his carefree life with rock-steady rule.
Drily, she replied, “I’m so glad I can bring so much value to the crown.”
Laughing, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. “You keep surprising me with your hidden talents. I’m sure I will never know the limits of your value.”
Cheeks now aflame, she didn’t know what to say. His smile turning wicked, he leaned closer, and she somehow knew that if he kissed her then—if his lips touched hers while her heart was still stuttering from his words—something terrible would happen...something that would change her forever.
Her mind grasped for the first thing it could, to put space between them before he closed the distance. And because, no matter how her life changed, she couldn’t change who she was, what came out was about his work.
“So, tell me about the Ambassadors’ Dinner?”
The blurted-out question was enough to halt him for the moment, but rather than look irritated by her evasion, he let his smile turn arrogant.
Leaning back, he said, “This dinner is particularly important for securing a diplomatic relationship with the Farden, a small German-speaking country with excellent mineral resources. This is their first visit to the island and we want them to see that we are sophisticated and modern—that establishing ties with us is not a risk to their reputation. As members of one of the few remaining constitutional monarchies of Europe, you and I represent both our entire nation and an outdated, increasingly unfavored form of rule. As such, it is crucial we convey progressive thought and current awareness.”
Mina nodded, finding herself intrigued by the concept of strategizing an event appearance. “That all makes sense.”
“My goal is a verbal commitment from the Chancellor that we will formalize a diplomatic relationship between our two countries by the end of dinner. Conversation will be in English throughout the evening, which makes it a great relief to find that you speak it so well.”
Mina smiled, warming under his praise. She spoke German like a natural-born citizen as well, having learned in the cradle and spent summers there with her grandparents before her studies began to tether her to her desk, but didn’t mention it for fear of looking like she was fishing for praise.
Unaware of her private bashfulness, Zayn continued, “We’ve secured relationships with England, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Greece already, so I have no doubt we can do so with Farden as well.”
Mina agreed. “I don’t see why you wouldn’t. Cyrano shows all the signs of being Europe’s next ‘undiscovered gem.’ It would be in their interest to smooth the way for their citizens to take advantage.”
Zayn leaned forward, his eyes lighting, “My thinking exactly. And Cyrano will benefit because the relationship will serve as an example of exactly the kind we need to ensure that it truly becomes just that.”
She laughed. “That’s a rather calculated game of chicken and egg.”
He smiled, his expression wide, open, and genuine. “Not an incorrect description of statecraft.”
They continued their conversation on the beach, strategizing on how they would approach the Ambassadors’ Dinner, until the beginning chill of the evening and hunger sent them inside.
That night they dined on exquisitely prepared fresh seafood, and then made love in the summer palace’s stunning master suite until neither could breathe.
The next three days continued in much the same fashion: hiking, swimming, bird-watching, dining al fresco and, of course, having massages. All too soon, though, it was time to return to the real world—and, more importantly, the Ambassadors’ Dinner.
Their plane was due within the hour.
Mina’s attire for the dinner would be waiting on her arrival in the Queen’s Wing, along with Roz and the entire team, ready to prepare her yet again for the state function. Mina had made it clear following the ball that, while she wanted none of them to feel beholden to her, she would welcome each and every one of them to her permanent team. They had all accepted.
It was good to be Queen.
The King’s guards, as well as Moustafa and d’Tierrza, met them at the private airport. Zayn nodded to his guards, who fell into their usual positions around him. Mina greeted her own guards with a smile that was bright and beaming and pulled each one into a hug. Moustafa stiffened, but quickly relaxed into the embrace. D’Tierrza returned it with strong-armed enthusiasm.
Zayn said goodbye to her when they reached the palace. “I need to check in with my assistant before dinner. I’ll see you tonight.” He bowed slightly to her, kissing her temple before leaving.
Mina, Moustafa, and d’Tierrza met Roz’s team in the Queen’s Wing.
“What happened to you?” Roz rasped.
Mina laughed. “Too much to recount—and we covered what’s important when we spoke on the phone. Tonight it is imperative that I project the correct image—as well as the extra part I mentioned.”
Roz nodded, a wicked light brightening her countenance. “Right. Cool, modern, and bringing the King to his knees within the appropriate limits of a state dinner.”
“Exactly!” A little thrill trilled through Mina’s blood.