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Chapter 32 - Charles
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I glance down at my brother, who is still lying motionless on the hospital bed, while anger pulses through my veins. I want to get the people who did this.
With each passing day, keeping the King’s condition a secret gets harder and harder. More people are wondering where he is and why he hasn’t been seen since the attack. With each question, a growing number of people are wondering if something serious has happened to him.
However, it is too early to confess his true situation. I know Dee is as passionate about finding the attackers as I am. I’m not going to stop her from searching, but she also needs to realize if things go sideways, she may have to come out of hiding. This will be the first time since the royal family has enacted the hidden heir protocol many generations ago that the protocol may have to be exposed and an heir come out of hiding.
I hope that we don’t have to get to
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To Protect the Crown Chapter 33 - Shane
My fingers hover over my laptop’s keyboard. However, instead of the story that is due, the only thing that keeps running through my mind is that amazing kiss with Deloris. Scratch that. I should say amazing kisses, because once I had tasted the pleasure of her lips, I couldn’t stop at one innocent kiss.Gulp.The corner of mouth edges upward as her warmth once again radiates from my lips. She is amazing.I wish I could have met her sooner. Why have I never seen her there before? Oh, yeah. She was abroad and has only recently come back. However, I don’t remember her as a child being at those parties either. I’m sure that I would have remembered her being there.Her warm caramel brown eyes are something that I can’t easily forget.Our time on the hillside under the faint moonlight and the twinkle of the stars comes flooding back to me.&
To Protect the Crown Chapter 34 - Dee
I sit up straight in my chair, and I slowly scan around the conference table.Still nothing. I have some of the best people working for me, but we can’t seem to get a simple clue.I turn my attention towards Trevor and clear my throat. “Tell me something good. Did you get something about either the disposable phone or how the person got into our highly secure system and deleted one schedule?”He shifts around in his seat before he straightens his back. He doesn’t shy away from my stare. Instead, he looks directly at me and pushes his glasses up. “Well, we have found some things. Unfortunately, not enough to give us a clear idea of who or where they are at.”Yes. Finally.I nearly catapult from my seat. “What is it?”Uncle Charles, on my right, nods his head and demands, “Spill it. We need to know.”
To Protect the Crown Chapter 35 - Shane
With my phone to my ear, I chuckle and lean back on the dining room chair. “Sir, I have more than one contact person. Any good reporter would have another avenue to get his or her information. That way, if one source is closed down, I can still write the stories and have the inside scoop.”I’m not going to tell my boss that my inside source is my mother. If I do, he would know that I’m part of the noble class, and I would more than likely loss my job. I’m not going to let that happen.With a cheerful tone, Blane retorts, “Yes. A good reporter always has more than one way to get to the information. I have to say you have impressed me on this one, Shane. We are the only outlet that has this much information. Whoever your source is make sure you don’t loss it. I expect more insightful stories about the nobles and the royal family coming in the future. Do you underst
To Protect the Crown Chapter 36 - Dee
I don’t know what Uncle Charles is thinking. Why would he all of a sudden insist on me going to some noble person’s apartment to answer questions? He is perfectly capable of doing that himself. He doesn’t need to drag me into it too.I grunt under my breath as I march towards the solid mahogany door. The brass doorknob sparkles as if telling me this is the way. As I stop in front of the door, I sigh, and once again, I wonder why I’m here.I have too much stuff going on back at the office, so I need to make this quick. With my irritation etched across my face, I push the doorbell.An eloquent set of bells in a calm and welcoming rhythm seep through the door. My slight frown slowly gives way to a small smile. That is the same doorbell chime that my parents use at their private villa in the mountains.The initial coldness along with the air of wealth
To Protect the Crown Chapter 37 - Shane
Why is mom acting like this? She knows that I have never met the ice queen or should I say the cold CEO Dee.I shake my head and push my chair back away from the table. The loud scraping noise of the chair on the hard floor has me cringing, but I don’t care. I’m going to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.While still wondering what kind of prank my mother is pulling on me, I stride towards the living room. When I get close to the living room entrance, I huff and call out, “Mom. Why do I…”My feet instantly stop and seem to be frozen to the floor, while my mouth falls slightly open and my eyes lock on my precious Deloris. However, she looks more like a caged wild animal trying to find a way out of here than my sweet princess.The corners of lips try to curl up and into a smile. However, my mind is still trying to process what is going on.As I
To Protect the Crown Chapter 38 - Charles
This is just the kind of luck I need. I’ll have to thank Rose later for helping me out.As soon as Dee leaves the office, I send Max and Trevor a message to come see me. The two walk into my makeshift office just as I’m pulling open the files. Before I can say anything, Max tentatively asks, “Is it safe to discuss this right now? Aren’t we running the risk that Dee will walk in?”A chuckle rolls off my lips as I shake my head. “No. She has gone out on an assignment, and she probably won’t be back for some time. So, it is safe right now. However, we can’t waste any time. We need to talk about what has been found and what our next move is.” I continue to pull open the files on my computer. “Hopefully, you have some good news for me.”Max and Trevor quickly take their seats in front of the table.Max nods. &ldq
To Protect the Crown Chapter 39 - Dee
I can’t believe what I’m seeing.I continue to stare at the latest edition of the Glassbrook’s Time paper. However, as my eyes scan the article once more, I still read the same thing.Not once in my interview with Shane did I relay the number of attackers there that day. Nor did I say anything about someone pulling another guy from the incident.None of those facts have ever crossed my lips, but they are in Shane’s article.My gut sinks as a surge of anger shoots through my veins. There is only one potential way that he got this information, and it isn’t from me. No. He knows because he was there that day.Not only does this confirm the fact that Shane was there the day of the attack, but it also confirms that the pictures sent to his phone are of him. I can bet my life that he is the guy dragging the other man away, which is my only positive thing about
To Protect the Crown Chapter 40 - Charles
Shit.I sit in my chair and blankly stare at the wall in front of me. I still can’t believe Shane’s article gave me away. Well, my extremely smart niece can connect the dots quickly, which is one reason she is so good at her job.I still can’t believe that I have caved to her, however, I know that look. It is the same look that her father has. Everyone has learned to give in right away because he isn’t budging. He has made his mind up and that is final.It didn’t take long, and I had Max and Trevor in her office providing a full detailed report of everything that we have hidden from her. We also informed her that the Queen doesn’t know about how close Shane is to the actual attackers, which luckily, she agreed with.Besides Dee, we also had to deal with Page and her anger, too. Fortunately, after we revealed everything, the two girls are now satisfied, bu
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To Protect the Crown Epilogue - Dee
I bite my lower lip as my fingers fidget with my pants. My eyes are glued up front at the judge as he turns to the jury box and the jurors. “Have you reached a verdict?” The court room falls into complete silence. A lady stands up and announces, “Yes, we have, your honor.” My breath catches. This is it. I silently pray that this is the end of this chapter of our lives. The judge nods. “On the first count of attempted murder regarding the attack on the King, what is your verdict?” I hold my breath as I lean slightly forward. “Guilty.” YES!! I turn to my side and huge my husband, Shane, as tears stream down my face. I have so many things I want to say, but I can only manage to mutter a few words. “Yes. Finally.” His strong arms wrap around me and hold me tight. His voice cracks as he replies, “Yes. We finally have justice.”
To Protect the Crown Chapter 74 - Dee
As I bite the inside of my mouth, I take a deep breath. I need to stay focused. My eyes jump from one video to the next, hoping to spot my boyfriend and my uncle. However, I can’t find them anywhere. I bite down harder as my heart races. Please make sure Shane and my uncle are alright. Even though my mind is in a whirlwind and my heart is racing, I force myself to stay on task and finish what we have started. I keep my eyes on the various videos while I bark orders into the microphone. Each passing moment seems to stretch on forever. Periodically, I glance back at the video for my father’s hospital room, making sure my parents are still alright. My heart wrenches as my eyes stop on the various videos of people running and screaming. Even though I have the sound turned off on them, their screams still echo in my head. Several injured people are being helped away
To Protect the Crown Chapter 73 - Dee
I look at the solid door for a moment as my heart squeezes.Thoughts rush through my head, imagining all the various things that could have happened to Shane.Please tell me he is alright. I can’t lose him now. I just found him.I take a deep breath.I’m surrounded by complete silence, which amplifies the banging from the earlier bullets which is still ringing in my ears.I have been around gun fire before, but this time seems to be different. However, the only difference is I’m now the queen instead of the head of security.A loud bang against the door reminds me that even if the room is a safe room, if Irene’s gang really wants to get me, they can find a way through the thick steel door no matter how many locks are on it or how much security is around.I take a deep breath.My mind goes back to our plan. I must follow the plan.&nbs
To Protect the Crown Chapter 72 - Dee
I glance around the corner and look into the castle’s press room. The reporters are scanning through their notes, while the camera crews and photographers setup their equipment behind all the chairs.My stomach churns. This is it.My mother’s harsh words in protest over this come flooding back to me. Somewhere out there are some of Irene’s group of goons.My eyes dart to the various corners of the room where additional security staff are at, while I unconsciously run my hand over my stomach. My fingers linger along the edge of the bullet-proof vest. However, I don’t find comfort in it.Before today, I wouldn’t think anything about whether there are bullets aiming for me. I would find relief in them being aimed at me instead of my family. However, I’m the queen now. If something happens to me, my uncle will have to step forward an
To Protect the Crown Chapter 71 - Dee
An eerie silence consumes the room.No one moves as all eyes are locked on the open door.Each passing second seems to stretch on for more like minutes or even hours as we wait to hear anything that will ease our worries.My mother is still frozen in the middle of the room while Shane squeezes my shoulder and whispers, “Everything will be alright.”I wish I had his confidence. I’ve seen the doctor’s report and have talked extensively with them. I know the cold, hard truth. Neither of my brothers has good odds. It seems they took the bulk of the impact trying to protect Katherine and her unborn child.However, I don’t protest. I keep my eyes fixed on the door and nod.My stomach suddenly sinks as some monitor in the distance belts out a solid buzz.The screams from the staff fade away as my mind screams, “NO! THIS CAN’T BE
To Protect the Crown Chapter 70 - Dee
Even though I’ve been in this room several times. This time, it is suffocating me.The sight of my father trembling as he looks at Brandon and Katherine from his wheelchair while his eyes fill with tears. It only takes a few seconds before those tears then stream down his face. The tremor along his lips and the pain in his eyes are too much for me, but I can’t leave.My voice cracks as I gently lay my hand on his arm. “They are getting better. Remember, the doctor said Katherine could wake up any minute. That is a good sign.”He puts his hand on top of mine and nods. His shaky voice also cracks as he whispers, “Yes, it is a good sign.” Standing behind his wheelchair, my mother pats his shoulders. “Honey, it will only be time now. Then we can have our family back together again. I have faith they will return to us.”I wish I
To Protect the Crown Chapter 69 - Irene/Dee
Irene POVMy stomach sinks as I stare into Charles’ crazy eyes. His anger radiates off him and slams into me like a ton of bricks, along with the table.However, that doesn’t affect me. No. He is trying to bring my parents into this. He can’t do that. They have nothing to do with this.I did this all on my own. My rightful place is next to my husband as the country’s queen. I did this all on my own.Robert is so much better than Brandon and my husband desires to be the king more than his brother does. But because Brandon is older, he gets to be the king first. That is so unfair.Shouldn’t the better leader be the one to lead the country? Of course, I would be the queen then. Everyone would continue to look up to me instead of Katherine. She is nothing compared to me.The throne is meant for us, not th
To Protect the Crown Chapter 68 - Charles
I march into Dee’s office and take a seat behind her desk, which is now my office and my desk. I didn’t think in a million years I would be back here. I thought once I retired, I would only be brought on the rare occasion something like what has when my brother has occurred. However, now, I’ll be back here every day. A small part of me is disappointed I’m coming back, but another part of me is happy, not because of the events which have brought me back, but because I can stop moping around the house. I hate to admit it but retired and I don’t work well with each other. Before I even turn on the computer, I yell out, “Page! I need an update! You better have something for me!” I’m not even done with my command when Page, Max and Trevor rush into the office. Max stops and stands in between the two chairs, while Page and Trevor sit in the chairs. Max clears his throat. “The agents a
To Protect the Crown Chapter 67 - Shane
With my laptop on top of a little portable table, I sit beside the King’s bed and glance over at him. “Your majesty, what exactly do you want to say at the press conference? Are there certain things you want to cover?”He nods as Deloris pats my arm and says, “For me, I want to clarify that this will not go unpunished. The traitors will be captured, or hopefully are already captured, and will rot in jail.”Her father shakes his head. “You can’t go out and say something like that. You must use a little more finesse. With something like that, you will not only scare the villains but also everyone else in the country. No. We need to think of it a little more rationally.”Standing beside him and holding his hand, his wife smiles at my girlfriend. “Darling, you need to learn the fine art of subtleness. You can appear nice and friendly, but also fierce at
