just that she’s had a tough year.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“You know, she’s not sleeping, she’s not eating—we gotta keep an eye on her.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“I know she looks tough, but she’s fragile.”
“Like a precious baby duck, Sire.”
The king’s frown deepened. “What are you up to, Edmund?”
“Not a tiny thing, Sire.”
“Just because you’re six times smarter than me doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass.”
“I’m well aware, Sire.”
“Okay, I won’t jump a plane to bring her back—”
“You can’t, Sire, you have a meeting with the Tourism Commission in thirty minutes.”
“—but I want updates on what she’s doing at least twice a day.”
“Creepy, Sire.”
“Oh, you know what I mean. Just keep me informed. You know, pretend like I’m your boss or something and you have to do what I say or you’re breaking the law.”
“Jenny will keep us updated, Sire, and Her Highness will do as she pleases.”
“My ass!”
“Have you met Princess Alexandria, Sire?”
“She’ll do what she’s told. I’m her king and I’ll do you one better than that…” He jabbed a thumb the size of a small banana at his chest. “I’m her father.”
“I’m sure she will tremble and obey, Sire.”
“My ass,” he said again, quietly.
“I dream of the day we can have a meeting without talking about your ass. As to the other, most likely the princess’s independence is a recessive gene of some kind, sure to be stamped out in future generations.”
“Aw, shutcher face. And I mean it about keeping me up to date.”
“It will be as you command, my king.”
“That’d be the fucking day.”
Chapter 9
North Dakota Institute for Sea Life
Minot, North Dakota
“…and that’s pretty much it.”
“Fascinating,” Alex commented.
“Yeah?”
She smiled. “My brother isn’t the only one interested in marine biology. He was just the only one who wanted to go to school for years and years to learn about it. I thought my father was going to have a nervous breakdown.” At Shel’s quizzical look, she elaborated. “It was very hard on him when David went away to school.”
“Oh.”
“You know. Parents.”
“Yeah. You know, I read about your bro somewhere,” he said, almost reluctantly. “Got his Bachelor’s in three years, his Master’s in a year and a half, and his PhD in two years.”
“Yes,” she said cheerfully. “He’s a tremendous geek. Definitely the brains in the family.”
“I dunno,” he said, giving her a sideways glance. “Your knuckles don’t exactly drag on the floor when you walk. Congratulations. You got through the tour without a single stupid question.”
She smiled graciously. “So did you.”
Shel laughed, and she had to look away. He had a great laugh and it took years off his face. She was trying to figure out if she was attracted to him because of his handsome face, killer long legs, or because he’d been so rude. Nobody was ever rude to her. It made for a refreshing change of pace.
“I appreciate your time, Dr. Rivers.”
“Shel. And it was no trouble, Princess.”
“Alex. And aren’t you afraid you’ll go to Hell for lying?” she teased.
“Hardly. I’ve lived in Guam; I’ve already been in Hell.”
“What were you doing there?”
“Army brat,” he replied shortly. “My dad was posted.”
“My dad was in the military, too—”
“I’ll bet! Wasn’t he, like, King-General-in-Chief?”
“Hardly,” she said primly. “And such nasty assumptions you make, Dr. Rivers. In my country, military service isn’t mandated for the royal family. My father joined because he wanted to. Also, his mother was driving him crazy. But we were talking about your homes. I’ve never lived anywhere but Alaska. Have you been?”
“Yeah. Also Germany, France, Iceland, Great Britain, Gitmo, Italy, and Kentucky.”
She found that quite fascinating, though from the tone of his voice it wasn’t a topic up for much further discussion. “How interesting. This is my first time in North Dakota.”
“Yeah, I figured. I mean, who’s gonna come here if they don’t have to?”
“You don’t like it here?”
“Actually, I kind of love it here.”
“It’s very beautiful. Different from home, but still lovely. You can see, here. For miles and miles. At home, the trees crowd right up to the road. It can be a little claustrophobic, especially if you’re used to…” She held out an arm, indicating the state of North Dakota. “This.”
He was silent for a long moment, and when he spoke, it sounded like he was strangling. “It’s my place. I picked it. Nobody dragged me here and then dragged me away. Nobody stuck me somewhere and waited until I made friends and then stuck me somewhere else. North Dakota’s mine.”
She nodded.
“It’s the only thing that’s ever been mine.”
“Yes, Dr. Rivers.”
“I guess you wouldn’t know about that.”
“I know about being stuck.”
He snorted. “Sure you do.”
“It’s not an exclusive province of the children of Army officers.”
“Or royalty.”
She looked at him. “Oh. I see. You’re one of those assholes
