“Yep,” Logan said.He too had lifted a champagne flute.“And that’s Princess Kate.”
“What are they doing here?”
“It’s not unusual for a country to send their royal representatives along with their delegates.It’s a show for the world.”He nodded toward another couple, and she startled to see?—
“That’s Prince Luka.”
“And his sister, Princess Madeline.I see the house of Ribaldi is well represented.”
Logan bowed his head with a smile of respect for the redhead in a deep-blue dress who had glanced at them.He raised a hand to Prince Luka, who’d followed his sister’s glance.Luka smiled at them.
“Who are they talking to?”asked Phoenix, who’d been glancing around the room.
“That’s Her Royal Highness Imani of Lauchtenland and her escort, Creed Marshall.I hear they’re contemplating engagement, but he has another year of college.She’s taken on responsibilities for cultural exchange and development since her mother had a baby last year.”
Logan raised his glass to a man standing not far away, clearly security for the couple.The man nodded, eyes stern.“Fraser Marshall.Creed’s oldest brother.He works security for the princess, along with his girlfriend, Pippa.C’mon, I’ll introduce you.”
Funny, Fraser seemed familiar, and as Stein got closer—“Wait.He’s from Chester.We played them in football.”
Logan glanced at him.“Right.I’d forgotten you were from Duck Lake.”
He walked over and Steinbeck followed.In his earwig, Stein heard Colt: “We’re setting up the video feed now.”
Logan was saying something about growing up in Duck Lake, but Steinbeck kept searching the room.Phoenix grabbed his arm.“I’m going to take a walk around, maybe head to the restroom.”
“Phoenix—”
“I’ll go with you.”
He looked up as Princess Imani, her dark hair in braids decorated with diamonds and gold clips, her dress deep blue and gold, stepped up to Phoenix.
“Hi,” she said and held out her hand.“I’m Imani.”
“Your Highness,” said Phoenix and—wait, was that a curtsy?Then again, she knew how to play a role.
A woman followed Imani, her dark hair in a sleek ponytail, wearing a pantsuit.She offered a grim smile.Her female security detail.Steinbeck released Phoenix’s hand.Met her eyes.
She squeezed his arm.“Down, boy.I’ll be fine.”Then she adjusted her earring.
Right.He turned away, listening to her chat with Imani as they wound through the crowd.
Fraser held out his hand.Dark-blond hair cut short, wearing a blue suit.Solid.“I remember you.You played football and hockey for Duck Lake.I played against your brother Jack.”
“I think I played against one ofyourbrothers too.Maybe...Jonas?”
“That sounds right.”
“Steinbeck was on SEAL Team 4,” Logan said.
“Really?Are you still active duty?”
“No.Medical separation a few years ago.”
Fraser nodded.“I get that.”He nodded again, maybe at a word from his female counterpart, because Steinbeck also heard through his own earwig as Phoenix said, “I’m headed into the bathroom.Going offline.”
Yes, well, that made sense.
“So, what are you doing these days?”Fraser asked.
