"Agreed."
"I don't trust him," James added, his voice hardening. "Never have."
Something in his tone caught my attention. "Is that a professional assessment or personal opinion?"
A muscle jumped in his jaw. "Both."
The tension that had been simmering between us for weeks intensified, taking on an extra dimension. This tension though I couldn't quite identify. Was it jealousy? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
Dinner the next evening was a tense affair. Frederick was charming as always, greeting me with kisses on each cheek, his hands lingering too long. I felt James stiffen beside me, his presence like a gathering storm.
Throughout the meal, Frederick told stories of business ventures and travels. He included James in the conversation, though his attention remained fixed on me. Beneath his smooth exterior, I sensed an agenda—a calculated performance.
It wasn't until dessert that he mentioned the Kozlovs.
"Mikhail believes the official story about his son's death isn't what it appears to be," Frederick said casually. "He thinks Viktor's death in the river wasn't related to criminal activities - he suspects it goes back to what happened at the palace."
"And what has he found?" James asked, his voice deceptively calm.
"Enough to be dangerous. Mikhail is a powerful man with unlimited resources and a grudge against the Bellavista royal family. Specifically, against Evangeline."
"Why tell us this?" James pressed. "What's your interest?"
A smile played on Frederick's lips. "Let's call it concern for an old friend." His hand moved across the table to cover mine. "I care about Evangeline's safety."
James's eyes tracked the movement, his expression darkening. "If that's true, you'll share everything you know."
Frederick withdrew his hand slowly. "Mikhail believes palace security covered up what happened to his son. He'sparticularly interested in Nikolai Voss—apparently a cousin who disappeared around the same time Viktor left Bellavista."
"The man who kidnapped me in Luxembourg," I breathed.
"Yes, I heard about that unfortunate incident. Mikhail has been looking for Nikolai for years. He believes he has vital information about what really happened."
"And why tell us now?" James asked, his voice hard.
"Because Mikhail has recently doubled his efforts. He's offering a substantial reward for information about Nikolai—or evidence against the Bellavista crown." Frederick studied us carefully. "Later, an announcement that he'd left the country for extended medical treatment abroad. When his body was found in the river years later, everyone assumed it was connected to his family's criminal activities, not to what happened at the palace."
The implication was clear. The cover story about Viktor's disappearance was in danger of unraveling. If it did, the scandal would rock not just my reputation, but the entire monarchy.
"I should go," I said, suddenly needing air. "Thank you for the information."
Frederick reached for my hand again. "I'm staying in Luxembourg for a few days. If you need anything—anything at all—call me."
I felt James's hand at the small of my back, a possessive gesture that surprised me. "We appreciate the information," he said to Frederick, his tone making it clear the conversation was over.
Frederick's eyes moved between us, something knowing in his expression. "Of course. It was lovely to see you again, Evangeline. Perhaps we can continue at another time. Privately."
Tension filled the drive home, making breathing difficult. James's hands gripped the steering wheel, his profile rigid in the passing streetlights.
"You don't like him," I said finally.
"No," James replied, the word clipped and final.
"Why? Is it just because he's my ex, or is there more?"
James's jaw tightened. "He wants something from you. Something beyond concern for your safety."
"That doesn't answer my question."
