Diamanta and Javert were the last ones in the line.

They bowed, Diamanta not as much as her son, or the other guests. “Your Majesty, Miss Faulkner.”

“Congratulations, Diamanta. I know how much work you put into this election,” Angus said, and then stretched his hand out to Javert. “Congratulations.”

“I am but a humble servant to the new Prime Minister,” Javert said. “My work is complete, and I can dedicate myself to Miss Faulkner’s business.”

“Humble does not become you, Javert.” Angus chuckled.

Javert’s golden eyes flashed.

“You are correct, Sir. I am not very good at being humble, but I do appreciate the support.”

“Dom Mircea will need a great deal of support in the coming months.” Diamanta looked from Angus to her son and smiled. “And you will be the right man to stand at his side.”

“Of course,” Angus replied lightly, annoyed with the barb. Taking Siobhan’s hand, he motioned for them and said, “Shall we?”

* * *

More wine was poured, and the main course was served. The musicians played in a sedate tune. Everything was going smoothly when Angus picked up Siobhan’s hand in his, and brought her fingers to his solid erection and whispered to her, “I’m dying here looking at your lovely breasts.”

Siobhan shot him a horrified look, but he just smiled around at the guests in the hall as if nothing was amiss.

She was not nearly as stealthy as her wayward fiancé. Her body instantly came alive with interest, her nipples betraying her arousal at the feel of his hard cock pulsing under her hand.

“If you want me to quell that flame burning in you, we can disappear for a moment after dessert. I would be very pleased to lick the fire from your sweet pussy.”

“Angus, stop.” But the danger of it excited her in a way she had not thought possible and she did not resist as much as she should have, her fingers began to stroke him long and slow.

“Or perhaps you could be persuaded beneath the table to tend to me.” His words were tempered with a low bestial groan of pleasure and approval.

“You are glowing, Siobhan,” Mircea, who was seated on her other side, noted. “Like the sun’s last rays.”

Just to have the might proper king of Lektenstaten chuckle loudly.

“Thank you.” She snatched her hand from Angus’s lap, blushing, and grabbed the glass of juice which had been put in front of her and took a gulp of the sweet content, and followed with water, when she discovered it was mango juice, to which she was allergic.

After dessert was served, her head felt lighter and she was happy for it, because Angus had made a few more heated comments which made shivers course through her body.

They walked to the veranda on the back side of the palace along with Mircea and Claudia, where the crowd were gathered, the garden itself transformed into a lovely dance party for the people.

“I still can’t believe this is happening,” Claudia gushed, her cheeks pink. “I’m to be the Prime Minister’s wife. Oh, I am so nervous!”

“You will do fine,” Siobhan said, grasping her hands lightly. “I shall help wherever I can.”

“Thank you,” Claudia replied, squeezing their clasped hands. “For being a friend.”

Siobhan gave the woman a smile and at Ewan’s prompt, she walked to Angus’s side and the two of them stepped forward, with Javert, Mircea, and Claudia following a couple of feet behind.

Angus raised his hand and the crowd quieted.

“Tonight, we celebrate the ushering of Lektenstaten into a new era, an era where all are heard,” his deep, strong voice carried over the slight wind that had picked up.

The crowd clapped enthusiastically and Siobhan watched with pride as Angus addressed the them, bewitching them with words of wisdom. She was part of this, no matter how much she had fought against it. This was her future, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like once she met her family, and was recognized in front of her own native country.

A loud pop rang out, and when Siobhan looked up to sky, frowning at the wrong start of the fireworks, she was violently pulled back, watching horrified as Javert dived in front of Angus, pushing him with an open palm, and shouting, “Get down!”

“Angus!” But she was grabbed by one of her ever-present bodyguards and rushed inside with Claudia and Mircea, the guards surrounding them and forming a blockade as they frantically talked into their mics, and more shots were heard.

“Angus!” Siobhan shouted, panic starting to rise in her throat, as she saw him on the ground. He can’t be injured. I wouldn’t be able to take it if something happens to him.

“What’s happening?” Claudia cried, grabbing Mircea’s arm. “Where’s Javert and Diamanta?”

“Let me go!” Siobhan shouted, flaying and pushing at the nearest guard holding her. “Angus might be hurt.”

“Siobhan.”

His voice was like sweet relief as he pushed through the guards, his expression both angry and worried. “Thank God you are alright.”

“Oh, my God, Angus! Are you hurt?” she asked, running her hands over his body, looking for any blood or bullet wounds.

“I’m fine.” He crushed her to him.

Siobhan buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed, tears of fear and relief coming through. He’s alive, he’s well. Everything is going to be fine.

* * *

Siobhan felt terrible as she walked to her rooms with Ewan—and six bodyguards. Her stomach churned, and she sweated profusely.

Angus had stayed on the first floor to keep himself apprised of any developments, his need to know what was happening temporarily outweighing his need to be with Siobhan.

Once alone, Siobhan stumbled to the bathroom to wash her tear-stricken face, and remove her ruined make-up.

She had been so nervous about Angus, her heart nearly stopped beating when she saw him on the ground. Her heartbeat quickened.

He was so bold, strong, and sexual. He had such a caring heart, even if he didn’t acknowledge it. She couldn’t even imagine losing him. The anguish she had felt was worse than any injury she’d ever known.

Tears started anew, and the chills didn’t stop. In fact, they seemed to get worse.

She felt as if her whole body was being sucked into an abyss: her head hurt, her skin was hot, then cold, and her stomach was bubbling.

Shivering uncontrollably, Siobhan tugged the crown off her head and set it on the floor as she sank to the ground. Crawling on her hands and knees across the bathroom’s marble floor, she barely made it to the toilet before she started to throw up.