At His Majesty's Convenience Read Free Page A

was—mid-twenties, maybe?—but it seemed a bit rude for someone of twenty-two to call her a little girl. “She’s about five foot seven,” he said, with an arched brow. “And yes, she always wears her hair in a bun.”
    Come to think of it, he’d literally never seen her hair down, which was pretty odd after six years. A sudden violent urge to see Andi with her hair unleashed swept through him. “I’ve looked all over the palace for her, but she’s vanished into thin air.”
    Maxi shrugged. “Do come dance, darling.”
    His friend Fritz appeared behind her. “Come on, Jake. Can’t let the ladies down. Just a twirl or two. I’m sure Andi has better things to do than wait on you hand and foot.”
    â€œShe doesn’t wait on me hand and foot. She’s a valued executive.”
    Fritz laughed. “Is that why she’s always hovering around taking care of your every need?”
    Jake stiffened. He never took Andi for granted. He knew just how dependent on her he was. Did she feel that he didn’t care?
    Frowning, he descended the stairs and took Maxi’s offered hand. He was the host, after all. Two waltzes and a polka later he managed to slip out into the hallway.
    â€œAny idea where Andi is?” he asked the first person he saw, who happened to be the night butler.
    He shrugged in typical Ruthenian style. “Haven’t seen her in hours. Maybe she went to bed?”
    Unlikely. Andi never left a party until the last guest had rolled down the drive. But then she’d never quit before, either. He was halfway up the stairs before he realized he was heading for her bedroom again.
    Jake stared at her closed door. Was she in there? And if not, were her bags still there?
    He knocked, but heard no movement from inside. After checking that the corridor was deserted, he knelt and peered through the keyhole. It was empty—no key on the inside—which suggested she was out. On the other hand, the pitch darkness on the other side meant he couldn’t see a thing.
    He slipped in—didn’t she know better than to leave her door unlocked?—and switched on the light. The suitcases were still there. Closer inspection revealed that one of them had been partially unpacked, as if an item was removed. Still, there were no clues as to Andi’s whereabouts.
    Frustration pricked his muscles. How could she just disappear like this?
    At the foot of the stairs, Fritz accosted him, martini in hand. “When are you going to choose your bride, Jake? We’re all getting impatient.”
    Jake growled. “Why is everyone so mad for me to get married?”
    â€œBecause there are precious few kings left in the world and you’re up for grabs. The rest of us are waiting to see who’s left. None of the girls dare even kiss us anymore, let alone do anything more rakish, in case they’re making themselves ineligible for a coronet. They’re all fighting for the chance to be called Your Majesty.”
    â€œThen they’re all nuts. If anyone calls me ‘Your Majesty,’ I’ll fire ’em.”
    Fritz shoved him. “All bluster. And don’t deny you have some of the loveliest women in the world to choose from.”
    â€œI wish the loveliest women in the world would take off for the night. I’m ready to turn in.” Or rather, ready to find and corner Andi.
    Fritz cocked his head. “Party pooper. All right. I’ll round up the troops and march ’em out for you.”
    â€œYou’re a pal.”
    Â 
    Jake watched the last chauffeured Mercedes disappear down the long driveway from the east patio. He needed some air to clear his head before tackling Andi—and watching from here ensured that she couldn’t leave without him seeing her.
    Could he really stand to marry Maxi or Alia or any of these empty-headed, too-rich, spoiled brats? He’d been surrounded by their kind of