Truth be told, after the auction, I felt rather nervous about seeing Galizia and Riggs. They were right behind Chloe when she stumbled upon Carter and me… They must’ve seen us. And while I knew they’d never spill my secrets to anyone, I was less certain whether my indiscretions would affect how they felt about serving me. Paranoid that perhaps my ability to make sound, logical decisions would be in question.
What kind of queen is caught making out with her stepbrother during a charity auction?
Hearing Riggs say he sees me as a role model for his teenage sister makes my self-doubt disappear. I’m so touched, I want to throw my arms around him and squeeze the breath from his lungs to show how much his words mean to me.
Thankfully, a voice cuts in before I can make an absolute idiot of myself.
“Apologies for the intrusion, Your Majesty.” A pause. “Commander.”
We both turn toward Galizia. She’s standing at attention — feet planted wide, hands clasped behind her back, gaze fixed on the far wall. It takes me a minute to realize she’s not doing it for my benefit, but for the man standing beside me.
Riggs clears his throat. “Galizia. You need something?”
“If this is a bad time I can come back, sir.”
“Not at all. We were just wrapping up.” Riggs winks at me, then turns his intense stare on the statuesque blonde by the door. “You should know by now — if you need to see me urgently, I’m always at the disposal of my favorite Lieutenant. Day or night.”
Galizia’s cheeks have turned delightfully red. “With all do respect, Commander, it’s notyouI need to see.”
“A damn shame, that.” He takes a few steps toward her, until he’s less than a foot away. She remains at attention, pointedly not meeting his eyes. “At ease, soldier.”
Galizia doesn’t unclench a single muscle.
Riggs smirks and leans in, so their faces are even closer. “You know, Lieutenant, it’s not good to be so tense all the time. Maybe you need an extracurricular. Something to loosen you up. I’d be happy to spar with you after hours. Just name the time. I’ll clear my schedule.”
Her words come out through clenched teeth. “I amnottense.”
“Ah, yes. My mistake. You’re the picture of relaxation.”
I can’t help snorting.
Galizia shoots me a traitorous look. “I’m so glad this charade is amusing to you, Your Majesty.”
Riggs’ grin never wavers. “Just so we’re clear, was that anoon pinning me to the mats tonight, then..?”
Galizia’s cheeks, if possible, turn even redder. “Commander. Is there a problem with my job performance? Otherwise, I don’t see any need to discuss this matter further with you.Sir.”
“Suit yourself.” Riggs shakes his head, clearly amused by her so-called indifference. Turning to me, he gives a halfhearted salute of farewell. “Your Majesty.”
“Bye, Riggs.” I wave as he walks down the hall, head shaking in amusement. When he turns out of sight, my eyes find Galizia’s. She’s still blushing, but her posture has finally relaxed and her jaw is no longer locked with tension. The look on her face tells me, in no uncertain terms, that I amnotto tease her about the shameless show of flirtation I just witnessed.
“That was…” She shakes her head, as if to clear it. “I apologize again for interrupting your meeting, My Queen.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Dropping my voice to a rough imitation of Riggs’ masculine tones, I growl, “I’m always at the disposal of my favorite Lieutenant.”
Her mouth purses tightly and her eyes press closed.
“Oh, come on.” I giggle helplessly at her pained expression. “You really didn’t think I was going to let that slide without comment, did you?”
“A girl can dream.”
“Sorry, sorry. I promise I won’t tease you about it anymore… today.”
“How extremely benevolent of Her Royal Majesty.” Galizia sighs tiredly. “Can we move on to more important matters, please? Your guest has arrived. He’s waiting in his old offices, over in the West Wing.”
“Made himself right at home, did he?”
“So it seems.”