Page 9 of Red King
“I do, indeed.” He grins again, clearly excited about the prospect of meeting the humans. His enthusiasm should be catching.
It isn’t.
I head back, surrounded by a group of guards. They were all hand-picked by Steel. I’m almost shocked that my friend and head of security isn’t here. Lately, he’s been at my side for most visits that entail me leaving the safety of the castle.
I hop into a waiting SUV and minutes later, I’m entering the castle through my private side entrance. I take my elevator and soon arrive at the Royal Offices.
“Morning, Sally.” I lift a hand at my PA, who gives me a look. “I know, I’m late. I’m sure you gave an adequate excuse on my behalf.”
She nods once and smiles, “Of course, Sire.” Then she looks at the closed door to my office, her meaning clear: I need to get in there and right now. If this meeting runs any later than the scheduled time, there will be a domino effect. My day will run late.
I enter my office, and all three males stand. “Apologies for being late.” I look from Frost to Steel to Thorn.
Steel and Thorn bow their heads for a moment in a show of respect. My brother nods once, maintaining eye contact. He is the crown prince, after all.
“Let’s take a seat and get started.” I remove my jacket, slinging it over the back of my chair and grabbing my laptop; then I take a seat in the lounge area at the back of my office.
The three males join me.
“Top of the agenda is Ice; has he talked yet?” I ask, getting straight to business.
Steel shakes his head. “I’m afraid not. He is still insisting that he will only give us the information we need if there is a stay on his execution.”
“That isn’t going to happen.” I sigh. “We’ve already delayed his beheading twice; I’m afraid that the Council won’t allow another extension. We have nine days to get him to talk. There are others who were involved in the coup. Others who had a hand in the murder of Anya, including Lake, the biggest culprit of all. We know she’s alive; we have to find her and bring her to justice.”
“Agreed! What do you suggest?” Steel asks, his eyes blazing with anger that isn’t present in his tone. “We questioned him for hours. Withheld basic needs like food, water, and sleep. It hasn’t worked. We’ve done everything short of straight-out torture to make him talk, and it hasn’t worked.”
I rub my temples, leaning back in my chair. “As I mentioned, time is running out. We have to get him to talk one way or another.” I rub my jaw.
Frost leans forward, his eyes narrow. “Maybe it's time to bring in a…shall we say… specialist. Someone who can get through to him using methods we haven’t tried yet. Unconventional ones that might be frowned upon. He’s leaving us no other choice.” My brother shrugs.
Steel nods. “Agreed. And I know just the person. She’s an interrogator known for her unconventional techniques. She’s expensive, but if anyone can crack Ice, it’s her.”
I consider their suggestion, weighing the risks and benefits in my mind. Time is of the essence, and if this woman can extract the information we need to bring Anya’s murderers to justice. It may be our only choice. I don’t like it. Ice may have done despicable things, but he is still my brother.
“I wish there was another way,” I finally say, squeezing the back of my neck.
“So do I, but we need answers,” Frost says. “Our lives depend on it. We need justice for Anya, and we need to find out what that bastard was up to. We know he was communicating with the Mainland and with individuals in power. Not all of his correspondences were routine. He went rogue on all fronts. Why speak with the Mainland without your knowledge? There is more to this than meets the eye, and we have to extract the information. Once he is dead, everything he knows will be gone with him.”
I huff out a breath. “Yeah. But torture…” I shake my head. What choice do we have? Ice has left me with no choice. “Call this female and set it up. Ice brought this on himself. Let’s hope he talks quickly.”
The three males exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They know what is at stake, and they will do whatever it takes to protect our island and its people. As will I.
“Moving on,” I say. “We need to discuss the pilot Tribute program.”
Thorn nods as I turn my attention to him.
“I’m late because I came from the newly built accommodation. I’m impressed. Smoke and his team have done an excellent job. The staff arrive for their orientation tomorrow; is that correct?”
Thorn nods. “Yes, Your Majesty. Possibly the day after tomorrow, depending on the outcome of the orientation. There are three kitchen staff, three housekeepers, two medical staff, as well as a Communications Liaison Officer.”
“A what?” I narrow my eyes.
Thorn smiles. “A glorified babysitter to the human females. Her name is Cathy Summers. She’s an events planner by trade. Her role will be to ensure the happiness, well-being, and safety of the thirty Tributes in her care. She’ll also work in a PR and HR capacity, coordinating all activities. Another important fact to note is that our nurse is an ER nurse. She’s equipped to deal with tense emergency situations.”
“An ER nurse, you say?” I ask.
“Yes, she…” Thorn opens a file and reads from it. “Miss Reed wanted a change, hence seeking out alternate employment. Our appointed nurse came highly recommended. She has more than one reference letter, all stating that she performs well under pressure and is highly organized and skilled at what she does. We’ve already discussed the others in great detail.”
