Page 70 of Jack

“That is very gracious, Jack. You’re an honourable man and one I consider a close friend of the family. I would greatly like it if you will stay on in your position. There is nobody I feel safer entrusting my safety to than you and your team.”

“It is my honour, ma’am. And if one day our children wish to know about their history?”

Astrid felt butterflies in her tummy as he looked at her.

“Then, when the time is right, you can handle that, and there will always be a position for a person such as yourself on my staff if they wish it.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I do have one question actually.”

Lydia cocked her head. “Yes.”

“Bás. Who does he really work for?”

“Ah, that was my husband’s doing. You see, when Frederick began to make waves, it became clear we needed someone he’d never know about on the inside, so to speak. My husband hired Bás to ensure Frederick was in check and to keep you safe. I know that there were times when he perhaps should’ve stepped in and revealed himself. Instead, we let things happen, which on reflection we shouldn’t have. But Bás had to ensure his cover, and in the end, it paid off.”

“What will happen now? As you know, I’m setting up a second team which is even more secret than Eidolon, and I was hoping Bás would lead it.”

Jack had told Astrid all about Shadow Elite and the role they would play, and she’d even recommended one or two people she thought might be a good fit for the team which he’d taken on board.

There were no secrets between them, but it did mean there were secrets between her and Roz now, which was why she’d resigned from Zenobi. She didn’t feel it was fair to split her loyalties when she knew deep down Jack would always come first. She was now free to care for her sister if she ever came out of the coma and would help with the Queen’s protection, which she enjoyed. Roz hadn’t been happy, but she’d understood and told her she was always welcome back in the future if she changed her mind.

Astrid would miss working with them. They were a strong group of women who’d saved her in more ways than she’d ever be able to thank them for, but she also knew she had friends for life who would die for her and her them. That made her lucky in so many ways. Plus, she was now officially a WAG—a wife or girlfriend—of one of the Eidolon men according to Evelyn.

“He is free to do as he wishes. He has been released from his duty now the threat is gone.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“I do hope I’ll get an invitation to the wedding when you two tie the knot.” The Queen smiled wide, and Astrid blushed as Jack grabbed her hand with a grin.

“I haven’t asked her yet, Your Majesty, but when I do, you’ll be at the top of the list.”

“Oh, good. I do love a wedding. You will stay for lunch?”

“We’d love to.”

Jack answered for them, and Astrid was happy to stay too. She’d missed Lydia and would always be there any time she needed her.