Heir Untamed - By Danielle Bourdon Page 0,71
engraved into the flaring top and bottom.
While members of the staff moved the furniture to her liking, she stared out the windows at the woods. Off limits to her by Sander's command, she wondered what made them different than the woods to the west. The longer she stared, the more she noticed smaller detail. That was how she came to see the thin wisp rising from the tops of the trees. Squinting against the gentle fall of snow, she tried to bring the sight into better focus.
“Miss Sinclair.”
The sharp snap of her name whipped Chey's head around. Urmas stood six feet behind her wearing a frown.
“Oh, I'm sorry. I was looking at the landscape and the snow.” She smiled and brushed a strand of hair away from her temple. For the session, she'd chosen another strict suit, this time with pants instead of a skirt, in black and white. It was austere and businesslike without being staid.
“Come away from the windows, please, and tell me if your arrangement suits.” Urmas gestured to the collection of chairs and divans Chey rearranged to accommodate the entire Royal family.
The quick look Urmas sent past her head to the window nearly caused her to turn and glance again. What was he looking at? Had he seen the wisp, too?
“It looks perfect, yes. Except maybe move that potted plant a little to the right. I don't want it looking like the fronds are sticking up out of the back of someone's head.” She guided an aid to move the pot. Despite the solarium setting, there was still an elegant, regal appearance to the room. One expected Royalty to reside here.
“Excellent. The family will be arriving shortly. You have your placements ready?” Urmas asked with a crisp tone.
“I'm ready when they are,” Chey assured him. She glanced at the liaison, curious at his abruptness.
He stepped away to double check everything was as need be.
In the interim, Chey pulled out her cell phone to check for messages. She was hoping for one from Sander. Stifling disappointment when there were none, she contemplated leaving one for him. Was that too forward? Maybe he was just that busy with work and hadn't had time to send her anything.
A flurry near the doors brought Chey's attention up. She slipped her phone into the pocket of her jacket as Paavo, Aurora, Gunnar and Krislin arrived. Much to Chey's surprise, the men wore military uniforms of royal blue and silver. The blue, deep and rich, was offset by silver buttons and a splash of red and gold medallions marking their rank on the chest. Silver tassels hung off shoulder boards and a belt at the waist supported a sheath with a sword nestled inside.
Chey understood enough to realize that the darker color of the uniforms indicated their Royal status as well as rank; the other military members wore dove gray and silver, with just the medals denoting their standing.
The women wore understated, beautiful dresses in lighter colors to offset the dark blue of the uniforms. Aurora had chosen pale blue while Krislin wore peach.
Entering in a stream, security arrived as the King and Queen made their appearance. Aksel's uniform was more elaborate, with a band around his chest, a wider belt and insignias ranging from stars to stripes to bars over his heart. Helina's ankle length gown of cream had dark blue piping around the collar and cuffs that exactly matched the blue of the uniforms.
Chey transferred her placements to Urmas, who then guided the Royals into their positions on the divans and chairs.
Natalia arrived a few seconds ahead of Mattias. Her beaded dress was a variation of her mother's. Mattias in uniform was a sight to behold. He wore it proudly, elegantly, exuding a capable air of command and intelligence.
Fiddling with the camera equipment, she made a point not to stare at any of them. It shocked her to realize Viia would not take part in this session. Mattias must have put his proverbial foot down.
“Prince Dare,” someone said near the door in greeting.
Chey straightened and glanced over. Finally, the final member of the immediate Royal family.
Sander strode through the archway, blonde hair neatly pulled into a low tail at his nape, jaw smooth and clean shaven. Broad shoulders filled out his uniform, lean hips encased by a sword belt. Regal and authoritative, Sander looked every inch a Prince. His height set him apart from everyone else, even the King, and the sharp glint of his blue eyes missed no detail.