Free The Princess Trap by Kirsten Boie

the airport.”
    The man said nothing for a while. “And Norlin?” he asked at last. “Are you going to leave him behind?”
    “There’s nothing I’d like more,” said Bolström. “We’ve got no use for him now. The whole country knows he was involved in the king’s kidnapping last year. Besides, he’s drinking more than ever. But he knows too much about us, Captain, he knows too much. I can imagine just what he’d do if he realized I’d returned without him — he’d notify the press over here, and then it’d be curtains for us all. For the time being, we have to keep him in tow. Later we’ll see about the best way to … cut him loose. Perhaps an unfortunate ‘accident’…”
    “Whatever it takes, eh, Bolli?”
    Bolström gave a rueful laugh. “I’m committed to the cause,” he said. “Completely. And while we’re at it, we’ll think up a nice ‘exit strategy’ for the king and his family, too. Use your imagination. I’ll see you soon.”

T here wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and it was too hot to go running.
    Jenna could feel the sweat on her forehead, and wiped her brow with her forearm. She really didn’t want to go to the summer party, and no one had officially invited her — but of course she was expected to go. When the commander in chief of the army held his annual garden party, it was simply taken for granted that the whole royal family would gather there, to stand on the lawn and chitchat in the sunshine, while the fountains sprayed and the caterers glided smiling and silent among them. Presumably with trays full of disgusting little jam sandwiches , thought Jenna, as there isn’t anything else to eat in the whole country. Great!
    Until this morning, she had avoided even thinking about the party. By now she knew precisely how these events proceeded: She’d be expected to circulate among the different groups, talking and smiling, saying nice things to everybody while everybody said nice things back to her. You’re a princess, Jenna! Our country looks up to you! And the future of our family depends on what you do!
    She sat on a boulder by the edge of the forest in her tracksuit and sneakers, breathing heavily. She’d run twice around the outside of the school campus, but there had been no sign of Jonas. Big surprise, since nothing ever went right for her these days.
    Jenna looked at her wristwatch: three o’clock. She’d skipped lunch, and breakfast as well. Strange that she didn’t feel hungry at all. She’d have liked to bump into Jonas, even though she knew she’d turn bright red as soon as she saw him — she felt sick at just the thought of it.
    A wind rustled the leaves. Maybe there’d be a thunderstorm; it was definitely hot enough for it. Then, boohoo, the party would have to be canceled. That would serve the von Thunbergs right! Jenna looked up at the sky.
    When she lowered her eyes, she saw one of her bodyguards coming toward her across the grass.
    “Princess?” he said. How was it possible to say the word in a tone that made it sound like the worst possible insult? “Your mother has come to get you. She’s annoyed that you’ve made her wait.”
    Jenna stood up. She had to pull herself together. She had to go to the party whether she wanted to or not. You can’t make the world, or even the von Thunbergs’ party, disappear, by covering your eyes like a silly child , she told herself.
    “I’m coming,” she murmured, and began walking back toward the school.

    Liron got out of the car and signaled to the driver to do the same. “Take a walk, why don’t you, Carlson?” he said. “I get so few opportunities to talk privately with my son.”
    He and Jonas wandered a short distance away, and Liron affectionately ruffled his son’s hair. Then he gave him a quick hug. “Jonas!” he sighed.
    For a fraction of a second, Jonas laid his head on his dad’s shoulder, then lifted it again self-consciously. He was too old for such things now.
    “Thanks for