Free The Last in Line (The Royal Inheritance Series Book 1) by Evie Banks

time—a silver lining.
    “Some people never seem to adjust to the lifestyle, even those born into it,” said Roberts. “There’s always someone watching.”
    “Sounds terrible.”
    “It’s not terrible, but it does require compromise from both the protectors and the protectees. The former Queen,”—he bowed his head briefly—“put up with it, but she also knew where to draw the line and let her guards know when they were being silly or over-officious in their efforts. Others, however, chafed under the watch. Princess Althena hated it from the time she was a child and was always doing her best to dodge her guardians. She was a little rascal.” Roberts smiled at the memory. “I’m sure you and your daughter will adjust just fine. There will be people there to help you. I will be there. I was the Queen’s private equerry and I will continue to assist the person of the monarch and guide you in royal life. ”
    “Will you?” said Renee, amazed that she was comforted by the idea. There was something stalwart, if amusing, about Roberts. They drank their tea without any further conversation except an occasional “I wonder how Chase is getting on” from Roberts.
    Chase returned out of breath a short time later.
    “No sign of him. He could be anywhere: in the next apartment or on a bus to Mexico. It’s not safe for you here, Mrs. Krebs. We were already working on a tight deadline, but it just got sped up. Take only what you need to have with you: clothes, documents, important keepsakes. We’ll have some of our people pack up everything else for shipping over to the UK.”
    “You mean we’re leaving tonight?” Renee asked, jumping to her feet.
    “Tonight.”
    Renee paced the length of the kitchen. There was one cigarette left in the cabinet. She considered pouncing for it.
    “I haven’t even told Cassandra yet.”
    “Tell me what, Mom?”
    Everyone whirled around to see Cassandra opening the door.
    “Who are these guys?” Cassandra looked from Chase, who was closer, to Roberts who got up from his chair and approached her with his hand outstretched. Cassandra shook his hand hesitantly.
    “You must be Cassandra. It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Roberts and that funny looking fellow is named Chase. We’re here from England to assist your mother.”
    “You’re from England?” Her eyes were big. “That’s cool. Do you ride in double decker buses?”
    “Every time I go to the movies,” said Roberts.
    “You’re so lucky! I wish I could do that.”
    “Maybe you can. Sooner than you think.”
    Chase stepped forward. “That’s exactly what your mother wants to talk to you about. We’ll just be outside the door. Yell for us when you’re done, Mrs. Krebs.”
    “You can bet there’ll be some yelling,” said Renee through gritted teeth. She stared bullets at Chase until he and Roberts had exited and closed the door behind him. Renee sighed and her shoulders sank. Everything was happening too fast.
    “Mom, who are those weird guys and why do they keep saying you need to tell me something. Tell me what?” Cassandra grabbed the can of cola from the fridge and plopped into the chair Roberts had freshly vacated. It sprayed a bit when she opened it and she quickly tried to drink it before the liquid bubbled over.
    Renee took a fortifying breath.
    “Child.”
    “Mother,” replied Cassandra. It was a game they played.
    “You know how I always call you my princess?”
    Cassandra rolled her eyes.
    “Yeah, mom. I’m your princess. What do you want to tell me?”
    “That’s it. You are a princess.”
    “Umm, ok. Can I watch tv now?” Cassandra hopped off her stool.
    “Cass, wait!” This was going to sound ridiculous no matter how she phrased it. “What if I told you that we had some famous relatives that died and left us some stuff?”
    “What level of famous are we talking about? Barry, the mean homeless guy on 2nd street famous, or Elvis famous?”
    “Elvis famous. Bigger than Elvis