Free Royal Ransom by Eric Walters

Ray asked.
    â€œNot in the least. Make him be responsible, drive him to do what’s expected of him. We ask only two things,” Albert said.
    â€œAnd they are?”
    â€œPlease don’t put him in positions that could expose him to physical danger beyond the normal expectations of this trip,” Nigel said.
    â€œAnd the second thing?”
    â€œNo matter how tempting it may be, refrain from clocking him,” Albert said.
    â€œClocking him?”
    â€œI think it means like throttling him,” I said. “You know, smacking him.”
    â€œRegardless of how obnoxious he becomes.”
    â€œI’ve never hit one of my customers,” Ray said.
    â€œRay …,” I prompted, trying to remind him of some thing that happened a couple of seasons ago.
    â€œOkay. I’ve only ever hit one of my customers, and he took the first swing, and he was bigger than I was, and believe me, he really, really deserved it.”
    â€œHow are we supposed to treat Victoria?” I asked.
    â€œI suspect that will not be an issue,” Albert said. “You have probably already discovered that she is a very different type of person.”
    â€œVery different,” I said.
    â€œShe is almost always hard-working, conscientious, polite and will do more than expected.”
    â€œI’ll vouch for that,” I said. “We had a really good talk last night.”
    Albert gave me a questioning look.
    â€œAfter you two went to sleep,” Ray explained. “They must have sat by the fire for more than an hour, just the two of them.”
    â€œI was not aware of that,” Nigel said.
    â€œYou two were sleeping pretty good, judging by the snoring coming from your tent,” I said.
    â€œIt’s nice the kids get along,” Ray said.
    â€œYes … nice … very nice,” Nigel said, although the look on his face and his tone of voice didn’t match the words.
    â€œWe appreciate that you have befriended the Princess,” Albert said. “But it is extremely important that you understand the parameters of the relationship.”
    â€œI don’t even understand that sentence,” I said.
    â€œThat makes two of us,” Ray agreed.
    Albert and Nigel exchanged a look.
    â€œLet me try to explain this,” Albert said. “You must be aware that your interaction with any member of the Royal Family is governed by very specific protocols and—”
    â€œYou’re losing me again,” Ray said. “Do you understand what he means?”
    â€œNo idea,” I agreed.
    Albert looked as though he was struggling to come up with the right words. “There are constraints … limitations … restrictions … actions that are prohibited.”
    â€œOh, I understand,” Ray said.
    â€œExcellent!”
    â€œYou don’t want us to clock her, either.”
    â€œOf course I don’t, but that is not what I am referring to in this instance!” Albert was beginning to sound frustrated.
    â€œThen maybe you’d better just spit it out in good plain Canadian English,” Ray snapped.
    Once again Albert and Nigel exchanged a long look.
    â€œLet me handle it,” Nigel said. He turned to me. “You cannot kiss the Princess.”
    â€œWhy can’t he?” Ray demanded.
    â€œI haven’t … I won’t … I don’t want to!” I sputtered.
    â€œWhy don’t you?” Ray asked. “She’s a pretty little thing, and you two are the same age and all.”
    â€œRegardless,” Albert said, “it would not be appropriate.”
    â€œI won’t! Honestly!”
    â€œThank you so much. We appreciate your co-operation in this most delicate matter,” Nigel said.
    â€œCan I ask a question?” Ray said.
    â€œCertainly,” Albert replied.
    â€œIf she kisses him, is he allowed to kiss her back?”
    â€œShe would not do that,” Albert said.
    â€œWhy