Eloping with the Princess (Brotherhood of the Sword #3)(30)

“No,” Lynford said. “Nor is Isabel.”

Jason’s skin prickled. He’d be damned if anything happened to her. He was glad he’d left guards on Bond Street watching and protecting her from any would-be attacks, but perhaps next time he’d stay with her himself, despite how tempting it was to be close to her. At least he knew that the assailants after her wanted her alive rather than dead, but it didn’t mean they wouldn’t attempt to harm her.

“Ah, yes, the lost Princess Isabel. Where is she now?” Johnson asked.

“She is safe,” Jason said.

“What of Her Majesty?” Johnson asked.

“You know very well where she is,” Lynford said.

“That is not what I meant.” Johnson glanced around the room, then rolled his eyes heavenward. “I am not the only one to see the truth here.” When no one said anything, he continued. “That girl, that princess, is a threat to our queen’s life. The plot to use her to usurp the Crown…” He shook his head. “As long as that girl draws breath, Queen Victoria’s life is in danger.”

“What the devil are you suggesting, Johnson?” Adrian St. James asked.

“Because you do know that the Brotherhood is not in the habit of disposing of innocent people,” Lynford said.

“She might be innocent, but her birthright is a threat,” Johnson said.

“Her claim to the throne is tenuous,” Lynford said.

Johnson nodded. “Perhaps, but many would see it as legitimate. The risk is unacceptable.”

“There will always be someone with a claim to the throne,” Somersby said.

This was ridiculous. Isabel was his wife, and Johnson was coolly suggesting they simply dispose of her. “There have always been people with legitimate claims. We can’t kill them all. That was never the intention of the Brotherhood,” Jason said.

“I realize that, but if she were a man, we would likely not be having this discussion,” Johnson said.

“You are being ridiculous,” Somersby said. He met Jason’s gaze and gave a slight nod. “The threat with Princess Isabel has been resolved.”

Johnson glanced from Jason to Somersby as if expecting a further explanation. “That evasive language might have worked with Potterfield, but I want answers,” he said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. “You might be the official leader, Somersby, but we all work equally for Her Majesty.”

“It’s simple logic, Johnson. The princess cannot be forced into a political marriage to stake a claim on the throne if she is already married,” Somersby said.

“So you are planning to simply pawn her off on one of us?” Johnson asked.

“It has already been taken care of,” Jason said, coming to his feet. “Isabel is my wife, and there will be no more discussion on whether she gets to live. Is that understood?” He leveled his gaze on Johnson, who eventually held up his hands in defeat. Jason took his seat again, and Somersby went back to the agenda.

“It seems as if this is merely a temporary solution,” Johnson said. “What is to stop these men from simply making this princess a widow and therefore freeing her up again for marriage?”

“I can take care of my own protection,” Jason said. Although certainly the same thought had crossed his mind.

“There will be a large celebration ball for the happy couple,” Somersby said. “That much public attention should deter them. Having to wait out a public mourning period would overcomplicate their plans.”

“They have tried to assassinate the queen,” Johnson said. “I doubt a frivolous thing such as a mourning tradition would deter them overly much.”

Jason paid little attention to the remainder of the discussion because he was already thinking of what needed to be done to continue to keep Isabel safe. Regardless of how much he disliked Johnson, Jason couldn’t deny that the man had a good point in his concerns. Ultimately, it was decided that the Brotherhood would increase security at Jason’s townhome as well as on Queen Victoria.

When the meeting ended and most of the men had filed out, Lynford cornered Jason. “You married Isabel?”

“I did. It seemed the best way to protect both her and Queen Victoria,” Jason said.

Lynford nodded, but his tight expression did not change. “Do not hurt her.”

“What has gotten into you, Lynford?” Jason asked. “Why do you even care what happens to Isabel? You seemed pretty damn pleased to rid yourself of her on my doorstep.”

Lynford stepped closer. “She is important to Lilith, and therefore important to me.”

“Gentlemen, let us take a few steps backward,” Somersby said. He placed a hand on Lynford’s chest and pushed him slightly. “Gabe, do you not have an important meeting coming up?”

Lynford checked his pocket watch, then nodded. “I’ll be keeping an eye you,” he said to Jason as he rushed out.

“What the hell was that about?” Jason asked.

“He’s trying to reconcile with Lilith, and I suspect he’s worried that grim news of Isabel could derail that,” Somersby said.

“Love has made the two of you weak,” Jason said.

“Ah, the wisdom of one not yet fallen. Come back in a week or two and tell me again about the woes of love,” Somersby said.