Secrets of a Reckless Princess by Annabel Wolfe

could take years.”
    The voice was his father’s. Damon didn’t look at him but faced the council. “We don’t have years. This is happening now. ”
    “And you are our answer?” Havov’s voice was disparaging.
    “Have you a better one?” Damon challenged. “What is your solution to the threat that looms over us, General?”
    “If there is one,” the other male scoffed.
    “Oh, there is,” the Queen said with usual quiet authority. “Planetary leaders are being targeted for assassination. Already anarchists sense the weakening of our system. Shall we vote?”

Chapter Nine

    A part of her was elated, but another both dismayed and frightened. The moment the door slid downward, Jayla asserted curtly, “If either of you knew of the assassination attempts and didn’t tell me, I will castrate you.”
    Had she been in the mood to laugh, she would have by both of their reactions. Marc typically took the threat with equanimity, and Damon bristled. The latter said heatedly, “I wouldn’t keep something like that from you, Jay, and besides, until a few hours ago, no one trusted me with any information, remember? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
    She did remember, and she was more than happy his place on the council had been granted, though the margin of the vote had been narrow and he was going to have to work to prove his value, but at the moment she was alarmed for her mother’s sake. “Did you know?” she asked Marc directly, swinging around. They were in her quarters now, and she folded her arms over her chest and lifted her chin in a demanding challenge.
    “No,” he said quietly. “Apparently my father has already been a target. I am as worried as you are. As a matter of fact, Princess, I think we understand how each other feels, and no doubt Damon does as well. His father is also high profile and could be a target. I had no idea before your mother told us all.”
    Her shoulders sagged, for the sincerity in his voice made her believe him. Jayla wandered over to one of the divans and sank down. “I’m sorry.”
    “No need to be. My reaction was as visceral as yours.” His aqua eyes were somber. “I think it is telling the timing of this action. It is possible, of course, Damon set this all in motion with his inflammatory article, but I doubt it. The attacks sound too well planned and it takes months, maybe even years to pull off such an operation. I am inclined to think it’s a coincidence his writings just occurred at exactly the right time.”
    “This is the only time,” Damon argued, running his hand through his hair. “While I don’t condone terrorism of any kind, I am not surprised it’s happening either. If you recall, I predicted anarchy. I think maybe even my father is beginning to realize I am not just a raving lunatic trying to make trouble. The trouble is out there. I didn’t invent it or cause it. I just saw it coming a long time ago.”
    Jayla had known all along his father believed in him, just did not agree with his inflammatory way of getting his point across. So Damon had been tossed into prison. “He knows you are not a lunatic,” she said dryly, “but he also disagrees with your sometimes high-handed methods. Now you are on the Council together. I hope you can get along better.”
    “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
    His ironic tone was one that had been irritating her as long as she could remember. “That will be a welcome change.”
    His voice dropped to a silky, huskier tone. “I was on my best behavior last evening, wasn’t I?”
    “We are hardly talking about the same thing,” Jayla said coolly, but her pulse picked up at the heated spark in his eyes.
    He took a predatory step forward. “I’ll refresh your memory at any time.”
    “We have a serious issue. Don’t be flippant.” She stood her ground, chin up.
    “There have been checks ordered on all the locking systems and security has shut down the palace.” Marc moved to slip out of his uniform