BOOK 4: PREPARATION / CH. 10:LEAKS OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL

5:30PM WEDNESDAY, 29TH NOVEMBER

Press report:

“Discord in the government. The minister for justice described himself as 'entirely outraged' about some details of a palace announcement that is planned to be made later this week. Official secrets legislation prevent him from being more explicit, but it seems clear that something is going on.

Earlier this week, royal correspondents were offered a chance to bid (proceeds going to a nominated charity) on an exclusive leak. This deal apparently had official approval, and it was expected by many that it would somehow relate to the prince's recent comments about his love-life. Now, the minister for justice is outraged about certain details about the announcement. Asked if it was about the timing, or that it was being officially leaked, the minister revealed that it was details about the content that had him so upset. What could upset the minister for Justice so much about a revelation of the Prince's love-life? Is the object of his love a known criminal? That seems unlikely. Perhaps she is unsuitable in another way? Why is it that the palace has not identified her, that they have not been seen together, and what causes such outrage? We await with interest.”

6PM

Eleanor's wrist unit bleeped, just as she was heading out of the office at the end of the day. The caller wasn't identified. “Hello?”

“Hello. Just in case you've missed it, you might want to check the palace news stream,” a familiar voice.

“There wasn't anything on it ten minutes ago. Is this Karen?”

“Bye!” Karen said, and disconnected. Eleanor checked the news stream again, and turned round.

“Palace announcement tomorrow at noon,” she said to Albert, excitedly, “We've got almost eighteen hours of exclusive!”

“Seen this?” He replied, pointing out a report on a competitor's site.

“Hmm. That makes sense.” Eleanor said.

“What makes sense?”

“I told you her name was dynamite.”

“And the justice minister is outraged?”

“Yes. I wonder how he found out.”

“You're telling me that you know things the cabinet don't?”

“Of course I do, Albert! So, are you going to run my piece or do I need to scream and shout about the retirement fund?”

“I'm going to run your piece. Do you want to comment on this report though?”

“Hmm. Maybe I should.”

----------------------------------------

Eleanor's first article.

“Prince's engagement to be announced tomorrow. You heard it here first: the prince is engaged! In an exclusive interview with a close relative of the prince's fiancée, the true reason for the palace secrecy around the prince's love life was revealed; the future royal bride has, until very recently, been a witness who was under official protection. Her role as witness has now been discharged and no doubt the prince is looking forwards to being able to be able to be with her in public — which obviously wasn't possible before. The royal protection corps will obviously have a bit more work to do, but that would be the case whoever the prince chose to settle his affection on. The exact identity of the young woman in question is still an official secret for various reasons - not even the cabinet have been informed — so we'll all discover her name at about the same time. Another news channel has reported that the justice minister is angry about something. Perhaps it is about the speed with which the happy couple are proceeding, or the fact that no one has told him, either.

'Certain they will marry.'

My source also was able to reveal that for the last few years the Prince, who has never made a secret of his firm faith in God, has been praying for the woman he would marry, presumably relying on God to be able to work out who that fortunate woman was. But, not only has he done this, he's also been keeping a record of it as well. When comparing notes about their lives, the happy couple found numerous occasions when not only did his prayers fit her situations, but where it was clear to them that his prayers had been answered in her life. Here I quote my source directly:

“At the time [when her mother died] he started praying regularly that his future wife would become a Christian if she wasn't already. He felt he should start praying something else for her at Christmas time. My cousin started going to church [two weeks after he started praying] and committed her life to Christ at a Christmas service. There were lots of other times. It convinced them that they would marry eventually.”

So, the question arose in their minds of when; my source said “They didn't think it would be right to have a royal wedding when the people of Restoration are rebuilding their lives.” and so with the impetuosity of youth and certain that their love would end in marriage some time, they've decided that they'd rather have the marriage this side of the impact rather than wait a few years until after the city has been fully rebuilt. The exact date, which will be announced tomorrow, is expected to be a month or so before the impact.

People of my generation tend to think that the youngsters of today can't take things seriously, and don't think through the impact of their decisions on others carefully enough. It seems that this happy pair are very aware of the impact on others, but perhaps a little naïve about the impact on themselves. Their short engagement of only six or seven weeks is nothing though. My source informed me that they'd only met on Thursday. That's right, they'll have known each other a massive six days by the time of the announcement. She said: “they know it's too fast. But, for the good of the country they've decided it's better to rush themselves than to delay their engagement a few more weeks.” She also told me that her own wedding, at the end of December, had played a part in their choosing when to announce their engagement — they didn't want to spoil her big day by being the centre of attention when they attend.

Such an attitude of putting others first, or even a ruthless disregard for self so that stability for the populace can prevail, is of course, a theme that has always been strong in the restored monarchy. Assuming this break-neck ride towards matrimony doesn't end in disaster, the self-sacrificial attitude with which it is being carried out suggests to me that our country will be in safe hands for another generation.”

----------------------------------------

9:00 AM, THURSDAY, 30TH NOVEMBER, THE PALACE

“Minister. You are reported as being outraged,” said Albert.

“Yes sir.”

“And that is still the case?”

“Yes sir, it is.”

“Because?”

“I was curious, sir, I admit it. I looked at the entrance logs on the palace computer. Am I correct in saying you have become romantically involved with Underwood's daughter, sir?”

“Would that offend you?”

“Sir, I am aware of her father's claims that all he did were for her, that he sought to place her on the throne. I am aware that she is accused of being a serial seductress, and that the accused in the case where she is supposedly a witness has stated under oath that they were involved in an intimate relationship, that she begged him to marry her repeatedly, that the only reason that she claims to have been kidnapped is revenge because he did not accept her as potential wife, and through spreading malicious rumours about him, she sought to preserve her reputation after he was jailed.”

“I see. Did you read this article?” indicating the article in NWN.

“I did, sir.”

“And you are still convinced of your version of events, from a man who has been implicated in multiple-kidnapping and murder?”

“I am convinced sir, that her character is flawed, her father is a psychopathic murderer, and she figures highly in his plans.”

“I see. And you have reached this conclusion without ever meeting her, talking to anyone who knows her, or anything of the sort.”

“People can be deceived, sir. She's Underwood's daughter!”

“Ah. Then perhaps the person to talk to is Roland Underwood's sister.” Albert tapped a message on his wrist unit.

“His sister? I didn't know he had one.”

The door opened.

“You asked me to come in, your highness?”

“Yes, Maria. The minister here has raised some concerns about your niece being suitable company for me.”

“Your niece, Maria?” the minister was shocked.

“My niece, minister.” Maria acknowledged. “My little brother being public enemy number one is not something I've broadcast, but their majesties are well aware of the fact. I assure you that his daughter does not share his outlook on life. She's a lovely Christian who's witnessed too much evil for her years. But she's survived it. Stronger, I believe. It was hard on her when she found out what her father was like.”

“And could you give me your assessment of Ibrahim as a witness, since he's also been mentioned in my conversation with the minister?” Albert asked.

“Ibrahim as a witness? I'd rather trust my brother!” Maria said, shocked.

The queen stepped from behind a painted screen, where she'd been sitting the whole time. “Minister, I'm sorry for hiding, but felt that it was better handled by my son. You seem to have been acting on prejudice and false information. I've met the young woman, and I decided she was a national treasure long before Albert here did. Almost the first thing she said to me was that her father had sought to destroy the monarchy, but she'd dedicate her life to strengthen it. For the last few months she's been researching the impact of every piece of legislation that her father was involved in and looking at its effects on society which were not foreseen by Parliament. We presume that these effects were deliberate on his part. The most obvious is that the present generation of twenty-somethings know practically no civics. The civics weeks that you and I grew up with have been turned into school-trip weeks, where students learn what people do, but not why. All the state institutions from the fire brigade to water treatment works are required by the law to offer local schools visits during civics week, and the form they send out asks when they plan to visit without giving any indication that the school can reject the offer. So teachers feel that they can only pick when to visit, not whether, and so they feel obliged to cram in a visit to each and every one during the school year. There is no time for the syllabus. Your opinion of the impact of this?”

“No one will know their duties or their rights. This is why we're seeing the upsurge in corrupt civil servants?”

“Exactly. Eliza suggests a simple modification to the form, adding a 'not this year' box, and a note suggesting that a given class is not expected to visit more than one institution per civics week. She also suggests re-introducing the examination in civics that was scrapped in the same act. The syllabus remained unchanged, but without the test it has long been ignored. I ask that you take the recommendation, with your insight into the consequences of the current framework, to the minister for schools. Since there's a civics week soon, I suggest that you pass on our royal recommendation that the schools cancel most visits, and ask the minister to pass that down through channels.”

“I will, Maam. I wholeheartedly apologise for leaping to conclusions.”

“Minister, I would like to remind you what my husband I declared to you at your investiture; as a minister of state, you have certain rights. One of those is to call us, even wake us up in the middle of the night, if there is something that concerns you. Your call to the press should have been a call to the palace. Now, please do two things. First, admit to your journalist contact what you should have done, and why, and that having done what you should have done in the first place you've realised your concerns were misplaced. All this without, of course, giving away any content about what you were cross about. Think of it as educating the public. State that this is a formal retraction and insist on equal coverage. And secondly, talk to the minister for schools.”

“Very well, Maam. Once again, sorry, your highness, your majesty.”

“I do not believe that any real harm was done.”

“I hope not. I must confess, maam, that I also talked to Ibrahim's lawyer.”

“We had gathered that, minister. He told you of the accusations against Eliza?” Albert asked.

“Yes sir.”

“They were disproved before the court yesterday, minister.” Albert said. “And the lawyer for the defence has apologised to my fiancée for making them.”

“I am pleased to hear that, as I'm sure you were, sir.”

“I did not need that evidence, minister, I never doubted her.”

“I stand corrected.”

“Perhaps you should also go and correct that article then.” hinted the queen.

“Of course, Maam.”

After he left, Maria turned to the queen and asked, “About that lawyer, Maam.”

“Yes?”

“Bella passes on a request from Eliza that should there be no other charge found against him than fulfilling his duty as he saw it, the court be lenient. Bella states that his aggressive attitude would have had her reaching for her stunner on another occasion.”

“And did that attitude change with the presentation of medical evidence?”

“He apologised, but from what I've heard he certainly saw Eliza as an opponent.”

“I think Eliza sees this as a question of the greater crime needing to take priority.” Albert said.

“Yes. The question is, which is the greater crime? We cannot be seen to be lenient with the question of official secrets.” Maria said.

“No. But to charge him with disrespect to a royal person or of placing a royal person under duress seems a little convoluted since the whole thing was to identify her relationship with me.” Albert said.

“It's a little more complicated than that, Albert. He was also disrespectful to you by placing your image amongst the criminals. And he could have dropped it when she said she could not answer without revealing a state secret.” the Queen said.

“But he didn't necessarily know that a state secret is directly related to the crown, and therefore her relationship to the prince being one meant that there was some sort of direct connection.” Maria countered.

“But she could have just been a direct employee, or something, couldn't she? It doesn't specify that there's romance involved.”

“A secret direct employee, without romance, Albert? What could you be suggesting?” the queen raised an eyebrow.

“I was thinking, mother,” Albert said, turning red at the innuendo, “that she could have been a crown employee, working on some secret project, say related to the impact, and have met me in that capacity. In that case she would not be a royal personage.”

“Yes. That's true.” admitted the Queen.

“So, he had no way to know she was a royal personage, except that he'd been told she was almost one by our minister.” Maria countered.

“Hmm. Yes. He didn't know we were engaged yet.” Albert said.

“So again, very reasonable doubt,” summarised the Queen.

“So, can we at least drop that one?” Albert asked.

“Yes. We can, unless we find other evidence against him.” stated the Queen, then asked “Has he been questioned yet, Maria?”

“Not yet. We need to decide what to formally charge him with, first.”

“If he is found guilty, what does that do to his standing at the UN court?” Albert asked.

“Depends on his own country.” the Queen answered. “Maria?”

“He loses it. They don't allow anyone convicted of a crime to practice law.”

“Ouch.” Albert said.

“But on the other hand, they don't allow an officer of the court to be arrested for anything he says or requires during a trial, or to be arrested during one. So he might have assumed that he would only be arrested after the trial.” Maria continued.

“So, if we convict him, then he's no longer the defence lawyer. If we postpone his trial he's theoretically under pressure to treat one witness's evidence as beyond questioning.” Albert summarised.

“So, a royal pardon might be an option if we knew he had no sin beyond duty and an aggressive manner,” Maria said, looking quizzically at Albert.

“I don't understand your look, Maria.”

“Then you should talk to Eliza more. It's part of her gift. A very dangerous one, from what I witnessed. They can look at a person's sin.”

“Dangerous?”

“Because, from what I heard, when you look at the workings of evil, the workers of evil might be looking back. Plus it's apparently a massive heat load.”

“I'm not sure I want to ask Eliza about that then.” stated the Queen.

“Nor am I” Albert said.

“We could ask him if he's willing to be interviewed by a truth-sayer, I guess.” Maria said, “It's not as reliable, but it's far safer.”

“Me, for instance?” Albert asked.

“I was hoping not to reveal to him that you have the power, Highness.” Maria said. “But if you wore some kind of face mask...”

“He'd still recognise his voice, potentially.”

“Unless I was behind a wall, with a metal pipe between,” Albert said.

“In which case, perhaps Eliza could also check. I'm sure you'd like to stay together every waking moment, anyway.” the Queen suggested.

“If he is willing to have his thoughts checked by a thought-hearer, during his pre-trial hearing, and if he's found to be telling the truth, to have no involvement in the other crimes against Eliza, do you think Daddy would be willing to grant a royal pardon?”

“Since him standing trial puts Ibrahim's trial in jeopardy, I expect so. But you go and do some last-minute planning with Eliza. The trial will be this afternoon at the earliest.”

“I'll send someone to ask the lawyer what he thinks about a truth-sayer.”

----------------------------------------

11 A.M.

Dirk wasn't quite sure why he'd got this job, but oh well. Interview a foreign lawyer arrested for breaking security laws, video record the whole thing, ask him some questions. Try to gauge his reactions.

The questions weren't normal, of course. He guessed it was a trust thing. Maybe it was all a big setup, but he doubted it. It was too weird, and as for the cultural terminology, he had had to learn a lot of words and

attitudes in the last half an hour. He showed his I.D. to the guard on the door and went in.

“Good morning, sir. If it is acceptable to you, then I will be video recording this interview.”

“For what purpose?”

“Because in it I will be asking for your informed consent to an unusual question, and the video will be evidence that you were asked and your consent was given.”

“I understand. You may record this interview.”

“In preparation to the question which requires informed consent, I would like to ask you certain other questions. These do not form part of the consent process, and if you are not happy with the recording I am happy to turn it off, however if the whole interview could be recorded then I and my superiors would be more comfortable, as it would be a record that your decision was well informed and formed without threat or violence.”

“I acknowledge this attitude.”

“First, I will state that I have no knowledge of what the state secret is that you know and have no desire that you tell me. My questions relate to differences in law between our two countries and your expectations concerning your trial under our security laws, and the trial at which you are lawyer for the defence.

“My first question. During the hearing yesterday, you insisted on the answering of a certain question, which constituted an offence under our laws. Were you surprised at anything which happened after that?”

“Yes. I was arrested in the middle of a trial. This should not be!”

“I understand that our legal systems vary on this point.”

“The judge did not object, so I presume you are correct.”

“When did you expect your arrest would take place?”

“I did not expect to be arrested. In my country I can say and ask anything when I am interviewing a witness.”

“Yet, you were warned.”

“Yes. I was warned. I did not realise the differences were so great. If I had wounded the witness, for instance, I would expect arrest after the trial was complete.”

“Rapid justice is an expectation in our country. We expect those who have committed a crime to be arrested quickly. If you are found guilty for the crimes for which you were arrested, what do you expect will happen to the case against your client?”

“I could not continue as his lawyer. My contribution would be negated. Witnesses might need to be recalled.”

“And that would be the case even if the process was not finished, that is to say even if you had not been sentenced?”

“You have a delay between the guilty verdict and the sentence?”

“Yes, we can.”

“We do not, normally. I do not know what the situation would be.”

“And what if you are not tried quickly, but the trial is delayed until after your clients' case is finished?”

“That is what I expected. I do not understand the question.”

“Would you be able to complete his defence, or would there be a potential mistrial?”

“Why a mistrial?”

“Because it might be that you feel under pressure to treat the evidence from a certain witnesses as beyond question, and so fail in your duty to question everything that casts a bad light on your client. Surely, such a trusting attitude would be opposed to your assigned role?”

“You are concerned with this?”

“Justice must be done, sir, and justice cannot be interfered with. In your country you do this by ensuring that the trial lawyer cannot be arrested, in our country we would not ban lawyers so easily, only for crimes against the court, such as perjury or perverting the course of justice.”

“Ah. This I did not know either.”

“Could your client call a mistrial, saying that you treated the witness preferentially?”

“It is possible. With an unspecified sentence over me, it is possible that he would say this had happened.”

“We do not want this to happen.”

“You offer an alternative? I cannot see one.”

“We possibly offer an alternative. Are you aware of the culture of your client's homeland?”

“Not fully, of course.”

“Have you heard of their truth-sayers?”

“Yes. But they are not part of your legal system, surely?”

“No. But the remedy is not part of the legal system either. We offer this: You have your pre-trial hearing either this afternoon or tomorrow, as planned. That is part of the legal process. If you agree, then during the trial you will hold onto an iron pipe, the pipe will go into another room, where a trusted truth-sayer, possibly two, will listen to your thoughts. If they conclude that you have no guilt in this other than what your duty compelled you to do, then the King will grant you a royal pardon for your crimes, and you will be able to leave.”

“And the truth-sayer or truth-sayers will not reveal what they learn beyond this?”

“They will not, as long as you retain your hand on the bar, unless in your thoughts you reveal that you are guilty of perjury or another crime, at which point they will share what they hear.”

“And if I remove my hand from the bar?”

“The thought hearers will report this, and what your thoughts were as you did this, and then the King will decide.”

“But they have no legal standing in this country?”

“In general thought-hearers at the moment have the same legal standing as someone listening through a door — they risk prosecution for listening in secret and must have a good motive under law to tell what they hear, even to a court. For this process, you will give your permission, and so they can listen without fear of prosecution.”

“And they will take a vow to these conditions?”

“They will so vow, but you will not see them or hear them, except through a machine which alters their voices. Thus their identity will remain fully protected.”

“Ah. This is the reason for the pipe?”

“Yes.”

“And the reason that their identities must be so well protected?”

“Should not be relevant to your decision, it is merely because they are not publicly known as having this ability.”

“Does that not make them thought-stealers according to the culture of my client?”

“Excuse me, I must remind myself of that expression.” Dirk looked through the notes. “Ah, I've found it and an answer. Our cultures are different; they do not hide their power to take advantage of peoples' ignorance, but because they fear people's ignorant reactions. If they were thought-stealers they would not be asking.”

“That is true. I give my consent. They may listen to my thoughts during my hearing.”

“Thank you, sir.”

----------------------------------------

11:45 A.M.

“Daddy, have you signed the declassification order yet?” Albert asked.

“Don't worry, Albert, I'll do it.”

“The press conference starts in fifteen minutes.”

“Yes. But when I declassify it then that fact gets published, doesn't it? You don't want me to release it too early do you?”

“Oh, I'd forgotten that bit. Thank you, Daddy.”

“So I'll declassify her surname when you call her to the microphone. How's that?”

“That sounds lovely, Daddy. Thank you!”

----------------------------------------

NOON

Albert's security guard nodded to the camera men as he went onto the stage first. Albert often did the technology check himself, but today they'd decided that he'd let someone else be the first to address the sea of faces that filled the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press and anyone else who's snuck in, welcome. I hope everyone is getting the camera feeds? They should be live by now. Hands up if anyone has problems.” There was always one or two; people who couldn't work out which room they were in and were waiting for the video feeds from, say, the large conference room when actually they were in the ballroom. People were people, after all. Today there were about five.

“In the interests of getting going, can their neighbours please help them? If the problem proves unusually hard, then raise a hand again.”

Someone raised a hand: “Does anyone know what this room might have been called in Swahili?”

“If you can get to the main menu, it should be the only room with its name in bold with a big flashing star beside it,” the agent replied.

“Oh! Thank you!”

“Any other problems?”

Someone raised a hand. “I have a blank feed, with a message saying 'Unrecognised video codec on feed.' Does my colleague here panic?”

“No, you can select alternative formats. Top right hand of the display, there's a small exclamation mark. The same quality will take more data, but there are other sizes available as well. At the bottom right you will see a small asterisk or star; you may select the resolution using that if you do not need the full quality.”

He waited a while before asking “Are all problems resolved now?”

It seemed they were. “Then I turn the platform over to his Royal Highness, Prince Albert.”

Albert entered, with a somewhat nervous Eliza beside him. He was in a suit, she in the same dress she'd worn when Albert had given her the ring, which was now on its proper finger.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, rumours that I'm in love are entirely accurate. I'd like to introduce to you my fiancée, Eliza. I'm sure you'll see us a lot together in the next few weeks as we seek to make up for lost time. As has already been reported we could not be seen together until today, since Eliza has been in witness protection. Yesterday, she completed her duty as a witness and has now passed fully into the hands of the royal protection service. “It's been reported that we first met last Thursday, which is entirely correct, as is the fact that I've been praying for my future wife regularly for the last four years. Comparing Eliza's life with my diary of what I'd prayed and when, it was a lovely surprise that God has made my prayers appropriate to her situation and answered every one of them in her life. As you know we're expecting the city of Restoration to need rebuilding in a few months' time, and since we were sure that we would marry eventually, we have set the date of the wedding for Saturday the thirteenth of January.

“As a descendent of Princess Sarah, Eliza plans to wear her dress, as did my great Grandmother Queen Beatrix. It seemed appropriate, therefore, that she also have my great-grandma's ring.”

Eliza raised her hand, palm down, to the cameras to zoom in on, and was not at all surprised to have it held aloft by Albert. That had been planned.

She was a little surprised when he kissed her, as that hadn't been in the script, but she didn't mind one bit.

Albert then said, “Eliza, you wanted to say a few words.” He stepped away from the microphone.

“You might have noticed that Albert has been careful not to mention my family name. I'm going to shock you quite soon with who my father is, but I'd like to first say that we were never close; I never even got a birthday card from him as I was growing up. I knew that he had spent time in prison, but over the past few months I have been horrified to find out about the depths of his crimes. He was officially a public servant but he used his influence for his own purposes, which were not at all in the public interest.

So it was that, early on Thursday, I declared to her Majesty that I would do all I could to undo the damage that my father has done to our society and to the monarchy. Thursday was a busy day and this was a long time, /hours even/, before Albert and I started to realise we might eventually have feelings for each other.”

An appreciative chuckle ran though the audience and she waited for it to die away before continuing, “I certainly didn't realise when I said it that I'd be working to strengthen the monarchy from the inside, I was intending to help through my studies into the social impact of his actions.

"I was reminded a couple of months ago that my family has a long history of being in public life and that dedication to a cause runs in our veins. Unfortunately some members, such as the mother of 'princess' Sarah, were not good people, and did not choose good causes. My father chose evil, I have chosen to serve God and the good of our country. So, I'll emphasize that I will not be inviting my biological father to my wedding, and I will not be retaining my maiden name when I marry. In case he is watching, I have this to say to him: I hate all you worked for and all you have done, Roland Underwood.”

Eliza stepped to beside Albert, and they waited for the questions. There were quite a lot. What had she studied? When had Albert proposed, and had he been on one knee or two? What else had happened on Thursday? Did Albert's parents approve of his choice of bride?”

“Yes, we do.” the King said, entering with the Queen from the side of the stage. “Eliza is not afraid of very much, and was prepared to tell me, respectfully of course, that something I'd said was beneath me. I married the last woman I found who was that bold, and I'm very pleased that Albert is going to have a similarly strong wife.”

“Now, I'm sure you've all got lots of questions.” the queen said “But I'm afraid that Albert and Eliza have rather a lot of things they need to be doing.”

----------------------------------------

“Hi, Caroline!”

“Eliza, long time no contact! Are you out of witness protection now, then?”

“Yes, I am. I guess that you haven't been watching the news just now.”

“Oh, the Prince's announcement? No, I'm working on a commission. I saw that he's got engaged though, very hush hush because she's been in witness protection, like you. How on earth does someone get to meet the Crown Prince when you're in witness protection?”

“Well, for me it was all because my protection agent had a meeting at the palace and her replacement didn't turn up, so I had to tag along too. Caroline, put down the brushes nice and calmly, OK?”

“Eliza, you went to the palace too? What are you telling me?”

“Are the brushes and artwork safe?”

“Safe from what?”

“Surprising news.”

“They're safe. What surprising news?”

“How would you like to paint a portrait of the happy royal couple? I've talked it through with Albert and he's happy about the idea.”

“You've been talking to prince Albert about me painting him and his fiancée? Wow! How did you arrange that? What does she think of the idea?”

“I'm very happy with the idea, Caroline, that's why I suggested you.”

“Eliza, I'm getting confused here. I thought I asked about his fiancée?”

“I noticed. Do you want me to spell it out for you?”

“Yes, please.”

“On Saturday, Prince Albert asked me to marry him. I said yes.”

Caroline paused. “You're not joking?”

“No.”

“Wow! Congratulations! And don't forget, you owe me a paintbrush.”

“I thought you said they were safe!”

“They were, this is from last time, remember?”

“You mean when you broke a brush when I told you I'd got a first class honours.”

“And I said you can buy me one when you marry someone rich.”

“Oh yes! I'm not actually sure how rich he is, but of course I'll buy you one. When's your cruise ship thing start? Our marriage won't be until January.”

“It's fallen through. Or rather, I turned it down.”

“Oh. Why?”

“They said they wanted a portrait artist, but what they wanted was someone to do quick sketches of all five hundred passengers during the course of a five day cruise, no guarantee anyone would buy any of them, and I'd have to supply my own materials.”

“Ah. I did wonder how many people you'd get willing to sit for a few hours.”

“I was thinking I could make do with lots of pictures, but still, I can't even do a proper sketch in four minutes, and they wanted me to do that for

eight hours a day? No way!”

“So, you wouldn't object to a royal commission for your portfolio?”

“Eliza, do you want me to beg, or just strangle you for thinking I might refuse?”

“How about you just say yes, and then I pass your contact details on to whoever organises such things.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

“Right then, I'll do that. Next question... Since you're not going to be swanning around the Greek islands or wherever it was going to be, what do you think about being one of my many bridesmaids?”

“Many?”

“It's going to be winter, the dress is almost two hundred years old, and has a train five metres long, which has a quick release but definitely is not quick connect.”

“Wow. I never knew you had an heirloom dress hiding in your cupboard.”

“Nor did I. It's actually been hiding in a relative I didn't know about's cupboard. You'll never guess whose it was originally.”

“Your Dad's side?”

“Yes.”

“Old family that... no! You're not going to wear princess Sarah's dress?”

“How did you guess that so quickly?”

“I did a project about it. Last time it was worn it was by someone who married a jeweller.”

“Actually, it was worn by her daughter a few months ago.”

“I never heard about that!”

“No. It was a small wedding, they didn't want any press there. Her parents got killed in the Clear Sky attack.”

“Oh, the poor thing.”

“She's doing OK now.”

“And you're next?”

“No, actually another cousin I didn't know about. The source in last night's official leak actually.”

“I must re-read that. I didn't realise it was about you!”

“You can if you like. There should be another one coming out soon. But you're allowed to talk to me too, you know!”

“I know, but sometimes reporters can say things you wouldn't ask a friend.”

“Maybe, but you can ask, OK?”

“Thanks, Eliza.”

“About the picture...”

“Yes?”

“I've got a feeling Albert won't want to see me in the dress before the wedding.”

“Fair enough.”

“So, do you think you can paint a picture from photos, or would you prefer to have a sneak preview of me in the dress to base something on? Please bear in mind that it takes about three hours to put on.”

“Urm, yes, it'd be better to see you in the dress with my own eyes, and do some sketches. No problems with helping you put it on.”

“Urmm... Thanks, but I've talked about this with my cousins. There's things about the dress which are a surprise for the groom. We don't want to spoil anyone's fun so we're keeping it in the family.”

“What I don't know I can't tell. I understand. I'm know I'm not good at secrets.”

“It's not just you, Caroline. My cousins will help me put on the dress, you and the others will be very needed, but not with that bit.”

“Who are the others?”

“I'm not fully decided on anyone else. I need two or three more. Probably my old flat mates, but... I'm not convinced they won't embarrass me by getting drunk or something. I suppose I could ask Victoria.”

“Not the best idea.”

“Oh?”

“She's not in her daddy's good books right now. Fred's really upset.”

“What's she done?”

“Started dating some boy from school. Not a Christian.”

“Hmmm. I think I'll talk to her next, then.”

“You will?”

“Yes. Tell her she's not being very sensible.”

“You always did get on well with her, but...”

“Hopefully she'll take it from me. How's your love-life? Is Richard still gathering up the courage to ask you out?”

Caroline laughed. “No. A month ago I decided to pin him down, well, to a wall, actually, and asked him if he was going to ever ask me out or not.”

“And?”

“Well, he hadn't been feeling well, and we'd just been on a long walk, with others you know, except that somehow we'd got separated, which took some arranging, I can tell you. When I asked him, he turned white and fainted.”

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“And?”

“He woke up to find his head on my lap, and me playing with his hair. I've always wanted to. It feels nice.”

“So, you're now officially an item?”

“Yes, we decided that we'd give ourselves a month of really dating, and then decide if we really needed more time to decide.”

“So, you're almost engaged, you mean?”

“Yes, well, we've known each other a long time.”

“OK, he's on the invitation list then.”

“You don't mind?”

“Of course not. Her Majesty has given me a quota of guests I should invite, not a maximum, you understand, but a minimum. I can go to double if I want to argue.”

“Wow.”

“Yes. It's a bit cruel, if you ask me. Lots of people to invite but no one who's going to struggle to look comfortable in formal dress. Richard's always well dressed so he's no problem. By the way, you'll get contacted sometime soon to get measured for your dress. Also from the state wedding budget apparently. You get to keep it, too.”

“Oooh, pretty dress for free?”

“Pretty dress for lots of hard work.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes. I'll let you know what you've let yourself in for, once I know. Carrying the train is apparently the easy bit. Oh, can you waltz?”

“Sort of. Why?”

“There'll be a formal waltz. Albert and I go first, then my bridesmaids and their husbands, fiancés, or someone who's caught their eye join in, then everyone else.”

“I'll have to get practising with Richard then.”

“Yes, please! I'll leave that with you and have a chat to Vic then.”

“I'll pray.”

“Thanks!”

----------------------------------------

“Hi Vic!”

“Eliza! Is that you? What's it feel like to be the crown prince's fiancée?”

“Busy. Very very busy, but it's nice to be able to talk to people at last. How are you?”

“Dad's in a bad mood. You talked to him?”

“Not yet. To Caroline, but I was going to call anyway.”

“Oh, what about?”

“That can wait. Own up!”

“He's called Alfred, and he's nice. OK, he's not a Christian, but he's going to come to church soon.”

“I see. And in the mean time, how many Sundays have you missed?”

“None, yet. Well, no morning meetings.”

“You used to be there every evening.”

“I didn't have anything else to do, then.”

“Yes you did. You told me once that you'd have really liked to stay at home and finish a book, I can't remember which one, but God was more important.”

“Alfred's more important than a book.”

“But not more important than God, Vic. You know that.”

“I know but...”

“But. I remember you telling me that you'd never consider going out with a non-Christian, because it would pull you away from God. What's changed?”

“Alfred's such a nice guy, Eliza. I talk to him about God, and he listens, he pays attention!”

“I'm sure he does. The question is, what are your actions telling him?”

“Pardon?”

“Your words say that God comes first, but your actions say that you like him enough to disobey scripture. That's not going to help either of you, Vic.”

“You sound just like Dad. Are you sure you've not talked to him?”

“I'm sure. Just I've been reading the same book as him. How's your prayer life?”

“Not good.” Victoria admitted.

“Any idea why not? I can guess.”

“You think it's Alfred?”

“Yes.”

“You're wrong. It's because of you.”

“Me? Why?”

“Because you vanished into thin air, you were going to be gone for three days and nothing! I was so worried. I prayed and prayed and prayed, for weeks, about nothing else. And you still didn't come back. And then I heard that you'd been kidnapped and couldn't come back because of what you'd been through, and if God didn't listen to me, why should I pray?”

“Victoria, what do you think happened to me?”

“I don't know. But I can guess. Something horrible.”

“I got tied up, I got rope burn on a couple of occasions. My arms got really sore. I lost a few kilograms. I saw horrible things, but God kept me safe. Nothing bad happened to me. Thank you for praying.”

“Then why didn't you come back?”

“Because the bad guys have nasty friends who have been trying to kill me. You should have been told this, surely.”

“I guess I didn't listen. Nothing happened to you?”

“They didn't even punch me, Vic. It was scary, they were violent people: I saw people losing teeth; but nothing at all happened to me. God kept me safe.”

“So he did answer my prayers?”

“If you prayed that I'd stay safe, yes, He did. If you prayed that I'd escape, yes He did. If you prayed that I'd get closer to Him during my time, yes He did.”

“Wow. That's neat!”

“You prayed those things?”

“Yes. Eliza?”

“Yes?”

“Have you heard about what Bob's been reporting on?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Do you have it?”

“What, the power?”

“Yes. I was just thinking. You never did get hit in dodge-ball, it seemed like you knew when you were being aimed at. And you didn't like holding hands much. Especially boys.”

“Sometimes young people can be so observant. Don't tell anyone, please. Based on what I've heard myself, it's pretty unlikely that your Alfred is really listening to your arguments about God with more than about a quarter of his attention. He might be unique, of course. But just an extra warning.”

“And your Albert?”

“He struggles to keep his thoughts pure, to honour God in our relationship. Your Alfred won't have that motivation. He might want to honour you, but it's not the same. I'm sorry to have to say this, but he's much more likely to be plotting how to stay in your good books, and that if he's persistent enough you'll lower your standards. Even more.”

“Oh. I'm in love with him, Eliza, don't tell me to break up, please.”

“What's the best thing that can happen to him? Eternally speaking?”

“He comes to God, of course.”

“So, keeping that in mind, how can you help him to get there?”

“I tell him I'll break up with him unless he turns to Christ?”

“That's a good way to get him to lie, I expect.”

“So, what do I do?”

“Tell him the truth. You can't serve God and disobey Him at the same time, and that it's cutting you up inside.”

“So I ask him to dump me?”

“Not really. It's asking him to consider putting your needs first. If he really loves you then he'll realise that he's hurting you, and yes, you'll need to agree to separate, and it will hurt, I know, but it's not the same as dumping each other. You'll both understand, for one thing. If he doesn't care about you being hurt, he'll probably try to force you to decide between God and him. I expect that'll hurt too, but better sooner than later.”

“You've never had a boyfriend, how do you know it'll hurt?”

“Albert tried to break off with me when he got told that he was putting me in danger. Wow, that hurt, but I convinced him that I was going to be in just as much danger without him. Not the same with you two, but I've been through it for a few hours, at least.”

“You said there was something else?”

“Yes. You have that conversation with Alfred and I'll tell you.”

“Eliza, that's not fair!”

“I'm using almost every lever I have to get you out of deep trouble, Vic.”

“Almost?”

“I'm not reading your thoughts, am I?”

“No. Well, I suppose you could be if God answered my retrospective prayer for you.”

“What?”

“When I heard about the gift, well, I thought it'd be really neat if God gave that to you too. I was pretty sure you had the power, so I prayed that God would have given it to you to help you escape. It was a silly prayer, I know. That was about the last thing I prayed, actually. It was just so silly! Why was I praying that, when you'd already got back, and God hadn't answered the other prayers. Then I got depressed, and then Alfred asked me out.”

“Thanks for that thought Vic. You know, those thoughts about it being a silly prayer don't sound like they came from God. Much more likely another source entirely.”

“Does that really happen?”

“What, people find themselves thinking thoughts that aren't theirs?”

“Yes.”

“Yes they do. I've spoken to people with the gift. They've seen it: horrible, ugly thoughts in people's minds which come to dominate their thinking, or subtle sneaky thoughts that distort their thinking and just make everything not quite right.”

“Oh. Like the thought that God doesn't answer prayers?”

“Yes, that one, for instance. Distorts all sorts of things, that one. And it's a load of rubbish. He does.”

“Even mine?”

“You list everything you prayed for, and I'll say yes, no or no-comment, how's that?”

“What's the no-comment for?”

“State secrets, for instance. Someone tried to force me to reveal one of those yesterday and is now in prison for it. No way am I promising to tell you the whole truth.”

“Oh. OK. So, I prayed that you wouldn't be hurt.”

“Answered.”

“That you'd stay close to God.”

“Answered.”

“That you'd escape.”

“Answered.”

“That when you had escaped, you'd be able find your way to safety somehow, or even be met by someone you'd trust.”

“How on earth did you get convinced that God didn't answer your prayers? I got met by some UN soldiers, from here, directed to me by someone with the gift.”

“Wow! God's good, isn't he?”

“Very.”

“And the last one?”

“Which one's that?”

“That you'd get the gift.”

“No comment.”

“Because it's a state secret?”

“Because you shouldn't ask people about having the gift. Or if something they're not commenting on is a state secret.”

“I suppose I get a no comment for whether Albert can hear thoughts too, don't I?”

“Of course you do. You prayed that too?”

“That if you did have the power, like I was pretty sure you did, that you'd meet someone else who you could think to too.”

“Are you going to have that talk with Alfred?”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. If God's been answering all my prayers, I really ought to pay him attention too, shouldn't I?”

“Absolutely. Whether you see the answers or not.”

“So I'll phone him right after I've apologised to my parents. I think I'll want some hugs afterwards too.”

“Good plan. So, I'm going to take you at your word. Want to be a bridesmaid?”

“Yours?”

“Yes.”

“Do I! Wow! Me, a royal bridesmaid! Wow. Eliza you're great!”

“Hush, you'll shock your parents.”

“I think I have. Here's mum. Eliza's fine, mum! God answered all my prayers for Eliza. She'd like me to be a bridesmaid! Sorry about taking up with Alfred.”

“Hi Eliza! Good to hear your news. You're sure about Victoria?”

“Yes, I'm sure. As long as you're OK with the idea. You both get invitations too, of course. Please make Fred dress up smartly, or I'll get in trouble. Victoria's going to have a painful chat with Alfred.”

“What about a dress for her?”

“Paid for out of the state wedding budget, apparently. She'll need to get measured sometime soonish, probably at the same time as Caroline. I'll need quite a few bridesmaids since the train is really long.”

“I've seen pictures. It's a stunning dress.”

“Yes, it is, but if there's snow on the ground, or heaven forbid, mud, the train will certainly need carrying.”

“Yes. How long is it?”

“Five metres.”

“You certainly can't keep that out of the mud with just a couple, can you! Happy choosing.”

“Victoria makes number four. Two cousins and Caroline are already signed up. I think I need one or two more.”

“Wasn't Tamula one of your flat-mates?”

“Yes. You don't mean to say she's started turning up on Sundays?”

“Yes. Came along to see if anyone knew what had happened to you, and has been coming ever since.”

“Praise God! She was the one who never wanted to listen.”

“Maybe she was already feeling got at.”

“I guess so. And has she gone along to the seeker's group?”

“No. Not yet, but she'd missed the start by about five meetings.”

“Oh, yes, that could feel awkward. I'll call her next, I guess.”

“Do. I think there's been some tension in your old flat.”

“I can imagine. OK, I'll call her. But I've got to call the university first.”

----------------------------------------

“Hi,Tamula, It's Eliza.”

“Oh, future highness, what did I do to deserve such an honour?”

“Oh, be serious, Tam!”

“I am, sort of. You've been vanished for months, appear out of nowhere next to prince charming, and then phone me. What's he like?”

“Charming, handsome, a bit thoughtless sometimes, needs to learn when not to blurt secrets out at public debates, but his heart's in the right place, you know, behind his ribcage, connected to the right blood vessels.”

“Yes, he did rather blurt, didn't he? I never thought it would be you, though. You were hidden away from prying eyes, or something.”

“An abduction team and some poison were waiting for me at the UN court. I think you're much safer with me not at the flat any more.”

“I'd really hoped you'd come back. The other two got worse.”

“What are they up to now?”

“I don't know. I moved out. It was too hard living with them.”

“Wow, Tam, I had no idea!”

“Well, me going to church probably didn't help things, but you know how they liked to go out to party. The last straw was when I came back home from work one night and found they'd brought the party to the flat, my bedroom lock had been forced and my room was being used as a 'chilling out room'.”

“That's terrible.”

“That's what I thought.”

“But the good news is that it makes a decision easier for me.”

“Oh? What's that?”

“I need another bridesmaid. You game?”

“Sure! What do you mean by another?”

“Four isn't really enough to keep the train out of the mud. Five should be.”

“Do I know the others?”

“Two cousins of mine I only knew about after I'd escaped. They know the dress so they'll help with getting me into it... it's a bit complicated. The other two are Caroline from church and Victoria, pastor's daughter.”

“Oh. I've seen Victoria. I don't think I know Caroline.”

“You've probably seen her, she's the artist who normally has her hair in a bun pinned with a paintbrush and a pencil, just in case inspiration strikes.”

“Oh, that's her name. Anything I should know about being your bridesmaid?”

“Urm... your dress will be made to measure, so you'll be contacted about that. I got the impression that the dress-maker would be measuring you herself.”

“Wow. That doesn't sound cheap.”

“Worry ye not, all costs are met. Apparently there's been money put aside every year since Albert was born for his wedding, since they were pretty sure he'd have one some day.”

“And the dresses are all going to match?”

“Not entirely, from what I understand. Same fabric, same basic design, but some individuality too. You get to keep it, by the way.”

“Is there a catch?”

“Yes. You're going to have to learn how to waltz if you don't know how, keep my five metre long train out of the mud, and pick someone to come with if you want someone you know to take part in the grand waltz with you. Alternatively, you can somehow pick out a suitable bachelor during the sit-down part of the reception and send him a little message.”

“That's going to be interesting.”

“It is. I didn't tell Victoria about that bit. It'd probably hit a sore nerve.”

“Oh, didn't I hear she was going out with someone?”

“Yes. But he's not a Christian, and she is. That's not a good mix.”

“Ah. That's interesting.”

“What is?”

“Well, I did happen to notice that someone I knew a while ago is at your church. When he saw me he looked really excited, and then we got talking, and somewhere along the line his bubble burst and it was 'just good friends, see you around sometime.' You think it might be because I'm not a Christian?”

“It's possible. What's his name?”

“Rodger.”

“With the guitar?”

“Yes.”

“I never knew you knew him!”

“We were at school together. Whenever you talked to me about God and stuff it reminded me of what he used to say.”

“Oh. So, what do you think about God and stuff now?”

“It makes sense, Eliza. You've got your I's dotted and your T's crossed, I'll give you that. But...”

“But?”

“I'm not too sure about the whole miracle thing.”

“You mean like Albert's prayer diaries, and Victoria's prayers for me being answered?”

“Really?”

“Yes. Not to mention the person who arranged for me to be met by soldiers, being able to know where I was just from knowing who my Dad was and that he calls me Liz. There's a whole walking bundle of miracles there.” Eliza said, thinking of all Karen had been through as well as her own escape.

“That's neat too. I get it, you're living breathing evidence for miracles. But... Oh I don't know! I'm out of excuses aren't I? Even the miracles was one, I admit it. But it's a massive decision isn't it? I guess I need to spend a lot of time talking to someone.”

“If you know Rodger, why don't you ask him to?”

“Because.”

“Because what?”

“I'd feel like I was just doing it to get back in his good books.”

“Tamula, are you saying you've got history there?”

“Yes. Well, sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“End of final year party, I was bold and brave and just a little bit drunk and asked him out. He said he'd love to but it wouldn't work out.”

“I see. Not a great deal of history then.”

“Not really.”

“Right. I've decided, you and he both get an invitation to my wedding, it's up to you whether you dance together or not.”

“Eliza!”

“What? I've got to distribute at least fifty tickets, it might as well be to people who know each other.”

“I though you might just be matchmaking.”

“Now why would I think that two of my good friends who have been thinking about each other for the last four years might need a little bit of matchmaking?”

“Pardon?”

“I didn't say that. I'm just going to call him and tell him he's coming, OK? Give me five minutes, then you can start talking to him. Bye!”

“I'll get you for this, you, you friend you!”

“Bye!”

Eliza disconnected, and found Rodger's network I.D. It wasn't hard, since he had just become a pastoral assistant. “Rodger, Eliza here.”

“Hello Eliza, how's life? I've been hearing all sorts of rumours about you.”

“Oh, I'm fine. Very happily engaged.”

“So it's true? You're going to marry prince Albert?”

“Yes. You're going to get an invitation to the wedding by the way.”

“Me? Why?”

“Because I'm expected to invite lots of people I know. I've just asked my old housemate to be a bridesmaid. You never said you knew her!”

“I didn't know she was your housemate. I presume you mean Tamula?”

“Yes. I'm going to give you two, no three pieces of information. As long as you make the right decision I don't mind what you do with it. Number one is that she needs to talk to someone about God. She's close, but still has questions, there's a surprise. Number two is that she thought of talking to you since she knows you from way back, but doesn't want it to seem like she's just trying to get back into your good book, number three is that as my bridesmaid she's going to need someone to waltz with.”

“And number four is that you're matchmaking?”

“No. I've just got too much inside information. She is the one you've been praying for for the last however many years isn't she?”

“Yes, Eliza. You didn't tell her that did you?”

“No. I'll leave you a few more days to do that before I make sure you have.”

“Eliza!”

“Honestly, Rodger, it's probably better if you don't appoint yourself to disciple her. Just make sure someone does. But do start talking, OK?”

“Is that a royal command?”

“No, just friendly advice.”

“Thank you, Eliza.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell anyone else. Well, you know Caroline, I couldn't tell her. This Sunday, we'll be in Restoration, but next Sunday morning we'd like to turn up unannounced, maybe give a testimony. Is that going to be convenient?”

“I'm sure it will be. Actually, we were going to have an external speaker, but he's just cancelled. Would Albert be willing to fill the slot, or you?”

“Oh, I don't know about me, but I'll ask Albert. Does that mean that Fred won't be there?”

“No, he'll be there, just he wasn't going to preach.”

“Is there a set passage?”

“There was going to be a topic, but you can change it I'm sure.”

“What was the topic?”

“Christian suffering.”

“Oh. Well, maybe we can talk about that, I'll talk to Albert.”

“Could you do it soon? Just I've been asked to make sure the slot gets filled by the end of the day.”

“OK. I'll ring you back in a few minutes.”

“Thanks, Eliza.”

----------------------------------------

“Hi, Rodger. You've been a hard man to contact.”

“Hmm, yes well, you did tell me to talk to Tammy.”

“I did. I didn't expect you'd spend the next hour on the phone to her though.”

“Sorry.”

“Don't worry. Can I be nosey?”

“I'm sure you can be. We've agreed that we're interested, but that she needs to work out things with God before I complicate things.”

“That's wise. I've talked to Albert. We're not going to have much time to prepare, but we'll give it a go. We might deviate from the topic a bit.”

“That's fine. How unannounced do you want to be?”

“Totally, if possible. I'm not going to be surprised if there's a camera man or two following us, but that's not the same as having the whole three front rows of church filled with reporters.”

“OK. I'll put you down as mystery speaker.”

“Thank you. You can tell Fred, of course.”

“Good, because he just asked me how I was doing finding a speaker and I said you two would be there and had promised to call me back.”

“That's no problem, but do ask Fred not to tell people, please. Oh, we'll be talking about some of what I went through, and that probably shouldn't be broadcast, because the court case hasn't finished yet. Would that be a big problem?”

“No, we don't get many people watching the live video feed. Would it be OK if we record it anyway, just don't put it on the net? That way we could take the crystal to the ones who normally watch?”

“I think that should be fine. Just make sure there's a great big sub-judice warning on the container.”

“If people know what that means.”

“It means that if you broadcast it then you are going to be held responsible for a major international trial going wrong, and quite possibly a very dangerous and evil man walking free.”

“Gulp.”

“So I'll talk to some people from Security, and maybe they'll arrange to some scanners around, just in case.”

“Will it be suitable for kids?”

“Depends on the age. I didn't suffer much myself, But I saw people being beaten unconscious. And there was a woman who was taken somewhere and screamed for about twenty minutes. I don't know if she got raped or tortured or both. I won't major on it, I probably won't mention her at all, actually, it's too nasty, and I don't want to be nasty.”

“Eliza, Fred and I are going to be asked. What did happen?”

“The letter from my dad was a fake — someone just as nasty as my dad turned out to be wanted me as a lever to use against dad because they didn't think he'd shown the right attitude — I got kidnapped, I got tied up, and I got threatened. The guy who's on trial offered me a choice of being raped and murdered or becoming his sex-slave, well he called it marriage, but it amounted to the same thing, since he promised to murder me if I wasn't nice and submissive. Then, he got arrested for other crimes, the people guarding me got careless and I escaped. I took the car, drove to the city and met a group of our fine soldiers who were there waiting for me.”

“Waiting for you?”

“Someone with the mind-reading gift had found me just before I escaped. Didn't Bob tell you all of this, weeks ago?”

“Some. He said he wasn't sure how much he could say.”

“Oh. Victoria thought something bad had happened to me.”

“I'm not sure where she got that idea.”

“Me neither.”

“But the protection was just a formality until you gave evidence?”

“Not really. Some corrupt guards tried to abduct me at the court, and someone spread poison on my wrist unit, which had been taken from me when I got kidnapped. I'm sure if I'd have been in plain sight then they'd have had a few goes at making sure I wasn't around to testify.”

“And now?”

“Now I've got lots of lovely royal protection officers around to keep me safe. And to tell me that I've been talking too long when I need to be going. I'd better go. Bye.”

“Bye, Eliza. Do rest sometime!”

“I will. Bye!”

Eliza closed the connection. She was so glad that Rodger was talking to Tamula. He'd told her that he'd fallen in love with someone years before, and he was praying that God would save her one day. She hoped it would work out. On the other hand Rodger was heading in the direction of being a pastor, and Eliza really couldn't imagine even a redeemed Tamula as pastor's wife.

“Come on daydreamer!” Bella said.

“Sorry. Just been playing match-maker.”

“You can tell me all about it when we're on the way. In the mean time, get ready!”

“OK. OK! I am ready.”

“Have a look in the mirror.”

“Oh. OK. Urm, I'll tell Albert I'm in disguise.”

“You don't need to look like a dusty hedge. Just get a move on.”

“It's not my fault that plant hadn't been watered in a decade.” Eliza had been moved yet again, this time into a flat not far from the palace. The last occupants had left some plants, cunningly next to a radiator. The leaves were so dry they'd gone brittle. Eliza had taken the plants to the disposal chute, and tried to shake the leaves in. It hadn't quite worked according to plan.

“No. But you didn't need to collect so many of its leaves in your hair either.”

“Unintentional I assure you. Good job I didn't call anyone with video.”

“You're really not going to change?”

“Oh I suppose I should.”

“I think so. After all, you're going straight to the palace afterwards.”

“Am I?”

“That's what my schedule says. Reporting to their Majesties about what you've found out. Then a romantic meal for six.”

“Six?”

“You, Albert, and four agents.”

“Including you?”

“Nope, I'm going to actually have some time off, for once.”

“Fair enough. Have a restful time.”

“I don't know how restful it'll be. I'm going to look up some old friends.”

“Oh well, enjoy yourself then.”

“I'll try.”

“How do I look now?” Eliza asked after she'd finished changing.

“Much more presentable.”

“Good. Shall we go then?”

“Yes, now, what's this about match-making?”

----------------------------------------

Eliza and Albert were ushered into a small office next to the court room.

The desk was haphazardly moved in the middle of the room, and there was still some dust on the floor under the hole that the pipe went through, but the wall around the pipe had been re-plastered and painted. The pipe had almost got painted too, according to the agent, which would have caused problems.

It wasn't quite how Eliza had imagined it, but it made sense. The witness box in the courtroom next door now had a chromed steel bar around the top of it, and that came through the wall into this room and went vertically to the floor. Someone had thought ahead and added a removable section just before it left the courtroom. Bella's final act before going off duty had been to go into the courtroom and touch the pipe.

[Hi, Eliza, Albert. Does this work?]

[It does. Have a good evening off.] Albert said.

Eliza pressed the 'speak' button on the intercom-voice distorter, and added “yes.” There was no need to let on that Bella could hear thoughts.

To reduce the chance of their voices being recognised despite the distorter — some people claimed to be able to do it — the vow that Albert and Eliza made had been re-phrased to be a yes-no question. They both said yes into the voice distorter.

The vow and consent spoke about listening to thoughts, but didn't specify how. They'd found that feedback wasn't inevitable if they were concentrating on something else, so that might be an option, and it was certainly less risky. So they'd decided to both try the pipe.

Eliza had checked earlier that the lawyer had no power himself, otherwise it would have been foolish to use it at all.

Eliza wasn't planning to do a full scan of him, unless there was some sign that he was trying to hide something, like, for example removing his hand from the pipe. As he approached the stand, he was curious about how this little pipe would work. [You really hear my thoughts?]

There was a keyboard as well as audio link, Eliza decided this was a good time to use that system, and typed 'Prisoner thought: You really hear my thoughts? Answer: yes.'

The prisoner took his vows, and questioning began.

The judge started speaking “This is a preparatory hearing with a view to determining the scope of your guilt under official secrets legislation. You required, in front of numerous witnesses that a state secret be revealed, despite being warned that this action was a crime and you would regret it. Do you acknowledge this?”

“I do.” the lawyer for the defence of Ibrahim, now in the dock himself, acknowledged, wishing he'd taken the judge's advice.

“The person you forced to reveal the secret, Eliza Underwood, said that she would reveal it only on the condition that you accepted legal responsibility for her breaking of the law. Do you acknowledge this?”

“I acknowledge that she said such a thing, and at the time I accepted responsibility for my actions, even though I did not understand the legal implications.” Albert and Eliza heard his thoughts of regret for making that undertaking. He could have two sentences to serve, rather than one.

“She further named a condition that you would state the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth concerning the information you were basing your enquiry upon. Do you acknowledge this?”

“I acknowledge that she said that or something close. I did not understand that such a statement would be binding upon me in a court of law, even without me having so agreed, that it would suspend my right to silence, or that it could supersede lawyer-client privilege.”

“But you did not challenge it at the time?”

“It seemed empty of meaning.” Regret filled his mind.

“But you accept now that you implicitly accepted it?”

“Yes.”

“And you now know that you implicitly accepted this suspension of rights in a legal setting, before witnesses and before a royal personage?”

“I do not understand in what way her status is significant here.” Confused, he thought [Isn't everyone equal under law?]

Another voice, presumably the prisoner's defence lawyer at court said: “Our legal systems are different, sir. Those to whom respect is due are judged more harshly. To break a vow to a normal person might make you liable to a civil prosecution, to break a vow to an officer of the court, an officer of the crown, or some other civil servant would be a criminal offence, just as their breaking a promise to you would be. To break oath to a royal personage is a very serious crime, and a royal personage who is found guilty breaking an oath would be removed from their royal position. You should understand that you were asking the prince's fiancée to choose between breaking a law which could have put her in prison for five or more years or annulling her engagement.”

Eliza looked at Albert, in shock. [Really?]

[Didn't Bella tell you? She should have known.]

[No, all she said I was bound by my oath.]

[Don't take oaths lightly, Eliza, or even make a promise. You really really have to keep them. Now, listen, love!]

“I begin to understand her reluctance to answer. This law would have applied even if no one knew she was a royal?” the defendant asked.

“If it were proved that you did not know that she was royal, then it might be said that you had no expectation of her higher trustworthiness. On the other hand, she knew her status when she took her vow. There is no case law in this circumstance.”

“But I had no knowledge of her status when I pressed her to answer either.”

“That is one aspect of this hearing. This hearing will seek to establish what you knew, what you did not know, and what you could have known. If you could have had such knowledge, the crime of knowingly placing a royal personage under duress shall be added to those others you are charged with.”

Albert and Eliza heard [This legal process sounds like a show-trial!] Albert jotted it down — he was chief note-taker.

“Your honour, I understand that ignorance of the law is not a valid defence, but how is it that I can be found guilty of placing a royal person under duress if I only potentially had knowledge that she is one?”

“The charge is hardly a guilty verdict, sir! The charge merely establishes that you have possibly committed a crime, and the trial will decide if the evidence is strong enough to be beyond reasonable doubt.”

“Oh.” [Why did I misunderstand that word? But they expect to prove what I knew beyond reasonable doubt? Maybe the system is not so rigged against me.] “So you use the word charge to mean something that will be tried at court? And the standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt?”

“Yes, of course. This will be a criminal proceeding, after all.”

“Our legal systems are different, as I continue to find out.” [Beyond reasonable doubt! Amazing, what a strange country this is! I thought that had been discarded centuries ago. I wonder who defines reasonable. A jury?]

“Sir, will my trial be before a jury, or a panel of judges?”

“There will be a jury, unless you plead guilty on all counts. Do you have other procedural questions?”

“No, your honour.” [{Amazement} Trial by jury! I had no idea it still happened anywhere.]

“Please detail for us what information you received concerning the young lady, and the source of that information.”

“Firstly, I knew her name, and her relationship with the criminal Roland Underwood. Secondly, my client had told me that he had found out that her father had suggested she might find him to her liking, as well as him being unmarried and heir-presumptive to the presidency. He also told me that the young woman had been attracted to him, as she liked powerful men, and they had engaged in various sexual games. He stated that as she found mock violence stimulating, various violent scenes were enacted for her benefit during her stay, with carefully performed stunts and stunt-actors. Thirdly, I was contacted by a government minister in this country who asked what I knew about the woman. I told him that my client said she had been hoping to marry him. He told me that she had somehow formed a relationship with his prince. I expressed my surprise that such a woman should be allowed near royalty, but that it seemed to fit her personality, as described by my client, to seek such a relationship.”

“Which minister?” Asked the judge.

[I promised the justice minister I wouldn't say who'd told me. Where does that leave me?] “I must answer?”

“You have the option of breaking your oath to a royal personage.”

“I did not know she was a royal personage, but I knew he was a minister. I freely promised him I would not tell who it was. Which vow do I break?”

[Do we report what we heard?] Eliza asked.

[Can't. We vowed we wouldn't, remember? Except of course they sort of reveal that he's guilty of a crime whatever he does, but that's dodgy ground, I think. But we can report that we heard.]

[OK. I'll put that on the screen,] Eliza replied and typed 'Defendant's thoughts identified source, and confirm his dilemma.'

They both heard his chagrin at having thought about the Justice minister.

[If we add that the source has confessed to leaking it,] Eliza thought, [Does that break any vows?]

[Possibly. It probably also identifies us. The prosecution was told that the justice minister confessed to being the source. Let's leave it up to him.] Albert thought.

The prosecutor chose to let silence rule the courtroom for a few more seconds before saying “Let the accused be aware that the justice minister has confessed to leaking that information to you, and let him also remember that he has sworn to this court to tell the whole truth. Is there a second minister involved?”

“No. There is not.” answered the prisoner. Quite relieved, Eliza noticed.

“Then let the record state that the minister for justice is the defendant's source.” the judge stated.

The prosecutor said “What you stated that you had passed on to the

minister, is that exactly what you said?”

“I summarised, sir. I do not remember exactly. I believe when talking about her character I used the term serial seductress, and I also spoke about my client's totally different explanation for what she saw.”

The defence lawyer said “Did the minister inform you that this was a state secret?”

“No, he did not.”

“But he told you that he didn't want to be known as the source?”

“He told me that he'd get in trouble if he was found to be the source. He didn't say what sort of trouble.”

“So you presumed that was secret in some form?”

“Yes.”

“But you were not aware that it was at all a secret protected by law?”

“Objection, your honour, leading questions!” the prosecutor said.

“Sustained.”

The defence lawyer tried again “What sort of trouble did you expect for the minister?”

“I assumed that the minister might be officially reprimanded, even asked to resign from his position.”

“So you knew that this was a secret considered to be a personal matter by the royal family, but did not recognise that such are protected under law?”

“I did not.”

“What do you understand by the term 'state secret?'” the defence lawyer asked.

“A government secret, information that is classified as such by the government.”

“It seems, then, that you are not aware of nuances of our legal terminology.” The judge said. “You have described an official secret. We have laws protecting privacy in this country: it is a civil offence to make known another's family secret without a strong case that revealing it is in the public interest. A state secret is a secret that relates directly to a member of the royal family.”

“So, when the young lady stated yesterday that I was asking about a state secret, she was admitting that she and the prince were in a relationship?”

The prosecutor answered this. “In the most general sense, a relationship existed. She was saying that she had a secret context in which she knew the prince. She had some secret reason for having access to some member of the royal family or to the palace, and in that context she had met the prince in at least one occasion. You knew of such a context — that a romantic relationship existed, and you knew it was secret. Thus you knew all that was necessary to know it was a state secret, though you were ignorant of that aspect of law. What was your purpose in requiring the secret to be disclosed?”

“I considered what the minister had told me as no more than gossip. It was my duty to establish what the uncontested facts were, to cast doubt upon her character as was appropriate prior to confronting her with the accusation of my client and to expose her story as being the tissue of lies that I believed it to be at the time. It seemed to me that she was too calm for someone unjustly accused, and that she was presenting herself as an innocent victim merely as a consummate actress, which would be expected from a child of such a father who was also able to be very convincing until recently.”

“You speak of her father. Do you know him?”

“No. I do not. I read of his trial recently. My client told me that he had approached him as a respectable business-man.”

“I see. Are you aware of any other court-cases where your client and Roland Underwood have been linked?”

“No.”

“Is it your duty to be aware of such things?”

“No. It is in fact my duty to not seek out such cases so that I may represent my client without bias.”

“But it is your role to seek out any evidence that could discredit a hostile witness?”

“Yes.”

“Have you found any evidence supporting your client's claims?”

“No. I have not.”

“Have you found any evidence questioning your client's claims?”

“Medical evidence was presented yesterday which casts considerable doubt on some aspects of them.”

“Who did you tell that you would be examining Eliza Underwood yesterday?”

“I told my client on Saturday it would be happening soon. I did not give an exact date or time. I spoke to him before the minister spoke to me, I did not speak to him afterwards.”

“Who did you tell that Miss Underwood's wrist unit had been recovered?”

“No one. I did tell my client some weeks ago that a wrist unit had been found in the hallway of the house. I did not know or suspect that it might be Miss Underwood's.”

“Did he say anything about it?”

“He suggested that maybe one of the staff had left it there.”

“When did you become aware of the royal status of Eliza Underwood?”

“Only when the female agent listed crimes against a royal personage, and I realised that she could not be referring to the prince. This was another source of confusion to me.”

“But your country is also a monarchy. Are royal fiancées not counted as royal personages?”

“No. Only once the marriage has occurred.”

“But they are protected by royal protection officers, are they not?”

“Yes. But this is an anomaly.”

“We do not have that anomaly. The engagement signifies the point of transition, as such a promise is not broken lightly.”

[Albert, what would happen to you if you decided to break off our engagement?]

[Depends on the circumstances. If it was just because I decided that I'd found someone else and you pressed charges, then I'd be looking for a new job, I guess.]

[I hope you're not looking for anyone else then.]

[Likewise. You'd be in trouble too, by the way, if you were to break it off.]

[I'm glad we're not looking for anyone else. But concentrate on the court, I feel feedback starting.]

“Nevertheless, ignorance of the law does not constitute a defence.” the prosecution was saying.

[What did the prisoner say?] Albert asked.

[Nothing. Defence said that it was clear that the prisoner didn't know anything about me being a royal personage, especially since he didn't know there was such a class of people under law.]

[Oh.]

“Your honour, clearly the defendant is well versed in the laws of his own country and those governing the international court. It is also clear that he knows less about our laws than we would expect a child to understand. It would strike me as a travesty of justice to add a charge of placing a royal person under duress when he did not even realise that she was one once he had heard that she was engaged.”

“When did that happen?” the prosecutor asked.

“When did she say she was engaged?” the prisoner asked.

“No, when did you first hear or come to be aware that she was engaged, and what led you to conclude that she might be?”

“I did not hear that she was or might be engaged until she said so with her own mouth.”

“The minister did not say?”

“The minister said that the prince seemed to be falling in love with her, not that he was engaged to her. Their speedy engagement makes me think that she has had more success with her plans than with Ibrahim.”

“You do not consider her an innocent victim then?”

“I think the truth must be between her account and his. I do not know. She has too quickly gained too much influence over the prince. I wish him well, but I think he invites a snake into his life.”

The judge said, “The young woman you name a snake accepted your half-hearted apology yesterday, and it is her forgiveness that brought the possibility for a royal pardon.”

“She has stated to me that she wishes to see my client punished. I am not surprised that she asked for this. All this tells me is that she told me the truth yesterday when she said that she does not want anything to put his trial at risk.”

“But you do not accept that everything she said was the truth?” asked the prosecution. “If she lied under oath then she cannot remain a royal personage. Do you believe that she would gamble her future, and what she has worked hard for, according to your interpretation, just for the purpose of revenge?”

[I hadn't thought that bit through. But it doesn't add up!] “I do not know. I cannot explain what I have seen otherwise without giving credence to this story of answered prayer.” [And I won't do that!]

“Ah. So you have some objections to the religious convictions of Miss Underwood and the Prince? And for this reason you consider her and the prince himself lacking in honesty?”

[This is getting me into more trouble.]

The defence lawyer spoke up “Objection your honour, this is moving from the facts to the attitude of the defendant to religious matters.”

“Your honour, I am seeking to ascertain if the accused has any true motive for his antagonistic stance against Miss Underwood, or if everything stems from his anti-religions prejudice.”

“I do not believe in any prediction of the future. This means that the so-called prayer diaries cannot be valid.”

“The government of this country does not agree with you sir. But would you accept that to people who do accept such predictions are possible, what I assume you would call a series of coincidences could be interpreted as a prediction?”

[That is of course a stupidity, but not all people are as intelligent as I am.]

“I suppose it is plausible.”

“And if someone were thus convinced, would that not equally permit such a rapid development of mutual attraction as you ascribe to careful plotting on the part of one person?”

“I suppose that it could, yes. But my objection to Miss Underwood's calm testimony remains.”

“You do not feel able to accept any other hypothesis?”

[Like what? There was a purple bunny holding her hand?] “I cannot think of any that would explain her attitude.”

“Perhaps you might consider that the counselling sessions she has been through over the last months have helped her come to terms with what she witnessed and she no longer has nightmares about them?” Suggested the prosecution, “Or that she is confident that her God is with her and truth will prevail? But is the real reason that you have a prejudiced view against her because of your client, and that you are seeking to fit every piece of evidence into the framework he has provided, no matter how unlikely it is?”

“That is indeed my duty.”

“Then why do you not preface your every statement 'It is my duty to act as though brainwashed. My client wishes me to believe the sky is green and the grass is blue, and he says she lies'?”

“Objection your honour!”

“Sustained.”

[Am I brainwashed? No! It is my duty to the court to represent my client, not to judge him. But he should not have lied about her.]

The prosecutor declared “No further questions, your honour.”

The defence stated “I would like to make a concluding statement, your honour; under the laws of the UN court, the lawyer's duty is to his client. My client should not be replaced as his client's lawyer merely for performing his duty.”

The judge said “Then unless there are any statements from next door, I state this hearing is at an end.”

[Do we state to your father or to the court that we heard no evidence of perjury or other crimes?]

[Both, I think.]

[OK. I'll type that.]

'Conclusion from next door: the thoughts of the accused show no evidence of perjury or other crimes beyond those under consideration.'

[I'd really like to add 'only overwhelming arrogance', but I guess that's beyond what we swore, isn't it?]

[Yes, Eliza{love}.]

[{LOVE} Oops. Feedback!]

Eliza hid her thoughts, but was pleased to accept a kiss from Albert.

“We need to go and report to your father, don't we?” she asked.

“Not yet. We've got a date to go on.”

“And date comes first, before civic duty?”

“It is my civic duty to get to know you, my love. Father won't want to see our report until tomorrow morning anyway.”

“You're sure?”

“Yes. He said so.”

“Oh, that's nice. So... Bella said something about a romantic meal for six.”

“Very poetic. Actually a romantic meal for two, and a meal in a nice restaurant for four alert agents. Shall we go?”

“I see, that sounds better. Yes, let's.” As they left the office and met the agents who'd accompany them, Eliza asked [How do our finances work, Albert? I mean, it's all very nice that I'm not paying rent, but what about shopping for food, meals out, that sort of thing? If we had a longer engagement, should I be going out and looking for a job?]

[You have a job, Eliza, didn't you notice? You're learning the ropes at the moment, but you've signed up for a lifetime of public functions, public appearances, behind the scenes planning and investigations, cross-checking, problem-solving and pastoral support for confused ministers. You'll receive a salary too. I called it an allowance last time, but got told off by my father.]

[Oh.]

[But we don't get paid overtime, I'm afraid.]

[And is our salary something I would have learned in civics class if we'd actually had any lessons?]

[Not exact numbers, no.]

[But?]

[I can't remember. Sorry. I know that cabinet ministers get more than I do, but they're not normally in their posts for more than a decade or so . When we're married then I think we get the same; I'm not sure about what happens now. I expect that we're well below the income of, say top end business-men, but we have a fairly secure position, and we don't pay for our housing, either.]

Albert decided it was a bit suspicious that they weren't touching or talking - the guards knew that they had the power, but not that Eliza had the gift. “Oh, by the way, we were talking about clothes earlier? Clothes for official events are provided, but not clothes for lounging around in or gardening or that sort of thing.”

“So, I have to keep two closets, one for official stuff and another for personal?”

“I do. You'll probably have designers falling over each other in the rush to get you to be a walking advertisement for them. Those would be provided by them for free, in exchange for them being allowed to advertise with your image. Be very careful what you say to them. We can't systematically favour one designer over another, but you're certainly allowed to reject ones you don't think are suitable, and to have a preferred style, colours and so on. For the moment you should refer them to the keeper of the royal wardrobe. She knows all about their little ploys.”

“Who wears that title?”

“She's called Mirabelle, lovely lady about sixty years old. Certainly knows her stuff. She'll talk to you about what you should wear when, in fact I'm in trouble with her for not introducing you yet. She approved of your dress for the announcement, though, so I'm not in deep deep trouble yet.”

“But I should have talked to her about what I'm wearing for our meal?”

“If I'd warned you on time, yes. There might be camera-men around.”

“Occupational hazard, it seems.”

“Yes.”

“So does us going on a date fall under the official event category, or not?”

“Good question. Quite possibly depends on what we're doing.”

“And if I continue my practice of getting almost all my clothes from one discount supplier?”

“Oooh, big no-no, I'm afraid. That'd get the others all upset. And major chains are probably out too. Talk to Mirabelle.”

“So for instance, I'm now wearing an off-the-peg skirt, an off-the-peg blouse which I bought from the same high street shop two or three years ago, probably during an end-of-season sale, and a cardigan which might have been from another shop, four years ago.”

“They'll cry.” Albert said with a grin.

“Should I talk to Mirabelle before we go anywhere?”

“No, I don't think so. You're not expected to be a leading setter of fashion yet.”

“That's all right then. Do I need to be, ever?”

“I'm not sure. Another discussion to have with Mirabelle, include Mummy too, if you don't mind.”

“Not at all.” They'd got to the door they were going to use, Eliza paused. “Next question: do we have a reason to be here if there are journalists outside?”

“Tying up some loose ends after your statements?” Albert suggested.

“And what does Ibrahim's lawyer make of that?”

“Hopefully nothing much. I'm not sure.”

“Wait a moment, then.” Eliza checked for assassins and then for journalists or cameramen. There were two dots, coming the way they'd come. “On the other hand, let's not.”

“Trouble?” Albert asked, concerned.

“Not if the vehicle's ready and waiting.”

“It is, Maam.” Nigel, the royal protection agent who was assigned to Albert said, and ushered them through the door.

Once they were in the vehicle, Nigel asked “Was there a problem, maam?”

“Approaching journalist and cameraman, I guess, or two journalists.”

“You recognised someone, Maam?”

“No, Nigel.” Eliza sighed. “I just spotted that they were coming.”

“I don't understand, Maam.”

“Nigel,” Albert said, “you have accidentally become a witness to what is probably a class epsilon state secret. I haven't talked to my father about what class it is, you understand, but it's probably epsilon.”

“I wasn't aware there was anything beyond delta, sir.”

“Yes. Well, there's quite a lot of people who know that I have what people call the power, aren't there? And that's delta.”

“Yes, sir.”

Albert asked “How many people know your little secret, Eliza?”

“Hmm, apart from God, other spiritual beings, me, and any people he's allowed to know, you mean?”

“Yes.”

“Well, let me think.” She counted them off on her fingers.

[There's Maria, Pris and Bella in security, Bob, Tony and Teresa, oh and Pete, at the Institute, then you and your parents.]

“According to my count it's ten, Nigel, including Albert and his parents,” Eliza said.

“I think we need to add Nigel to that list. He's assigned to me like Bella is to you, so he'll be working beside Bella quite a lot, I expect.”

“Gulp.” Nigel said. “I don't know if I want to have a need to know that. 'Those God has allowed know' means the fifty-six gifted, if they cared to find out?”

“Yes. So the total lies between ten and sixty five, depending how you count. Well, eleven and sixty six, since you're on the list now.” Eliza said.

“And, urm, you don't mean eleven and sixty seven, do you?” Nigel asked, just checking that he'd understood the implication of that number.

“I don't. No. I can't exclude myself and include myself at the same time, can I? Fifty five other than me, unless I've missed out on some news.”

“So, Nigel, you really should trust Eliza if she says there's trouble.”

“Urm. Wow. You sure it's only epsilon, your Highness?” turning to Eliza, he asked “Maam, I presume I trust you if you say the coast is clear, too?”

“That's harder.” Eliza said. “It's easy for me to look for assassins, but that wouldn't show me kidnappers, and I don't think it would show me people who weren't planning to kill one of us themselves, just say, distract us while their accomplice fits a bomb that a third person is going to set off.”

“I think I understand. But you could find people about to attack you?”

“It's too broad a category. It would include anyone from egg-throwers to people who plan on writing a nasty article about my lack of dress-sense,” Eliza pointed out, “I think you guys can deal with the first category, and we just ignore the second, don't you think?”

“Criminals?”

“We were outside a court, remember, Nigel.” Albert pointed out.

“And not only does the problem of innocent until they've done it apply, but there's also the question of which classes of criminal we need to alter our plans for,” Eliza pointed out. “I'm sure we don't need to run the other way because there's someone who tried an illegal narcotic ten years ago, but that'd still be a criminal.”

“OK, I understand. It doesn't work.”

“It works well at finding people, not at avoiding people.”

“What if you looked for people you don't want to see us?” Albert asked.

“I think that's got be too woolly,” Eliza said, “I mean, if sometimes I don't want to see an old acquaintance, or if I want a friend who can be a bit of a chatterbox to show up or not, then how do I look for them? Or what about when we just want some privacy? I'm not going to use my gift to help us hide from Security agents. It's too trivial.”

“But you used it to avoid press people?” Nigel asked.

“Yes. It struck me that a member of the press meeting us leaving that hearing would have led to our power or even my gift being revealed. That wouldn't be trivial.”

“OK. Got it. Do I gather that Bella knows this?”

“Yes. So do Maria, Pris, their Majesties, and other people on the committee.”

“Which committee?” Nigel asked, temporarily at a loss.

“The committee for major threat assessment.” Albert supplied.

“Oh. Of course. I was off duty that day.”

“I can't remember where you were. It was a holiday wasn't it?”

“Sort of. My brother wanted to have a long weekend mountain climbing before the snow got too bad up there, and asked me to look after his dog while he was dangling from his fingertips on icy rock-faces. The dog and I much prefer to keep our feet on the ground, so I did a lot of walking in lovely scenery while my brother tried not to fall off it.”

“Do many people go mountain climbing in November?” Albert asked.

“No, only nutters like my little brother.”

“I take it he doesn't have any family?” Eliza said.

“No, just the dog. Bit of a shy guy, my brother. He says that he's asked God to point out to him the right woman, and until then he's happy to look after Fido. That's really the dog's name by the way.”

“What sort of dog is it?” Eliza asked.

“Great big slobbery yellowish thing with long hair. I really should know. Some sort of retriever, but I'm sure there's not a yellow retriever.”

“Golden?” suggested Albert.

“That's it!”

“They look like teddy-bears when they're little,” Eliza said. “Very cute. A friend had one.”

“Not so cute when it's just jumped into a mountain stream in November for the shear joy of picking up a stone and getting wet at the same time.”

“Weren't there any stones beside the bank?” Albert asked.

“They weren't wet enough, apparently. According to my brother, Fido's never happier than when he's carrying something or jumping into a stream. Both at once is just pure ecstasy. Except for the person he then showers with icy water of course.

“What's your brother do?” Albert asked.

“Oh, he's in Security, too, on the analysis side of things.”

Albert looked at Eliza, who shrugged. [OK, so he climbs mountains in November, but he won't have been doing that alone, surely?]

“Nigel, were there other climbers with your brother?” Albert asked.

“Yes, there was a group of them. Two women, three men, all from analysis. Plus Fido and me. I guess it keeps them fit, or something.”

“Or gives them a dose of adrenaline?” Eliza asked.

“Maybe. Anyway, here we are.”

Eliza checked. No assassins nearby. She didn't need to look for reporters; there was one there, waiting with his camera aimed and ready.

“Just how did he find out?” Albert asked.

“I think you'll just have to ask him if you want to know,” Eliza answered.

“I think I will.”

After they'd put on their best smiles, Albert helped Eliza out of the vehicle (an act which was only necessary in the romantic sense), and asked the reporter, “How did you manage to be waiting here?”

“Coincidence, sir. I was coming home — I live just across the street, when I saw a couple of guys from Security nonchalantly doing what looked like it might just be a perimeter sweep. I decided that I'd stay, just in case. My wife and I ate here last month for our wedding anniversary, the food's excellent. Have a very enjoyable evening.”

“Thank you, we plan to. Ten out of ten for observation.”

“Any chance of some more shots?”

“Oh I think that could be arranged, what do you think, Eliza?”

“Depends how fast he is with his camera.” she said, giving Albert a quick kiss.

“Not that quick, Maam, sorry.”

“Oh well. You missed that chance. Are you freelance?” Eliza asked.

“Yes, Maam.”

“Then, perhaps we can be kind to him and his wife, can't we, Albert?”

“As long as he leaves us in peace for the rest of the evening.” Albert replied.

“Of course, Sir, Maam.”

“Then we can share some happiness, I'm sure.”

They posed for a few photographs, and then a few more, said goodbye, gave him a bonus photo of a kiss, and went into the restaurant. They were ushered to a secluded table towards the back. The reporter was right; the food was excellent.

As for the photographs he'd taken, the usage rights were snapped up quickly by different news channels, one after another.

Some he offered non-exclusively, for those prepared to share, but he knew that the kiss was worth a lot, especially as an exclusive picture. He was right. After the auction was over, he called his wife, who was still on her way home from work, and told her his news: They'd be able to have a holiday next year, after all, and that was after paying off the mortgage.

“What have you done, struck gold in your allotment?”

“No, I came across a happy couple going into the restaurant opposite. They didn't mind me taking some photos, posed for some more and even kissed on-camera.”

“I take it they were celebrities? Anyone I've heard of? And you've sold rights already, or are you counting your chickens before they've hatched?”

“You've heard of them, dear. Pictures sold already. Every single one, some as stock, some as exclusive. Nothing less than ten times my base rate, either. No one even quibbled. Now, you've got to guess who.”

“You're not giving me any hints at all?”

“None, except they're engaged, and no one's had a good picture of them kissing yet.”

“So we really can go on holiday?”

“And pay off the mortgage too.”

“I thought you were joking! Who on earth was it, Prince Albert and that poor girl with Underwood for a father?”

“She's called Eliza, dear. Yes, it was.”

“Really?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Maybe you should have asked for more then.”

“Don't be greedy, just get home and look at the numbers. The stock photos are still selling.”

“I take it you don't want left-overs tonight?”

“I'm happy with leftovers. I think I'm going to be busy selling photos, so I don't think we can go out to celebrate. Maybe tomorrow though.”

“You're not going to hang around for more pictures?”

“No, I promised I wouldn't.”

“You talked to them too, how did they seem?”

“Relaxed, happy, and clearly in love. A bit surprised I was waiting for them as they got out of the car, but happy to be photographed together. Their security guys were a bit nervous, of course.”

“How were you waiting for them?”

“I'd spotted a couple of people from Security looking around, all nonchalant.”

“And you asked them?”

“Of course not. I just got my camera ready. You know that spare power pack?”

“The one that cost a fortune and you almost never use?”

“Yes. I needed it.

“Well worth the investment, then.”

“Glad you agree.”

“Did they tell you how they ended up there?”

“Recommendation from someone, apparently.”

“Oh well, that's not much of a lead.”

“Plus, according to her, it had the right number of stars, was the right size and meals were affordable, at least for their first real date.”

“So, you're checking to find other places with the same qualities?”

“I'm checking, I'm checking, don't worry. But since she mentioned their first date, I'm going down a notch on price. Oh, I tried to be careful to frame the shots so the restaurant name isn't in them, so I'm hopefully ahead of the game there, too.”

“Good thinking. I'll be home soon.”

----------------------------------------

Eliza pushed back her bowl. “I hope you're not planning on us going out to eat every night. It was all too nice and I'll get fat.”

“Well, we could do something else. Any ideas?”

“What about a romantic stroll beside the river?”

“With a few hundred photographers?”

“The one this evening was polite.”

“He was on his own.” Albert pointed out, “and he's probably making quite a lot of money from those pictures. You know, our first date, and so on...”

“Good. His camera was good but I noticed that his clothes were getting old, and his shoes were repaired. My guess is that he's not had so many wonderfully paying photography opportunities recently.”

“Or he's not very good.” Albert counter-suggested.

“As a total amateur at the being photographed business, I think he did well at encouraging us to let him take more photos.”

“I agree. So, hopefully some of them are good.”

“We could check.”

“What, see if his photos are on every news channel yet?”

“Yes.”

“I don't normally. But I guess we could.”

“It's probably not a good idea. Shall we leave?”