Royal Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page A

snapped.
    â€œThat may be true, but the important issue is our safety. Isn’t that correct, Albert?”
    â€œI hardly think that this is a breach of security,” the Princess argued. “There are only four people who know we’re here, and two of them are coming with us.”
    â€œAnd two are not,” her brother observed. “You know what they say, a secret isn’t a secret once two people know about it.”
    â€œI am most positive we can trust our hosts not to betray our confidence,” she said.
    My father shrugged. “I won’t be telling anybody.”
    Everybody looked at my grandmother. “I’ll be telling everybody!” There was a gasp of disbelief. “Of course, that won’t happen until after you’re all through with your trip. Then I’ll be telling everybody for the rest of my days that I met the future King of England and his sister, a beautiful princess!”
    â€œA decision has to be reached,” Albert said.
    â€œA decision was reached,” Princess Victoria said. “And that decision was that we should go on a canoe trip. That’s what our father wants.”
    â€œI think we should go back to Edmonton,” her brother said doggedly.
    â€œAre you concerned about the security?” Albert asked in a serious tone.
    â€œNo, I heard about this amusement park that’s right inside a mall. That would be so cool!”
    â€œIf Father had wanted us to go to an amusement park he would have sent us to an amusement park!” she countered. “We are here to go canoeing and that is exactly what we are going to—”
    â€œBoth of you be quiet!” Albert snapped.
    Everybody—not just the two royals—stopped and stared at him.
    â€œWhat I mean,” he began, “is that it is within my authority to make this decision.”
    â€œCould we not just call our father?” Princess Victoria pleaded. “I know he would want us to continue.”
    Albert shook his head. “There are no land lines from here, and radio transmissions are not secure. For better or worse, the decision is mine to make.”
    â€œBut surely, since it’s about us, we need to have input into that decision, and—”
    â€œYou have had input,” he said, cutting her off. I didn’t know you were allowed to cut off a Princess. “I have been your father’s security chief for over three years, and in that time he has never, I repeat never, questioned my decisions. I know that even if he were standing right here beside us at this very moment, he would agree with whatever decision I make.”
    Albert’s little speech made it quite clear that there wasn’t going to be any more discussion from anybody— apparently including Nigel, who I assumed had to be under his command.
    â€œNow, I need to talk to the persons who will be remaining behind,” Albert said.
    â€œI’ve got to get to Cross Lake,” my father said, “so this better not take long.”
    â€œIt will be brief.”
    â€œCan I fix us all a little snack, or a cup of tea?” my grandmother asked. “Wouldn’t everybody love a cup of tea? I have Earl Grey, isn’t that what your grandmother the Queen Mother likes?”
    â€œThat’s one of her favourites,” the Princess answered.
    â€œThank you, but that won’t be necessary at this time,” Albert said. He turned and faced the two royal kids. “I’ll ask the two of you go elsewhere while we conduct the interviews.”
    â€œI can take them down to the canoes, or show them around the village,” Ray offered.
    â€œNo!” Nigel snapped, suddenly rising to his feet as though he was ready to defend them from Ray.“I mean … that would not be wise, to allow them to be exposed to further discovery.”
    â€œI could take them to my room,” I suggested.
    â€œIs it part of this building?” Albert