Page 16 of Trained Royal

“Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

Patrick led the way to the lift, putting his thumbprint on the sensor, then stepping aside so Kieren could do the same. The doors opened immediately, and they entered. The ride, as always, was smooth and quick, barely taking more than a few seconds to rise to the reception area. Patrick didn’t have time to explain anything to Kieren before the doors opened into the club foyer.

“Clarice! How are you today?”

“Good evening, Prince Patrick. I’m very well, thank you.” Her gaze flicked to Kieren. “Mr Young, nice to meet you.”

Patrick chuckled at Kieren’s raised eyebrows. “Clarice knows everything and everyone. Just because you haven’t been here before doesn’t mean she doesn’t know everything there is to know about you. She’s our gem and one we hope never to lose.” He paused. “Although we would love for her to lose the titles when she speaks to us.”

Clarice smiled and ducked her head. “Now, now, Your Highness. Don’t make me blush.” Patrick laughed. “Let’s get Mr Young set up for the club, shall we?”

It was a rhetorical question, and while she did her magic on the computer, Patrick glanced at Kieren, who was looking around but whose posture screamed, “Get me out of here!”

Patrick studied their surroundings, trying to see it as if he’d never been there before. The dark wooden floors and furniture and emerald-green walls with various shades of cream accents gave the area an earthy feel, along with appearing smaller than if the decoration was lighter. The sconces on the walls helped, as did the spotlights in the ceiling, but why the designer went for such dark colours, Patrick would never know.

“Okay, Mr Young. If I could get you to read through this NDA agreement and sign at the bottom if you agree, then we can finish setting up your access.” She handed Kieren a form on a clipboard and a pen.

As Kieren went through it, Patrick asked, “Clarice, who’s around tonight?”

“The Monitors tonight are Princesses Lottie and Elizabeth, Princex Alice and Princes Albert and John.”

“John?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Prince John is in Monitor training, but because of the external event tonight, he has taken a shift in the main area.”

John was his younger cousin, barely twenty-one, but he seemed a nice enough guy, although he would reserve judgement with whom his parents were close to—Christian’s parents. The ones who were working alongside Aunt Charlotte and her nefarious plans.

He stared at Clarice, who gave a slight nod. “He’s being observed,” she added softly.

“Anyone else around I should know about?”

Clarice inhaled. “Princes Charles and Arthur are inside.”

Patrick sighed. “Wonderful.” He smiled at Clarice. “Thanks for letting me know.”

Kieren held out the clipboard. “I think I’m done.”

“Any questions, Mr Young?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Okay, then.” Clarice clicked a few things on the computer. “Can you put your thumb on the sensor, please?” She pointed to the black square next to the screen, and Kieren followed her instructions until he was all done. “There we go. You should have access to the changing rooms and the main club doors.”

“Can you add him to the Monitors’ changing room and my locker, please?”

Clarice raised her eyebrows, hesitating. “I…can.”

Her pause was brief but understandable. The only people who had access to the Monitors’ changing rooms were the Monitors themselves and their partners. Kieren didn’t come under any of those, but Patrick wanted him close, away from prying eyes, and this was the best way to do it.

“Done, Your Highness. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, that’s great. Thanks, Clarice. I’ll see you later.”

“Have a good evening, gentlemen.”

Patrick led Kieren over to the changing room door. “Try your thumbprint to make sure it works.”