"A wise choice," the king agreed with a slight nod. "Captain Thorne has spoken highly of Dixon's progress. It will serve the dual purpose of impressing our guests while allowing us to evaluate his readiness for the wedding assignment."
Elizabeth felt a small flutter of satisfaction at her father's approval. These small victories, having her suggestions accepted without modification, were rare enough to savour, though she kept her expression carefully neutral. Years of training had taught her that visible emotion, even pride, could become a vulnerability in the complex game of court politics.
Buck watched the exchange with growing curiosity. The mention of a personal bodyguard for the wedding reminded him how different Elizabeth's reality was from his own. At Thunder Peak, protection came
