The grieving king and th.., p.1
The Grieving King and the Emissary, page 1
The Grieving King and the Emissary
SWEET ROYAL ROMANCE SUSPENSE
BOOK NINE
CAMI CHECKETTS
Copyright
The Grieving King and the Emissary: Sweet Royal Romance Suspense #9
Copyright © 2023 by Cami Checketts
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Editing: Daniel Coleman and Ceara Nobles
Cover Art: Novak Illustrations
Contents
Also by Cami Checketts
Free Book
Books and Characters of Augustine
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
The Royal Captain and the Designer
About the Author
Also by Cami Checketts
Christmas in Augustine
The Royal Captain and the Designer
The Royal Guard and the Royal Stylist
The Impulsive Princess and the Soldier
Sweet Royal Romance Suspense
The General Prince and the Nerd
The Brave Prince and the Teacher
The Doctor Prince and the Outsider
The Ninja Prince and the Investigator
The Charming Prince and the Single Mum
The Crown Prince and the Traitor
The Police Chief and the Musician
The Royal Major and the Executive
The Grieving King and the Emissary
Billionaire Protection Romances
Matchmaking the Singer and the Warrior
Matchmaking the Duchess and the Commander
Matchmaking the Entertainer and the Firefighter
Matchmaking the Model and the Beast
Matchmaking the Spy and the Heiress
Matchmaking the Bodyguard and the Philanthropist
Summit Valley Christmas Romance
His Perfect Match for Christmas
His Ski Resort Overrun for Christmas
His Cabin Invaded for Christmas
His Unexpected Wedding for Christmas
Delta Family Romances
Deceived
Abandoned
Committed
Betrayed
Devoted
Compromised
Endangered
Accepted
Returned
Devastated
Famous Friends Romances
Loving the Firefighter
Loving the Athlete
Loving the Rancher
Loving the Coach
Loving the Contractor
Loving the Sheriff
Loving the Entertainer
The Hidden Kingdom Romances
Royal Secrets
Royal Security
Royal Doctor
Royal Mistake
Royal Courage
Royal Pilot
Royal Imposter
Royal Baby
Royal Battle
Royal Fake Fiancé
Secret Valley Romance
Sister Pact
Marriage Pact
Christmas Pact
Survive the Romance
Romancing the Treasure
Romancing the Escape
Romancing the Boat
Romancing the Mountain
Romancing the Castle
Romancing the Extreme Adventure
Romancing the Island
Romancing the River
Romancing the Spartan Race
Mystical Lake Resort Romance
Only Her Undercover Spy
Only Her Cowboy
Only Her Best Friend
Only Her Blue-Collar Billionaire
Only Her Injured Stuntman
Only Her Amnesiac Fake Fiancé
Only Her Hockey Legend
Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter
Only Her Christmas Miracle
Jewel Family Romance
Do Marry Your Billionaire Boss
Do Trust Your Special Ops Bodyguard
Do Date Your Handsome Rival
Do Rely on Your Protector
Do Kiss the Superstar
Do Tease the Charming Billionaire
Do Claim the Tempting Athlete
Do Depend on Your Keeper
Strong Family Romance
Don’t Date Your Brother’s Best Friend
Her Loyal Protector
Don’t Fall for a Fugitive
Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance
Don’t Ditch a Detective
Don’t Miss the Moment
Don’t Love an Army Ranger
Don’t Chase a Player
Don’t Abandon the Superstar
Steele Family Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Extreme Devotion
Quinn Romance Adventures
Devoted & Deserted
Conflicted & Famous
Gentle & Broken
Rugged & At-Risk
Too-Perfect & Stranded
Rejected & Hidden
Running Romcom
Running for Love
Taken from Love
Saved by Love
Cami’s Collections
Billionaire Protection Romances Collection
Summit Valley Christmas Collection
Delta Family Romance Collection
Famous Friends Romance Collection
Secret Valley Romance Collection
Hidden Kingdom Romance Collection
Survive the Romance Collection
Mystical Lake Resort Romance Collection
Billionaire Boss Romance Collection
Jewel Family Collection
The Romance Escape Collection
Cami’s Firefighter Collection
Strong Family Romance Collection
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Georgia Patriots Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection
Holiday Romance Collection
Extreme Sports Romance Collection
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
The Pursued Patriot
Jepson Brothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
Billionaire Beach Romance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Running
Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Free Book
Receive a free copy of The Resilient One: Billionaire Bride Pact Romance #1 by signing up for Cami’s newsletter at https://BookHip.com/XXWHVD.
Books and Characters of Augustine
There are a lot of different characters coming into these stories. I hope it helps to have the couples listed with their books and their status as a couple.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Hugs,
Cami
Sweet Royal Romance Suspense Series:
#1 - The General Prince and the Nerd - General Prince Raymond August and Macey Clifton - Married in a quiet ceremony at the castle that was interrupted by Prime Minister Shule trying to find Hattie Ballard.
#2 - The Brave Prince and the Teacher - Prince Curtis August and Aliya Drummond - Married in their cabin in the mountains, expecting their first baby.
#3 - The Doctor Prince and the Outsider - Doctor Prince Steffan August and Hattie Ballard - Eloped in a remote village
#4 - The Ninja Prince and the Investigator - Prince Derek August and Ellery Monson - Married at the castle
#5 - The Charming Prince and the Single Mum - Prince Malik August and Sophie Pederson - Married in the castle courtyard, reception and dancing interrupted by a bomb threat
#6 - The Crown Prince and the Traitor - Crown Prince Tristan August and Jennifer Shule - Married in the castle’s ballroom at Christmastime
#7 – The Police Chief and the Musician - Chief Jensen Allendale and Livvy Moser - Married
#8 – The Royal Major and the Personal Trainer - Major Chad Prescott and Hope Radisson - Married
#9 - The Grieving King and the Emissary - King Nolan August and Madeline Prescott (Chad’s Mum)
Christmas in Augustine:
#1 The Royal Captain and the American Businesswoman - Captain Levi Favor and Faith Radisson (Hope’s Sister)
#2 The Royal Guard and the Royal Stylist - Private Brad Rivera and Arianna Gunnell
#3 The Impulsive Princess and the Soldier - Princess Kiera and Lieutenant Mason Henson
Other Characters:
William Rindlesbacher - Fell off a cliff
Naomi Rindlesbacher - On the run
Treven Rindlesbacher - Shot by Chief Jensen
Henry and Leslie Shule - Former Prime Minister and his wife, Jennifer’s parents, Helping Leslie heal and traveling a lot
Lieutenant General Philippe Cordon - Killed in a cave
Sunny Pederson - Sophie’s daughter
Holly Monson - Ellery’s mom
Aunt Elise - Ellery’s aunt
Madeline Prescott - Chad’s mum
Grace Radisson - Hope and Faith’s sister - Murdered by David Zeus III in Matchmaking the Model and the Beast
Prologue
King Nolan August spun his new daughter-in-law around the dance floor of the castle’s spacious but crowded ballroom. The ballroom was lauded as one of the most beautiful rooms in the kingdom of Augustine. Two stories of windows and balconies made up the exterior wall, scalloped moldings plated with fourteen-karat gold lined the ceiling and decorated walls, and expertly painted murals depicted love stories from long ago. The Baccarat chandeliers combined crystal glass with gilt bronze and were often gaped at by first-time visitors.
Tonight, with the royal wedding of the beloved crown prince, the room was draped in twinkling lights, white chiffon, and white gardenias. It smelled and looked lovely. Any ballroom in Europe would be hard pressed to compare in beauty and majesty.
Throughout his over thirty years of being the king, Nolan had focused on the business of running Augustine and had left the beautifying to his wife Anne. Thankfully, Arianna, the royal stylist and more, and his daughters-in-law, had all stepped up and taken over that role as he would’ve been lost even attempting to hire the right people for an event such as this.
The traditional wedding dances were over, but the bride Jennifer Shule had felt like one of Nolan’s own children even before she and Tristan had wed. Her dad had been Nolan’s closest friend for years and they’d worked closely together when Henry was the prime minister of Augustine. Henry had stepped down as prime minister because his wife Leslie had inadvertently killed Anne, Nolan’s beloved wife and the queen.
Nolan pushed that away and smiled and laughed and teased with Jennifer. He missed Anne constantly, but never more than on nights like this. Still, he kept smiling and working long hours for his family and his country. Sometimes the distraction of never-ending demands helped assuage his grief. Spending time with his family, especially his twelve-year-old daughter Kiera, was the only thing that truly took away the pain. Though it still lingered when the thoughts of Anne would’ve loved this or they need Anne invaded.
This Christmas wedding had been ideal. No bombs like Malik and Sophie’s wedding. No Rindlesbachers showing up. Yet. Only Naomi was still alive, and she hadn’t been spotted in months. Interpol, the European Union, and Sutton Smith all agreed she was deep in hiding. His son Ray, the general of Augustine, and Ray’s best friend Chief Jensen had sworn to him no Rindlesbacher cronies or threats would get anywhere near this wedding.
The groom was his oldest son, Crown Prince Tristan, and the bride was the perfect fit to someday be queen. They’d loved each other for years, and today was an epic celebration.
Nolan had lost Anne almost a year ago now. He took great solace in each of his sons being happily married and his daughter Kiera being a delight to everyone. He spotted Kiera twirling with Malik and Sophie’s adorable Sunny, the Princess Sunny if you asked the little one, and of course Nolan was King Papa. He smiled at the pair of them.
“Kiera is darling with Sunny,” Jennifer said, following his gaze.
“They’re both such a light to all of us.” He focused back on his new daughter-in-law. “As are you. I’m grateful T has been blessed with you as his wife, and we’re all blessed to have you in our family.”
“Thank you, Nolan.” Her eyes got bright. “I can’t tell you how I appreciate your forgiveness and love for my mum and dad.”
“Your dad is my closest friend, and we’re all praying your mum can heal and forgive herself.”
“Thank you.”
The song ended, and Tristan appeared by Nolan’s side. “Can I steal my beautiful wife?”
“Of course.” Nolan handed her over, smiling at his son’s emphasis on the word wife.
Jennifer laughed. “Oh my, Mr. Crown Prince, you seem to really love that moniker.”
“All the better because you’re all mine now, my dear.”
A new song began, and Tristan whisked Jennifer away. Their eyes lit up and their bodies melded together.
Nolan was thrilled for their happiness. If only he could share this with Anne. It was always more special having her to share these moments with. Most of his sons and especially his sweetheart daughters-in-law had pushed him to ‘think about dating’ or ‘open his heart to the possibility of falling in love again.’
Nolan never scoffed at them, of course. He always kept a smile on his face as he gently told them he wasn’t ready, but inside he recoiled at the thought. He had neither the time nor the energy to date, and he doubted he’d ever find a love like Anne’s again. He and Anne had been friends for years. She’d actually dated Henry in college, but after college Nolan and Anne had slowly fallen in love. Their love had been steady, enduring, and committed. She’d always been there for him, their children, and their kingdom. Anne had been a shining beacon of sweetness, charity, and beauty.
He’d need a sign from heaven to know when the time was right. Currently, several women who had to be closer to Tristan and Ray’s age than his were eyeing him as if he were a Lindt chocolate bar and they hadn’t indulged in years. Blast that internet article claiming he was the most powerful, handsome, and wealthy bachelor over thirty, not to mention a king. The article had shown him stepping out of his Lamborghini Veneno. It had gone viral, and his guards had become busier keeping conspiring women away than keeping him safe from Naomi Rindlesbacher.
He averted his gaze, searching for one of his family members. He bumped into someone soft and firm at the same time.
“Pardon me,” he said, glancing down into the emerald eyes of none other than Madeline Prescott, Chad’s mum and one of the only members of parliament who always made him smile.
