Isabelle (House of Jensen Series book 5)

Chapter 22

Federico's POV

In the past

Federico was sitting opposite Dan Smith, Bianca's old boss from New York.

"I'm curious Dan what is a guy that owns a diner doing in Denmark?"

"I have an assignment from the queen mother. I need to fulfil the first task and I'm here to do just that by finding her granddaughter."

Federico sips his coffee, "Your disguise isn't going to fool people that really know you."

He shrugs, "The security services are the only ones who know what I look like. That Irene is a pip they were there to greet me when I came off the plane. I never liked her but I respect her game and I'm sorry she is dead. Now I have never met you so how do you know about me?"

Federico sits up straighter in his chair, "Like you said Irene wasn't someone to be trifle with. I know what was in the envelope."

Dan eyes dart round the room and he stands up, "Please sit we need to find Isabelle. You will be my dirty hand. You have contacts and can go to places I can't and please stop wearing that stupid wig."

"Why would I help you?"

"Apart from your wife's life being at stake I believe Irene said you must save two, no three members of her family. Or stop them from ruining their reputation." He glares at Dan, "To make up for killing Bianca's parents and her unborn sibling." Dan knew then and there the stranger was not someone to make an enemy of, "Tell me everything you know."

Dan tells him about Carl and Jennifer, "He's a traitor he's working for the enemy."

Federico shakes his head, "No he's not he's a black man who had a racist grandmother. Trust me he's working against them."

"How can you be so sure?"

"You're a black man and you need me to give you an answer. But then again you did cause a man's death so your wife could get his heart."

"Who are you I mean you can't be more than twenty-three. Where do you get the balls to talk to me like that?"

"I'm almost twenty-four and if you can't figure that out. I'm wasting my time with you."

The present day

As I walk into the family's castle with my wife for the first time I feel elated. She may not have remembered our relationship before she was kidnapped but I do.

We make our way to the living room where my cousins Anna and Giorgia was waiting with their families to greet us. Cousin Anna who was in her late forties smiles as she greets us. "Isabelle, Freddie Congratulations again. Isabelle my daughter and I would like to invite you out for drinks."

"I would love that Anna." I love how animated Isabelle was with them and she was clearly happy for the invitation.

"I was thinking of having a ball in a month or so for Isabelle."

I knew mum was wrestling with the idea of doing something special for Isabelle. I love the idea of a ball it will introduce her to the crème of Italian society.

Izzy turns to me beaming, "I would love that I can go to Paris or drive to Milan to find a gown. I thrown myself into work after everything that happened. This ball will be my first big one. You have to let me help you plan it." She turns to my father, "Your Majesty is your friend Emilia Olson's daughter in town?"

"Yes they're we told them you would be coming. Eliza can't wait to see you.She is at her parents home as we speak."

"Eliza Whittle was Izzy's best friend in Italy. She was a twenty-something American Italian heiress and charity worker. I was glad that Izzy had not only my cousins children but a good friend to go out with and just enjoy herself.

"Everyone please sit." insist my mother. "Isabelle welcome to your new home I wish nothing but happiness for you and my son. Leah has been talking nonstop about you living here. I've embarrassed you enough let's have some drinks."

"Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly to my new home. I hope my relationship with each of you grow. It's no secret the last few months have been rough. Heck I'm wearing a cast which is a constant reminder of the bad times." She suddenly looks like she wanted to cry.

I touch her shoulders and she smiles, shakes her head and lets out a sniffle. "I'm happy right now, I'm happy and I'll take a hot chocolate. What's everyone else having to drink?"

And just like that the tension wasn't there anymore. I watch Izzy drink her drink. She was still so fragile I'm not gonna lie. If I wasn't a prince I would've beaten the crap out of James. I'm mad that my mother's friendship with his mother is effectively over because of him.

After the warm welcome for Isabelle I show her to our room. I should say our wing. It consisted of three floors and had offices for the both of us. The bedroom was opulent there was a cream super king bed with green side tables either side of it. With a white ottoman at the end of the bed. The windows had heavy cream drapes.

"I like it."

While we were downstairs a maid put away our clothes. "The good thing about our plane journey being only 2hrs and 40 minutes. Is the day isn't half gone. Why don't I show you around our suite."

"Lead the way."

Although Izzy has been in my bedroom before she hasn't seen my entire suite. It was given to me with the knowledge. My family and I would live here. Which is why I have a super king size bed. I choose it so if our kids wanted to sleep with us. There was room for them to do so.

"And this will be your office."

She looks around the massive room then she sits at her desk. "When everything is out in the open. I want all my team in Denmark to move here and work for me. I love my private secretary."

I shrug, "You're a future queen and this isn't the old days bring over whoever you want. They will need to be revetted but we have time to do that before you ask them to leave."

"Mum was insistent I get my own Natalie i.e ladies maid."

"My mother has given you one of hers to use till you find someone you like. Her name is Rosa."