Through Thick or Thin (Book Two)

Chapter One

Mark's Point Of View

I shifted the duffle bag on my shoulder and the two in my hand. The United States had only deployed me to watch over the princess of Saudi Arabia as a special request of the king whom I was now waiting on.

I thought a palace was supposed to be more and well guarded than this. While previously driving through the gate I had spotted over a dozen things wrong with this palace and the main problem being it was not properly guarded. The large door to the waiting parlor were suddenly opened and the King walked in.

I had gotten a folder with information on who and what the King wanted. It turns out there had been a series of break ins, in which valuable objects in the castle were going missing and on one occasion there had been an attempted to take the princesses life. Well that is what the report stated anyway.

That is were I came in, I'm supposed to find those responsible for the thievery and catch the persons responsible for attempting to take the princesses life. This job could have been done by any amateur but they chose me.

Why did they choose me? Any private could have taken care of it.

With the completion of my mission it will ensure that a treaty be signed between Saudi Arabia and the United States which is supposed to ensure free passage and also friendship on completion of this mission. "Thank you for coming Commander Piers." His accent was thick as he waddled over to me.

Now assessing the king it proved the information was correct. He looked just like his profile picture. He was a very fat man at two hundred and fifty pounds. A beard resembled that of Santa Clause sat on his face. Wrinkles also covered his face showing he was really up in his age. His silver eyes were assertive as he took me in completely. To top his entire look off, a large crown with diamonds and jewels of all sizes sat on top of his head.

Looks like this castle has money to spare...

"I am honoured that you chose me to protect your daughter sir." I bowed slightly as apart of their custom.

"The honour is all my daughters," He laughed as I raised a brow. "She was the one who chose you."

"Then I thank her." I smiled already not liking this mission.

"You will have the opportunity in a short while as she is currently on her way here but in the meantime let us discuss your mission," He gestured for me to take a seat as he did so as well. Placing the duffle bags beside my feet, I sat down. Then I placed all my attention on the king. "Some very valuable items that I own have gone missing and I believe someone broke into my palace and took them. However, I cannot spear the men as I myself and my daughter need protecting," He grunted as he sat forward. "During one of the break ins one of my guards was spotted in my daughters room trying to take advantage of her as well as trying to kidnap her. I believe he is in cahoots with the thieves. Farah, bless her soul screamed alerting my men down the hall. We currently have the guard arrested and will have him hung within two months from now," He breathed. "Commander I hope I can count on you to return my items and figure out what is really going on in my palace."

"I will-"

"Daddy!" I looked as a woman ran to the King and plopped down on his lap making him grunt. She looked like an exact replica of the king except she was slightly less chubby and she had dark eyes instead of silver which I'm guessing she got from her mom.

"Farah darling," The King rubbed her thigh. "This is Commander Piers of the Unites States Army and he will be protecting you." She jumped up and down on her fathers lap.

"I'm so happy daddy I can't wait until mother comes back to tell her!" She squealed.

"That is right, I completely forgot," The King scratched his beard. "Commander my wife is currently not in the palace for she is visiting her mother in India," I had already read information on the king's wife Queen Alyana. "She should be back in three days if I'm not mistaken but in the mean time Farah please show Commander Piers to his room."

Jumping off her fathers lap she smiled at him. "Yes daddy," She looked over at me. "Follow me Commander."

Taking up my bags I turned to the King. "We will discuss the changes I'll be making in the palace tomorrow morning your highness."

"Very well." He responded as I followed behind the princess through the door.

The halls to the castle were not filled with details. There were no extravagant art pieces but simple pictures of the kings that ruled Saudi Arabia before the current one. I could hear the princess giving me the history of each King but to be honest I wasn't here for that nor did I care.

I had spent the last three days reading all the relevant information needed for me to complete this mission and all the equipment I would use. Charlie had laughed his ass off when I told him were I'd be going. According to him their would be no hotties here for me to bang but the thing is I wasn't looking for sex.

I had already had my fill of women to last me a few years and even if I did want a woman. I could have had any woman at my beck and call the night before I left America.

I had my plate for the last two years and stress was already killing me. Also the fact that my mom was now pissed at me for going on a mission which would put a dent in her plan to get me to impregnate a girl and get hitched right after wasn't helping either. She nagged my ear off for a complete day.

I blame Alexander and Christopher for this. They started up back the monster within her. Two years ago she had finally stopped trying to play matchmaker and now she's back.

Then again that's what I get for giving them hell on their wedding days and forgetting I promised Alexander I would babysit the kids in a few days when I wouldn't be there.

Smiling lightly I though about my nieces and nephews. Suddenly I felt something collide into my chest as if on instinct I reached out and caught it. Correction a person.

Looking down I could see her eyes closed shut as if waiting to hit the ground. "Are you okay?"

"Mina you incompetent, stupid girl how dare you!"

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