Since they were all around him, any wrong shot would prompt the co-assassin to slice the king’s son’s neck. Everyone present understood how delicate the situation was. One wrong move, one flinch, and the heir’s life would end in seconds.

She stood at the far side of his right, steady but alert, her eyes fixed on the man holding the blade. Her hand moved slowly, deliberately, as she reached for the suppressed pistol under her jacket. It had been issued only to high-ranking seniors like ...