A Royal Holiday (Royals of Valleria #5) (6 page)

“Jesus,” Finn said. “Poor Alex.”

“Poor Rebecca. Nobody looks down on the man in this situation, but they will look down on her, and pity her.” She sighed and stared at her phone, wishing she were there to help them. “I’ll give her a call, and see how she’s doing.”

Finn nuzzled her hair. “They’ll be all right, baby. They all will, especially Alex and Rebecca. They’re both strong people, but they’re stronger together.”

“That’s true. It’s too bad an ancient law is forcing them to wait a year to get married. I’m sure the press would put a different spin on this if they were husband and wife.”

“You might be right about that.” Finn stared off, considering something for a moment before he shook his head and turned back to face her. “I’m glad we don’t have any laws like that here. I couldn’t take it if I had to wait a year to call you my wife.”

Arianna smiled. “Let’s get past the holidays, then we’ll see. I don’t want to overshadow Alex and Rebecca’s wedding, but I don’t want to wait until theirs is over before we get ours.”

He tucked her tighter against him on his lap. “I bet you already have the whole thing planned out in your head, don’t you?”

“Maybe,” she said sheepishly.

He chuckled. “Don’t hold back, baby. Tell me what you want.”

“You’ve got to get back to work.”

“We’ve got time. Tell me what you want, Princess. What’s your dream wedding look like?”

“Well, given Brazenbourg tradition, we’d get married at the White Church by Brazenbourg Lake. It’s small, but I think we could fit my parents and siblings in there, along with whoever you wanted.”

“That we could definitely do. What else?”

Arianna closed her eyes and spoke of everything that was in her dreams. “I’d wear a simple, long, white satin dress with a green sash in Brazenbourg colours and maybe a small train. Nothing too fussy. I wouldn’t want to risk tripping and falling with the baby. Maybe a long, plain lace veil. The church would be decorated with some simple flowers, and I’d carry a small bouquet filled with sprigs of green leaves and white roses.”

“Sounds beautiful.”

“Oh, it would be. After the ceremony, we’d have the other ceremony here at the palace, per Brazenbourg tradition. We could declare the day a national holiday and give everyone the day off.”

“I think our citizens would love that.” He brushed a kiss against her cheek. “I would, too.”

Her eyes blinked open and she turned to look at Finn. “Really? You really like it? We can change it if you’d prefer something else.”

Finn shook his head. “I love it. I love all of it. There’s just one little detail missing.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“What were you planning on wearing underneath your dress, Princess?”

Arianna laughed. “Is that the only detail you care about?”

“Of course not. I care about them all. Since unwrapping you is the present at the end of our wedding day, I’d like to know what I’m in for.”

“Maybe I won’t tell you.”

“Maybe I’ll find a way to make you tell me.”

She slapped him playfully on the shoulder. “Stop.”

His teasing grin was replaced by an intense desperation. “I’ll never stop, Princess. I’ll never stop wanting you. I’ll never stop loving you. I’ll never stop making your dreams come true.”

“Finn.”

“Baby.”

Their mouths crashed together in a familiar yet intoxicating dance. No matter how many times she kissed Finn, each time filled her heart and left her breathless.

When Finn’s phone buzzed with a message a few moments later, he groaned and pulled his lips away. While their breath leveled, he pulled out his phone and read the note from Saskia.

“Reality intrudes. I’m sorry.”

Arianna shook her head. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. I understand.”

He pressed a chaste kiss to her swollen lips. “Tonight, baby.”

“Tonight.”

He helped her stand and smiled as she walked out. His phone buzzed with another message, but it would have to wait; he had to speak with Gabriel and Alex first.

He dialed the King’s private phone number and it rang only once before he answered. “Finn? Is everything all right?”

“Yes, Gabriel, everything’s fine. Do you have a few minutes to talk? Arianna told me what’s happening and I think I know a way to help.”

Rebecca watched Valentia streak by through the tinted windows of their car, taking in little of the conversations around her.

“You’re worrying again.”

Rebecca turned to face Catharine, who was sitting next to her. “I’m not worrying, Cat. Didn’t you hear me speaking with Arianna a while ago? I told her I was fine.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Cat.”

“Don’t ‘Cat’ me. You were my chief of staff long before you were Alex’s anything, and we grew up together besides. I know when you’re worrying about something.”

Rebecca sighed. “Well, maybe a little. I’m not worried about Alex, though.”

“You’re not? I thought maybe you two got in a fight after breakfast.”

She shook her head as she remembered their scorching kiss. “No, definitely not fighting. It’s just a tough situation. I don’t blame Alex. I knew he had a past when we got together. I just didn’t think I’d have to face it so soon.”

Cat took her hand. “I know. He was always careful. He’s really hurting right now, and that’s because you’re hurt by this whole mess. He’s not really upset about the pictures. I mean he is upset about them, but, you know.”

“I know. Don’t worry about us.” Rebecca bit her lip as she considered, then decided to just ask what she most wanted to know. “Did you know her?”

“Do you mean the untrustworthy bitch who’s causing all this trouble?”

Rebecca smiled. “Yes, her.”

“I never knew her, but I did meet her once. I went to visit Alex in Italy during my school break. He was showing me around, playing tourist a little, when our paths crossed.”

“I bet she was pretty.”

Cat shrugged. “She had a look that worked for her, but even then I knew he should move on and I told him so. It’s a good thing he listens to me; otherwise, things could have gotten so much worse.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve known girls like her my whole life. Their social climbing mothers want their daughters to bag a rich man, and Alex had the added bonus of being handsome and powerful, too. I wouldn’t have put it past her to get pregnant as a bid to trap him, but, thankfully, it never came to that.”

“I never really had to deal with girls like those growing up; they were in a separate social group than I was at school. Were they really that bad?”

Cat sighed. “No, not all of them. The thing is, their parents never valued them for their brains or their ability to do something else. For them, a successful marriage was the only way to prove their daughter’s success. I felt sorry for them, mostly.”

Rebecca turned to look at her mother, Francine, who was chatting easily with the Queen. Her parents were so wonderful and supportive; she couldn’t imagine growing up in that world. “That sounds terrible.”

Cat nodded. “However, like I said, there were a few nice women. Lorenzo dated one once. I can’t remember her name, but I remember I liked her.”

“Well, I just hope I never have to meet the woman who’s causing all this trouble.”

Cat took Rebecca’s hand and gave it a squeeze before letting go. “I think we can find a way around that. There is the possibility that she’ll want to meet with Alex, though.”

A hot flash of anger burst through. “Over my dead body.”

Cat quirked an eyebrow. “Even if that’s the only thing she asks for, in order to make this all go away?”

Rebecca crossed her arms over her chest. “If he has to meet her, then I’ll be going with him. That’s final.”

Cat chuckled. “You changed your mind awfully quickly. May I be in the room when you tell Alex that? Please?”

Rebecca huffed a laugh. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Shall I distract you from your current troubles?”

“I thought that’s what this trip was?”

Cat leaned conspiratorially towards Rebecca. “I have a date to the ball.”

“What? Who?”

“He’s a lesser member of British royalty, though not the branch we’re related to. I believe he and Tavin when to school together.”

“Did Tavin set you up?”

“No. Philip – that’s his name – is a businessman. I stopped by Alex’s office last week just as he and Philip were finishing up a meeting, and Alex introduced us. We somehow got to talking about the ball – it will be Philip’s first time attending – and then Philip suddenly invited me as his date.”

Rebecca’s eyes goggled. “In front of Alex?”

“I know, right?”

“I can’t believe Alex didn’t mention this to me.”

“Well, he didn’t seem too happy about it. Maybe he was trying to break us up first, or at least break our date.”

“You’re a grown woman who can make your own decisions.”

“Say that again when you have five brothers and a father who literally runs the country.”

“I still can’t believe Alex didn’t say anything to me.”

“Well, I’m telling you now, and you can make him pay for it later.”

Rebecca smiled. “What a lovely idea.”

“I know,” Cat said smugly, then leaned in to whisper. “But here’s something only you know: I’m using Philip.”

“For sex?”

Cat snorted a laugh. “While that sounds like a good idea, I’m actually using him to distract Mama.”

“Oh, Cat. Is that really a good idea? I know your mother wants you engaged before my wedding, but you don’t need to fake a relationship.”

“It’s perfectly fine. I’ve already told Philip and he’s on board.”

Rebecca’s mouth dropped open. “You told him you need to fake a relationship?”

“No, no, no. I told him I needed an escort for several events in the near future, but wasn’t looking for a relationship. Only you and I know the truth. And you can’t tell Alex.”

“I hate keeping things from him.”

“But you will.”

Rebecca thought for a moment, then let out a long breath. “Yes, all right. I will, for the time being anyway. I won’t do it forever.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to,” Cat said as the car pulled over.

As the other women exited first, Rebecca turned to Cat. “I hope you know what you’re doing with Philip.”

“I’ll be just fine. Now, are you able to put one of your gorgeous smiles back on your face while we shop? Let’s show that bitch she can’t hurt you.”

“A fine idea,” Rebecca said as she took a deep breath, pasted a bright smile on her face, and stepped out of the car.

***

Charlie felt uncomfortable. No, she decided, that wasn’t right. She just didn’t feel confident.

She walked with a gaggle of sophisticated women and felt out of place. Not only that, she felt lost as she stared at the rows and rows of men’s clothing.

“You seem like you’re pondering something of great significance,” Cat said as she came to stand beside her.

Charlie, whose hands were still buried in the pocket of her wool coat, clenched. “I suppose I am. I’m trying to figure out what to buy Nate for Christmas.” An idea came to her, and hope lit her face. “Do you know what he might like?”

Cat’s lips pursed in sympathy. “I’m sorry, Charlie, but I don’t think I can help you. I’ve just bought some handmade leather ties for his hair, as it doesn’t seem like he’ll be cutting it any time soon.”

Charlie sagged a little. “He’ll like that gift. And he won’t be cutting his hair, I do know that much.”

“Do you know why he won’t cut it? Mama asks him about it all the time.”

Charlie knew Nate would never tell his parents the real reason: that he grew it long to hide a scar from a terrible accident. Remembering that Nate had only trusted her with the truth made her feel more secure and marginally brighter. “I’m sure if he wanted to share that information, he would.”

“Do you want my advice about gifts for the man in your life?” Rebecca asked as she came up beside Charlie and put an arm around her shoulder.

“Yes, please,” Charlie said, pathetically grateful.

“You’re in the wrong department.”

Charlie crinkled her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

“If Nate is anything like Alex, you should be in the women’s lingerie department.”

“Really? That’s an okay gift?”

Rebecca winked. “Charlie, it’s the best gift, trust me.”

Cat put her hands over her ears. “Ew. I don’t need to hear this about my brothers.”

Rebecca laughed as Cat walked away. “She doesn’t get it yet, but she might soon enough.”

“Why do you say that?”

“She’s got a date to the ball. She doesn’t think it will lead anywhere, but I have a feeling she’s in for a surprise.”

“Oh.” Charlie – who had never had any real girlfriends growing up – was still getting used to being friends with so many women. She could almost forget they were royal or classier than her.

“How are you doing, Charlie?”

“I feel as though I should be asking you that question.”

Rebecca’s lips curved in a rueful smile. “I’m all right. Alex is, too.”

“It’s hard when people say things about you, whether or not they’re the truth.”

The pair started walking down the store aisles, which led from the men’s clothing towards the children’s department. “You sound as though you have experience with that.”

“I do.” Charlie stopped in front of a display of baby blankets in a bold, jeweled green. Children’s clothes were so often white or pastel-coloured in America, so she wasn’t sure if it was right. “Do you think Arianna and Finn might like this?”

Rebecca fingered the delicately soft cotton and smiled. “I think she might. It’s close enough to Brazenbourg’s colours that it should work.”

Charlie nodded and decided to buy it. Up ahead, she could see Genevieve and the other women combing through onesies, booties, and incredibly cute, tiny dresses. “People said a lot of things about me when I was growing up. Now that I’m with Nate, they still say things, just different things.”

“Has anyone been bothering you? You can tell us. We’ll take care of it.”

Charlie shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I’m tough. I can deal with it.”

Rebecca linked arms with Charlie. “It doesn’t matter if you’re tough. You’re a part of the family now. If you need help, you only need to ask for it.”

It was similar to what Nate had mentioned this morning, and a well of emotion filled her heart now as it had done then. She couldn’t remember ever being part of a family before, unless she counted the time she spent with her foster mother, Lola. Charlie cleared the gruffness clogging her throat. “Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me.”

“You mean a lot to us.”

“So do you. If you ever need me to take that bitch down, just let me know.”

Rebecca laughed. “I knew I liked you from the moment we met, and I was right.”

Charlie halted their steps while they were still out of earshot of the rest. “In the meantime, I know it’s tough what you’re going through. I’ve had Nate’s former girlfriends, or whatever they were, thrown in my face before.”