Royal Affairs

“It’s been in the Rose family for years and supposed to bring luck. Antonio brought it to the room earlier. Do you think I pinned it in the right place?”

“It’s right above your heart where it should be. You look as pure and perfect as I know you are.”

She averted her eyes. “You know I’m not either of those things.”

“I know how much your parents have hurt you, but you can’t let that ruin your opinion of yourself. One day they’ll realize you’re the jewel in their crown. Today my brother is going to see you as his prize jewel. I’ve never told you this before, but all the time we were in Switzerland together, I had the secret hope he would end up marrying you one day.”

I had the same hope, Christina admitted to herself, but she’d never confess it to anyone, not even Elena.

“The day I met you at school, you became the sister I never had and you never judged me. That has never changed. After we left school, our friendship has meant more to me than you will ever know.”

“I feel the same,” Christina said with a tremor in her voice.

“That awful night I phoned you when Rolfe was arrested for drugs, I knew I could count on you to help me. I believe it’s destiny you contacted Tonio. Now you’re about to become his bride to save my reputation.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “You have to promise me you’ll be happy, Christina. Tonio’s the best if you’ll give him a chance.”

Christina reached for Elena’s hands. “I know he’s the best because he was always kind to me when we were in Montreux. And because of his sacrifice for you, that takes brotherly love and goodness to a whole new level. He honors his family and his heritage. Who couldn’t admire him?”

“But I want you to learn to love him!” Her eyes begged.

“You’re talking a different kind of love.” After he’d phoned to tell her the date they were going to be married, she was forced to accept her fate. “I haven’t dated much, Elena. I did spend time with one doctor in Africa. But when I got engaged to Antonio, that ended any possibility of a relationship with him or any man, let alone potential love.”

In a way, her engagement had helped her to hide from love for fear that she would never be good enough for anyone. If she wasn’t good enough for her parents, why would she be good enough for any man?

Still, her parents had been overjoyed with the engagement, which made her happy. And Christina had adored Antonio in secret for years, not only for the way he loved Elena, but for his hard-work ethic. In Christina’s new position as his wife, the number of people she’d be able to help with her charities would be vastly increased. Was it worth giving up on the possibility of true love?

Christina had never felt worthy of love and so had never been hopeful of meeting “the one.” At the end of the day she’d reconciled herself to this marriage.

“Can you honestly tell me you’re not excited about your wedding night?”

“Oh, Elena—you’re such a romantic and I know you feel guilty about what’s happening, but don’t let that worry you. Yes, I’m excited, but mostly I’m nervous. Antonio and I have never spent time alone together. You know what I mean. But Antonio has been with other women both before and probably after our engagement. My eyes are wide-open where he is concerned. After the women he has been with, I’m afraid I’m not going to compare.”

A stricken look entered Elena’s eyes. “Don’t you dare say that! And don’t think about any of his past relationships. He knew they would never amount to anything, and today he’s marrying you.”

“I know, but it’s still hard to believe.” Christina stared at her friend. “I wasn’t convinced Antonio planned to go through with our nuptials. You can’t imagine my surprise when he finally called me and said I needed to start making the wedding plans with Lindsay.”

“He meant it, Christina. I know he got engaged to you to save my skin, but he could have chosen any number of eligible royal hopefuls. Why do you think he chose you?”

“I was...convenient.”

“That’s not the answer and you know it. There was something deeper inside that drove him to choose you. I think you need to think about that as you walk down the aisle toward him today looking like any man’s dream. If you don’t believe me, take one more look in the mirror.”

“You’re very sweet.”

“It’s true. Tonio came to Switzerland a lot during our days at boarding school. He liked you right off and enjoyed your company. He trusts you.”

“But he’s not in love with me.”

“Give him a chance and he will fall in love with you. I’ve always loved you and feel all the more indebted to you for the sacrifice you’re making to save me and our family from scandal. Will you promise me one thing?”

“If I can.”

“Pretend that today you’re going to get married to the man you’ve always loved and who has always loved you.”

I have always loved him...from a distance. There was no pretense on Christina’s part.

Elena rushed over to her and they hugged.

“What’s wrong, Elena? Are those tears?”

“I just don’t want anything to go wrong. This wedding is all my fault. I’ll pray for you and Antonio to be happy.”

Christina took a big breath, sensing that deep down Elena was really worried. Why? What wasn’t she telling her, unless her guilt was working overtime?

“It’ll be fine, Elena.” She’d made up her mind about that. Today was her wedding day and she was living her fantasy of marrying the prince of her dreams. For once in her life she planned to enjoy herself. She could do it. She’d seen herself in the mirror and felt confident to be his bride.

“You’d better start working on it right now,” Elena warned. “Otherwise you’re going to give everyone a heart attack if you don’t make an appearance in the chapel in the next minute.”

“I’m ready.”

“I love you, Christina.”

“The feeling’s mutual. You have to know that by now.”

Elena blew her a kiss. “I do.”

Together they walked down the stairs to the foyer of the palazzo and out the main entrance to the courtyard. The chapel faced the palazzo across the way with a beautiful fountain in the center. Lindsay was waiting for them inside the church doors of the foyer with their flowers.

She let out a gasp when she saw Christina. “You’re perfect! Better than anything I’d imagined. So perfect, in fact, I can’t believe my eyes.”

Christina smiled at Zach’s wife. “You outdid yourself, Lindsay. All the credit goes to you. This dress is divine.”

Louisa, the owner of the palazzo, hurried toward her. “You’re the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you, Louisa. You look lovely too. I’m indebted to you for your generosity in letting us be married here. The Palazzo di Comparino is the most ideal setting for a wedding in all of Tuscany.”

“It’s been an honor for me. I told Prince Antonio the same thing.”

Louisa had given Christina a tour of the newly renovated chapel yesterday. She’d met the elderly priest who would be marrying them. While he walked with her in private, they chatted about the renovations.

She’d been utterly enchanted with the fabulous unearthed fresco of the Madonna and child now protected by glass. The charming chapel had an intimacy and spiritual essence. It thrilled her to know she’d be taking her vows in here. She intended to make this the perfect wedding day.

“Everyone is inside waiting,” Lindsay whispered. “Here’s your bouquet, Christina.”

“Oh—these white roses are exquisite.”

“Just like you. And here’s your bouquet, Elena.” Lindsay had matched the flowers to the soft blush of her gown. “Zach will hand you the ring to give Antonio when the time comes during the ceremony. As we rehearsed, once you hear the organ, you and your father will enter the chapel with Elena five paces behind you. The king and queen are seated on the right side with their retinue. Your family and friends are on the left.”

Christina looked around. “Where’s my father?”

“I’m right behind you.”

As she turned, her heart thudded mostly in fear in case she saw rejection in his dark gray eyes. He had a patrician, distinguished aura and was immaculately dressed. His gaze studied her features for a moment. “I’m glad to see you’ve changed for the better. Today the Rose family can be proud of you.”

“You look very handsome too, Father.”

“Christina?” Lindsay reminded her. “Take your father’s arm.”

The organist had started playing Wagner’s “Wedding March.” There’d probably never been this many people inside. Her joy was almost full.

She clung to her father as they slowly made their way down the aisle of the ornate interior. The only eyes she searched for were her mother’s, wanting her approbation. Her mother, who was in her midfifties, was still a beautiful brunette woman and the envy of many.

Just once Christina hoped to find a loving smile meant for her alone. As she passed the pew, she made eye contact with her. A proud smile broke out on her mother’s perfectly made-up face. That acknowledgment made Christina feel as if she were floating as she walked toward her prince.

She focused her attention on the two men standing at the altar before the priest. Zach, as best man, stood several inches taller than the crown prince, who was six foot one, according to Elena. They were watching her progress.

A slight gasp escaped her lips when she looked into the startling blue eyes of the man she was about to pledge her life to. It had been several months since the last time she saw him at the palace. His visit had been brief.

In full dark blue ceremonial dress, Antonio looked so splendid she was shaken by her reaction to him. His light brown hair, smart and thick, was tipped with highlights from the sun, reflecting a healthy sheen. With such a lean, fit body, he was the epitome of a royal prince every little girl dreamed of marrying one day.

How incredible that Christina was about to become his wife. If I were the type, I’d pass out at the feet of the most desirable man in all Halencia. But I’m not going to make any mistakes today. This is my wedding day. I love it already.

Caught up in all the wedding preparations, she felt that she was his beautiful bride and she intended to be the woman he was excited to marry. Her teenage dream had come true. The only thing more she could ask of this day was that the fantasy would last forever.

CHAPTER TWO

MAYBE ANTONIO’S EYES were playing tricks on him. The stunning woman walking on the arm of her father with the grace of a queen had to be Christina, but it was a Christina he’d never seen or imagined.

When did the brownish-red hair, which he remembered she’d worn in a ponytail, turn out to be a spun red gold?

Had her body ever looked like an hourglass before now?

The lace veil against her smooth olive skin provided a foil for her finely arched dark eyebrows. Because of the light coming through the stained glass windows, her crystalline gray eyes had taken on a silvery cast. Her red mouth had a passionate flare he’d never even noticed.

His gaze fell lower to the brooch she’d pinned to the beaded bodice of her wedding dress. The diamonds sparkled in the light with every breath she took.

Elena approached her side to take the bouquet from her. When Christina smiled at his sister, Antonio caught its full effect and was blindsided by the change in her.

While he’d been talking to her earlier in the bridal suite, parts of her sounded like the woman he’d gotten engaged to four years ago. But she wasn’t the same person on the outside. It threw him so completely that he felt a nudge from Zach to pay attention to the priest.

“Your Highness?” he whispered. “If you will take your bride-to-be by the hand.”

Antonio reached for her right hand. Her cool, dry grip was decisive. If she was suffering wedding nerves, it didn’t show. He didn’t know if he was disappointed by her demeanor, which seemed unflappable.

In a voice loud enough to fill the interior, the priest began. “Welcome, all of you. Today we are gathered here for one of the happiest occasions in all human life, to celebrate before God the marriage of a man and woman who love each other. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union that also exists between Christ and the Church. So too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love. Let us pray.”

Antonio bowed his head, but his burden of guilt over compelling Christina to follow through with this marriage weighed heavily on him. As Zach had reminded him, she’d entered into this union of her own free will because of her love for Elena, but the words may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love pierced him to the core of his being.

In the past four years he’d done nothing to show her love. The only thing true about this marriage was their love for Elena, and on his part the need to preserve the monarchy. But at this moment Antonio made up his mind that their love for his sister would be the foundation upon which they built a life together.

Antonio’s absence from her life except for those four quick visits had made certain she had no anticipation of love to come. To his surprise she sounded happy as she repeated the marriage covenant. He hadn’t expected that.

When it was his turn to recite his vows, he felt the deep solemnity of the moment and said them with fervency.

“Who holds the rings?”

“I do,” Zach responded.

“Grant that the love which the bride and groom have for each other now may always be an eternal round. Antonio? Take the ring and put it on Christina’s finger saying, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

She presented her left hand while he repeated the words. Her hand trembled a little as he slid the wedding band next to the diamond from the royal family treasury he’d given her four years earlier. So she wasn’t quite as composed as he’d thought, but it didn’t make him feel any better. If anything, he felt worse because he’d done nothing to ease her into this union and lamented his selfishness.

Now it was her turn to present him with his ring. She took it and placed it on Antonio’s finger. His new bride was suddenly so composed that again he marveled. “With this ring, I thee wed,” she said in a steady voice.

They were married.

The deed was done.

“Antonio and Christina, as the two of you have joined this marriage uniting as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for each other, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another.

“Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together. From this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect.”

Antonio’s shame increased. I’ve shown her no respect.

“You may now kiss your bride.”

When Antonio turned to her, he saw a look of consternation in her eyes. Oh, Christina. What have I done to you? You’re so good. So sweet. His eyes focused on her lovely mouth before he grasped her upper arms gently and kissed her.

Not only her lips but her whole body trembled. Her fragrance assailed him. He deepened the kiss, wanting her to know he planned to make their marriage work. Whether she was putting on a show for everyone, or responding instinctively to new emotions bombarding her as they were him, he didn’t know. But she kissed him back and he found himself wanting it to go on and on.

The priest cleared his throat, prompting Antonio to lift his mouth from hers. A subtle blush had entered her cheeks. He removed his hands.

“Antonio and Christina, if you’ll turn around.” When they’d done his bidding, he said in a loud voice, “May I present Crown Prince Antonio de L’Accardi and his royal bride, Princess Christina Rose. Allow them to walk down the aisle to the foyer of the chapel, where you can mingle outside.”

Elena came forward to give Christina her bouquet, and then the organist played the wedding march. Taking a deep breath, Antonio grasped her free hand, still feeling the tingly effect of her warm, generous mouth on his. He guided her to the first pew where his parents were seated and stopped long enough for both of them to bow to the king and queen of Halencia.

To show Christina’s parents his respect, he escorted her across the aisle to their pew to acknowledge them. He gave her a sideward glance. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He didn’t know what that was about.

How could you know when you haven’t spent any real time getting to know her?

More upset with himself and even more shaken by their kiss, he walked her slowly down the aisle. He darted her another glance, but this time she was smiling at everyone. She was so gracious it impressed the hell out of him. She could have been born to royalty.

He’d honored Christina’s wishes by letting her plan the wedding here instead of the fourteenth-century cathedral in Voti. She’d insisted on a simple ceremony. If there’d been any royal formality or long traditional ceremony, she wouldn’t have agreed. Antonio had been so thankful she hadn’t backed out that he’d fallen in with her every wish.

In private he’d asked his parents to take a backseat so this could be Christina’s day. She was beloved of the people, but she couldn’t have abided all the pomp and circumstance. Since his parents were resigned to their fate to put Antonio on the throne, they’d acceded to his wishes. He’d even heard them say they were relishing the idea of retirement and looking forward to more freedom in the future.

At his engagement four years ago, Antonio had vowed to sacrifice his personal freedom and return from California to take the throne at a later date with Christina at his side. He’d felt a strong loyalty to his country and had always been conscious of his royal duty. But he’d only been prepared to marry her on his terms, and hadn’t considered her fears.

There were going to be a lot of changes after his coronation in another week. He had a raft of constitutional issues that would put the royal family in a figurehead role, with specific duties. There would be a much reduced civil list, no hangers-on supported by the state; all personal belongings and lifestyle choices and holidays would be paid for by personal business interests rather than the state.

The areas of change went on and on, which was why the monarchy had been on the brink of disaster. This marriage would hopefully turn the tide of criticism. Christina’s values of hard work and true charity resonated with the people. Her example of selflessness was the big reason they’d embraced Antonio as their soon-to-be king. Antonio still had to prove himself equal to the task. And much more, like becoming the husband Christina deserved.

He walked her outside and across the courtyard to the terrace bedecked in flowers at the side of the palazzo. A small orchestra was playing a waltz at one end of the terrace with an area reserved for dancing. Hundreds of tiny lights strewn among the trees and flowers made it look like a true fairyland and had created a heavenly fragrance. The grand serving table with its fountain and flowers was surrounded by exquisitely set tables, an enchanting sight he’d always remember.

The late-afternoon Tuscan sunshine shone down on them. The picturesque setting and vineyard had an indescribable beauty, yet all he could see for the moment was the stunning bride draped in alençon lace, still clinging to his hand. Antonio swallowed hard.

She’s my wife! She’s the woman I promised to love and cherish.

Suddenly he seemed to see a whole new world ahead of them, uncharted as yet. Her faith in their marriage made him open his eyes to new possibilities. This was their wedding day. He wanted it to be wonderful for both of them. After their kiss at the altar, he was eager to feel her in his arms.

* * *

“Christina? Look this way.”

She was so dazed by what had happened at the end of the ceremony that she was hardly aware of the photographers brought in to make a record of their wedding day. When Antonio had deepened their kiss, she felt a charge of energy run through her body like a current of electricity. She could still feel his compelling mouth on hers.

Maybe this was how every bride felt when kissed on her wedding day. But Antonio wasn’t just any man. He was her husband, for better or worse.

Before everyone could crowd around to congratulate them, Antonio pulled her close. “Do you mind if we talk to our guests later? I’d like to dance with you first,” he said in his deep voice.

Her heart thumped hard before she looked at him. “I’d love it.”

His hot blue eyes played over her features. “Let me put your bouquet on this table.”

After he laid it down, Christina felt his arm go around her waist. The contact reminded her of the kiss they’d shared at the altar. She hadn’t been the same since and was more aware of him than ever as he led her to the dance area.

She couldn’t help thinking back to the time she’d been at boarding school. Never in her wildest imagination would she have believed she’d eventually become the wife of Elena’s dashing older brother. This moment was surreal.

As he drew her into his arms she said, “You need to know I haven’t done much dancing in my life.”

He held her closer. “Didn’t they teach you to dance at boarding school?”

“Are you kidding? Whatever you think goes on at boarding school simply doesn’t happen. We were all a bunch of girls who’d rather be home. We all had a case of homesickness and waited for the letters that didn’t arrive. We ate, studied and slept four to a room in an old freezing-cold chateau. You don’t even want to know how frigid the water closet could be.”

He laughed out loud, causing everyone to look at them.

“Once a week we were allowed to go to town with the chaperone. She chose the places we could visit. Elena managed to scout out the dancing places we weren’t supposed to visit, then dragged me with her where we met guys who flocked around her.”

“Sounds like my sister.”

“She taught me the meaning of fun. The rest of the time we went to a symphony or an opera, and other times we went to a play, always on a bus. I liked the plays, especially one adapted from Colette’s writings about a dog and cat.”

Antonio started moving them around the terrace decorated with urns of flowers. “Tell me about them,” he whispered against her hot cheek. His warm breath sent little tingles of delight through her body.

“Elena and I bought the books and studied the lines to help us with our French. Both animals loved their master and mistress. Their battles were outrageous and hilarious.”

“You’ll have to lend me the book to read.”

“Anytime. Wouldn’t it be fun if animals really could talk? I used to love the Doctor Doolittle books as a child. When I first got to Africa, I thought I really had arrived in Jollijinki Land.”

He lips twitched and he held her a little tighter, but her gown provided a natural buffer. “I have a feeling you could entertain me forever.”

She moved her head so she could look into his eyes. Marrying Antonio felt right. She felt like a princess. The feeling was magical. She was living her fantasy and never wanted it to end. Her parents were proud of her today. Everything was getting better with them. “This is a new experience for both of us, Antonio. Forever sounds like a long time. Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

His lips brushed hers unexpectedly, creating havoc with her emotions. “One step at a time it is. Since everyone is watching us, let’s put on a show, shall we?”

She smiled at him. “I thought we’d already been doing that.”

“They haven’t seen anything yet.”

Her adrenaline gushed as he waltzed them around the terrace. It didn’t surprise her that he knew what he was doing. She followed his lead as he dipped her several times, causing people to clap. Dancing with him like this was a heady experience she hadn’t anticipated. He must have been enjoying it too, because one dance turned into another.

“This is fun,” he murmured against her lips. “Your idea for having our wedding here at the palazzo has turned out to be sensational. I remember once when the three of us climbed into the mountains above the vineyards lining Lake Geneva and came to an old farmhouse that had been turned into a quaint inn.

“You said it was your favorite place and went there often on your hikes and bicycle rides with Elena for fondue bourguignonne. I think you must have had it in mind when you chose the Palazzo di Comparino for our wedding. I see similarities.”

Her head tilted back in surprise. “I can’t believe you remembered that hike, let alone made the association with this place.”

His gaze played over her features. “I’ve remembered all our outings. The truth is, I found you and my sister more entertaining than most of my friends, with the exception of Zach.” His comment made her smile.

“When I did fly to Switzerland, I came because I wanted to. Being with you two was like taking a breath of fresh air and kept me grounded. I’ve never told you this, but I was always relieved to know you were there to help temper my sister. She’s always had trouble with boundaries.”

“And I was the insipid, boring tagalong, afraid to break out of my shell, right?”

He frowned. When he did that, he looked older and quite fierce. “You were shy, but amazingly kind to my sister. Even when she got herself into impossible situations you never judged her.”

“You were kind to me too by including me. Remember the day we visited the Chateau de Chillon? We’d climbed up on the ramparts and I was taking a picture when I dropped my camera by mistake and it fell into the lake several hundred feet below.”

“You should have seen the tragic look on your face,” he teased.

“I was so upset, but you turned everything around when you bought me a new one just like it and gave it to me before you left us at the school.” She felt her eyes smart. “That was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for me.”

“Then we’re even because Elena needed a constant friend like you and you were there for her in her darkest hours. You have no idea what that meant to me. I knew I could always count on you. I wish I could say the same for our parents. They’ve been so caught up in a lifestyle that has cost them the confidence of the people that they’ve neglected Elena, who needed a strong hand.”

Christina sucked in her breath. “I needed her friendship too.”

“Elena told me you had problems with your parents.”

“Yes, but I don’t want to talk about them right now. We were talking about your sister. She’s so sweet. Elena cared about me when no one else did. She made me believe in myself.”

“The two of you have an unbreakable bond. Otherwise you wouldn’t have stayed close over all these years. You don’t know how lucky you are. How rare that is.”

“According to Elena, you have that kind of relationship with Zach.”

He nodded. “But I didn’t have a friend like you while I was at boarding school and college. It wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco. If you want to know a secret, I envied you and Elena.”

She heard a loneliness in his admission that went deep. “Because you’re the prince, it was probably hard for you to confide in someone else during those early years. With you being expected to rule one day, you had to watch every step.”

Antonio stopped dancing and grasped her hands in both of his. “You understand so much about me, Christina.” His blue eyes had darkened with emotion. “But you paid a price by agreeing to get engaged to me.”

Giddy with happiness she said, “What price is that when I’m having the wedding of my dreams?”

Her thoughts flew back to their engagement. The king and queen had thrown the supposedly happy couple a huge, glossy engagement party, but it had been the worst night of Christina’s life. To have to be on show, self-consciously standing next to the most gorgeous man she’d ever known, she’d never felt so unglamorous in her life. Especially when she knew her parents considered her a failure.

Yet they’d acted thrilled over the engagement and made such a fuss over her that it made her happy that they showed her that kind of attention. She’d been starved for it. But once she saw the photos, she’d been unable to bear the sight of herself looking so dull and plump. But that was a long time ago and she refused to dwell on it.

The guests had been going through the buffet line before finding their seats at individual linen-covered tables with baskets of creamy roses and sunflowers. Christina had to admit the estate and grounds looked beautiful. A fountain modeled after the one in the courtyard of a draped nymph holding a shell formed the centerpiece. Everything looked right out of a dreamworld, including the beautifully dressed people.

Antonio drew her even closer as they walked past the guests to get their food. He handed her a plate and they moved back and forth, choosing a delicious tidbit here and there. But she was too happy and stimulated to sit down to a big meal with him at a table reserved for them alone.

Several of the guests had started to dance. Among them Louisa, who was being partnered by Nico. According to Louisa, the two of them weren’t on the best of terms, but the way he was looking at her right now, Christina got the feeling they had a strong attraction. Well, well. It appeared the festive party mood had infected everyone.

Antonio finished what was on his plate. Since hers was empty, he put them both on the table. When he looked at her she was filled with strong emotion and said, “Today I’m so happy to be your wife, Antonio. I mean that with all my heart.”