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“That’s lovely, dear. I’m glad you had a wonderful time.”
“I really did. Thank you for all the great ideas.”
“It was my pleasure.” She smiled warmly and squeezed my hand.
“Do you have plans for supper, Mother?” Savva asked.
“Not really. It’s a pleasant evening, so I thought I’d enjoy something al fresco in the garden. Why do you ask?”
“I’d like to invite you to dine with Damaris and me. There will also be another guest attending, but the garden will be perfect.”
It was obvious he wanted to tell Val about our engagement, and the extra guest was probably whoever would be in charge of planning the wedding.
I tried not to be sad about Daddy not being there. Maybe I should have invited him the minute I said yes to Savva’s proposal, but between the symposium and Savva fucking me unconscious every night, I couldn’t blame myself too hard for forgetting.
Mercy, I needed to catch up on my sleep.
Val barely batted an eye at his request and smiled. “Of course. I’ll inform the kitchen of our supper plans while you freshen up from your journey. Does an hour suit?”
“Yes, thank you.” He gave her cheek a kiss. “We’ll see you then.”
He hurried me up the stairs to my room in the servant’s wing and opened the door for me. Unsurprisingly, my bags were already there waiting for me to unpack. After a quick glance up and down the corridor, he stole a kiss.
As usual, he took my breath away, plus what was left of my wits. When I whimpered for more, he pulled away.
“Can you find your way to the garden by yourself?”
“Sure.” I blinked to clear the fog of arousal from my brain. “I spend my days off out there all the time.”
“Good.” His phone beeped, and he grimaced when he glanced at it. “I do beg your pardon. Something requires my attention right now, but I promise I won’t be late.”
“It’s okay. Go on and do your princely thing.”
“Thank you.” He gave me one last kiss and scurried down the hall like he was on fire.
Shaking my head, I opened the closet and blinked. It was full to bursting with clothes, including several casual blouses and skirts good for everyday wear.
I took a quick shower and did my makeup, then fixed my hair into soft waves held back with a pretty barrette. Still in my bathrobe, I studied the clothes. What did one wear to tell a freaking princess her son was about to get hitched to the maid?
I glanced at the time on my bedside alarm clock and scowled. Hoping for the best, I grabbed a blue silk dress with a sweetheart neckline. Maybe it was too fancy, but I liked the color. My black ballet flats completed the look.
With ten minutes to spare, I made it to the garden and found Val already seated with a cocktail in front of her. Her garden was one of my favorite places on the island, and the scents and sound of birdsong never failed to soothe me.
Waving, she beckoned me over. “Oh, I’m so glad I gave you that dress. You look magnificent.”
“Thanks.” I blushed and sat where she pointed. “It’s not too fancy?”
“No, it’s perfect.” She winked, then added, “Of course I have some beautiful white sapphires which would dress it up quite nicely.”
“No more jewelry, please!” I laughed helplessly and fanned my hands in front of my face. “I was a nervous wreck wearing those pearls.”
“You spoil my fun. Would you care for a cocktail while we wait for Savva and his guest?”
“Just water, please. I’ve barely had a moment to sit down all day.”
A man I knew from the kitchen materialized and set a tall bottle of mineral water in front of me, along with a stemmed glass. “We’ll bring supper when you’re ready, Your Highness,” he murmured.
“Thank you, Stefan. That will be all for now.” To me, she said, “I’d love to see your photos, if you don’t mind.”
