He lifted his head to stare at her. "He was right. Besides, she hates me."
"I'm sure that's not true. Where are you going?"
"To look for her again."
"I already sent someone to do that. Why don't you go out for a little bit? I will have a word with her."
"I don't know what to do."
"You will think of something."
He eyed her with a frown. "Why are you not upset?"
"About my son kissing an attractive woman?"
"About your son, the prince, kissing an employee," he corrected.
"The fact that my son has never done that before means that this is different." She smiled at him. "You should think about that while you're out."
Leaning back in her chair, she allowed herself the smile that had been hovering since she heard what he had to say. She had never seen her confident son so unnerved. It was as if he was jumping out of his skin. She really liked the young woman. Antoinette Carter had been here for a little over a week, and she had made an impression.
Not just with her, but the staff and the associates as well. She was no-nonsense, but in a good way. She was also efficient and a wonder with computers. And she had learned the business and figured out what to do on the second day. She would make a very good wife for her son.
She wanted the best for him. Not one of those socialites who would allow him to walk all over them. He needed someone strong, someone who would never allow him to get away with anything. Someone like Antoinette Carter.
Things were changing, the world was changing and unlike her husband, she had an open mind and would not care in the least that Tomas married an African-American woman. Others had taken that route. Francesco in Italy and Alexander right here in Spain. And they were happy. The atmosphere was shifting and as long as her son was happy, nothing else mattered.
She had never been. Her marriage to Eduardo had been arranged, but she had fallen in love with him and prayed fervently that he would return the favor. It had never happened.
She spent years being the submissive wife, the woman behind the man. It had debilitated her. She was only now getting back her footing. He had ruined her, destroyed her self-confidence with his infidelities and lack of respect. Antoinette was not the kind of woman who would ever allow anything like that in her life.
Her smile returned as well as the sparkle in her eyes. She was going to be looking forward to the fireworks she knew were coming.
*****
Antoinette had composed herself enough to return. She had even braided her hair into one thick plait and left it hanging. She couldn't do much more because she had left the pins in the carpet in the queen's office. No doubt they would be picked up by the vacuum when one of the maids did the cleaning.
One of the drivers had met her while she was on her way back with the disturbing message that the queen was waiting for her.
She had wanted to ask the man if the woman seemed upset or if the prince was still there, but had held her tongue, realizing it would not be appropriate. She would not beg for her position. It would be too undignified. She was going to accept the fact that she had to leave gracefully or as gracefully as possible.
And she had dashed out without a jacket.
The thin sweater had been an inadequate layer against the sharp wind. Handing the keys to the valet, she took a deep breath and made her way inside.
"Señorita Antoinette, are you all right?"
Her humiliation had started. Lucia was staring at her with a concerned look on her face. The woman had seen her headlong flight from the palace of course and no doubt everyone was privy to that information. She could imagine the speculations as to what had upset her so much to send her rushing out.
"I'm fine." She forced a smile. "The queen is in her office?"
"She is. I will send in a tray of refreshments. You're cold."
She had been unconsciously rubbing her hands up and down her arms.
"A little. Thank you, Lucia. Gracias."
"De nada."
