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And then Bianca’s attention moved to an older woman with silver hair. It was cut short into a neat bob. That she presumed was the queen. Her stomach shivered with anxiety. Surely that queen cou
ldn’t be as intimidating as she was imagining. Could she?
Leo came to a stop near the group and waited for a pause in the conversation. “Mother,” he waited until she turned her attention to them, “I’d like to introduce Bianca Bartolini of Tuscany, Italy.” And then he turned to Bianca. “Bianca, I’d like to introduce the Queen of Patazonia.”
Bianca’s mouth went dry but her brain worked just enough for her to remember to curtsy to the queen. She hoped that was right. When she straightened, the queen was staring at her with a hawk-like stare. Bianca’s breath stilled in her lungs.
She felt so out of place—so out of her realm. But she couldn’t falter. She had to stay strong for Leo, for Giselle, for herself. Without this account, the future of her wedding business looked uncertain. She needed her business as her touchstone. Without it she’d be adrift.
Leo had warned her not to speak until spoken too. And yet she felt compelled to say something—anything to break this awkward silence.
“It’s so nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m honored to be here. Your palace, it’s quite extraordinary.”
A penciled brow rose. “Perhaps if my son isn’t too busy, he can give you a tour of the gardens before you leave. They were my husband’s passion.”
“Thank you but...” Just then Leo gave a slight shake of his head. Bianca adjusted what she was about to say. “I will definitely make a point of visiting the gardens.”
“Very well. Shall we eat?” The queen started for the head of the table.
The queen acted as though she were there just for the evening. Did the woman not know that she was the wedding planner? Had Leo failed to tell her?
Bianca glanced over at Leo who was making conversation with a gentleman who had such a sour expression that it looked as though he’d just sucked on a lemon. She had no idea who the man was but he obviously didn’t have a very optimistic view of life.
Thankfully she’d been seated near Giselle. She really liked the young woman. She was warm and vivacious, unlike her mother. Bianca also noticed that the bride-to-be mentioned the wedding only once in passing. She found that odd. Most of the brides she’d worked with were quite excited for the big day and would talk about the preparations almost nonstop. Perhaps the rift between mother and daughter was the reason for the quietness on the subject.
The queen made a point of talking to each person at the table except Bianca. It was as though she were invisible. It wasn’t an ideal way to begin a working relationship, but at least she hadn’t been banished. That had to count for something. Right?
When the queen mentioned the gardens once more to her guests, Bianca seized the opportunity. “I’m very anxious to see the gardens. It would be a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. In fact, I just hosted a garden wedding at my family’s estate. It’s where I met L...erm...the prince.”
“Is that so?” The queen turned to her son.
“Yes. I attended Benito’s wedding.”
“I see. Now I understand why you feel like an expert on the subject.”
The seconds ticked away as mother and son stared at each other. A war of wills quietly ensued. Bianca felt bad for Leo. He was only trying to help his sister have a happy wedding. This wasn’t his fight but he was taking it on for his sister’s sake. Bianca’s respect for him escalated.
“I hope to be able to make this wedding a very memorable and happy occasion for everyone,” Bianca said, trying to diffuse the situation.
The queen turned to her. “This is not your typical wedding. Giselle is a princess and certain obligations go along with that title—even if she doesn’t like it.”
She’s the mother of the bride. Just the mother of the bride.
Bianca lowered her hand to her lap where no one could see its slight tremble. And then she pasted on a bright smile. “I’m eager to learn of your traditions.”
The queen arched a disbelieving brow. “Are you? Because I already have a wedding planner that knows everything about planning a royal wedding.”
“And I’m looking forward to working with her. I think we’ll be able to make room for your traditions and for Giselle’s wishes.” Bianca could now understand why Leo had brought in reinforcements. The queen was very determined to have her way, no matter how unhappy it made her daughter.
And that was it. The conversation ended as the queen turned to the female guest to her right.
CHAPTER SEVEN
HER CONCENTRATION WAS AMISS.
It might have something to do with a very handsome prince staring across the table at her.
Every time Bianca’s gaze met his, he would glance away. Was it possible the prince was interested in her? Or was it a case of wishful thinking?
