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“At five, Penelope has shown more leadership and intelligence than most nobles five times her age, my brother included. She deserves the right to rule if she chooses.”
Giles frowned, and then to Leo’s surprise, the man shrugged. “I actually can’t find an argument with that.”
“There will be other traditions brought up to the modern times as well. Brace yourself.”
Leo left Giles standing in the mirror and headed down to the ballroom. The party was already in full swing. No one was dancing though a live band played. Servers moved about, offering small morsels and treats.
He searched the ballroom for Esme, not with his eyes, with his heart. He waited to sense her, certain that like magnets their gazes would connect. But there were far too many people crowded in the room for him to find her.
“You ready for this?”
Leo looked over to see Lady Teresa. She was dazzling in a light lavender gown. But she looked practically naked without a cellphone in her hand. Leo assumed it was in the tiny purse on her wrist.
His suspicions were confirmed when Teresa took his arm, and the purse was cradled between his rib and bicep. He felt the thing vibrating nonstop. She shrugged as though to say “What do you expect?” and he chuckled.
The room hushed as they made their way to the raised platform at the far end of the ballroom. All eyes were on them, but Leo’s heart didn’t pick up. He still hadn’t found Esme’s gaze. He took to the stage and gave one more glance, but didn’t see her. Well, he knew that she would hear what he had to say.
“For centuries, Cordoba has flourished as a self-contained island nation. Now comes the time when we must reach outside our borders and welcome in the new. New people, new technology, new opportunities. It is with that thought in mind that I am announcing a partnership with Lady Teresa Nadal of Almodovar.”
Applause sounded, glasses were raised, but Leo wasn’t done. He’d only just got started.
“Nadal Shipping and Maritime Industrial have some exciting new technologies they want to bring forth to improve our oil refineries, along with exciting new innovations in shipping. But most excitingly, the Nadal family and Cordoba will start a line of luxury and family cruise ships. This new venture, which will be headed by Lady Teresa Nadal, will bring in new opportunities for current business growth, as well as new employment for Cordovians young and old. My fellow citizens, please join me in celebrating this union.”
There was a confused silence for a few beats. A few people had begun to clap, but it was a slow, golf clap that quickly died.
“Is that the only union you wish to announce, your majesty?” asked a member of the press. The man had a mic in hand and a cameraman at his shoulder.
Leo looked again out in the crowd, certain he’d find Esme walking towards him now that his announcement was complete, and his path to her was clear. But all he saw were the confused and expectant faces of the nobility and government officials. Where was she?
“I know many of you were hoping to hear of an engagement. Lady Teresa and I know that this is the best way we can partner. However, a special lady has captured my heart. She has helped me see the power of imagination. She has let me know that it is all right for my heart to dream. It all happened so fast, I find myself quite swept off my feet. She knows who she is, and if she is willing to come to my rescue, I’ll happily ride off into the sunset with her.”
There was a low murmur of e
xcitement in the room now. This was what everyone had come for tonight, a love story not a business development. Still, no dark-haired, red-blooded American woman came forward.
Wait, no. The crowd began to part. Two figures moved forward.
But the two figures weren’t a blonde pastry maker and a brown haired teacher whom Leo was hot for. Alex came forward with Penelope on his arm. They motioned for Leo to step to the side.
“What is it?” asked Leo. “Where’s Esme?”
Alex took a deep breath. When he stalled, it was Penelope who delivered the news.
“Esme and Jan said it was time to head back to the real world. They left over an hour ago to take a flight back to America.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Last call for Flight 377 direct to New York.”
The line before the terminal gate had dwindled down to nothing. The elderly and disabled had boarded thirty minutes ago. Kids and their parents had already found their seats. Just a harried looking business man and a gruff backpacker remained in the line in front of Esme and Jan who hung back waiting until the last possible moment to board.
Esme looked down the hall of the terminal. There was no line at the men’s bathroom, there never was. There was only one customer at the bar at this early evening hour. Two children ran around the empty seats on the other side of the terminal while their parents slumped in their seats.
“Final call,” the flight attendant looked pointedly at Esme and Jan.
“Esme, we gotta go,” said Jan, wheeling her luggage around.
Jan didn’t say what they both were thinking. She didn’t voice what was plain in the empty hallways. He wasn’t coming.
