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“I’m afraid not. And I was under the impression that you’d be with us until after the wedding.”
Brooke stumbled as she caught the edge of her sandal on the marble floor. “That’s not what Nic and I agreed to.” But in fact, she wasn’t sure if they’d discussed the length of her stay. It certainly couldn’t stretch to include a royal wedding.
“I could be mistaken,” Libby told her, turning into an open doorway.
The office into which Brooke stepped was decorated in feminine shades of cream and peach, but the functional layout spoke of productivity. On her entrance, a stunning blonde looked up from her laptop and smiled.
“You must be Dr. Davis,” the woman exclaimed, rising to greet her. She held out a manicured hand. “Lovely to meet you. I’m Olivia Alessandro.”
“It’s nice to meet you, as well.” The urge to curtsy overwhelmed Brooke and only the knowledge that she’d fall flat on her face if she tried kept her from acting like an idiot. “Your Highness.”
“Oh, please call me Olivia. You’re Nic’s friend and that makes you like family.”
It was impossible not to relax beneath Olivia’s warm smile. “Please call me Brooke. I have to tell you that I’m a little overwhelmed to be here. This morning I was on a Greek island with no real destination in mind. And then Nic informs me that he intends to bring me to Sherdana.”
“Something tells me he didn’t plan much in advance, either.” The way Olivia shook her head gave Brooke the impression that the future queen of Sherdana believed strongly in preparation and organization.
“Your secretary mentioned something about me staying until after your wedding,” Brooke said, perching on the edge of the cream brocade chair Olivia gestured her into. “But I think it would be better if I caught a flight to California as soon as possible.”
“I’m sure that could be arranged, but couldn’t you stay for a while and see a little of the country? Gabriel and I have plans to tour some of the vineyards in a couple days and it would be lovely if you and Nic could join us.”
“As nice as that sounds...” Brooke trailed off. Never before had she hesitated to speak her mind, but being blunt with Nic’s sister-in-law seemed the wrong thing to do. “I’m just worried about overstaying my welcome.”
“Nonsense.”
Brooke tried again. “I got the impression from Nic that his mother had arranged quite a few events in the next week or so that he’s expected to attend. I wouldn’t want to distract Nic from what he needs to do.”
Olivia looked surprised. “You know why he came home?”
“He needs to get married so there can be...” It suddenly occurred to Brooke that the woman who was supposed to produce Sherdana’s next generation of heirs but couldn’t was seated across from her.
“It’s okay.” Olivia’s smile was a study in tranquillity. “I’ve made peace with what happened to me. And I consider myself the luckiest woman alive that Gabriel wanted to marry me even though I wasn’t the best choice for the country.”
“I think you’re the perfect princess. Sherdana is damned lucky to have you.” Brooke grimaced at her less than eloquent language. “Sorry. I have a tendency to be blunt even when I’m trying not to.”
“Don’t be sorry. It was a lovely compliment and I like your directness. I can’t wait for you to meet Ariana. She has a knack for speaking her mind, as well.”
“I saw her artwork at the villa. She’s very talented. I’m looking forward to talking with her about it.”
“She’s been vacationing with friends in Monaco for a few days and is expected home late tonight. She’s very excited that you’ve come to visit. When I spoke with her earlier today, she told me she’d met your brother when he and Nic stayed at the villa.”
That was something else Glen had neglected to mention. Brooke intended to have a long chat with her brother when she returned to California.
“And now, I expect you would like to go to your room and get settled. Dinner will be served at seven. If you need anything let a maid know and she can get it for you.”
Brooke gave a shaky laugh. “Like a whole new wardrobe? I’m afraid I packed to visit a Greek island. Casual things.” She imagined showing up to dinner in her tribal print maxi and winced. “I really don’t have anything I could wear to dine in a palace.”
“Oh.” Olivia nodded. “I should have realized that from the little Gabriel told me. It looks like you and I are the same size, I’ll send some things down for you to choose from.”
