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She wanted to talk about my future plans and her ideas for a suitable bride. The last thing I wanted was to have her pick out a woman just because of her pedigree. I was nothing if not a romantic at heart, and I knew that she would never choose someone who would make me truly happy because her focus is on duties and responsibilities.
I said my goodbyes and followed the Queen to the cars. Father had stayed behind on this trip, but we still used several vehicles so that we didn’t make too much of an easy target. Despite our size, Valtoria had some enemies.
So I got a limo all to myself, and I used the trip back to the hotel to call Harper. Her voice hummed through the phone and I missed her already. As we talked, I found out she had the night off. Perfect. She made several suggestions for a dinner date. I turned down a couple because I knew they’d be prime spots for paparazzi. I wanted to keep my relationship with Harper quiet for the time being. I enjoyed being myself, not the Prince. Finally, we settled on a small bistro not too far from the karaoke bar.
Even as I headed into the hotel and the meeting with my mother that I dreaded, I couldn’t help a small smile. Harper was the best thing to happen to me in a long time, and I couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
“Come in,” the Queen said when I knocked on the door.
My mother was seated on a settee, and she gestured for me to sit as well.
I sank down into the plush chair and waited for her to speak. Even when I assisted my father in matters of state and commanded my own household, my mother always made me feel like a child again. She was an imposing woman, with brown hair piled on her head and a high-collared dress. Despite her sternness, she and Father had been in a love match. Which was why I was so surprised that she had started these lectures.
“I’ve been thinking about your problem,” she said.
I felt my face contort. “My problem?”
“Yes, dear. Your lack of a wife.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Mother, I told you, I don’t want to just pick someone because of her breeding.”
“Then what? You’re going to be thirty soon. Don’t you think it’s time you settle down?”
“I date some,” I said, which was technically true. I had my share of affairs, but I’d never felt strongly for them. They’d been flings that hadn’t lasted much more than a season.
“And can’t you see how it affects you? Every time you are seen in public with some girl, it’s always the same. It’s just never going to be serious.”
“What do you want me to do?” I said, my voice rising.
“I’d like you to meet with the women on this list,” she said, handing me a paper. “They’re all of appropriate age and breeding.”
“I’m not a damn stallion,” I muttered.
My mother’s lips quirked. “I know, my dear, but we are royal. We have our duty.”
I looked up and met her eyes. “What if I want someone not on this list? Someone I truly love?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Have you found such a person?”
“I don’t know yet,” I said, looking down at my hands.
“Hum,” she said. “I do want you to be happy, but this is an important decision. You shouldn’t just jump into the first relationship you find, just to rebel.”
“I know,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll consider your list.” I folded the paper and tucked it into a pocket.
“That’s all I ask.”
5
Harper
Iwas so excited to be meeting up with Louis. I’d been looking forward to our date all day, and I wanted it to be perfect. I had chosen my outfit carefully, a simple green sundress that showed off my curves. My long red hair hung in loose curls around my face, and I had taken extra care with my makeup.
When I arrived at the bistro, I was pleased by the atmosphere. The lights were dimmed, giving a romantic feel to the place. A few couples were seated at tables scattered throughout the room, talking quietly and enjoying each other’s company. At the far corner of the room was Louis, dressed in a white linen shirt and dark slacks. He rose as soon as he saw me enter, a small smile playing across his lips.
I felt an immediate connection when our eyes met; it was like we had known each other forever. I smiled back at him nervously as he pulled out a chair for me to sit down in before taking his own seat across from mine.
“It’s nice to see you again,” Louis said softly.
