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Macey took in a steadying breath, said a prayer for bravery and strength, and wrapped her fingertips around the glasses.
“You’ve got this,” Sutton encouraged.
Before she could second-guess any further, she yanked the glasses off and handed them over.
“Thank you.” Sutton set them in the vehicle's console and opened his own door.
“Don’t leave those in this rental,” Macey warned, her gaze darting to her glasses.
“We’d hate to lose such a flattering accessory,” Sutton teased, but then his blue eyes grew serious. “I won’t forget them. I know they make you more comfortable, but now is your chance to live in a medieval romance, and they didn’t have stylish glasses in that time period.”
Macey attempted a smile, gave him a thumbs up, and stood shakily on her heels. A couple of guards approached; obviously, they’d been waiting for their cue.
“Welcome,” the more approachable and older of the two said. “I’m Lieutenant General Philippe Cordon, second in command to His Royal Highness Prince Raymond, the general of our armed forces.”
“Sutton Smith.” Sutton shook his hand.
“I know who you are, sir, and it’s an honor. And Miss Clifton, the future bride of our beloved Crown Prince Tristan.” He bowed slightly to her but didn’t offer his hand. She felt like she should curtsy, but she settled for a smile. “Please allow me to escort you to King Nolan. Jacob will get your luggage, miss.” He tilted his head to the young man.
Sutton clicked a button on the remote to pop the trunk open for Jacob.
“Good thing it’s a rental and that button doesn’t activate fifty calibers or turn the car into a helicopter like your Aston Martin,” Macey said.
Sutton chuckled, and the lieutenant general actually smiled at her.
The three of them fell into step across the cement and up the sweeping staircase. Macey admired the water features and flowers adorning the staircase.
“This castle and valley are some of the most picturesque spots I’ve ever viewed,” Sutton said.
“Thank you, sir. I’m a native and very proud of Augustine, devoted to my people and the royal family.”
Macey was grateful they spoke English here, though it was definitely more formal than the American English she was used to. Their accent was rich and smooth, more Italian and French and less German.
“That is the reason I’m forever indebted to you, miss,” the lieutenant general continued. “I’ve known Prince Tristan since he was a babe. You being willing to marry him, in spite of the threats, the queen’s murder, and the curse…” He raised his eyebrows.
Macey’s own brows lifted, and she and Sutton exchanged a look. She’d love to hear more about this fabled curse.
“I’m grateful you will help the general and myself protect the crown prince and distract our people from the threats. It means the world to me, to all of us.”
“Thank you,” she said, she hoped graciously. Only the king, Prince Tristan, and his twin brother, General Raymond, were supposed to know the engagement wasn’t real. This guy knew she could protect Tristan. Interesting, or suspicious? She glanced at Sutton. He gave her a nod. He was intrigued by this lieutenant general as well.
They finally reached the huge wooden double doors. Lieutenant General Cordon swung one inward, and it moved surprisingly easily. They walked into a foyer the likes of which she’d never seen in her life. The ceilings had to be thirty feet high, and she gaped up at gorgeous, sparkling chandeliers and the ceiling itself, which was made of stained glass panes. The space was light-filled and airy, with two levels of windows on either side of the double doors showcasing the gorgeous green valley below and mountains beyond that. A grand staircase that looked like any young princess’s dream to walk down was on the other side of the foyer. It arched gracefully up two stories then continued in a circular pattern, the walls around it narrowing as it went up and up and up—seven stories, eight? She had to explore that staircase and this entire castle.
“Oh, my,” she whispered. “This is incredible.”
“Oh, miss.” The lieutenant general looked to be fighting a smile. “You’ve only just begun.”
She and Sutton exchanged a look. Even Sutton seemed to be impressed. “I’d better bring Liz with me when I come back,” he said. Liz had already committed to babysit their granddaughter this week while River and Ally were in Kauai. Everybody had agreed that the long flight and a castle were no place for rambunctious little Emerald.
“For sure. And don’t take any pictures or she’ll be jealous.”
“No photography allowed in the castle,” Cordon informed them as he walked to the left down a wide hallway lined with mosaics on the walls, gorgeous floral arrangements on tables, and doors on each side. Some were wide double doors leading into huge rooms like a ballroom, a formal dining room, and a library. Each room was bright, with massive windows either showcasing the mountains at the rear of the castle or the valley at the front.
Macey wanted to gawk and explore every room, but Cordon kept them moving. They saw two armed guards, who stiffly saluted as they walked by, but no one else. The castle was suspiciously quiet. Had they all withdrawn into a shell since the queen’s death?
He reached a door on the left side of the hallway and gave a short rap.
“Permission to enter,” a male voice said regally.
