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I swallow hard and beam up at my future in-laws.
Here goes nothing.
Torben gives me his arm, and we ascend the stairs together. Mercifully, the prince takes the lead in making introductions while the palace photographer snaps away.
The king gives a practiced smile and is every bit as imposing and regal as I’d imagined. The queen’s smile is more genuine, if a bit aloof.
“I’m so sorry,” I blurt, feeling loose and a bit dizzy after we’re through all the names, curtsies, handshakes, and whatnot. “Rolf and Julia share a resemblance, though, don’t you think?”
“Of course they do,” the king replies. “They’re cousins.”
I wait for him to laugh, but he doesn’t.
Oh. He hires his family to staff the palace. Well…okay? I mean, it’s a small country? And maybe that’s tradition here. I know nothing.
“Oh…well, how nice to have such a close-knit family around you all the time,” I say, beaming at them.
The king and queen exchange a look, then the queen smiles at me beatifically as the photographer continues to capture the moment. “So wonderful to meet you, dear. We will give you and Torben time to prepare for family breakfast.”
I’m not sure what she means by that, as Sable dressed us both on the plane in fancier clothes than I’ve ever worn, but I take it in stride.
“So awesome to meet y’all!” I say. “I can’t wait to see the inside.”
The king and queen exit, with Rolf and Julia following quickly behind.
Torben seems perturbed that everyone has disappeared but shakes it off once we enter the palace.
The grand entrance hall is lighter and brighter than I would have expected. Arched windows and intricate tapestries line the pale stone walls. Though dark woodwork is everywhere and the ceiling features thick, heavy beams, the sandstone walls, and open windows give the place a welcoming, airy feeling even at this early hour.
I walk around the hall, gazing at everything, not knowing what to take in first. Soon, two big arms snake around my middle.
“What are you doing?” Torben’s breath on my throat makes me giggle.
“I just realized. We’re alone for the first time since we showered together yesterday.”
I gasp. “That was yesterday?”
“Are you tired? Jetlagged?”
I smile, my heart beating faster because I know where this conversation is going.
“Not in the least,” I tell him.
“Breakfast is in two hours. Would you like a tour?”
“With the palace historian? It’s a bit early. Maybe later.”
“Not that. Would you like a tour of my chambers?”
“Oh, that. Yes, I’m very much down for that.”
* * *
Torben’s rooms are in the western wing of the palace. Yes, rooms, plural.
The main bedroom is more simple and casual than I anticipated. It’s all stone and wood beams, with built-in bookshelves and a massive fireplace. In the center is a beautiful bed that looks as ancient as the palace itself, clearly carved by a master craftsman. The bathroom is similarly rustic and spare but has modern amenities that don’t clash with the architecture. A massive closet and dressing room lie beyond the bathroom, with a glass case boasting the first thing I would call flashy in this entire residence.
“It’s hideous, isn’t it?” Torben jokes, nodding at the silver crown inside.
