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How does someone live for thirty years without the person they love?Not that I love Alex or anything.
Right. I’m not fooling myself. In the moments I’m able to forget that this is all just an act, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. But then I come back to reality.
He’s a prince and I’m… not. If he pulls this off, he could be in line for the throne. I’ll just go back to Texas.
“Want to have breakfast together, Lily?” I ask when I come downstairs.
“I’d love that, Bella.”
Now I just have to build up enough courage to ask the staff, the one I’m afraid to talk to, even though they're specifically here to wait on us.
“Vittoria, ma’am?” I call out with uncertainty.
“Just remember,” Lily whispers. “It’s like asking for a waitress in a restaurant.”
“Except it’s not, though.”
“Yeah. I know.” She giggles.
Vittoria appears suddenly, as if by magic, and Lily clams up. I shoot her an amused look.
“Yes, Ms. Isabella?” Vittoria asks.
“Could we have some breakfast, please? If you’re able?”
“Yes, ma’am, it would be my pleasure. What would you like?”
“Whatever you like to make the best. Or whoever is cooking, what they like.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you.”
She curtsies in her long skirt, and I see a flush of pink on her smiling cheeks. I wonder how often she’s asked what she likes.
There’s a stream outside the grounds from the back terrace, against gently rolling green hills. A trophy room in the vast mansion hints at the profusion of game in the area. A family of deer grazes below.
“Wow. Can you imagine living here all the time, Lily?”
From Lily’s wistful smile, I see that she can, and no doubt she has.
I hear footsteps behind us coming onto the terrace. I turn around, expecting Vittoria. Instead, it’s Alex, carrying our tray.
“Breakfast for the beautiful ladies,” he says with a flourish. He joins us on the patio, and I feel jittery with him next to me.
This is all a ruse, I understand that, but I have a feeling that if I reached over and planted a kiss on his cheek, he wouldn’t mind it. I wish I had the courage to find out.
“How is the King?” Lily asks.
“He’s in good spirits. He’s pleased you’re here. We arranged a date for you to meet.”
“Really? When?” Lily brightens with anticipation, holding her breath expectantly.
“At the official engagement party.”
Oh, God.For Lily’s sake, I try to feign enthusiasm, but I’m sick of being a living mannequin.
“And when is this engagement party?” I ask. I’m getting claustrophobic here in this huge mansion. More, though, being close to Alex is dangerous for my heart. The sooner I leave, the better.
