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I swung around, and it was my turn to freeze.
Oh no . . .
Queen Annabelle.
And she had just overheard me declaring my love to her son.
There was only one thing I wished for at that moment.
That the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
Chapter Twenty-One
PRINCE OLIVER
Nothing could have rivaled the joy of hearing Grace confess her love to me. It was an unexpected revelation that set my heart racing. However, the euphoria was smothered by the sudden presence of Mother, who now seemed to be on the verge of fainting again.
My mind raced, desperately trying to map out a route through this delicate situation. The declaration of my own love for Grace would have to wait for a more romantic setting and moment, hopefully private.
“Your Majesty,” Henri interjected at the most opportune moment.
I mentally applauded him for the interruption.
Mother swiveled on her heels to face him. “Yes?”
“Miss DuPont is waiting for you in the sitting room,” Henri said.
“Thank you, Henri,” Mother replied. “Let her know I will be there shortly. Please offer her tea.”
Henri nodded and turned back toward the palace.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief, but had to ask, “When did Miss DuPont return from France?” I thought it would be best to redirect the conversation away from the topic of love.
“This morning,” Mother responded. “I contacted her a few days ago and asked her to return when we were having a few issues, but she hadn’t been informed about the wedding being canceled. Not a problem. I’ll use the time to discuss the annual parade with her.”
“I’m so glad she’s here! I have something of hers I found with the wedding files. I’ll go get it.” Grace wrapped herself in her sarong and scurried away before either of us could utter a word.
“Not even a cheetah could have escaped faster,” Mother commented, observing Grace’s swift retreat. “It appears as though we need to talk.”
“Pardon me, Your Majesty,” Dante interjected.
I could kiss him.
His timing was impeccable.
“Yes?” Mother said.
Dante gestured to me. “If I may have a word with Prince Oliver.”
“How can I help you?” I asked.
Please, take your time . . .
“Edward and Conrad from Verdana Construction have been urgently trying to reach you,” he said. “They would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Today, if possible.”
“Thank you—I’ll be in touch with them shortly,” I said. Dante left, and I picked up my phone from the table. “I need to make this phone call, Mother.”
“What business do you have with Verdana Construction?” Mother asked.
