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Veronica’s eyes went wide. “I must say, I am quite surprised.”
“Unbelievable . . .” I finished my champagne in one gulp, then stopped a server, swapping my empty glass for a full one. “How on earth were you able to accomplish that?”
“It was much easier than I thought,” Grace said. “After I mentioned the orchids were for your wedding, I had more volunteers than I could handle! You have many fans in Romania.”
This was a nightmare.
A young boy of about ten came running up to me, holding a colorful painting close to his chest. “Prince Oliver! Look what I painted! Do you like it?”
“Let’s see what you’ve got there.” I took the painting and saw a detailed landscape of the palace rendered beautifully for someone that age. “My, oh, my, you’ve captured the north tower splendidly. And the use of one-point perspective draws the eye right to the main entrance.”
The boy looked at me, perplexed.
“And blending the shadows on the west wing to show depth—very skilled,” I continued, impressed by his artistic abilities. “But my favorite part by far is the brush technique on the gardens. Marvelous!”
“Um, okay,” the boy finally replied with a shrug before scampering back into the crowd.
Grace looked at me in surprise. “You seem to know a lot about painting.”
“I dabble a bit in my spare time,” I said casually, not wanting to make a big deal of my hobby, since few people knew about it. Before Grace could ask more, a booming voice interrupted us over the speakers.
“Attention, esteemed guests!” the man said. “Please welcome Prince Oliver to the stage!”
“Please excuse me,” I told Grace, spinning on my heels toward the stage, wondering what in the world I was going to do with one hundred and twenty-five Adana orchids since there would not be a wedding.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” I began, my voice echoing throughout the tent. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to every one of you for attending this year’s gala. Your generous donations will make an incredible difference in the lives of these extraordinary children.”
I paused my speech briefly for the applause, glancing at Grace, who still seemed on cloud nine from her accomplishment in Romania. It would only be fair to give credit where credit was due, in regards to the fundraiser.
“Before we transition to the hotel for dinner, I would like to acknowledge someone who was adamant about including the children this year,” I said. “Grace, could you come to the stage and say a few words?”
She hesitated, clearly not expecting me to acknowledge her, but then graciously smiled, handed her glass to a server, and walked to the stage as the children chanted her name. But just as Grace reached the top step of the stage, her heel caught on the hem of her dress, and she stumbled forward.
“Whoa!” she cried out, arms flailing as she came careening into my chest.
Luckily, I caught her, my arms instinctively wrapping around her waist to help her regain her balance.
Cameras flashed wildly around us.
Grace gazed up at me, flustered, inches from my face.
“Are you all right?” I asked, holding on to her tightly as the flashes continued.
“Yes—thank you,” Grace said, her face reddening with embarrassment. “I’m not drunk.”
That made me laugh.
She smoothed down her gown, regained her composure, then stepped up to the microphone. “I really know how to make an entrance.”
I laughed, along with the attendees. Then she launched into a heartfelt speech about the children that had half the room dabbing their eyes. I had to admit, she had a way with words.
“Whether it’s through art, music, or just spending time with one another, we have the power to make a difference in their lives,” Grace continued. “Let’s remember to celebrate not only tonight, but every day we have the privilege of being part of this wonderful world.”
The crowd erupted into applause, with my sister Adriana leading the charge. She beamed at Grace, clearly impressed by her heartfelt speech.
My brother Theodore stood off to the side, grumpy as ever.
“Now, please join me in transitioning to the ballroom next door for dinner and dancing,” I said. “The night is still young!”
