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“I beg to differ.” I gave her a little nudge with my elbow. “He’s been watching you like a hawk since we got here. And that gleam in his eye has nothing to do with providing excellent customer service.”
Adriana glanced in his direction just as Demetrio looked over.
He smiled and rushed our way. “Is there anything I can help you with, Your Highness?”
“No, thank you,” Adriana said. “We’re just taking a break.” She held up the glass. “And the wine is divine.”
He gave a slight bow, not even glancing my way once. “Always a pleasure, Your Highness.”
Demetrio walked away, and I leaned closer. “See? I’m pretty sure he likes you.”
Adriana smiled, glancing back in his direction again. “Well, I will most definitely take it under advisement. He certainly is a kind and good-looking man.” Her eyes sparkled with interest.
“Where is his accent from?” I asked. “He doesn’t have the same as yours.”
“Demetrio is from Greece but has lived in Verdana for the last ten years,” Adriana said. “Speaking of Greeks and big fat weddings, Mother has suggested more than a few times that I should marry the royal prince of Greece.” She grimaced. “He’s a good-looking man, and kind, as far as I can tell, but he’s much too young for me. That won’t happen.”
I shook my head. “I just don’t understand why you get a choice, but Prince Oliver doesn’t.”
“As next in line to the throne, there’s intense pressure on him to marry strategically and produce heirs,” Adriana explained. “Tradition is what it comes down to, although I think it’s time for a few changes. I’m sure the people of Verdana would be open to it, as long as we put their best interests first. They’ve done it in other countries. We wouldn’t even be the first.”
My heart ached for Oliver’s predicament. Every person deserved their chance at true love. I truly believed that.
As Adriana and I continued our shopping, we laughed and chatted as if we’d known each other for years. Both of us found dresses that we absolutely adored, along with a few accessories. We eventually paid for our selections, gathered our many bags, said goodbye to Demetrio, then were escorted by the bodyguard across the street to the SUV. As we settled into the back seats of the SUV, I had a sudden feeling of guilt as Marco loaded the bags in the back.
“Adriana,” I said hesitantly, “I hope it doesn’t seem like I’m taking advantage of Prince Oliver. I mean, I know he offered, but this is just so extravagant.”
“Grace, trust me—you are not even close to taking advantage of him,” Adriana assured me, her voice as earnest as her expression. “And that you’re worried about it speaks volumes. Most people wouldn’t give it a second thought.”
I nodded, thinking about it. “That’s good to know. The last thing I want to do is ruffle feathers after the fiasco with the dog and the wedding dress. I’m sure you heard about it.”
“Oh, yes,” she said, a smile on her face. “There are no secrets at the palace. And you’re not the first person to ruffle the queen’s feathers. You certainly won’t be the last.”
My amusement faded as a sudden thought struck me. “Oh no, what am I going to do with the dog during the portrait session? Dante is watching him now, but I can’t ask him to continue for the rest of the day. I totally forgot, and I don’t think having him in the art studio with us is a smart idea either.”
“Leave it to me,” Adriana volunteered enthusiastically. “I’ve always had a way with animals, and I’d be more than happy to help. I miss Ruby.”
“Are you sure? He’s sweet, but he can be a handful . . .” I trailed off, unsure if I should impose on her any further. “He’s definitely not like Ruby.”
Adriana placed her hand on top of mine. “Nothing would bring me more joy. Consider it done. Does the dog have a name yet?”
I shook my head. “I was going to let your mother name him, but now I don’t know if she even wants to see him anymore.”
“She wants that dog more than she is leading you to believe. Just give her a little time,” Adriana said. “And if you want her to come around faster, name the dog Freddie.”
“Why, Freddie?” I asked.
Adriana smiled. “Father’s middle name was Alfred, but Mother used to call him Freddie occasionally. It would be a way to honor him, and nothing would bring my mother more joy. Trust me.”
I nodded. “Okay, Freddie it is then.”
Between the excitement of shopping and my constant gazing out the window to admire the coast, we were back at the castle in no time. The plan was to head to my room to drop off my bags, then get Freddie from Dante to pass him along to Adriana before changing for my session with Oliver.
Seeing Dante in the hall without the dog was not a good sign.
“Welcome back, Grace,” he said with a smile, eyeing my bags in both hands. “I trust you had a pleasant shopping experience?”
“I did, thank you,” I said. “Sorry, but where is the dog?”
