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“Actually, there are two positive things,” I said, reaching for her hand and kissing it.
She grinned. “Right, of course. But are we being unrealistic here? You’re the Prince of Verdana, and I’m not even sure what I am at the moment. Certainly not a wedding planner.”
“You’re not the only one trying to figure out their place in the world,” I said, pondering for a moment. “Your job doesn’t define you. I believe that much. Give it time. You’ll figure it out.”
Grace nodded. “Thanks . . .”
“I’m curious,” I said. “What was life like for you before you jumped into the dazzling world of wedding planning? What did you do for a living?”
“It was the complete opposite,” she said. “I was a strategic business manager and consultant.”
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. “That sounds impressive. What exactly did that entail?”
Grace shrugged. “I specialized in international business, the complexities of global markets, and implementing profitable collaborations. Strategic planning, analysis, evaluating market trends, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks.” She winced. “Sorry if I’m boring you with corporate jargon. It doesn’t sound as exciting as organizing weddings, but it was my thing. I loved it.”
“It’s not boring at all,” I said. “I find it fascinating. Why did you stop?”
Grace didn’t hesitate with an answer. “Greed. Most of the companies were so driven by money, to the detriment of their employees, who were overworked and underpaid. I couldn’t stomach it anymore. I was hunting for a nonprofit corporation, but then a friend roped me into planning her wedding. One thing led to another, and wedding planning became my accidental detour from the corporate jungle. It’s not my passion, but it pays the bills. Well, it used to.”
“And you’ve always been in Los Angeles?”
“Yup—born and raised there,” Grace said. “By the way, you don’t see that as an obstacle between us? How can we make this work?”
I shrugged, not needing much time to think. “You just need to believe, and let the Universe sort out the details. I believe in you. I believe in us. That’s all that matters. We’ll figure out the rest.”
Marco pulled up to the front of the palace. We got out of the SUV and headed straight to the sitting room for another so-called emergency meeting. Veronica was already there by herself, looking completely relaxed as she scrolled on her phone.
“Here they come—the troublemakers,” she teased as she hugged us both. “Are the rumors true?”
“Depends on which rumor you’re talking about,” I said, trying to keep it light. “I can’t keep track of them all.”
Veronica, eyeing us both, clarified, “You and Grace. Is there really something going on between you two, or was it just a ruse to get Queen Annabelle to cancel the wedding?”
I glanced at the closed door and lowered my voice. “If you’re asking whether or not I like Grace, that would be a resounding yes. I do. Very much so.”
It felt liberating to openly talk about it, but I was not crazy enough to say the same thing to Mother. At least, not yet.
“Aww,” Grace beamed, then playfully bumped my hip with hers. “Likewise, Your Highness.”
Veronica placed her hands on her heart. “This makes me so happy.”
“I’m relieved.” Grace held both of Veronica’s hands and asked, “How is your mother? I hope she’s feeling better.”
Veronica nodded. “She is. Thank you for asking.”
Their pleasant exchange was abruptly interrupted as Mother entered with a sour expression. “Look at the mess you have created. This has gone on long enough.”
She grabbed the television remote, turned it on, and cranked up the volume of a news program, revealing the media frenzy we’d just passed outside the palace.
“We begin today’s broadcast with a shocking development in the royal realm,” the news anchor said. “We’re live with reporter Gerald Phillips, who is outside the royal palace as we speak. Gerald? Are the rumors true?”
“That remains to be seen,” the reporter said. “Indeed, Prince Oliver appears to have found himself the star of another viral video that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. His Highness was spotted at Atomic Adventures amusement park yesterday, coming out of the Tunnel of Love with Grace Fullerton, an American wedding planner. The sighting has ignited a frenzy of rumors and speculations.”
The news program showed footage of me and Grace exiting the Tunnel of Love, both of us looking flustered with paint on our faces. Then it showed us getting out of the boat and running away from the cameras.
“There are more than a few questions on everyone’s mind,” the reporter continued. “What was Prince Oliver doing at Atomic Adventures? How did the paint on Grace Fullerton’s face get on the prince’s face? Is he having an affair with the wedding planner? And what does this mean for his impending royal wedding with Princess Veronica?”
The program cut to a video of me and Grace at the gala.
