by Jewel Allen
Moments later, he whispered, “I should let you head up. Mother is anxious to see you before the party.”
I attempted a brave smile.
“You’ll do great.” Diego squeezed my hand.
Gervais the butler escorted me to a room on the first floor. The door was open, and I could hear Princess Nina cooing to her dog.
“There you are, baby girl. Was that yum-yum?”
She looked up at my entrance, surprise evident in her eyes. “Well hello. What a transformation.”
I took that as a compliment. “Thank you.”
Then her lips straightened in faint distaste. In my frame of mind, I had lost all my bravado, and I think she sensed it. Like a predator senses weakness.
“Come on in,” she said, waving at a chair across from the loveseat she was sitting on.
Once I sat, she said, “So…Sophia and Lucia took you shopping.”
“They did. I’m so grateful for their kindness.”
“And Diego told me you don’t like to do that sort of thing.”
“No, I don’t,” I admitted.
“Too bad. You’ll have to do a lot of it if…you and he get in a more serious relationship.”
If. No surprise she had no confidence in our future as a couple.
“Would you like some tea?” she asked.
“Yes, please.”
As she poured fragrant tea into beautiful rose-colored teacups, I looked around the room. There were at least four sets of furniture in the spacious room. The paintings depicted scenes from centuries long ago. These walls clearly held a lot of history.
She handed me my teacup and lifted hers, pinning me with her gaze. “Tell me about yourself.”
I told her about my childhood in Sunnyridge, growing up with a Cuban father and a Filipina mother. How my father was a big soccer fan and encouraged me to learn the sport. How my mother had dreams for me of getting a soccer scholarship in college, and how I’d earned it. How I could have continued to play pro soccer were it not for injuries.
I realized I was blabbering, I was so nervous. Eventually, my monologue ran out, and I hid behind my cup, sipping my already lukewarm drink.
“I had a chat with Diego before this,” the princess said, setting her cup in her saucer and placing it on a side table. “He tells me you started a training camp, and he’s moved on with you to finish his service project.”
“Correct.”
“That seems rather abrupt and…disloyal, you moving on in the middle of training season. I would imagine your former boss was disappointed in you.”
Just like I’m disappointed in you, came the unspoken postscript.
“I had been thinking about quitting for a while,” I explained, feeling defensive. “My boss and I…didn’t see eye to eye on how to run the business. I knew that sooner or later I would have to move on. I didn’t expect it to come out of the blue. But some things are just not worth enduring.”
“It depends, I suppose, how you look at things.” Princess Nina patted her gray but stylish chignon. “I am trying to gauge how loyal you would be…to my son.”
Diego had warned me about her skepticism, but I didn’t expect such a direct attack.
“Once I am committed to something, I follow through,” I assured her. “I hadn’t meant to fall in love with your son, but I care about him, and I will do everything in my power to not hurt him.”
“You hadn’t meant to fall in love with him,” she repeated, “just like you hadn’t meant to quit your job. It sounds like you’re about as reckless as my son when it comes to choices.”
Anger washed over me in waves. She was accusing me of unfair things, left and right. But I didn’t know how to react. She reminded me of Jason. She had the upper-hand, and I was supposed to just stay in my lane.
“Perhaps I made a mistake picking your former camp.” Her mouth twisted. “It would be a shame for him to break your heart when the time came.”
“When the time came?” My heart beat in my chest like a bird’s wings flapping in a cage.
“I don’t see how you and he could do a long-distance relationship. You’re committed to your training camp, and he’s committed to his soccer career.”
“I could move mine to Europe…” The thought had just occurred to me, and I was thinking out loud.
“But your children are disadvantaged, are they not? How would they be able to fly over? They don’t have that kind of money, do they?”
I shook my head. She was right.
My heart sank. The way her questioning was going, I didn’t see why I was bothering to defend myself. As I answered each question, she found more issues. My hope of being with Diego now sounded stupid and unrealistic.
I took a sip of the bland tea as Adele’s beautiful face floated in my consciousness. She would be the perfect partner for Diego. Already royalty and poised for the cameras, not some has-been soccer player.
My cup clattered into my saucer; my hands were trembling so much.
There was a glint of pity in Princess Nina’s eyes. “Getting in a relationship with a royal is tough work. I know. I wasn’t a royal when I married the late prince, Diego’s father. Our relationship was rocky for several years. So many women don’t care if a royal is married; they make a play for him anyway.”
My stomach clenched. Even if I married Diego, Adele would always be around.
I set the cup and saucer on the table and sat back, lost in thought.
“Are you quite all right?” she asked.
“Yes.” I blinked and straightened my posture, looking her straight in the eye. “I think so. Now.”
She appeared taken aback and assessed me frankly. “My sons all have unusual tastes in women.” She looked out the window at the green expanse of the palace grounds. “They could’ve had any royal they wanted, and yet they like a taste of the normal, I suppose.” She smiled. “I hope I haven’t scared you away from Diego. I merely wanted you to understand that it’s not all fairy tale endings and happily ever afters.”
I swallowed and nodded.
“Thank you for joining me at tea,” she said, flicking something off her beautiful dress. “I mustn’t drink too much. Must save some room for our sumptuous dinner. I understand Princess Adele has arrived, and I’m dying to visit with her.”
I stood, trying to muster up my remaining dignity. “Thank you, Princess Nina.”
“One thing,” she said, her eyes, blue as her son’s, flicking up at me. “Do you love my son?”
I love him so much I’m willing to let him go.
Tears pricked my eyes. “I…I don’t know.” And then I fled under her pitying glance.
I fled to the peach room, where I studied my reflection in the mirror. Despite the beautiful veneer, I felt like a fake. Maybe Princess Nina was right…about everything.
There was a knock, and I walked to the door.
“Yes?”
“It’s me.” It was Diego’s voice. Hopeful. Excited.
I closed my eyes, overcome with yearning to hold him and be held by him. “Hi,” I said through the door.
“How did it go?”
Terrible. “Great,” I lied.
“Can I come in? Tell me all about it.”
“I…I’m not feeling well.”
“Really. Oh, love. I’m sorry.”
Love.
How could one feel love just knowing someone for four weeks? It was all just physical, right? A few kisses that muddle everything else. Kisses that couldn’t possibly mean so much. If I let him go, Adele could comfort him.
“Yes,” I said, “I’m sorry too.”
“How about if I check on you again in a few minutes? Hopefully you’ll feel better?”
“No, it’s all right. I…I am not coming to the party.”
“Oh, my love, no.”
“I should stay away,” I insisted. “I wouldn’t want your guests to get sick.”
“I don’t care if I get sick. I can keep you company. We can hole up somewhere by ou
rselves. Please, let me in.”
Don’t make this harder than it already is.
“Please,” I begged, “I need to lie down. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Silence, then, “Okay.” His voice sounded glum. “See you tomorrow. Get feeling better, my love.”
After he left, I knelt on the floor by the bed and wept.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Diego
I went to the party worried about Gemma. She hadn’t seemed sick earlier in the day. Could she have had an attack of nerves? I wondered if Mother had something to do with this. I’d have to talk with her once the party was well underway, when Mother could be bothered.
I had set Gemma up for such a stressful weekend—going shopping with strangers, meeting Mother, attending a party—I must have pushed her over the edge.
Mother’s eyes glittered with excitement as they always did before a party. Mother lived to entertain, and her parties were never a half-effort.
The ballroom was well-appointed as usual, but I didn’t even notice the details as my mind was preoccupied with Gemma. I did my duty and danced with all the unmarried women, including two turns with Adele.
Funny how I had been infatuated with the Bavarian princess just weeks before. Holding her in my arms didn’t inspire any of the exciting sensations that I had imagined.
She looked at me through her long darkened lashes. “Where’s your girlfriend?”
“Gemma? She’s not feeling well.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She flashed me a sympathetic glance, her red lips turning down at the corners. At one point, I had imagined kissing her. Now I only wished I could be done with the dance so I could check on Gemma.
“Diego, are you listening?” Adele asked. She was looking at me expectantly, and I realized she had asked me a question.
“Sorry, what was that?”
She pouted. “I was asking what life in exile was like.”
With Gemma? “Not bad at all. I’m rather enjoying it. That’s how I met Gemma.”
“I see.” Her expression turned cool. “You know, that news kind of set me aback. I thought…” She bit her lip.
“What?”
“I wouldn’t be so frank with you if we hadn’t known each other all our lives. I thought you were interested in me. And I had a crush on you too.” Hurt crossed her face. “It’s not very gentlemanly of you to keep a girl’s hopes up.”
“I’m sorry if you feel like I led you on. I admit that before Gemma, I had considered asking you out, but now…” I shrugged helplessly.
Her expression shuttered. “No matter. Thanks for being upfront with me. I would have hated to be thinking something else altogether…and turn out mistaken. Gemma is a very lucky girl.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Gemma
With my face scrubbed of all traces of makeup and my hair pulled back into a careless ponytail, I only got cursory glances from servers scurrying past me as I left my room. I’d deliberately changed out of the dress and gotten into jeans and a shirt. This eliminated the temptation of actually joining Diego on the dance floor.
I had a flight to catch. In coach, on a regular plane.
So much for feeling like a princess in a fairy tale.
On my way to catching the taxi that would take me to the airport, I stopped behind a pillar with my luggage in hand. Out of curiosity, I took a peek out at the “little” party.
Guests milled about with drinks, the women’s wrists and necks glittering with diamonds and other expensive jewels. Skirts in dazzling colors ballooned as dancers swirled to the music. All the scene needed was magic dust in the air.
I caught a glimpse of Diego dancing with Adele.
Jealousy ate through me like acid. Mingled with panic that they might look my way and see me.
I had no need to worry, however. They weren’t paying attention to anything but each other. Their heads were close together, their expressions intense. Probably talking about a future that used to be clear…until I barged in.
I hid fully behind the pillar and choked back a sob.
Goodbye, Diego.
Adele was a very lucky girl.
Chapter Forty
Diego
In the middle of the song, Adele picked up her skirts and marched off from me, into the ballroom crowd.
I felt a hand on my arm and looked to my right into my mother’s eyes.
“Did you just crush that girl’s hopes and dreams?” Mother asked.
“Mother, you make it sound like we were affianced or something serious.”
“Well, you practically were. I had high hopes myself. Why are you and your brothers so stubborn?”
“Because we have our agency?” I was half-joking, half-serious.
“That’s it.” She gave me a grudging, admiring glance. “I suppose it’s all right. Your brothers have proven me wrong each time.”
“And have I not proven you wrong yet about Gemma?” My voice rose in my exasperation.
“She’s a beauty; I’ll grant her that. And she does seem like a strong woman. I like that about her. She’s also articulate and passionate about helping the children in her program.”
“That’s all true.”
“Where is she, by the way?”
“She’s in her room, sick. I’m wondering if maybe today overwhelmed her. I was going to check on her, actually. Sorry to leave your party early, but may I be excused, Mother?”
“Oh, go on. Just break your mother’s heart, why don’t you.”
“You don’t need to be so dramatic, Mother.” I kissed her thin cheek. “I love you.”
She sniffled. “I love you too.”
I went upstairs, eager to hear Gemma’s voice. To be in her company. I stopped at her door and was about to knock, when I realized it was open and it was dark inside.
I pushed it open further. “Hello, love?” There was no answer. “Gemma?”
Still no answer. I opened the door fully now, hoping I wouldn’t wake her if she was in bed asleep. But the light in the hall revealed a bed that was still made up. There was no sign of anyone burrowed under the covers.
I turned on the light.
The room was empty. There was no luggage. The green dress Gemma had worn lay on the made-up bed. My heart thudded. Where was Gemma?
“Gemma?” I walked to the bathroom. Everything was as it had been.
By now, I was confused. Could she have moved rooms? Was she so sick she had to go to the hospital?
I walked back to the main room and turned my attention to the dress on the bed. A white envelope lay starkly bright against the fabric. I picked it up and turned it over for clues. It was marked simply, Diego.
I tore it open with trembling hands.
Diego,
By the time you get this letter, I will already be at the airport trying to catch a flight back to Colorado. Please do not chase after me.
My body turned cold. But why?
After visiting with your mother, I realized two things. First, you are better off without me keeping you from your goals. Second, your mother really wants you and Adele to be married.
So I am letting you go.
Gemma, no!
I hope you will find a way to get your service hours somewhere else. As you can imagine, coming back to Sunnyridge would not work out too well. I will mail you all your belongings. Thank you for the fun memories, and may you find happiness with Adele.
Gemma
I stared at the letter, the words swimming in my eyes. I wanted to rage at something. I was angry at Mother for scaring her off. What had she told Gemma? Why did I agree for them to spend time together without me?
But right now was not the time to confront Mother at the party.
I took my phone out of my pocket and looked up Gemma. I stared at her name for the longest time. Maybe it wasn’t too late to talk her out of her plan. She said to not chase after her, but she didn’t say to not talk to her.
She answered on the third ring.
<
br /> “Gemma,” I breathed out.
“Diego.” She paused. “I have three minutes before I have to board.”
They would be some of the most important three minutes of my life. “Please don’t leave. At least talk to me. Give me a chance to hear you out.”
“No, Diego. I’ve been thinking about it. This is for the best.”
“My mother shouldn’t have talked to you. What did she say?”
“Please don’t be mad at her. She simply told me about the realities of marrying into royalty. Not having privacy. Having to follow certain rules and behavior. You know I’m not cut out to conform.”
“Does any of that matter if we love each other?”
“Plus there’s Adele.”
“Adele is nothing to me!” I bristled over her stubbornness.
“That’s not what the girls told me today. They said you were interested in her before you came to Colorado. I know your mother’s heart has been set on your marriage to Adele.”
“But that was before I met you.”
“I watched you dance with Adele tonight,” her voice rasped. “I was upstairs, on my way out the door to catch a taxi. You and she looked like you were made for each other. Light and dark. Yin and Yang.” She sighed. “I would talk more, but I have to go or I’ll miss my flight.”
“So miss it.” My voice came out raw. Savage.
“Thank you for everything. Someday you’ll see the wisdom in this.” And then she hung up.
I stared at the phone for a long time before slipping it into my pocket. Feelings started to pile into my heart. Sadness, anger, frustration. For a moment, I considered taking the private jet and defying her request not to chase after her. I wondered what this meant as far as my “service,” though this was a small concern, considering everything else.
But I was also hurt that Gemma would abandon me just when we seemed to have come to a mutual understanding.
I felt my heart harden. Just to protect itself from getting hurt further. I wouldn’t think about it anymore tonight. I’d mingle with everyone and try to shove this heartbreak away.
