“And I hope Santa leaves you a hot European under the tree.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice? I have been extra good this year.”
Boringly so.
She almost laughed at how her life consisted of two things—work and sleep. Her biggest social interactions were an occasional happy hour with coworkers and video chats with Sophie, but Kat had plenty of time for romance in the future.
Jojo gave Kat a slight push toward the exit. “Take lots of pictures. I’ll want a full report when you get back.”
“Will do, but I hope you’re not too disappointed. Nothing exciting ever happens to me.”
“Being in a royal wedding and going to Europe is the definition of exciting. Enjoy yourself.” Jojo pulled another piece of hay from Kat’s hair. “And remember, Christmas is a time of magic and miracles.”
“I hope so.” Kat glanced at the clock on the wall and then reached for the door. “I may need a Christmas miracle to make my flight.”
*
Eighteen hours, three flights, and too many time changes to count later, Kat arrived in Alistonia, a small country located on the eastern side of the Alps. The view of the snow-covered mountains and lakes, some blue and others frozen white, during her flight’s approach had been picturesque, and the decorated-for-the-holidays airport with Christmas carols playing from overhead speakers and twinkling lights hanging everywhere only added to the postcard-perfect charm. Cedar Village was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small town, but something about this place felt downright cozy.
She adjusted the strap of her tote on her shoulder.
An airport valet placed her luggage on a wheeled cart and rolled that outside to a black limousine. Two tiny blue, yellow, and red striped flags on the hood fluttered in the breeze.
A uniformed driver, an older man with gray hair, greeted her by bowing. “Welcome, Dr. Parsons.”
He must have been told what she looked like.
“Hello.” She stifled a yawn. Traveling had sapped her energy, but the cold air might give her the boost she needed. She hoped so. The cup of coffee on her last flight hadn’t done anything but make her sleepy. She wanted to wake up. “Please, call me Kat.”
The chauffer bowed. “I am Claude. If there’s anything I can do for you while you’re in town, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Sophie had said she would take care of all the details once Kat arrived, but she hadn’t expected this kind of service—even though Sophie was royalty.
Kat rubbed her tired eyes. She still had a hard time reconciling her friend’s title with the woman who seemed so grounded and had gone into social work as a profession.
Claude opened the limo passenger door. “Make yourself comfortable.”
If Kat did that, she would fall asleep. The car ride might do the same thing. “Is the drive far?”
“A few kilometers away,” Claude said. “We should be there in less than ten minutes.”
Good. Kat shouldn’t be lulled to sleep in that short amount of time. She slid into the backseat.
Instrumental Christmas music played. A full wet bar was at her disposal with crystal decanters and bottles displayed. Panels of buttons and switches glowed. She had no idea what they all did, but she was too tired to experiment. Maybe another day.
Claude closed the door, placed her luggage in the trunk, and then got into the driver’s seat. He glanced back. “The town will be on your right as we leave the airport.”
She glanced out the window and nearly gasped.
Forget the word town. Village better described the narrow streets decorated with garland and the quaint buildings with wreaths hung on doors. A church steeple was the tallest building. The others were two, maybe three stories. Small, yes, but with so much character.
The scene resembled a Christmas card, one she would keep out all year. This might be her first visit to Europe, but this place seemed so welcoming. She had a strange sense of coming home.
“Charming,” she said.
It was just as Sophie had been describing for over a decade. Hard to believe they’d been friends for the past fifteen years. Sophie had wanted Kat to visit since they’d met, but the airfare had been prohibitive. Each year, another invitation was extended, but she’d had to say no. With her first paycheck from the clinic, Kat had set up a travel savings account.
And here she was.
Her first time out of the United States. Her first time on a different continent. Her first time being in a wedding.
She pressed her nose to the window. “It’s as pretty as a postcard.”
“Just wait until we have snow again. Warm temperatures melted everything a few days ago, but the weather forecast predicts heavy snow will fall this weekend.”
“That would be wonderful.” Her breath fogged the glass. She leaned back against the seat. “I love snow.”
Having snowball fights, making snow angels, and building snowmen had been favorite wintertime activities as a child. She sighed at the memories of growing up on her grandparents’ farm. She missed those times, and she missed them.
Her nana and papa would be tickled that she was finally in Alistonia to visit Sophie, who they’d loved like a granddaughter and treated like one during her visits to the farm.
Yawning, Kat blinked. Her eyelids felt so heavy. She shook her head. She needed to stay awake…
“We’re here, Miss Kat.”
Huh? Kat opened her eyes to find the driver standing outside the limo with the door opened.
She straightened. “Sorry, I must have fallen asleep.”
“Jetlag.” The driver extended his hand. “You’ll need a day or two to adjust to the time change.”
Stifling another yawn, she climbed out of the limo. The cold air made her shiver. She stood on a stone-tiled driveway and faced a tall, wrought iron gate with uniformed guards standing watch.
This must be a fancy hotel if they kept security at the entrance. Unless the guards were there for show and photo opportunities with guests.
Claude closed the car door. “I’ll take your luggage to your room.”
She removed dollar bills from her wallet and handed the tip to the driver. “Thank you.”
He placed his arms behind his back, so she couldn’t see his hands. “I appreciate the sentiment, but tipping is not necessary during your stay. Liv will help you get settled in your room.”
Who was Liv? And where was Sophie? At work?
Kat hadn’t spoken to her friend this week other than a few texts. The last one had been right before Kat boarded her first flight. She would text Sophie from the hotel room.
Kat faced the hotel.
Her mouth gaped.
No way. This was a…a…
“This is a castle,” she said, forcing the words from her tight throat.
“Yes, Miss Kat. Fortunately for guests, the interior has been remodeled and upgraded several times over the centuries. You should find the accommodations most comfortable.”
She stared in disbelief.
Talk about fairy-tale worthy.
Turrets jutted into the sky. An image of a beautiful princess standing at one of the windows in the tower formed in her mind. She could be waiting for her prince to arrive or, as Sophie had, making a mark in the world on her own.
Against the gray sky, the spires sparkled and the roof tiles gleamed as if sprinkled with pixie dust. The sight made her think of a fairy tale with a happily ever after ending. Perhaps her once upon a time wasn’t as far away as she thought.
Unbelievable and so unexpected.
She didn’t see a sign or placard anywhere. “What’s the name of the hotel?”
“This isn’t a hotel.”
Sophie had never mentioned anything about a castle in Alistonia. That was something Kat would have remembered. She had a soft spot for Cinderella movies.
“I think there’s been some kind of mistake,” Kat said.
Claude opened the trunk. “No mistake. Your room was chosen by P
rincess Sophia herself.”
No mistake.
The two words echoed through Kat’s head.
She should be excited—Jojo was going to love hearing about this—but the hair at the back of Kat’s neck prickled. She straightened her tote bag. Alistonia was a more formal country than the US. She’d packed accordingly, but she felt underdressed in her black yoga pants, oversized turtleneck, and long sweater. Comfortable clothes for the flight. Not appropriate attire for a magnificent castle.
She swallowed.
“Is there a problem?” Claude asked.
“No problem.” Not really. Just surprised.
Kat had imagined staying at one of the picturesque inns on the hillside that Sophie had described during their six summers together—the first four as campers and the last two as counselors.
Not…this.
If staying here was supposed to be a surprise, Sophie had succeeded. Kat was speechless.
Her friend had never spoken much about being royalty. They’d known each other a full year before Sophie confessed she was a princess. They used to joke about marrying princes, but that was in fun. Kat had never wanted to pry and ask her friend too many questions about royal life. She still didn’t.
Claude picked up her luggage. “I’ll take you inside where it’s warmer.”
She followed him.
Up ahead, tall Christmas trees decorated with red ribbon and white lights flanked the entrance. As if on cue, the imposing arched wooden door swung open.
A man in his late twenties or early thirties walked out. His tailored gray suit showed off wide shoulders and an athletic build. His yellow-and-red tie bounced slightly against his white button-down shirt. Light brown hair curled at the ends and framed a handsome face with high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips.
Looking at him made her feel warm and tingly inside.
Who was she kidding?
She was downright toasty now.
His lips looked like they would be perfect for under-the-mistletoe kisses.
And more.
She had no idea who he was, but this hottie had just taken over the top spot on her Christmas list. She would have to write Santa.
The man’s long strides cut the distance between them quickly. He looked at Claude. “Have you seen Maximilian?”
“No, sir. As soon as I take Dr. Parsons inside, I’ll phone the groundskeeper. One of his men will track him down again.”
A stunning, green-eyed gaze collided with hers. Sharpened.
Kat sucked in a breath. She knew that color. Knew the man.
Or did.
Prince Guillaume von Strausser.
She’d been fifteen the last time she saw him at camp. Sophie’s brother hadn’t been drop-dead-gorgeous back then.
Okay, forget about writing Santa. Kat would need to find another hottie to go on her Christmas list. Sophie’s brother was off-limits. Kat never wanted anything to come between her and her camp BFF. Not that Gill had given her anything but grief at camp.
Still, unexpected nerves made Kat’s muscles twitch. She forced a smile. “Hi, Gill.”
Surprise flashed across his face. “Kat?”
“It’s good to see you.” She sounded breathless. The way she felt.
Whatever shock he might have felt, however, disappeared. His lips pressed together, and his gaze narrowed. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
That wasn’t the reply she’d expected. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“You’ve never been here before.”
He spoke with the same authoritative tone she remembered, but Kat thought she heard a touch of accusation, too. Weird since they hadn’t spoken in so long, but he’d always been protective about Sophie and thought Kat interfered too much in his sister’s life.
“Lack of time and money,” she admitted.
He raised a brow. “And now?”
“I need more of both, but I wouldn’t miss Sophie’s wedding for anything.”
He studied Kat. Not as a friend looked at someone they hadn’t seen in a long time—thirteen years to be exact—but as a stranger, trying to determine if the person was safe or dangerous.
Her heart sank. Even after all these years, he still didn’t like her.
He started to speak but then stopped himself.
She raised her chin instead. “What?”
His gaze darkened to a forest green. “Are you here for my sister’s wedding…or have you set your sights on finding a royal for yourself?”
She wanted to believe he was joking, but his tone matched the serious look in his eyes.
Same old Gill. Imperial and pompous.
No doubt, Claude heard the implication in Gill’s voice that she was nothing more than a royal groupie.
Great way to start off her trip.
Squaring her shoulders, she took a step back. “I’m here because I’m Sophie’s friend and one of her bridesmaids. No other reason.”
“Sophie mentioned finding you a husband.”
When they were teenagers, she’d wanted Kat to marry one of her brothers so they could be sisters. “Sophie’s always kidding around about setting me up on a date.”
Emphasis on kidding around.
Kat’s ordinary life growing up on a wheat farm was so removed from Sophie’s world that her being royal had never been much of a curiosity. Perhaps something to daydream about when Kat was caring for her aging grandparents while attending college at the same time, but not enough to warrant an Internet search. Kat had had too much to do back then. She still did.
Watching Sophie on the reality TV show The Search for Cinderella had been the closest peek into her friend’s life, but to be honest, that had seemed more fantasy-for-the-cameras than reality.
Suspicion filled Gill’s gaze, but he didn’t say anything.
Words weren’t necessary. Kat could tell what he was thinking.
“You don’t have to believe me,” she said. “But it’s true.”
He wouldn’t change his mind no matter what she said. Gill’s behavior had always been consistent—the definition of arrogance. No problem. The castle looked big enough for her to keep her distance.
Just like their old camp days.
“Claude called you doctor,” Gill said.
Kat wasn’t surprised he knew nothing about her. He’d never been her friend. Gill had tolerated her—for his sister’s sake—but that tolerance seemed to have disappeared.
Kat wouldn’t let him get to her. “I’m a veterinarian.”
“You always had a soft spot for those who were injured or not feeling well.”
“You were one of my first patients.”
Lines creased his forehead. “From humans to animals.”
“What can I say?” she joked. “Animals don’t talk back.”
She thought Gill might crack a smile. He didn’t.
Maybe not having a sense of humor was a prince thing. He was the only one she’d met.
“I don’t remember saying much that day,” he said finally.
“You grunted more than you spoke.”
“Did I? I don’t remember.” His brows furrowed. “But I have a scar on my leg from your fishing hook, and I recall you had a knife.”
“I still have one. It’s in my suitcase,” she admitted. “Airport security frowns upon knives in carryon luggage, so I packed it.”
His gaze raked over her again. Only this was faster than the last time. He studied and surmised judgement in a brief pass. Not a positive one either based on his expression. The only thing missing was a judge’s gavel.
His mouth slanted into a lopsided frown. “You must want to freshen up.”
Oh, boy. She must look a mess for him to say that. His looks had changed for the better, but his personality and manners hadn’t. How did Sophie put up with him?
Kat nodded. “It’s been a long day.”
“I won’t keep you.” With that, Gill walked past her and Claude.
Feeling dismissed, she glanced over her should
er at him.
He walked at a brisk pace as if he’d forgotten about her. He probably had.
Kat inhaled deeply. She let the cold air fill her lungs and cool her down.
From what she could see, Gill still acted like the moody, arrogant teen he’d once been.
No biggie.
She and Sophie had never let him ruin their time together at camp, and Kat wouldn’t let that happen now. She would enjoy being a member of the royal wedding party and make the most of her vacation. If Prince Annoying had an issue with her, that was his problem.
She was going to have the best Christmas ever.
Chapter Two
‡
Walking away, Gill forced himself not to glance back if only to prove seeing the American had been a figment of his imagination. What was going on? He’d been told a distant cousin would be one of Sophie’s bridesmaids and Kat wasn’t attending the wedding.
Yet, here she was.
Not his imagination.
Gill would have never pictured her growing so nicely into her model height, or that her fresh-faced farm girl look would be so pretty with dark circles under her eyes, or that her mussed dark brown hair would be so sexy—like she’d just crawled out of a lover’s bed. One thing had stayed the same. Her wide blue eyes still pierced him to his very core.
But he wasn’t impressed.
Gill preferred women with flawless makeup, hair, and clothing. Kat was the antithesis of flawless.
He needed her gone.
From the castle and from Alistonia.
For the past fifteen years, she had caused nothing but trouble by leading Sophie astray. Kat’s advice had put his sister at odds with the family’s wishes and her royal duties. He wouldn’t let Kat cause more problems.
And she would if she remained.
Gill needed to keep his sister safe.
Circling through the garden so he could enter the castle through another door and avoid Kat, he pulled out his cell phone and called Sophie. His sister owed him an explanation.
She answered on the second ring. “What is it now, Your Serene Royal Highness?”
Her nickname for him bristled. He’d been content as the spare heir. He’d never wanted to be the crown prince or the future king, but when his older brother Jacques renounced his title to become a priest, Gill had no choice. He’d been twenty-two when his plans for the future disappeared, and duty took over.
Christmas at the Castle Page 2
