Becoming the Prince's Wife (Princes of Europe)

by Rebecca Winters

  “Carolena—” Abby interrupted her, which wasn’t like her.

  She blinked. “What’s wrong?”

  “You don’t know?” Her friend sounded anxious.

  “Know what?” She got a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “Vincenzo’s source from Gemelli told him that the queen opened parliament this morning without Valentino being there and no announcement was made about his forthcoming marriage. Parliament only convenes four times a year for a week, so the opportunity has been missed.”

  Carolena came close to dropping her cell phone.

  “When you were with him, did he tell you anything? Do you have any idea what has happened?”

  “None at all.” It was the truth. Carolena could say that with a clear conscience. “When the taping was over last evening, we returned to the palace with the camera crew and I went straight to bed once I got back to my apartment.”

  She had no clue where Valentino had gone or what he’d done after he’d disappeared down the hall. But if he had been in as much turmoil as Carolena... She started to feel sick inside. “This morning I had breakfast in my room, then his assistant took me to the helicopter at seven-thirty and wished me a good flight. I know nothing.”

  “It’s so strange. Vincenzo has tried to get through to him on his cell phone, but he’s not taking calls. Something is wrong.”

  “Maybe he decided to announce it at the closing.”

  “I said the same thing to my husband, but he explained it didn’t work that way. Any important news affecting the country is fed to the media early on the first day for dissemination.”

  “Maybe Valentino and the princess decided to postpone their wedding for reasons no one knows about. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s a very private person.”

  “You’re right, but over the last year he and Vincenzo have grown close. My husband is worried about him. Frankly, so am I.”

  That made three of them.

  Carolena gripped the phone tighter. She’d told Valentino a relationship with him wouldn’t work, so if he’d decided to call off the wedding, then he did it for reasons that had nothing to do with her. She refused to feel guilty about it, but she’d grown weak as a kitten and was glad she was sitting down.

  “I’m sure he’ll get back to Vincenzo as soon as he can. Do you think it’s possible there was some kind of emergency that required his presence at the volcanology lab in Catania?”

  “I hadn’t even thought of that. I’ll ask Vincenzo what he thinks.”

  For all Carolena knew, Val had returned the boat to Matteo where he could confide in his friend in private before parliament opened. But like Vincenzo, she was getting more anxious by the minute.

  “Did I tell you Valentino had a copy made of the video? His assistant brought it to me. I’ve got it right here and will courier it to the palace so you and Vincenzo can see what you think.”

  “I have a better idea. Come to the palace when you’re through with work. We’ll have a light supper and watch it. Maybe by then Vincenzo will have heard from him. I take it you haven’t seen the video yet.”

  “No, and I have to tell you I’m nervous.”

  “Nonsense. I’ll send the limo for you at five o’clock. Max will be excited to see you.”

  “That little darling. I can’t wait to hold him.” The baby would be the distraction she needed. But until quitting time, she had a stack of files to work through.

  “Ciao, Abby.”

  Three hours later Abby greeted her at the door of their living room, carrying Max in her arms. His blue sunsuit with a dolphin on the front looked adorable on him. “If you’ll take the video, I’ll tend him for a while.” Then, to the little boy, "You remember me, don’t you?”

  She kissed one cheek then the other, back and forth until he was laughing without taking a breath. “Oh, you precious little thing. I can tell you’re all better.”

  In a few minutes Vincenzo joined them. The second Max saw him, he lunged for his daddy. Their son was hilarious as he tried to climb on everything and clutched at anything he could get his hands on.

  After they ate dinner in the dining room, Abby put the baby to bed and then they went back to the living room to watch the video. The whole time her hosts praised the film, Carolena’s thoughts were on Valentino, who’d been standing next to the cameraman watching her.

  Where was he right now? Enough time had gone by for her anxiety level to be off the charts.

  When the film was over, Vincenzo got to his feet and smiled at her. “It’s outstanding from every aspect, but you made it come alive, Carolena.”

  “It’s true!” Abby chimed in.

  “Thank you. I enjoyed doing it. The farmers were so thrilled to meet Valentino in person and listen to his ideas, it was really something to watch.”

  “Tomorrow we’ll drive to the lemon groves to set up appointments.”

  Abby hugged her. “You were fabulous, Carolena! That hat of your grandmother’s was perfect on you. I’m sorry she’s not alive to see you wearing it.”

  Carolena would have responded, but Vincenzo’s cell phone rang, putting a stop to their conversation. He checked the caller ID, then glanced at them. “It’s Valentino. I’ll take it in the bedroom.” With those words Carolena’s heart fluttered like a hummingbird’s wings.

  Abby let out a relieved sigh. “Finally we’ll learn what’s going on. If he hadn’t called, I was afraid my husband would end up pacing the floor all night. He worries about Queen Bianca, who’s had her heart set on this marriage. She really likes Alexandra.”

  Every time Abby said something, it was like another painful jab of a needle, reminding Carolena of the grave mistake she could have made if she’d said yes to Valentino. Last night had been excruciating. Several times she’d let down her resolve and had been tempted to reach for the phone. The palace operator would put her call through to Valentino. And then what? She shivered. Beg him to come to her room so they could talk?

  When she thought she couldn’t stand the suspense a second longer, Vincenzo walked into the living room. For want of a better word, he looked stunned. Abby jumped up from the couch and ran over to him. “What’s happened, darling?”

  He put his arm around her shoulders. “He and Alexandra have called off their marriage.”

  Valentino had actually done it?

  “Oh, no—” Abby cried softly.

  “Valentino has spoken with the queen and Alexandra’s parents. It’s final. He told me he doesn’t want to be married unless it’s to a woman he’s in love with.” Carolena felt Vincenzo’s searching gaze on her, causing her knees to go weak. Had Valentino confided in him about her?

  “Michelina always worried about him,” Abby whispered.

  Vincenzo looked at his wife. “Evidently, Alexandra feels the same way, so in that regard they’re both in better shape than their parents, who’ve wanted this match for years. He says that after sixteen years of being betrothed, he feels like he’s been let out of prison. I’m one person who can relate to everything he said.”

  * * *

  Abby hugged him tightly.

  “But there’s a big problem. Bianca doesn’t want to continue ruling, so it will be up to parliament if they’ll allow Valentino to become king without a wife. It’s never been done, so I doubt it will happen.”

  “Where’s Valentino now?”

  “Since Vito is home on leave from the military and wants to spend time with their mother, Valentino is planning to fly here in the morning and finish up our project with Carolena.”

  The news was too much. Carolena sank into the nearest chair while she tried to take it all in.

  “I told him we watched the video and have a few ideas. Apparently he’s seen it several times, too, and has some suggestions of his own. We’ll ask the nurs
e to tend Max so the four of us can make a day of it.”

  By now Carolena’s stomach was in such upheaval, she was afraid she was going to be sick. “In that case, I need to leave and study the script we wrote for the filming here before I go to bed. Thanks for dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Abby walked her to the door. “I’ll phone you in the morning to let you know what time the limo will come for you. It all depends on Valentino.” She stared at Carolena. “He’s fortunate that Alexandra wasn’t in love with him. If Michelina hadn’t loved Vincenzo so much, he—”

  “I know,” Carolena broke in. “But their two situations weren’t the same and your husband is an honorable man.” What had happened to Valentino’s promise to not fail his parents like his uncle Stefano had done?

  Abby’s eyes misted over. “So is Valentino. Rather than put himself and Alexandra through purgatory, he had the courage to go with his heart. I admire him for that. The volcanologist in him must be responsible for going where others fear to tread. With that quality he’ll make an extraordinary king one day when the time is right.”

  But he wouldn’t, not if he followed in his uncle’s footsteps.

  With those words, Carolena felt her grandmother’s warning settle on her like the ash from Mount Etna.

  “See you tomorrow, Abby.” They hugged.

  “There’s a limo waiting for you at the front entrance, but before you go, I have to tell you I’ve never seen you looking more beautiful than you did in that video. There was an aura about you the camera captured, as if you were filled with happiness. Do you know you literally glowed? The sadness you’ve carried for years seems to have vanished.”

  It was truth time. “If you’re talking about Berto, then you’re right. The trip to Gemelli has helped me put the past into perspective. I thank you for that. Buona notte, dear friend.”

  * * *

  Valentino’s jet landed at the Arancia airport the next morning at 7:00 a.m. He told the limo driver waiting for him to drive straight to Carolena’s condo building.

  At quarter to eight they pulled around the back. He’d arrived here fifteen minutes early on purpose and would get inside through the freight entrance. Abby had told her they’d come for her at 8:00 a.m., but Valentino told Abby he’d pick up Carolena on the way from the airport to save time. They could all meet at the first lemon grove on the outskirts of Arancia at nine.

  One of his security people went ahead to show him the way. Though she planned to be outside waiting, he wanted the element of surprise on his side by showing up at her door ahead of time.

  The knowledge that he was free to be with her set off an adrenaline rush like nothing he’d ever known. He rounded the corner on the second floor and rapped on the door. A few seconds later he heard her voice. “Who’s there?”

  Valentino sucked in his breath. “Open the door and find out.”

  After a silence, “Your Highness?” It came out more like a squeak.

  “No. My name is Val.”

  Another silence. “It is you.”

  The shock in her voice made him smile. “I’m glad you remembered.”

  “Of course I remembered!” she snapped. That sounded like the woman he’d first met. “You shouldn’t have come to my condo.”

  “Why not? Circumstances have changed.”

  “They haven’t where I’m concerned.” Her voice shook.

  “That’s too bad because the pyroclastic eruption you thought had blown itself out was merely a hiccup compared to what’s happening now.”

  “I can’t do this.”

  “Neither of us has a choice.”

  “Don’t say that—”

  “Are you going to let me in, or do I have to beg?”

  “I—I’m not ready yet,” she stammered.

  “I’ve seen you in a bathrobe before.” The sight of her had taken his breath.

  “Not this time!”

  The door opened, revealing a fully dressed woman in a peasant-style white blouse and jeans. Her long sable hair, freshly shampooed, framed a beautiful face filled with color. With those green eyes, she was a glorious sight anytime. “Please come in. I need to braid my hair, but it will only take me a minute.” She darted away.

  He shut the door. “I’d rather you left it long for me,” he called after her before moving through the small entrance hall to her living room. It had a cozy, comfortable feel with furnishings that must have belonged to her family. Lots of color in the fabric. Through the French doors he glimpsed a book-lined study with a desk and computer.

  “I’m afraid it will get too messy.”

  Valentino had expected that response and wandered around the room. There was a statue on an end table that caught his eye. On close examination it turned out to be a reproduction of Rodin’s The Secret. The sculpture of two white marble hands embracing could have described both the evocative and emotive nature of his experience with Carolena.

  He found it fascinating she would have chosen this particular piece. There was an intimacy about it that spoke to the male in him. She was a woman of fire. He’d sensed it from the beginning and wanted to feel it surround him.

  Next, he saw some photographs of her with a man in his early twenties, their arms around each other. This had to be Berto. They looked happy. The loss would have been horrendous in the beginning.

  On one of the walls was a large framed photograph of a farmhouse. No doubt it was the one she wanted to buy back one day. His gaze dropped to the table below it, where he was able to look at her pictures comprising several generations.

  “I’m ready.”

  He picked up one of them. “Your parents?” He showed the photo to her.

  “Yes.”

  “There’s a strong resemblance to your mother. She was beautiful.”

  “I agree,” she said in a thick-toned voice.

  “What happened to them?”

  Her eyes filmed over. “Mother could never have another child after me and died of cervical cancer. A few years later my father got an infection that turned septic and he passed away, so my grandparents took over raising me. Later on, my grandfather died of pneumonia. He worked so hard, he just wore out. Then it was just my grandmother and me.”

  He put the picture down and slid his hands to her shoulders. “You’ve had too much tragedy in your young life.”

  Her eyes, a solemn green, lifted to his. “So have you. Grandparents, an uncle, a sister and a father gone, plus a kingdom that needs you and will drain everything out of you...”

  Valentino kissed her moist eyelids. “You’re a survivor, Carolena, with many gifts. I can’t tell you how much I admire you.”

  “Thank you. The feeling is mutual, but you already know that.” She’d confined her hair in a braid, which brought out the classic mold of her features.

  “I came early so we could talk before we meet Vincenzo and Abby.”

  He could feel her tension as she shook her head and eased away from him. “Even though you’ve broken your engagement to Princess Alexandra, which is a good thing considering you don’t love her, what you’ve done changes nothing for me. I don’t want an affair with you, Val. That’s all it would be until you have to marry. After your uncle’s death, you made that promise to yourself and your parents, remember?”

  “Of course.” He put his hands on his hips. “But I want to know about you. What do you want?”

  The grandfather clock chimed on the quarter past. “It’s getting late.” She walked to the entrance hall.

  Valentino followed her. “I asked you a question.”

  She reached for her straw bag on the credenza. “I want to finish this taping and get back to my law practice.”

  He planted himself in front of the door so she couldn’t open it. “Forget I’m a prince.”

 
Her jaw hardened. “That’s the third time you’ve said that to me.”

  “What would you want if I weren’t a prince? Humor me, Carolena.”

  He heard her take a struggling breath. “The guarantee of joy in an everlasting marriage with no losses, no pain.”

  That was her past grief talking. “As your life has already proved to you, there is no such guarantee.”

  Her eyes narrowed on him. “You did ask.”

  “Then let me add that you have to grab at happiness where you find it and pray to hold on to it for as long as possible.”

  “We can’t. You’re a prince, which excludes us from taking what we want. Even if you weren’t a prince, I wouldn’t grab at it.”

  His face looked like thunder. “Why not?”

  “It—it’s not important.”

  “The hell it isn’t.”

  “Val—we need to get going or Abby and Vincenzo will start to worry.”

  “The limo is out in the back, but this conversation isn’t over yet.” He turned and opened the door. After their stops at the various farms, they would have all night tonight and tomorrow night to be together, not to mention the rest of their lives. “I brought your hat with me, by the way.”

  “Thank you. I would hate to have lost it.”

  He escorted her out to the limo. With the picture of the marble statue still fresh in his mind, he reached for her hand when they climbed into the car. He held on to it even though he sat across from her. The pulse at her wrist was throbbing.

  “Was the Rodin statue a gift from Berto?”

  “No. I found it in a little shop near the Chapelle Matisse in Vence, France, with my grandmother. I was just a teenager and we’d gone to France for the weekend. She didn’t care for the sculpture, but I loved it and bought it with my spending money. I don’t quite know why I was so taken with it.”

  “I found it extraordinary myself. It reminded me of us. Two would-be lovers with a secret. With only their hands, Rodin’s genius brought out their passion.” He pressed a kiss to the palm of hers before letting it go.

  “I don’t like secrets.”