Stefano sat back. “I am guessing from that comment you received the message I sent you when we got engaged. But in all our emails, you never mentioned it.”
She continued waving. “I’m sorry that I didn’t. If you want to know the truth, it was like a breath of fresh air.”
One dark brow lifted. “Why do you say that?”
“You indicated that there are ways to negotiate our situation. It gave me hope that you have something brilliant in mind. Alberto said you were born with the real brains in the family.”
So saying, she turned to the windows on the other side of the carriage. For the next little while she fulfilled her part in acknowledging the crowds cheering and taking pictures.
They weren’t really going to have a chance to talk properly today; that would have to wait till they left to go on their honeymoon. That time couldn’t come soon enough for Stefano. He didn’t want their marriage to start off with this kind of tension.
“Uh-oh!” she exclaimed. “Don’t stop waving, Signor Casale. Alberto told me that’s the name you go by at your many gold mines throughout the world. Time’s not up yet. We only have to endure this display for the masses for a few more minutes.”
The woman who’d sent him enchanting emails he’d thoroughly enjoyed was not in evidence right now. Soon the carriage arrived back at the fifteenth-century palace. She faced him with a smile. “All we must do now is endure this endless day a little longer.”
The footman opened the door of the carriage, but Stefano got out first to help her. No matter her true feelings, whatever they were, he was determined to behave in every way like an adoring bridegroom, even arranging her veil and train. With her flowers in one hand, he grasped her other hand and they ascended the steps past the palace staff who’d assembled to welcome them.
He walked her through the rotunda where their families awaited them. After many hugs, she turned to him. “I’m going down the hall to freshen up, but I’ll be back.”
“Would you like me to go with you?”
“Thank you, but I won’t be long.”
“Then I’ll wait right here for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
His eyes searched hers. “Don’t you know I want to?”
CHAPTER FOUR
STEFANO HAD SOUNDED like he’d meant it. Lanza went to the waiting room more confused over her feelings about him than ever before returning to the rotunda. He saw her coming and walked toward her.
“Are you all right?”
“Of course. Why do you ask?”
“You look a little pale.”
“I’ll be fine when I eat.”
He cupped her elbow, and they joined the guests in the enormous ballroom decorated for their wedding feast. According to her mother, no expense had been spared to make this the most lavish affair since her father had been crowned king.
They sat at the head table with their royal parents on either side of them. Stefano couldn’t have been more accommodating, seeing to her every need as they ate. His behavior and noble bearing were impeccable.
The way he waited on her and was so attentive, she had the impression he’d convinced everyone this was a match made in heaven. She was bewildered because deep inside her she knew he hadn’t wanted this marriage.
Her father gave the first toast. “To my new son-in-law, Stefano, who has made me and my wife the happiest people in Domodossola, except for our daughter. Her radiant countenance speaks for itself. To the bride and groom and a lifetime of joy!”
Everyone drank from their champagne glasses. Stefano touched his flute to hers with a smile. “I’m relieved to see more color in your cheeks.”
“I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, thank you.”
This should be the most exciting, thrilling night of her life, but Stefano didn’t love her and she wasn’t foolish enough to pretend otherwise.
At that point Stefano’s father stood on his feet. “Victor took the words right out of my mouth. My wife and I are overjoyed. Over the years we’ve been delighted to anticipate the day when Princess Lanza would become our daughter-in-law. Now it is here. To Stefano and Lanza. We couldn’t ask for a greater blessing.”
Again, Stefano touched her glass with his and they sipped their champagne. Then to her surprise, he stood up. Looking down at her he said, “Lanza? Will you stand up with me?”
After she got to her feet, he slid his arm beneath her veil to get it around her waist and pulled her next to him. “I’m the luckiest of men today. There’s no bride to compare to her. Wouldn’t you all agree?” His comment produced cheers and clapping.
Warmth filled her cheeks. When she looked at her sisters sitting next to her mother and father, she knew what to say in response. “With three daughters, my parents have waited a long time for a son. Who better than the son of my father’s best friend, a man he reveres?”
Then everyone got to their feet for one more toast. King Basilio sent her a special smile that seemed to come from his heart. Then everyone sat down.
She watched her father get up again. “The fireworks are starting. We’d like to invite everyone to go through the side doors of the ballroom to the balcony. Stefano? If you and Lanza will lead the way. The crowds are waiting for you.”
He helped her up, and they walked together. On their way out in the chilly night air he pulled her close again. “You made my father very happy just now.”
“They’re all happy,” she murmured back. Without waiting for a response, she moved ahead of him to the balcony railing.
The sight of their winter wonderland kingdom waving and cheering at them from the lighted palatial estate came as another emotional moment, like the one when she’d stepped inside the cathedral and heard the magnificent music of the organ and choir. How sad their marriage was such a travesty of a proper wedding.
Stefano joined her and found her hand, holding it with enough strength that she couldn’t shake it off. Of course she wouldn’t have.
Before everyone got too cold, they went inside and cut the eight-tiered wedding cake. Her awareness of him was growing so strong, she could hardly eat any of it. Lanza despised her own weakness for being vulnerable to anything to do with him.
His dark gaze found hers. “Our bags have already been taken out to the limo. We need to leave soon to make our flight. I’ll meet you in the rotunda in a half hour.”
“Maybe that’s possible for you. But it’s obvious you’ve never had to get yourself out of a wedding dress with thirty tiny buttons holding it up. My sisters will do their best.”
She nodded to Donetta and Fausta, who left their parents to accompany her out of the ballroom to her suite on the second floor of the palace. On the bed, Serena had laid out the designer eggshell-colored two-piece suit with lace on the hems of the sleeves.
After they helped Lanza remove the veil and tiara, they turned her around. “How do you feel now?” Fausta wanted to know as she worked on the bottom half of buttons. Donetta stood on her other side to undo the top ones.
“I’m so exhausted, I have no idea how I feel. Tomorrow when I’m lying on a beach, I’ll be better able to tell you.”
“Good grief, he’s handsome!”
“You can say that again,” Donetta commented. “The women must be crazy about him.”
Fausta nodded. “But he’s out of circulation now.”
“One can hope.”
“Oh, Donetta, what a thing to say.”
Lanza didn’t like hearing any of it and stepped out of her gown. She didn’t want to believe Donetta’s teasing comment. He was her husband now. “Thanks for helping me.”
Wanting to avoid talk, she gathered up her new underwear and hurried into the bathroom for a quick shower. Afterward, she swept her hair back on her head and secure
d it with a pearl comb. It matched her pearl earrings and the single pearl on a gold chain Stefano had sent her ahead of time as a wedding gift.
She fastened it around her neck, touched up her lipstick, then came back out to dress in the suit. Once she’d put on her high heels, she slipped on the new beige cashmere coat that fell above the knee and tied with a sash at the waist.
Her gaze flew to the clock by her bed. She’d already been gone an hour. Lanza reached for the cream-colored leather handbag and kissed her sisters.
“You look beautiful,” they both said at the same time.
“Thank you. See you in two weeks.”
They caught up to her at the door. Donetta eyed her with concern. Fausta looked just as worried. “Are you all right?”
She stared at them, deciding to be honest. “No, and I’m not sure I ever will be again, but you two already know that. I won’t be throwing the bouquet, and you both know why.” Donetta didn’t want to get married. One day Fausta would find her man of the people, but unfortunately their parents could intervene and turn their wishes around.
Lanza blew them another kiss and hurried through the palace and down the stairs. The girls, uncharacteristically quiet, followed her.
Stefano stood out from everyone at the bottom of the elegant staircase beneath the rotunda. Her striking new husband had changed into an elegant dark gray suit, shirt and tie, reminding her of a highly successful, sophisticated CEO. He wore an overcoat close to the color of hers and was surrounded by their families, who were waiting to wave them off.
“Here she comes,” her mother said as both her parents rushed toward her and gave her a hug. “You look perfectly lovely, darling.”
“Thanks, Mamà.”
“You’ll never know how happy we are for you,” her father murmured.
He was wrong. She knew exactly how they felt, but her dad looked weary tonight. It had been such a long day. Lanza had to pray that if nothing else came of it, this marriage would add a few years to his life.
She hugged him extra hard. “Relax and enjoy this time now that the wedding is over, Papà. We’ll be back before you know it.”
“Lanza?”
She let go of her father and walked over to him. “Yes, Signor Casale?” she said in a quiet aside. When she saw his slight grimace, it brought a smile to her face.
He put his arm through hers and they left the palace in the biting cold for the limo waiting below. After they got inside and the chauffeur drove them around the drive to the road in the distance, Stefano turned to her.
“I’m curious to know the real reason why you insist on calling me Signor Casale.” He sat next to her rather than opposite her like they’d done in the carriage.
“I’m sorry and won’t do it again. One of my favorite novels is Pride and Prejudice. In the story, the mother of the four Bennett daughters always speaks to her husband as Mr. Bennett. She never uses his first name, never calls him honey or darling or sweetheart or dearest. She’s absolutely hilarious and I laugh every time.”
“You read it often?” He wasn’t able to hide his surprise.
“I’ve read it a lot in my life. Are you a reader?”
“When I have time.”
“What’s one of your favorite novels?”
“I’ll have to think about that.”
She let the comment go and crossed her legs at the ankles. “While we’re alone, let me thank you for the lovely necklace you sent me. I’m wearing it now.”
“I noticed. It’s made from the gold of one of our mines in Umbriano.”
“That was very thoughtful. I’ll treasure it. What about the pearl?”
“I purchased it in Japan a long time ago.” It looked like a pregnant pear.
“I can always replace it with something you would like better, perhaps a diamond?”
“Don’t you dare.” She touched it with her fingers. “I’m sure there’s not another pearl like this one in existence.” Actually, she loved its unique shape.
She had a gift for him, but it was packed in her luggage.
Before long they reached the airport and were driven to the area where the private planes landed. In a minute they arrived outside the royal jet with the King of Umbriano’s insignia.
The steward came down the steps of the jet and loaded their luggage. Stefano got out of the limo to help Lanza. Cupping her elbow, he walked up the steps with her into the luxurious interior and introduced her.
“My name is Corso. I’m honored to meet you, Your Highness. It’s a privilege.”
“I’m very happy to meet you.”
Stefano led her to the club compartment and helped her off with her coat.
She felt those dark, probing eyes rove over her as she sat down and fastened her seat belt.
“You look stunning in that suit.”
Lanza wondered how many women he’d said that to in the past, but she needed to stop thinking about what had gone on before. The last thing she wanted to act like was a jealous wife.
“Your gift gave it the touch it needed.”
The engines fired and she saw the fasten seat belt sign flash. He sat across from her and buckled up. She knew he was anxious to get going. That was fine with her, but Lanza couldn’t imagine anything more nerve-racking than going to a beach with him. She barely knew him, and part of her wished this was a bad dream and she’d wake up to find herself alone.
“If you’d like something to eat or drink, I’ll tell Corso.”
“Nothing for me, but thank you.”
Exhausted after such a long day, she closed her eyes, anxious to fall asleep and avoid the inevitable small talk neither of them had any desire to engage in. By the time she awakened, they would have landed somewhere in the Caribbean.
But it seemed like she’d barely dropped off when she heard the ding of the fasten seat belt sign and opened her eyes. They couldn’t possibly have been in the air very long. She could feel increasing turbulence. Lanza darted him a glance. “Do you know why we had to land?”
He eyed her intently. “Unbeknownst to our families, I changed our honeymoon destination and instructed the pilot to fly us to Umbriano.”
The jet was starting to descend against strong winds. This part of the Alps was known for its fierce weather. “Apparently right into the heart of winter,” she drawled. “This must be why you told me to hurry.”
“I heard a storm front was moving in fast.”
“I presume you had no taste for a beach honeymoon, either, but our families will continue to fantasize. This is their wedding day, after all, the one they’ve dreamed of since we were children.”
She undid her seat belt, but before she could get up, Corso came in carrying a pair of women’s leather lace-up boots he handed to Stefano.
Her husband had already gotten to his feet and put on his overcoat. “You’ll need to remove your high heels so they won’t get ruined in the snow.”
“Thank you. You’ve managed to think of everything.” As soon as she’d taken them off, he put them inside his coat pockets. The man was full of surprises.
While she tied the boots, Corso took their luggage out of the plane. Stefano helped her into her coat and together they walked to the entrance and down the steps. Snow had been falling, spattered by the wind.
An attractive man with blue eyes and dark blond hair she’d met at the wedding reception stood outside an all-terrain vehicle. Right now he was wearing a ski hat and parka. The steward loaded their bags at the back.
Stefano turned to her. “Lanza? You remember my very best friend, Enzo Perino.”
“Of course.” They shook hands.
His eyes played over her features in male admiration. “I couldn’t be more honored, Your Highness. You were a vision today when you walked down the aisle in the cathedral with your father. Stefano is the luckiest of men.”
<
br /> Hardly... But for some reason she liked his friend on sight.
“Thank you, Enzo. Please call me Lanza.”
He flashed Stefano a smile before opening the rear door for them. “You’re going to freeze to death if you don’t get in where it’s warm.”
How funny. Other than her coat, she hadn’t brought a stitch of winter clothing with her.
Stefano followed her inside and shut the door. It felt good to get out of the freezing wind. He helped her find the seat belt so she could fasten it. Every time he brushed against her, she smelled the scent of the soap he’d used in the shower and she was increasingly aware of his potent male aura. Her attraction to him was blinding her to the pragmatic reason why they’d married.
Enzo got behind the wheel. Before starting out, he said, “I’m very aware of my precious cargo and will drive as safely as I can.”
That was a very thoughtful thing for him to say considering Alberto had been killed on a winter road.
They headed out of the airport. Obviously, their flight had landed just in time. Snow had started falling and pelted the windshield. They’d barely made it here ahead of the storm.
She assumed they were headed for a hotel, but she couldn’t have been more wrong when she saw the turnoff he’d taken for the mountains.
“Where are we going?” she asked in a quiet aside.
“Home to my chalet. We’ll be there within forty-five minutes.”
“So you had a home here when you returned to Umbriano after your various trips?”
“For the last ten years, yes.”
“That’s one secret not leaked to the public. It means you were given your own hideaway at eighteen along with your freedom.” Every young prince dying to be released from the royal trappings should be so blessed.
“Actually, I purchased it with my own earnings.”
Lanza swallowed hard at her unintentional gaffe. “Did Alberto envy you?”
She had to wait for his answer. “Alberto loved it as much as I did. My wedding present to him was that he bring you to the chalet for your honeymoon after you were married. It was going to be a secret from everyone else.”
The Princess's New Year Wedding (The Princess Brides Book 1) Page 4
