“Well, I think other things, too,” Guillermo suggested. “Not many people could actually pull off a secret identity.”
“Oh, my prince, the average woman’s heart contains far more secrets than you can imagine,” Juliette chuckled. “But, in a sense, you are correct — you do learn to be comfortable with keeping secrets from an early age. I guess it is a ‘secret identity’ in the sense that one is a character you play on the stage, the other is real life.”
“I envy you that skill,” Guillermo said, ”I was always ‘me’ growing up, whether I was wearing a uniform with a crown or running around in shorts playing soccer. I could never quite get the hang of being royalty. I still can’t, quite honestly.
“Now, my sister-” his face lit up, “She’s amazing. She can turn it on and off like a light switch. One minute, she’s Princess Sofia Genoveva de Valdivia y Beaumont. The next minute, she just my little sister, Sofia. She’s always had that skill. She’s a natural.”
Seeing his face beaming with pride, Juliette couldn’t help but smile. “I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
“With any luck, she should be back from America by this evening. Which is good because I need her here for tomorrow night.”
“What’s tomorrow night?”
“Oh,” Guillermo sighed, “a state dinner with the San Morrando aristocracy. It’s basically going to be a sit-down version of the royal ball. Armand will give you all of the details later.”
“You sound excited,” she said sarcastically.
He chuckled. “Yes, well, these functions are always so stiff and formal. But enough about that. Tell me more about you. What was it like, growing up in a circus?”
Juliette smiled, “It was truly great. The wife of the ringmaster was a retired school teacher. All of the children would gather in one of the tents in the morning and she would teach. We had children of all ages in there so it was a lot like a little red schoolhouse from the 1800s where every grade was packed into one room — but none of us cared. Then in the afternoon, the girls would have gymnastics or dance lessons or rehearsal; a performance in the evening, and at night I would fall asleep reading. It was honestly like middle school but with a very long gym class in the afternoon.
“When I found out that I needed a proper high school diploma in order to get into college, I enrolled in a public high school for my junior and senior years. I loved it — but I did find it a little boring some days. Where’s the fun if you don’t have a lion walking by the window?”
Juliette giggled; Guillermo chuckled.
“Enough about me. When did you decide to become a doctor?”
“Quite early on, actually, right after my little sister was born. She had a slight heart arrhythmia; nothing serious — she’s just fine now. But I really admired the doctors who delivered her and looked after her. I thought it was amazing to help young children.
“You see, I was lucky in a way — everyone knew from a young age that it was a real long shot that I would ever ascend the throne — so I was expected to choose a career for myself. I had so much more freedom than my older brother Arturo did.”
“I’m afraid I don’t really understand much about who becomes king and who doesn’t.”
“It can get quite confusing. Let me try to explain. My father, King Arturo the First, had three children — my older brother Arturo the Second, myself, and my little sister, Sofia. Whenever the king dies, the throne gets passed to the eldest child — which was my brother, Arturo the Second.”
“That much I get.”
“Ah, but what you may not realize is that once a new king takes the throne, the entire thing gets reset. In other words, once my brother Arturo became king, then his children became next in line for the throne, and after that, his grandchildren. Sofia and I were out of the picture.”
He paused then, and his smile slowly faded. He looked sad. “At least, that was the plan. No one could have imagined that when Arturo died, his only heir would die, too.”
And that’s when it suddenly hit her: this wasn’t just some historical figure in a textbook, some character on a bad reality TV show. To Guillermo, this was his older brother that had died. His older brother and his young nephew. “I- I don’t know what to say,” Juliette stammered. “I’m sorry about your loss.”
He gazed at her, long and hard, then his facial expression relaxed, and a wry smile came to his lips. “Well, if you feel that badly about it, why don’t you tell me who you give all your burglary money to?”
She hesitated for just a moment, then said, “I can’t answer that,” her tone serious. Then, catching a glimpse of his smug smile, she grew instantly irritated. “I can’t believe you’d ask that. I should have known, all this sweet talk-”
“But you do give the money away, don’t you?” he grinned.
“Believe what you will, your majesty,” she turned up her nose and stormed off.
She could hear Guillermo laughing behind her.
Oh, that man!
Twenty-nine year old Lady Olivia Adana Amsel stood on the shoulder of Mount Serrera Road and peered through her binoculars at La Maçana Park below, the light breeze gently rustling her tightly curled brown hair. “So, that’s what you look like, Juliette Thierry. You are pretty enough when you smile, I’ll give you that. Just who are you?”
“Oh my God, Olivia, can we please go? We’ve been up here almost 2 hours,” Lady Cordelia Roslynne O’Duinn Gothieu, a 27 year old redhead in a black mini-dress, complained from the backseat of the red convertible.
“I’m sorry, Olivia, but I have to agree with Roslynne,” Countess Marie Isabella de Fuensaldaña y Prevot interjected, a cute 23 year old blond in a blue pattern dress. “I have to be at the yacht club by 3 PM for the Viscount’s party.”
“Stop whining. You’ll make your party at the yacht club,” Olivia snapped. She squinted her brown eyes and continued to peer through the binoculars. “Just where did you come from, Juliette?”
“Oh, who cares, Olivia?” Roslynne moaned.
Olivia lowered the binoculars and walked back towards the car. “Don’t you think it’s odd that no one in the castle has seen this woman before the Royal Ball three days ago?”
“So? The prince must have met her in North Africa,” Roslynne replied.
“Possibly. But I’m not buying it. A flower shop girl? In North Africa? Something smells fishy. And I intend to find out what it is before it goes too far.”
“If you’re so concerned about her, why don’t you hire a private detective?” Roslynne asked.
“A private detective? Hmpf. Who do you think you’re talking to? I already have a source planted inside the castle.”
“Really?” Roslynne raised her eyebrows.
“That’s amazing, Olivia!” Marie exclaimed. “How did you do it?”
“Remember that cute little maid we had about a year ago named Emilia?” Olivia was met with blank stares. “Well, it doesn’t matter if you don’t remember her. It turns out that Emilia went to work at Palais d’Or. And, as it happens, her dear old dad is actually one of my father’s butlers! It took some convincing, but I managed to secure her services.”
“Some convincing, hunh?” Roslynne grinned.
“Well, I may have intimated that her father’s job could be in jeopardy if she didn’t cooperate.”
Roslynne threw back her head and laughed.
“Olivia!” Marie gasped. “You didn’t!”
“Oh, grow up, Marie,” Roslynne said. “Do you really think royal marriages just happen all on their own?”
“Indeed,” Olivia said. “You should be prepared, Marie. There are a lot of girls who wouldn’t mind getting their hooks into your Viscount Nicolas.”
“Well, I think it’s deplorable,” Marie pouted.
“Yes, well,” Olivia slid behind the wheel of the convertible, “that’s the difference between a Countess and a future Queen.”
Chapter 9
Juliette headed straight for the kitchen when she returned
from the charity picnic. Her personal maids, Alicia and Emilia, along with several of the kitchen staff, were crowded around a portable TV. Juliette peered over the top of Emilia’s head. “Oh, is the princess back?”
Emilia turned around, startled. “Oh, miss! You’ve returned! Can I help you with something?”
“In a moment. Is that Princess Sofia?” Juliette nodded towards the TV.
“Yes, miss.”
Juliette looked at the beautiful girl on the screen: long blond hair, blue eyes, slender figure, pale blue dress, and a wan smile — neither happy nor sad, but somehow very content, very regal.
“She looks tired,” Alicia sighed.
“Really?” Juliette responded. “I think she looks wonderful. She always seems so elegant and put together. I’ve always thought she made the perfect princess.”
“Hmmm,” Alicia tapped Juliette on the shoulder. “You’ll see for yourself, soon enough.”
“When will she return?”
Alicia pointed at the screen, “This is live from Paris. She still needs to fly to Barcelona, then the royal guardsmen can bring her here.”
One of the cooks interjected, “I don’t understand why she can’t just fly into Morrando la Vella.”
“Because the airport is too small,” Alicia responded. “It’s a jumbo jet from America to Paris, the private jet from Paris to Barcelona, and then the helicopter from Barcelona to Palais d’Or.”
“I had no idea,” Juliette said.
Alicia nodded. “The poor thing is going to be exhausted when she gets here tonight.”
Emilia asked Alicia, “Did she really have to drop out of college, ma’am?”
“That was the rumor,” Alicia said, straightening her apron. “I guess we’ll find out for sure tonight. All right, everyone, let’s get to work.” She faced Juliette. “How can we help you, miss?”
“Something to eat, please. I haven’t had anything all day and I’m starving!”
9:30 PM. Juliette lay on top of the bed, staring up at the purple silk canopy, her uncle’s words echoing in her head. “You’ll be shocked to find out how quickly your royal friend Guillermo will abandon you if the truth ever comes out.”
I’ve known uncle since I was a child. He’s always been so, so good to me. Why am I fighting him on this? Why did I defend Guillermo to him? It’s like I’m choosing Guillermo over my own flesh and blood.
She rolled over onto her side and idly flipped the pages of her Latin book back and forth.
I can’t let this drag out any longer. Being with Guillermo is making me lose focus. I’ve got to grab the necklace and get out of here tonight, while I still have my sanity.
She pushed her books and notes to the floor, hopped off the bed, and changed into her workout clothes: tank top, shorts, and running shoes. She paused in front of the vanity and looked at herself in the mirror.
Still, it was fun playing princess for a few days. I wonder-
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of multiple people scrambling in the hallway. Before she could open the door to investigate, she heard it: off in the distance, the mechanical whirl of helicopter blades.
Oh, right, the princess.
Juliette opened the curtains and was startled; the entire castle was bathed in bright white light. A military chopper lightly touched down in the center of the courtyard. As the blades slowly spun to a stop, the servants lined up in two rows leading to the front door of the castle. A young woman stepped off the helicopter, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and partially covering her face. Juliette could see the top of her blond head. Alicia rushed to help her off the helicopter, then gently guided her into the castle.
Juliette sighed heavily. Escape was impossible as long as the castle was lit up like this.
How do you like that? I finally work up my courage to leave and then this happens.
1AM. Juliette sat on the side of the bed, waiting.
The room was still bathed in bright light; the royal helicopter was still parked in the courtyard. Out in the hallway, she could hear footsteps as someone shuffled past her door.
Well, that’s that for tonight I guess. No escaping with this nonsense going on.
She sighed and began to dress for bed. As she tossed her running shoes on the floor, she heard another noise coming from the hall; this time it sounded like muffled voices arguing. Curious, she cracked the door open and peered outside. At the end of the hallway stood Guillermo, his arms wrapped around a young woman who was crying.
Much to her surprise, Juliette felt a pang of jealousy.
Who’s he holding like that?!
“Please, Memo, it’s not fair to dump it all on me,” the young woman begged. “How can you be so cold?” She pounded his chest with her fists between sobs.
Guillermo whispered something to her and she shook her head from side to side.
With a start, Juliette realized Guillermo was holding Princess Sofia in his arms.
The princess? Having a temper tantrum? It can’t be.
Sofia buried her head into her brother’s chest and bawled.
Juliette quietly closed the door and stood for a moment in shock.
I can’t believe that’s the princess. What was that all about?
“Good morning, miss. Your breakfast is ready,” Emilia chirped cheerfully from the doorway.
A sleepy Juliette waved her hand from under the covers. “Just put it on the vanity, please, Emilia.”
“Very well, miss. Armand has requested some time with you at your earliest convenience. It seemed rather urgent. Miss, are you awake?”
Juliette moaned, “God, what time is it?”
“It’s nearly 7:30, miss.”
“Really? Because it seems like a whole lot earlier.” Juliette reluctantly sat up in bed, feeling as if she needed another 4 hours of sleep.
“Do you need some help, miss?”
“Coffee,” Juliette croaked.
“Oh! Yes, miss.” Emilia rushed over with the cup of coffee and a saucer; Juliette took a tentative sip, then a gulp.
“So, as I was saying, Armand would like a word with you at your earliest convenience, miss.”
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“No, miss. I’m afraid I don’t. But when you’ve showered and changed, just use the bell pull and he will come by for you.”
“Thank you, Emilia.”
“Do you need any help dressing, miss?”
“No, that will be all.”
“Very well, miss.” Emilia left.
Juliette drained the cup of coffee, then got out of bed. As she stood at the vanity pouring herself a second cup, she caught her reflection in the mirror.
I look terrible. I’ve got to get out of here. No more excuses — tonight is the night.
“I do apologize,” Armand began. “I intended to meet with you last night but with the princess’s late arrival from America, I simply did not have adequate time to prepare.”
Juliette was following Armand to the west wing of the first floor. From the foyer to the ballroom, they passed three men dressed in white uniforms, each one carrying a platter over their right shoulder. “Is it my imagination or are there more people here today?”
“You are not imagining things, miss. Today is going to be a hectic day.”
The pair arrived at their destination: the formal dining room. “Oh, I really love this room,” Juliette breathed. The formal dining room contained a long oak table with enough space to comfortably seat 14. An ornate silver candelabra stood in the center of the table with 6 fresh white candles. The floors were stained wood; the table and chairs were set on a large Persian rug with a purple and white floral design. The salmon pink walls were decorated with painted plates of various sizes. To the left of the fireplace was a 4-person contemporary black table and chairs with a large porcelain vase set right in the center.
“King Arturo used to take all of his meals in here,” Armand reminisced.
“I can see why. It’s lovely.�
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“Yes, well,” Armand motioned her inside. “Tonight is the night we put some of your training to the test.”
“Oh? How so?”
“We are having a royal banquet.”
“Oh yes, Guillermo mentioned something about that. But — really? In here? I only see 14 chairs. Well, 18, if you count the table in the corner.”
“Ah, yes, well, you see,” Armand seemed slightly embarrassed, “the actual banquet will be taking place across the hall in the royal ballroom. This is the room for the children and ladies.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No, miss, I am afraid not.”
“You’re segregating the women and children into another room so the men can have their party? You are aware that this is the 21st century?”
“I am, miss, but our hands are tied. It’s all very irregular in this day and age but it came as a request from Baron Amsel himself, the Senior Senator of the Parliament. I won’t go into all of the intricate details of parliamentary procedure and court etiquette but suffice it to say that there is ancient tradition to support his request.”
“It’s like being stuck in the kid’s tent for Christmas dinner,” Juliette mumbled.
“I’m sorry, miss?”
“It’s nothing, Armand. Never mind. Here I am trying to force my own ideals onto Palais d’Or again. Just ignore me. Please continue.”
“Very well. Now, as Princess Sofia is considered the hostess, she will be seated at the head of the table, here.” Armand indicated the end chair closest to the fireplace. “You will be seated immediately to her right, here. Lady Olivia Adana Amsel — the senior senator’s daughter — will be seated directly across from you. To your right, Countess Marie Isabella de Fuensaldaña y Prevot — a lovely young woman, by the way. Her family has been a friend of the monarchy dating back for generations. Next to Lady Olivia-”
Juliette held up her hand, “Armand, I can’t possibly remember all of these names.”
Armand grew gravely serious. “My lady, you must. I am afraid I have to insist. You must learn these names. Even a small mistake could be viewed as a slight against their honor which would reflect on poorly on Prince Guillermo, the royal family, and even Palais d’Or. Please, I implore you, take the time to memorize these names.”
Princess Thief: Stealing Your Heart Page 8
