“Just after we finished our graduate degrees.” Cat frowned. “We’ve stayed in touch over the years but we’re not as close as we used to be and I’d like to change that.”
“Why do you think you lost touch?”
“I’m not sure. Between the two of us, I don’t think her marriage was a very happy one so perhaps that’s why.”
Married so young, he thought, then glanced at his parents who must have been married even younger than Lady Grace. “Was her husband at university with you?”
Cat shook her head. “He was a bit older than us, as I recall. He had a title and I remember her parents were keen on the match.”
Had she been forced to marry? Marcello wondered why the widow he had never met was tugging at him.
“Anyway,” Cat said. “I think this will work out perfectly. Let me know when you plan to leave.”
“Will do, Kitty Cat,” he said, using her nickname, something he knew brought a smile to her face, and it did. Though she was his older sister, he’d always protected and taken care of her as though she were a younger one.
Cat began chattering about her plans and what she and Grace may do while she was in England. Meanwhile, Marcello wondered if he would have a chance to meet the intriguing Lady Grace. With his security credentials he could easily find out more about her and her home. Yes, it was his brotherly duty, after all, as well as his responsibility to oversee royal protection to make sure the home was secure. It was for work, that was all.
THE END
###
Read ahead for a sneak peek of the next two books in the Royals of Valleria Series:
Marcello & Grace (Royals of Valleria #2) and Arianna & Finn (Royals of Valleria #3)!
A Note from the Author
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading Alex and Rebecca’s story! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, you may want to consider:
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Marianne
Royals of Valleria #2 & #3 Sneak Peek
Marcello & Grace (Royals of Valleria #2)
When fate made Lady Grace a widow, after years of a disastrous, abusive marriage, she felt a sense of relief and escape. Now, a year after her husband’s death, she’s just beginning to feel like her old self again, though she still carries the scars, both visible and hidden, of her past. Having been separated from friends and family for too long, she’s only too happy to see her old friend, Princess Catharine, on a visit to England. What she didn’t expect was a visit from her brother, Prince Marcello. When she begins to feel the first stirrings of love within her, can she overcome the horrors of her past to make a future with him?
Prince Marcello, head of Valleria's national security and defense, is still dealing with the fallout from security breaches under his watch. After long days and nights of political maneuvering in London to reclaim Valleria’s and his reputation, he takes a needed break by joining his sister on a visit to her friend, Lady Grace. What he thought would be a relaxing week becomes anything but when he begins to fall in love with her.
In the midst of blooming love, Marcello is asked to lead a secret, dangerous mission to thwart an international threat. Marcello knows he must go, both for his country’s honor and for his own. Will he survive? And, if he does, will Grace be waiting for him upon his return?
Pre-Order now for Kindle – Release date May 22nd!
Arianna & Finn (Royals of Valleria #3)
Proper Princess Arianna is the essence of style, grace, and appropriate behavior. After a disastrous love affair years ago that embarrassed both her and the royal family, she had vowed to stay on the straight and narrow, and she has. When a marriage is suggested to form an alliance with another country, she jumps at the chance for redemption. After all, she doesn’t believe in love anymore. But, if that’s true, why does she think of love whenever her fiancé’s brother, Finn, is nearby, bringing up feelings she had long since buried?
Finn de Bara cares little about strategic political alliances and, as second in line to the throne of Brazenbourg, he doesn’t have to. As the bad boy of the aristocracy, he doesn’t need to settle down; he saves that for his arrogant older brother, Henry. However, when Henry becomes engaged to Arianna for convenience and not love, he can’t help but be intrigued by a woman who would give up her future for her country. When the passionate nature she hides breaks through her prim exterior, Finn realizes he wants her, and not just in bed. He knows his brother may make a more proper match, but can he convince her, and himself, to take a chance on each other despite the international fallout?
When Henry’s true motives are revealed and Arianna is placed in danger’s path, can Finn act quickly enough to help her? Or will Arianna need to save herself?
Release date June 30th - Sign-up for Marianne's newsletter and you’ll know first when it’s available for pre-order! You might also get an exclusive sneak peek of the first chapter (or more) before release day!
About the Author
Marianne Knightly is a pen name.
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Other Books By Marianne Knightly:
Royals of Valleria Series
Book 1: Alexander & Rebecca
Book 2: Marcello & Grace (Pre-Order Now)
Book 3: Arianna & Finn (Coming Soon)
The Italian Shipping Millionaires Series
Book 1: Dante
Book 2: Adrian
Book 3: Giovanni
Book 4: Luc
Hike to Forget Series
Book 1: A Smokey Mountain Hike to Forget
Book 2: A Big Bear Hike to Forget
Book 3: A St. Michaels Wedding to Remember
Book 4: A Bahamian Hike to Forget
Sign-up for Marianne's newsletter for exclusive news about sales and releases!
Alexander & Rebecca (Royals of Valleria #1) Page 26
