A Royal Temptation

by Charlene Sands

  “I thought so, too,” he said. “We were good together.”

  “Did you ever stop to think that she wasn’t thinking about herself when she broke up with you? Maybe she loved you so much she didn’t want you portrayed in a bad light. A hasty then broken engagement wouldn’t instill much faith in the monarchy you are trying to reestablish. After the big splash announcing your engagement, how would King Juan Carlos appear to the country that trusted his honor? Wouldn’t it make you seem frivolous? Or duped? Or worse yet, impetuous? Seems to me, if I was in that situation, I would do everything in my power to protect the man I loved from scorn and speculation.”

  He scrubbed his jaw and sighed. “The last thing she told me was that she would make sure no blame came to rest on my shoulders.”

  Maria smiled. “There, you see. Only a woman still in love would say that. She was shielding you from harm. I would bet on it.”

  “You would?”

  “Yes, and you should, too, if you still love her.”

  “To what end? I can’t change the future...”

  “Who says you can’t? You’re the king.”

  “I’m not that kind of king. I don’t want to break with tradition.”

  “No, you’d rather have your heart broken.”

  Juan Carlos sighed. She was right. He would never love another the way he loved Portia. Right now, he physically ached for her.

  Maria continued, “Think of it this way. You’ll rule with more clarity and fairness having Portia by your side. You won’t be stung by bitterness and regret and live an empty life without her.”

  “But the people expect—”

  “A ruler they can admire and look up to. If you make it clear to them that this is for the best, they will rally behind you, my friend. And as the newly reigning king of a lost monarchy you have the luxury of not needing a parliament to vote on changes you might want to make in your dynasty.”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “I hadn’t thought of that.” And just as the notion elevated his hope, another thought brought him down again. “No...it’s too late after the way I walked out on Portia, without believing in her. She may not forgive me.”

  Maria scooted closer to him, the sparkle in her eyes grabbing his attention. “But she may. And I think she will. She sacrificed herself for you. Don’t you think you owe your relationship one more chance? If you don’t try, you’ll always wonder and you’ll live to regret it.”

  Did he still love Portia? Yes, very much, and the more he thought about Maria’s argument, the more he began to believe she could be right. He couldn’t throw away something so precious to him without giving it one more try.

  A light flashed in his head as he began to formulate a plan. Finally, after these past few days of living in a depressed stupor, he was waking up alert and seeing things much more clearly. He had the power of the throne behind him. He hoped it would be enough.

  “Maria, I’m going to need your help.”

  “I’ll give it gladly, Your Highness.”

  A knot formed in the pit of his stomach. “A lot will be riding on this,” he warned.

  “I know. But I have enough faith in love for both of us. Alex says I’ve taught him something about that.”

  Juan Carlos nodded. If only he had that same faith. He leaned forward to kiss Maria’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “What is it exactly that you’ve taught me, sweetheart?” Alex stood at the threshold of the study, catching Juan Carlos’s lips leaving Maria’s cheek.

  “How important trust is, Alex,” Maria said slowly, straightening her position on the sofa, “when it comes to matters of the heart.”

  Alex gave them a nod as he entered the room. “It’s true...once upon a time my fist might’ve met with His Majesty’s jaw seeing him kiss you. But now, I only see love shining in your eyes for me.”

  A chuckle rumbled from Juan Carlos’s chest. It was a good sound. One he hoped to make more often, after Portia was back where she belonged.

  * * *

  The sound of her Nikes pounding against the treadmill echoed off the gym walls. Sweat beaded up on Portia’s forehead as she gazed out the window of the high-rise. She was offered a view of distant mountains and below, a city waking just after dawn. It was a good time of day to work out, before the world came alive. She had about thirty minutes before the gym would crowd with businessmen and women coming for their daily fix. She’d be gone by then, away from any nosy members who’d try to talk to her, get to know her. Many people recognized her, but thankfully she was old news as the other royal couple—the Brits—were in town for a charity event and all eyes had turned to them.

  It was a lucky break and she valued the bit of anonymity it afforded her.

  “Oh...kay, Portia,” Jasmine said, shutting down her machine. “I’ve had enough.”

  Portia continued running at a six-mile-per-hour pace. She had one more mile to go. “You’ve barely broken a sweat.”

  “You’re insane this morning.” Jas used her towel to wipe her face as droplets rained down from her eyebrows.

  Portia slowed her pace, allowing her body to cool down. “I know. But this is the only time I have to work off my...”

  “Sexual frustration.”

  Portia swiped at her friend’s butt with her workout towel. “Shh...no. Stop that! Just frustration in general.”

  Jasmine reached over and pushed the Off button on Portia’s machine. “You’re done.”

  The treadmill’s thrumming quieted as it shut down and Portia finally stood stationary facing Jas. “I know I am. So done.” She sopped up her face and neck and allowed herself a moment of accomplishment. It had been a hearty workout.

  “I meant on the machine, girl. You’re being cryptic today. What’s really bothering you?”

  Aside from her broken heart? It was hard to put into words exactly but she tried to explain. “I’m almost finished with the Tanaka account, Jas. You’ve helped me so much this past week and we’ve been working at breakneck speed for long hours. When I’m through... I don’t know how it will play out. I’m still officially on leave. I don’t know what to do after this. I’m living a lie, but I can’t do anything about it at the moment. I feel weird in my own skin right now.”

  “Wow, Portia, I’m sorry. Juan Carlos doesn’t deserve you. You’re hurting because of him.”

  “You got that backward. I don’t deserve him.”

  “Oh, brother. Listen, I know it’s going to take time getting over him, but you will, honey. I hate to stand by and see you beat yourself up over something out of your control.”

  “Thanks, Jas. It means a lot to know you have my back.”

  “I do.”

  They left the workout area and headed to the showers. After a quick rinse off, Portia dressed in her casual street clothes and combed her hair.

  “Too bad we can’t grab breakfast,” Jas said, exchanging a look with Portia in the dressing room mirror as she slipped her long mane into a ponytail.

  “Wish we could, but we’ve both got busy mornings. Sorry if I’m overworking you on this account.”

  “You’re not at all. I was only looking for an excuse to have waffles and bacon this morning.”

  “And you wanted an accomplice, right?”

  Jas nodded. “No fun eating alone.”

  “Another day, I promise.”

  “Okay, then I’ll talk to you later. Oh, and thanks,” she said, wrinkling her nose, “for dragging my butt in this morning.” She pouted. “I ache all over and my legs feel like Jell-O.”

  “You’ll thank me in twenty years when you’re still hot and gorgeous.”

  “So I guess I’ll have to be your friend forever now.”

  “BFFs. That’s us.”

  “Yeah, that’s us,” Jas said, waving goodb
ye.

  Portia rode the elevator down to the parking garage. Just as she was getting into her Volvo, her phone beeped. She glanced at the screen. Odd, she’d gotten a text from Maria Ramon.

  I’m in town and would love to see you. Can you make time for me today?

  “No,” she whispered. Any reminder of Juan Carlos right now was hard to take. Seeing Maria would only bring back memories of her time in Alma. She did have a terribly busy day. Hadn’t she just turned down a breakfast date with her best friend?

  Another text came in. It’s important that I see you.

  Portia’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart began to pound. She couldn’t refuse Maria. She was a friend and more than that, Portia was curious as to what she wanted. But that didn’t stop her hands from trembling as she typed her answer. Sure, would love to see you. Stop by this morning. She gave her the address and sighed, starting the car. She planned on working from home this morning, anyway.

  As it turned out, Portia couldn’t concentrate when she returned home. Those phone conversations could wait another day, she decided. She changed into a powder-blue silk blouse and white slacks, and brushed her hair back and clipped it on one side with a gemstone barrette à la Gwen Stefani. She finished with a few flips of mascara to her lashes and some pink lip gloss.

  In the kitchen, she prepared coffee, arranged fresh pastries on a plate, and then brought it all to the dining table. Mischief and Mallow played at her feet, swatting none too gently at her toes. Before they destroyed her sandals, she scooped them both up and carried them to the sofa. “Here, let’s cuddle,” she said, laying them across her chest. They obeyed, burrowing into the warmth of her body. The sound of their purring brought a smile to her face. She stroked the top of their soft downy heads. She loved the two fur balls with all of her heart.

  A few minutes later, the doorbell chimed and Portia jerked up straight. The quick move sent the kittens tumbling to the floor. The little guys landed on their feet. Oh, to be a cat.

  Portia rose and glanced at herself in the foyer mirror, checking hair and makeup. She approached the door, but her hand shook on the knob. She paused, took a deep breath. Stay calm, Portia. Maria is a friend.

  She opened the door to find Maria smiling warmly, her pretty aqua eyes bright. A sharp twinge tightened Portia’s belly. “Hi, Maria.”

  “Portia, it’s good to see you.”

  She stepped forward to give Maria a hug. “I’m happy to see you, too. Please come in,” she said, retreating as Maria made her way into the foyer.

  She glanced around, noting the high-vaulted ceilings and the living and dining rooms. “It’s a lovely place, Portia.”

  She shrugged. “Thanks. It’s a rental. I travel back and forth from coast to coast a lot, so I have a small apartment in New York City, too. I haven’t really made this place my own yet.” She’d never felt settled enough in either place to put too much of herself into them. Aside from her treasured artwork on the walls, the rest of her furniture was simply...there. She had no emotional attachment to it, which had never really dawned on her before now. “It’s not a big place. Would you like a tour?”

  “Sure.” Portia walked her through the condo, showing her the home office, the guest bedroom, her master suite and the kitchen. They stopped in the dining room. “Would you like coffee and a pastry?”

  Maria’s eyes darted to the dish of fresh pastries. They were impressive. Portia knew the pastry chef at the Beverly Hills Hotel and she’d made a call this morning to have them delivered. “I’d love some. Thank you. It’s good seeing you in your own element here. This is very nice.”

  “Let’s have a seat,” Portia said. “Everything’s ready.” Maria sat down across the table and Portia poured them each a cup of coffee. “I was surprised, in a good way, to hear from you this morning. What brings you to California?”

  Maria cradled the cup in her hands. “I, uh, I had no real business here, Portia. I came specifically to see you.”

  “Me?” Portia halted before the cup touched her lips. “Why?”

  “Maybe because I’m a hopeless romantic. Maybe because I found the love of my life in Alex and want my friends to find that same kind of happiness. Don’t get me wrong, Portia, I’m not here to meddle, but I do think Juan Carlos made a mistake with you.”

  “He told you?” Portia wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

  “Yes, I know you’ve broken the engagement.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “No one. I don’t think he’s told his cousins yet.”

  Portia nodded. Her belly began to ache. “Do you know everything?”

  Maria’s expression softened. “I know you’re not a princess, Portia. Juan Carlos told me the entire story. I’m so sorry you were misled all those years. It must have been extremely difficult finding out the way that you did.”

  Portia’s eyes squeezed shut at the truth of those words. “Yes.” Oh, God. This was so hard. If only she could blink this entire ordeal away. Too bad life wasn’t that easy. Soon everyone would know her dirty little secret and they probably wouldn’t be as kind as Maria. “It’s been an adjustment. My whole life is a lie.”

  “Not all of it, Portia.”

  She snapped her eyes open, just as Maria’s hand came to touch hers. She welcomed the warmth of her friend’s gentle touch. “I can’t possibly know exactly how you feel, but I do know you. Portia Lindstrom is a wonderful, sweet, caring woman. She’s smart and funny and she’s terribly in love with a good man.”

  Portia shook her head. “No. Juan Carlos...there’s nothing left between us.”

  “There’s love, Portia. Don’t discount it. It makes the world go round, you know.”

  “Well, I’m spinning fast, Maria. And I’m about to fall off.”

  “No, you don’t have to fall off. I know Juan Carlos still loves you. He’s made a terrible mistake. He was in shock, I think, hearing the news about your identity, and he regrets how you two left off. He’s sorry for how he treated you, Portia.”

  “I accept his apology. If that’s what you came for, you can tell him not to worry about me. I’m...fine.”

  “That’s not why I came. You love him very much, don’t you?”

  Portia sat silent.

  “I know you’re protecting him, Portia. I know, because if I were in your shoes, I’d do the same thing.”

  “You would?”

  “Yes. Isn’t it why you initially lied about the reason you broke off your engagement?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Maybe yes?”

  “Okay, yes. That’s why I lied. It was inevitable that we had to break up, so why should both of us go down with the ship? I was to blame. It was my family’s illicit behavior that put us in this position. Juan Carlos didn’t need to suffer, too.”

  “I thought so.” Maria selected a pastry and eased it onto her plate. “Juan Carlos is very lucky.”

  Portia scoffed. “Hardly. I’m a fraud.”

  “No, you’re not, Portia. You may not be a princess, but that’s not all you are. Juan Carlos believes in your love.”

  “Then why isn’t he here? Never mind. I’m glad he’s not. It was hard enough breaking it off with him the first and second time.”

  Maria chewed her raspberry cheese tart with a thoughtful expression on her face. “The third time’s the charm, they say. And he’s not here, because well, he wants to see you again. In fact, it’s urgent that he see you. But he wants you to come to Alma. What he has to say must be said in Del Sol.”

  “Me? Go back to Alma? I couldn’t possibly.”

  “I was afraid you’d say that. I’m not to leave here without you, but...I think I have something that will change your mind.”

  “Nothing much could change my mind.”

  “Wait right here. I have something in
my car. I’ll only be thirty seconds,” Maria said, rising. “Don’t you think about putting those pastries away.”

  Portia smiled despite the mystery unfolding. What on earth was Maria up to?

  Just seconds later, Maria walked back into the dining room holding a large package wrapped in brown paper. The box was the size of a small television or a microwave. Ridiculous.

  “What do you have there?”

  “Oh, no, I’m not telling. You have to open it. First read the note.”

  “I don’t see a note?”

  “It’s inside.”

  Portia stared at Maria and shook her head. Nothing would get her to change her mind. But she had to admit, she was intrigued. Her eye began to twitch. Damn. Stop it. Okay, she was nervous.

  “Go on,” Maria said.

  Portia dug her fingers into the wrapping and tore it away. Paper flew in all directions. An envelope with her name on it taped to the box popped into her line of vision. She lifted it off, pulled the note out and read it silently.

  Portia, sweetheart,

  Give me another chance to prove my love.

  This was to be my wedding gift to you.

  I hope you will accept it and me back into your life.

  It speaks for itself.

  Juan Carlos

  Tears trickled down her face. The note was short, but held the words that could make all things possible. She loved Juan Carlos. Would always love him. And now, dare she take a chance? What could he have possibly sent that would impact her more than those loving words?

  “Open the box, Portia.”

  “I’m afraid to,” she said, eyeing the lid, her body shaking so badly she could hardly move. “What if it isn’t...”

  “It is. Trust me,” Maria said.

  Portia pulled open the lid and found yet another box. She lifted it out and set it on the table, staring at the ornate workmanship on the box, the beautiful wood carvings of intricate design.