Christmas at the Castle

by Melissa McClone

  Daily itineraries ruled his time. His mother’s requests—more often demands—determined his priorities. His mother had even asked to approve any woman he dated because the queen was legally required to consent to whomever he married.

  He wanted to be the perfect crown prince and son, but balancing his responsibilities and royal duty while trying to find time for himself was a continuous struggle that left him feeling torn between what was required and what he wanted to do. His life was no longer his own. Unlike his younger sister, who was able to do whatever she wanted.

  “Are you still on the line?” she asked.

  “Your friend from camp has arrived,” Gill said.

  Sophie screeched, a sound full of delight and anticipation. “I can’t believe Kat’s finally here. I have one meeting to attend, and then I’ll be home straight away.”

  As she spoke about her plans for Kat’s visit, Sophie’s excitement poured through the phone. Normally, he would smile and join in her bubbliness. He loved Sophie and would do anything for her, but her American friend was a bad influence.

  While the family had wanted Sophie to focus on her royal duties, Kat had encouraged Sophie to follow her heart and become a social worker. When Sophie was asked to be on a ridiculous reality TV show, the family had said no. Kat, however, convinced Sophie to participate.

  With disastrous results.

  Sophie fell in love with the rakish Prince Luc of Alvernia. When he decided to marry someone else—an American—her heart was broken. Granted, Sophie had met her fiancé Bertrand because of that show, but still…

  Had Kat come to console Sophie after the trouble she’d caused?

  No.

  Helping Sophie through her heartache had been left to Gill and her circle of friends. That only reaffirmed what he’d always known to be true.

  Kat Parsons was trouble.

  “Won’t this be fun?” Sophie asked.

  Gill hadn’t been listening. “You said she wasn’t coming.”

  Silence.

  Of course there was. His little sister had been caught.

  What was the word the Americans used?

  Busted.

  “Sophia Elizabeth Marie Louise von Strausser.” He used his sister’s full name. “Why did you tell me Kat wasn’t attending your wedding?”

  “Because you can be such a pain.” Sophie sounded like she was twelve, not twenty-eight. “I didn’t want to deal with it.”

  “What it?”

  “You.” A beat passed. “You treat all American women with disdain because of Clarissa.”

  Hearing the name of his ex-girlfriend, the woman he thought he would marry, put a foul taste in his mouth. “I do not.”

  “Yes, you do,” Sophie countered. “Even before Clarissa, you were rude to Kat. You’ve always disliked her, even when we were kids, so I figured if you knew she was coming, you’d find a way to have her banned from entering the country.”

  “You’re being melodramatic.” A good idea though.

  “I’m being honest,” Sophie said sincerely.

  The last thing he wanted to do was hurt his sister’s feelings. “I’m only looking out for you. That’s all I’ve ever done because I don’t want Kat filling your head with inappropriate ideas.”

  “Such as?”

  “Whoever heard of a princess becoming a social worker?”

  “You wanted to be a professor. The two fields aren’t that dissimilar.”

  “That’s different.”

  “Why? Because you’re a man?”

  Whatever Gill said would be taken the wrong way, so he kept quiet.

  “Bertrand says my job attracted him to me,” she added.

  “He’s going to let you continue working after you marry?”

  “Of course. I would never marry a man who would force me to stop doing what I love. I have a new position lined up in Darbyton, though I’ll miss my job here.”

  Gill would have to speak with Bertrand. Maybe he could limit Sophie’s interactions with Kat. If not before the wedding, then afterward as her husband.

  “I’m good at what I do.” Confidence filled Sophie’s voice. “I’m making a difference in people’s lives and you, as our future ruler, should pay closer attention to what our subjects need.”

  “I know what my people need.” He imagined Sophie sticking her tongue out at the phone. A childhood gesture she hadn’t outgrown.

  “They don’t need any more trade agreements,” she countered.

  “Those will secure everyone’s future, including yours.”

  “I’m securing my own.”

  “By working?”

  “Yes.” Sophie sighed. “This call is exactly why I didn’t tell you Kat was coming.”

  “She’s a danger to you.”

  “You only think that because the two of you always disagree about me, but Kat has my best interests at heart.”

  “And I don’t?”

  “It’s different with Kat. To her, I’m just Sophie, not Princess Sophia Elizabeth Marie Louise.”

  Gill had his doubts. “Don’t be so sure.”

  “So ominous sounding.”

  “Kat says she’s here for your wedding, but what if she has an ulterior motive?”

  “Oh, this should be good,” Sophie muttered. “Tell me, oh wise brother, what other reason could Kat possibly have for coming to Alistonia?”

  “To find a royal to bed or wed, possibly both.”

  Sophie burst out laughing.

  “I’m serious,” Gill countered. “For years, I’ve heard you talk about wanting her to marry a prince. I heard her say she wanted to be a princess.”

  “We were teenagers. I had a mad crush on William. I told her she could have Harry.”

  “No doubt she planted the idea of making her a princess in your head. Look at the timing of her visit. She couldn’t bother to come any time before this, but now that that there’s a royal wedding, she finally shows up. Two weeks early.”

  Sophie sighed. “How many times do I have to tell you Kat’s nothing like Clarissa?”

  His ex-girlfriend had only been interested in snaring the royal with the best title. She’d dumped him so she could date the future king of a much-larger country. “You don’t know that for certain.”

  “I know Kat. I’ve known her for fifteen years and tried to fix her up with men before. Royalty doesn’t impress her. She knows little about our lives. Besides, she doesn’t date.”

  An image of Kat flashed in his mind. She might not be his type, but an attractive woman like her did not stay home alone. “I don’t believe that. She isn’t telling you what she does.”

  “I know everything about her. Kat had a serious boyfriend in college, but that ended when she started vet school. Her grandparents needed her help at the farm, and the guy wanted more time than she could give him.”

  “He must have been a commoner, or she would have given what he asked and married him.”

  “I feel sorry for the woman who falls in love with you.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because you don’t listen. Kat isn’t after a royal or any other man, including you. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try to fix her up while she’s here. I worry about Kat because all she does is work. I doubt she’ll find a man she loves more than animals.”

  “That’s her problem, not yours.”

  “Of course, it’s my problem. She’s my friend.”

  “Family and duty first.”

  “It’s terrifying how much you sound like Mother right now.”

  He knew that wasn’t a compliment. “Sophia…”

  A noise sounded in the background. Someone was calling for his sister.

  “I have to go,” she said. “Promise me you’ll be on your best behavior around Kat and remember she’s our guest. Don’t be rude, and please keep your beastly side hidden.”

  “I’m never beastly.”

  “You walk a fine line. And if you hurt my BFF’s feelings with your crazy accusations, I’ll tu
rn into such a nightmare bridezilla that you’ll have to call in the royal guards.”

  Sophie’s words were proving his point about her friend’s negative influence. “You never spoke to me like this before you met Kat.”

  “I did, but blaming Kat for everything you don’t like about me is easier. Fortunately, she doesn’t mind.”

  “I have no idea what you mean.”

  Sophie sighed. “I need to go. Be nice.”

  “I will be on my best behavior.”

  The line disconnected.

  Gill didn’t like how quick Sophie was to defend her friend. His sister wouldn’t listen to reason, but the American with the stunning blue eyes would never charm him into thinking she wasn’t a threat. He would not put the people he cared about at risk.

  Kat Parsons might be his sister’s BFF from camp and her bridesmaid, but if the woman showed any signs of hurting Sophie or chasing after a royal, Kat would be on the first plane back to the States.

  *

  The castle’s front door wasn’t far away, but each step took effort. Kat’s feet dragged as if she were wearing cement blocks not comfy, slip-on suede boots. Her tote bag slapped against her hip. Nothing inside was heavy—her wallet, tablet, pen, lip gloss, and a paperback book about being a good bridesmaid, but she might as well have been carrying a thirty-pound bag of dog food.

  Jetlag was defeating her, but she didn’t want to surrender yet. Coworkers had recommended staying awake after she arrived to adjust to the time change quicker. She hoped she could, but traveling was affecting her worse than working crazy hours ever had.

  Claude walked ahead of her, and then he slowed. “A nice cup of black tea will refresh you.”

  “Tea would be wonderful.” She wouldn’t fall asleep drinking. At least, she hoped not or that would make a mess.

  The front door opened again. This time, a group of women exited, but not Sophie. Each positioned themselves as if their placements had been choreographed. Claude went inside with her luggage.

  The three women wore gray dresses with starched white collars and aprons. Their nude-colored pantyhose brought back memories of 4-H competitions at the county fairgrounds before school started each year. That was the last time Kat had worn a pair.

  A gray-haired man with silver, wire-rimmed glasses followed. He wore a black suit jacket with long tails, a gray vest, a white starched shirt, a fancy black tie, and white gloves. His posture was impeccable, as if he’d practiced by balancing books on his head, and not a single motion looked wasted.

  “Welcome, Dr. Parsons.” He stood with one arm across his stomach and the other behind his back. “I am Jennings. You’ll meet the kitchen and dining staff later. This is our house staff. They will be assisting you during your visit. Liv has been assigned to you.”

  A young woman in her early twenties with red hair twisted in a tight bun stepped forward. Her face was pale with no makeup or lip gloss, and her eyes were a pretty jade green.

  “Welcome, Dr. Parsons.” The woman curtsied. “I’m Liv.”

  “Hi, Liv. Please call me Kat.” She extended her right arm to greet the woman.

  Liv stared at Kat’s hand as if she didn’t know what to do.

  Oops. Kat pressed her arm against her side. She wasn’t in America any longer. “Is Sophie here?”

  “The princess will be arriving shortly, Miss Kat.” Liv motioned her inside. “I’ll show you to your room. You can freshen up while I unpack your luggage.”

  “Thanks.” Although, Kat wasn’t so sure she wanted that much help. She’d never had anyone unpack her things.

  She stepped inside the castle and found herself in a massive foyer that was bigger than her apartment. The floor looked like marble, and an elaborate rug had been artfully placed in the center.

  A faint pine scent hung in the air. The smell of Christmas. Two topiaries decorated with red ribbon and gold stars flanked each side of a curved staircase. A plush carpet ran down the center of the marble steps.

  The staircase was also decked out for the holidays.

  Garland decorated with red ribbon, holly berries, and white lights was strung along the carved wooden bannister and lit the way even during the daytime.

  Decorator perfect.

  And this was the place she’d call home for the next two weeks.

  Butterflies took flight in her stomach.

  She forced herself not to spin around to take in the museum-quality artwork—tapestries and paintings—on the walls. A huge crystal chandelier hung above the foyer, and ornate gilded molding formed patterns on the ceiling.

  “Wow.” Kat didn’t know how many times she’d said the word. Probably a dozen, but she hoped only once. Doubtful since this was the most wow-worthy place she’d seen, let alone stayed.

  And this was where she would wake up on Christmas morning.

  Let the pinching begin.

  “Please follow me upstairs, Miss Kat,” Liv said from the first step.

  Kat climbed the staircase.

  “You’ll be staying in the family wing.” Liv led her down a hallway with many doors that looked the same. “Princess Sophia’s bedroom is two doors down from yours.”

  Kat froze. “Wait. Sophie lives here?”

  “This is the family’s residence.”

  That was news to Kat. She’d known Sophie came from money. She’d seen the fancy furniture and artwork in the background during video chats, but Kat had never thought her friend lived in a castle.

  Liv stopped in front of an open door. “You’re staying in the blue room.”

  The door didn’t have a plaque that said “blue” or look any different from the other doors. Kat wondered how she’d find the room again if she left unaccompanied. Or maybe she wasn’t supposed to wander around the castle alone and similar-looking doors were the deterrent.

  She stepped inside. Blue room, indeed.

  Air rushed from her lungs.

  The color was her favorite and not only because the color matched Kat’s eyes. Her papa had once told her that her father—his son—had loved blue, too. That was one thing she had in common with her dad, and she clung to the color blue like a lifeline.

  Leave it to Sophie to pick this room for Kat.

  So elegant and royal.

  The walls were painted a robin-egg blue with a white chair rail. Pairs of gilded-framed oil paintings of landscapes hung on either side of a four-poster queen-sized bed with a mountain of pillows in every shape and size. Above the headboard, heavy blue fabric, white lace, and gold tassels provided a regal canopy fit for a princess.

  Or a houseguest.

  Kat smiled.

  The blue, white, and gold color scheme was used throughout the décor. Fancy lamps set on tabletops, and a chandelier hung in the center of the room. A large armoire was in one corner where Claude had set her luggage—the only things in the room that didn’t coordinate. Logs crackled and flames danced in the fireplace in the other. She couldn’t wait to try out the comfy, overstuffed reading chair. Off to the far side of the room was a round table with a small Christmas tree centerpiece on top. Two upholstered chairs were pulled out from the table, waiting for occupants.

  Decorator magazine perfect.

  Kat forced herself not to touch anything in case her hands were dirty. She was so tired she might break something. “It’s lovely.” She could add twenty-five adjectives that were more glowing, and that wouldn’t be enough to describe the beauty of the room.

  Liv motioned to a doorway on the right side. “The en-suite has towels as well as a robe for your use. If you need anything during your stay, please let me know.”

  Kat continued to look around the room. “I will.”

  “Would you like me to draw a bath for you?”

  “No, thanks.” Kat needed to stand if she wanted to remain awake. “I’m going to take a quick shower if that’s okay?”

  “I will have your suitcase unpacked by the time you finish.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
<
br />   Liv smiled. “It’s my job.”

  “Okay, then.” Kat didn’t want to get anyone in trouble, especially the person who was supposed to be helping her. She unzipped a suitcase and removed her cosmetic bag. “I’ll, uh, be out soon.”

  “Would you like a cup of coffee and a snack when you’re finished showering?”

  Kat remembered what Claude had said. “Black tea would be great. No snack right now. Thanks.”

  A burst of caffeine and a hot shower would have her feeling as good as new. Many times in college and at work, she’d survived longer with no sleep. She would do it again today.

  For Sophie.

  An image of her pretty friend formed in Kat’s mind. The sooner she adjusted to the time, the bigger help with the wedding she could be.

  The picture of Sophie slowly morphed into one of Gill with his disapproving gaze and the harsh set of his mouth.

  If Kat was staying in the family wing, did that mean his room was nearby?

  If so, avoiding him might be harder, but she could figure something out. She would do anything for Sophie. That included putting up with her brother.

  *

  After showering, Kat dried off with a fluffy towel and then put on the luxurious white robe she found hanging on a hook in the bathroom. The thick, soft cotton made her feel like she was wearing a cloud. She’d been at the castle less than thirty minutes, but she was getting a taste of how royalty lived.

  Talk about being spoiled.

  In the bedroom, a tray with a teapot, creamer, sugar dish, and cup set on the round table. “I could get used to this.”

  Except she couldn’t stop thinking about the animals at the hospital. Was Mabel eating better? Had Sasha stopping meowing? The list of patients scrolled through Kat’s mind.

  She should call.

  No, because she remembered two things—the time difference and what Jojo had said about leaving work behind, so instead of phoning the clinic, Kat poured herself a cup of tea. She added two sugar cubes. The first sip warmed her insides. The second made her feel less drowsy.

  Kat wiggled into a pair of dark blue jeans, and then she put on a pretty green sweater that reminded her of Christmas. The clothes had been purchased for this vacation. Casual, but a step up from what she normally wore.