Christmas at the Castle

by Melissa McClone

  The door to her room burst opened. Sophie ran inside, squealing in delight. “You’re really here.”

  Six summers at camp together, and Sophie had never learned the fine art of knocking. Kat didn’t mind.

  She hugged her friend and then stepped back.

  With hazel eyes, a clear complexion, and long, blonde hair, Sophie looked stunning. Even in December, she had color on her face. Not from makeup but natural, as if she’d been spending time outdoors.

  “You’re positively glowing,” Kat said.

  Sophie struck a pose. She wore a plain gray skirt, a red sweater set, and tall black boots. Work clothes, Kat imagined, but these looked like high fashion on her friend.

  “Thank you,” Sophie said. “How do you like this room?”

  “Love it. The blue is perfect,” Kat said. “But did you just forget to mention you lived in a castle?”

  A sheepish expression formed on Sophie’s beautiful face. “I didn’t tell you on purpose.”

  “Why?”

  “You’ve always acted so normal with me. Even after you found out I was a princess. I didn’t want that to change, so I downplayed a few things.”

  “I’m not upset, but is there more than this castle? I’d rather not be blindsided again.”

  “I understand. Let’s see…” Sophie walked toward the bed. “My late father was the king consort. My mother is the reigning queen.”

  “Queen,” Kat repeated. “As in the ruler of Alistonia?”

  Sophie nodded. “That’s why I said I’d RSVP for you and give you the wedding invitation after you arrived. I didn’t want you to get wigged out. That’s the correct word, right?”

  “Wigged out definitely applies here.” Not just royalty. The ruling family. Kat had to laugh.

  “I’m so glad you can see the humor in this.” Sophie tilted her head. “There’s one more thing. Gill is crown prince.”

  Crown prince meant he would be king someday. That explained his superior-than-thou attitude.

  In America, a man his age who lived at home with his mother would be considered a failure, but here in Alistonia, he would one day be crowned king.

  Sophie held Kat’s hand. “I’m sure you’re tired and everything must be overwhelming, so perhaps think about this castle as being nothing more than a great, big house that gets cold in the wintertime so it has lots of fireplaces. And there just happens to be staff and a dungeon.”

  The sincerity in Sophie’s voice endeared her that much more to Kat. “I’ve never seen a dungeon.”

  “I’ll show you ours. I can’t wait to show you everything. I have a feeling you’ll love the town. Not as small as where you grew up, but it oozes charm.”

  Feeling tired, Kat sat on the edge of the bed. “I can’t wait, but there’s a wedding to work on.”

  “Which is another reason I’m so happy you’re here. I’m about to lose my mind.” The way Sophie sat next to Kat reminded her of summers spent in their cabin at camp. “I never understood the logic of eloping until planning this wedding.”

  “That bad?” Kat asked.

  “I’m trying to emulate Switzerland and remain neutral.” Sophie leaned back on her hands. “My mother and my future mother-in-law don’t agree on anything. We’re on the fourth wedding coordinator. Bertrand’s mother, the Duchess of Darbyton, is American, and she wants to incorporate some of your country’s traditions. My mother says no because the wedding is taking place in Alistonia.”

  The answer seemed simple to Kat. “What do you want?”

  “For everyone to be happy.” Sophie sighed. “But I’m not sure that’s possible.”

  Typical Sophie. That brought a smile. “Any chance of the two mothers compromising?”

  “They already have. I’ll give you one garter toss for a traditional waltz sort of thing. The last wedding planner was about to bring in a mediator to see if that would help, but then she quit.”

  “Yikes.”

  Kat remembered the duties of a bridesmaid from the book she’d brought with her. She wanted to do her part. Not just make sure the train of Sophie’s dress didn’t get stepped on by the children in the wedding party as they walked down the aisle.

  “I’m here now, and I can help you,” Kat said.

  “Good because Heloise—she’s Bertrand’s sister and the other bridesmaid—won’t arrive until right before the wedding, but I fear she’ll just agree with whatever her mother says.”

  “I’ll take over as Switzerland.”

  “Thank you.” Sophie leaned against Kat. “I know we video chat each week, but it’s not the same as being together in person.”

  “I know.”

  “If you’re up for a tour, I’d love to show you around the castle.”

  “Sounds good.” Kat would be less likely to nap that way.

  Sophie studied her. “You’re so pretty. Pictures and video don’t do you justice.”

  Kat’s cheeks warmed. “Thanks, though I don’t think your brother was impressed.”

  “I told him to be nice.”

  Maybe the way he’d acted had been his version of nice. A scary thought. “Gill was being himself. I don’t know what I did all those years ago, other than leave my fishing gear out, but he still doesn’t like me.”

  “You did nothing except be yourself,” Sophie said. “Unlike the females from our country, you didn’t fall at his feet and treat him like a demigod. Granted, you had no idea he was a prince that first summer, but once you knew, you still spoke your mind. No one has done that to him other than family members.”

  “I hoped time would have mellowed him.”

  “He’s only gotten worse, but in his defense, that’s not all his fault.” Sophie toyed with the lace on one of the bed pillows. “When our brother Jacques joined the seminary, Gill became the heir to the throne. He was twenty-two, and his plans took a one-eighty. I don’t know that he’s forgiven our parents—well, Mother since Father died three years ago—or even Jacques for abandoning him. Giving up his dreams was hard on Gill.”

  “Dreams?”

  “Of teaching. Gill had planned to go into academia. He thought being a professor would allow him the flexibility to do his duties as second in line to the throne until a new heir was born but also enable him to have a fulfilling career.”

  Kat tried to picture Gill forming the minds of young adults. Tried and failed. He didn’t seem like he’d have the necessary patience, but then again, she hadn’t seen him in years. “You’d think he’d want to be crown prince and the future king.”

  “Even future kings have desires. Some that don’t align with their duty.” A soft smile appeared on Sophie’s face. “I give Gill a hard time, but he’ll be good for Alistonia. He’s smart and knows economics better than most. He also has a kind and caring heart. He just doesn’t show that side too often.”

  Pride filled Sophie’s voice. She loved her brother.

  “Maybe things will be different after he gets married.” Gill might not be friendly to Kat, but she only wanted the best for Sophie’s brother.

  “I hope so,” Sophie admitted. “But he doesn’t seem to be in any rush to wed. Being dumped by Clarissa hurt him. My mother was so angry, but I was secretly thrilled.”

  Kat remembered the long conversations they’d had about this. “You never liked her.”

  “No, I didn’t. If he was going to date and then marry an American, he should have picked you.”

  “So we could be sisters.”

  That had been Sophie’s teenaged dream when they’d been at camp. Kat had to admit she liked the idea of the two of them being sisters, even though she hadn’t been too thrilled with the thought of Gill as a husband.

  “Let’s hope you like the next woman he dates,” Kat added.

  “I don’t know when that will be. Gill hasn’t been interested in dating anyone since Clarissa, so Mother has set out to find him a wife.”

  “Someone nice.” Maybe that quality would rub off on Gill.

  “Being nice
isn’t one of the prerequisites for being Gill’s wife. Mother will look for a royal with the right pedigree and breeding who offers something Alistonia currently lacks.”

  That was what dog and horse breeders did. “What about love?”

  “Not a requirement.” Sophie sighed. “I’m so happy I’m getting to marry for love. I often wonder if my brother rushed into a relationship with Clarissa to heed off Mother’s matchmaking.”

  Not matchmaking.

  Ordering.

  But Kat didn’t need to point that out to her friend.

  Sophie hopped off the bed. “Enough about Gill. Grab your coat and gloves, and put on your shoes, so we can go for a walk outside.”

  Kat opened drawers. Everything was neatly folded. The non-clothing items were in a drawer by themselves. In one, she found her socks. In another, she found her hat and gloves. She sat on the blue-and-white chair to put on her shoes and yawned.

  “If we don’t get moving, I fear you’ll fall asleep,” Sophie said. “I know. We’ll visit the stable first. You can admire the beautiful horses, and I can steal one of their apples.”

  “Hungry?”

  “Famished. This wedding diet is so hard.”

  Kat studied Sophie’s trim figure. “You don’t need to diet.”

  “The diet is the one thing my mother and the duchess agree upon. They don’t want me to look fat in wedding photos so I’m to lose at least twenty pounds by the twenty-third. I’ve been trying to trick them by using a weight belt that Bertrand bought me. He doesn’t want me to lose any weight, so I wear the belt for weigh-ins, and the scale says I’m losing pounds.”

  “Crafty.”

  “So long as I don’t get caught.”

  “I’m relieved you’re not listening to them.” Sophie was healthy and fit. She’d never looked better to Kat. “You’d look like a lollipop if you lost that much weight.”

  “That’s what I told them, but they didn’t care.”

  Kat placed her coat on the bed, went to the dresser, and pulled out a gift bag from a drawer. “I have something for you.”

  Staring at the gift bag with longing, Sophie wet her lips. “Is it what I think it is?”

  “Look inside.”

  She did. “Cherry Pop-Tarts®. And there are sprinkles on the frosting. You remembered.”

  Every summer, Kat had brought boxes for Sophie. “I ran out of time, or I would have gift wrapped it.”

  “No need. This is perfect. I will savor each one.” Sophie clutched the bag to her chest. “Who am I kidding? I’m going to eat them like there’s no tomorrow. If my mother sees me, she’ll banish me to the dungeon.”

  “Then you’d better not get caught.”

  “Let’s go,” Sophie said. “I can hide in a stall and eat.”

  Kat frowned. “A princess shouldn’t have to hide to eat.”

  “Tell that to the two momzillas.”

  Sophie headed to the door. The usual bounce to her step was gone. Maybe she’d outgrown it or maybe the wedding was dragging her down.

  Kat followed. She was concerned for her friend.

  Being a princess who lived in a castle seemed magical—like a storybook come to life—but being hungry all the time and having to sneak food in order to look better in wedding photographs sounded more like a horror story.

  Maybe the upcoming royal wedding was causing everyone added stress. Not just the bride, but the two mothers and Gill. Kat hoped so, but she had to wonder.

  Would Christmas at the castle be more like a fairy tale, a nightmare, or somewhere in between?

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer.

  Chapter Three

  ‡

  Two hours later, Gill stood outside the stable where a horse groomer had seen Maximillian. That had been ten minutes ago. Enough time for his dog, who loved to run, to be on the opposite side of the grounds. Still, Gill wanted to look.

  Not because he was that concerned about Maximillian.

  The dog had a habit of disappearing lately, although he always returned in time for dinner. But because Gill had needed a reason to step out of this afternoon’s conference call.

  His assistant Frederick was listening, and both of them didn’t need to waste time hearing the head economic advisor drone on about currency valuation. Especially when the man had given this same talk two years ago—only with the dates and interest rates updated. Very shoddy work especially when Gill’s interest in economics was well known throughout the council. He would have to seek a replacement in the new year. No one should lose their position during the holiday season.

  “Maximillian?” Gill called.

  No paws sounded. No barks, either.

  The dog enjoyed roaming the grounds, but he wasn’t a miscreant. If he were around, he would come when Gill called. Unless the dog was taking a nap inside. The facility had been built because his mother loved riding. No expense had been spared making the stable more like a house for her beloved horses.

  As soon as he entered, the heated air cocooned him in warmth. Yes, the stable would be the perfect place for Maximillian to sleep.

  One of the stall doors was open. The horse must be in the arena or pasture.

  Gill looked inside. No dog. But there were twelve more stalls to check.

  “Maximillian,” he called.

  “Who are you looking for?” a female voice asked. An American one.

  Muscles bunched. Gill glanced over his shoulder at Kat.

  She’d changed clothes and put on a heavier jacket, jeans, and tennis shoes. With her hair tucked inside a beanie and gloves on her hands, she looked ready for a blizzard, though snow wasn’t predicted for two more days. She must not be used to cold temperatures where she lived.

  “I’m looking for my dog,” he said.

  She took a step forward. “Is he lost?”

  “Not lost. He can’t get out of the castle grounds.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  Her concern sounded genuine. Not surprising.

  He remembered how Kat would head out at dawn each morning at camp to tend to any injured birds or animals she’d found the previous days. More than once, he’d followed her to make sure she remained safe since she was his sister’s friend. Gill had liked watching how kind Kat was to the animals, and she was braver than he would have been with some of the wilder ones.

  But that had been so long ago.

  Time changed things and people.

  Sophie had mentioned something about Kat’s college student loans. That was before he’d known Kat attended veterinary school. That explained the lack of money she’d mentioned to him earlier today. One more reason why she could be here for more than just the wedding. Marrying a wealthy royal would get Kat out of debt quickly. Was money her motivation and not a title?

  “What does your dog enjoy doing?”

  “Exploring,” Gill said.

  “Many dogs do. It’s nice he has a large, enclosed area to investigate, but you must worry when you can’t find him.”

  “Maximillian doesn’t stay away that long, so I don’t have to be concerned about him.”

  Kat didn’t seem like the worrying type. She took charge and fixed what was wrong. She was the most self-sufficient female he’d ever met, even more so than his mother.

  At camp, he’d watched her take care of herself and Sophie. For the first time, his younger sister hadn’t needed him because she had Kat. That had made him feel useless. Not an unusual feeling when he’d been the “spare” heir back then, but he hadn’t expected to feel that way an ocean and a continent away from home due to a girl with a pocketknife.

  He hadn’t liked that.

  And by default, that meant he hadn’t liked her.

  He still didn’t like Kat.

  For other reasons now.

  Kat peered into a stall as if she was joining in the hunt. She seemed to make a habit of getting involved where she wasn’t needed.

  “What kind of dog?” she asked.

  “A Brit
tany.”

  “They are loyal, intelligent, and energetic dogs.”

  Those adjectives described Maximillian perfectly. “You know dog breeds.”

  “I’m a vet, and I was also in 4-H through high school.” She walked to the next stall. The horse inside neighed. “We learned everything from anatomy to obedience and were required to know the various breeds.”

  Alistonia didn’t have a program like that for their youth. Based on her smile, she seemed to have liked 4-H. Maybe that was something he should look into for the kids in his country.

  “Maximillian enjoys duck hunting, but Sophie’s asked us not to do that anymore. You’ve turned her into an animal advocate.”

  “Not me,” Kat countered. “I’d say your sister’s social work is the cause. She’s an advocate for the underdogs.”

  “That is not how I’d describe a duck.”

  “You might if you were a duck.”

  “Point taken.”

  She went to another stall. “Does your dog run away often?”

  “He doesn’t run away.” Gill didn’t appreciate the way she made his purebred dog sound like a mutt. “Maximillian is from a line of champion bloodstock.”

  “Breeding doesn’t curb the tendency to roam.” She peeked into another stall. “One of our clients has a champion Saluki who takes off the minute she’s off-leash.”

  “Maximillian only recently began his…excursions.”

  Walking to the next stall, she glanced over her shoulder at him. “Is that what you call his disappearing acts?”

  Gill remembered his promise to Sophie and gritted his teeth so he wouldn’t say anything that might be considered unfriendly. “You don’t have to look for the dog.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  He did. “Maximillian is likely far away from here.”

  “Looking for him will keep me awake. He could be sleeping.”

  Gill had thought of the same thing.

  Kat checked inside another empty stall. “Behavior changes can be related to something that’s happened to the dog himself, his environment, or even his diet.”

  He didn’t need her playing doctor with him. “A few outbuildings and landscape features have been added over the years. This stable is the newest addition, but otherwise, the castle grounds have remained the same for centuries. Maximillian’s diet hasn’t changed since he outgrew the puppy stage.”