Christmas at the Castle

by Melissa McClone

  “American.”

  “Yes.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Hey, Brad,” Conrad shouted. “I’ve got one of the bridesmaids.”

  The bleached-blond host of the show made his way over. Kat recognized him from the first two shows he’d done. His white teeth gleamed underneath the lights.

  “Hello. I’m Brad Hammond with Ever After Productions.” He held a tablet but looked like he’d be more comfortable at the beach surfing than filming at a castle. “Are you Katrina or Heloise?”

  “Katrina, but I go by Kat.”

  He typed on his tablet. “Today, we’re going to be taping interviews. I’ll ask you questions about Princess Sophie, wedding planning, and being here in Alistonia.”

  “Sounds easy enough.”

  “It is.” Brad pointed to a man who wore a beanie cap and had a pair of headphones around his neck. “That’s Dylan. He’s the sound guy who’ll get you hooked up with a microphone.”

  Dylan danced as if music was playing from his headphones. “Okay.”

  “The other guy with a camera is Wes. You just met the redheaded clown, Conrad. Both will be filming so we get all the angles.”

  Her palms sweated. “I’ve never been filmed before.”

  Brad touched her arm. “You’ll be fine. All you have to do is smile and answer my questions. The crew does all the hard stuff.”

  Kat rubbed her hands against her pants. She hoped so. Because right now, she was the definition of nervous.

  She looked around the ballroom.

  Where was Gill? She could use a little moral support from her new BFF and a…hug.

  Of support.

  And maybe a kiss for good luck.

  *

  Brad Hammond clapped his hands together once. “That’s a wrap, people. Thank you for your time and your patience.”

  “About time,” Gill whispered to Kat, who sat in the chair next to his.

  She put her finger to her mouth. “Shhh.”

  Gill would rather she touch his mouth. His interview had been over an hour ago, but he stayed in the ballroom because Kat was here. He rested his arm on the back of her chair.

  Friends did that. If he happened to touch her hair or shoulder, that was purely incidental. And very pleasant.

  The film crew milled about and laughed with Sophie. His sister looked so happy to see her friends. Gill had to admit she was a natural on camera. He’d refused to watch the show when she was on it, but maybe he would now.

  Jamie seemed taken with Addie, even though the woman was pregnant and her husband watched the interaction from a few feet away. The marquess had better be careful. Nick didn’t look like the kind of guy to upset.

  Gill enjoyed just being with Kat. He hoped they could sit closer at dinner tonight. A swap of place cards might be in order.

  His mother strode into the ballroom wearing her crown. Her shoulders were back and her head held high, as instilled in her since childhood, when manner and etiquette lessons were as important as school. At least they had been for him and his siblings.

  “Does she always wear jewels on her head?” Kat asked in a low voice.

  The queen hadn’t until the past couple of weeks. “Only when we have guests.”

  “I keep expecting to hear trumpets sound when she enters.”

  He laughed. “I sometimes hear them in my head.”

  His mother glanced at Sophie and then made a beeline for his table. “Don’t the two of you look comfortable?”

  Gill pulled his arm to his side and straightened. “The filming just finished.”

  “Good, because I need your help.” She didn’t glance at Kat. “I need you to escort me to the council’s dinner.”

  Something was going on. “You haven’t had an escort in years.”

  “There’s a first time for everything.” His mother smiled at Kat. “Don’t you look pretty today?”

  Kat’s smile looked unnatural. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  His mother tilted her head. “Perhaps you and Jamie can keep yourselves entertained while we’re away. Enjoy a quiet dinner. Or explore the castle. We have a dungeon.”

  Gill’s shoulders tensed. His mother must have heard they’d toured the dungeon yesterday, but what else did she know?

  Kat’s cheeks turned pink. Charming, but noticeable. “We’ll figure out something, ma’am.”

  “I’m sure you will. You’re quite resourceful.” His mother looked at him. “Meet me in the foyer at six.”

  She walked out without talking to Sophie.

  Underneath the table, Kat touched his thigh. He covered her hand with his.

  Concern clouded her gaze. “Do you think she knows?”

  “No, but she’s curious.” And would be looking for any clue or sign that more than a tour went on in the dungeon.

  Gill removed his hand from Kat’s. “I must go with my mother tonight.”

  “It must be awful to have no choice.”

  His situation with Kat was one of those times. “It can be, but that’s how it is.”

  “I wish it could be different for you.”

  He fought the urge to touch her. Too many people were around. And they were supposed to be just friends, but still… “I wish that, too.”

  *

  Kat walked to the dining room for breakfast. She hadn’t seen Gill last night, but he’d mentioned having her go with him to show the film crew around the grounds this morning.

  Yes, they were only friends, but the thought of spending the a few hours with him, even with the others in tow, made her feel as buoyant as a cloud. Her feet barely skimmed the floor. She hoped she would be able to keep her attraction hidden.

  Max ran up to her. He’d come from the direction of the dining room. Gill must already be there. A thrill shot through her.

  “Good morning, handsome.” The dog looked at her with an expectant gleam in his eyes. She slowed and patted his head. The dog soaked up the attention, as usual. “Enough rubs for now?”

  Max panted.

  “Let’s go find Gill.”

  When they reached the dining room, Max sat. The queen must be at the table. The dog knew better than to enter when she was there.

  Kat entered the dining room. Neither Jamie nor Sophie was there. The chair next to Gill was occupied by a woman she’d never seen before. A beautiful, elegant woman with violet eyes and long, amber hair.

  An extended royal family member in town for the wedding? Sophie had said more people would be arriving today, including Bertrand.

  “Good morning,” Kat said.

  Gill rose. He greeted her with a warm smile, but his posture seemed stiff. “I hope you slept well.”

  She nodded.

  “Sit there.” Queen Louise motioned to an empty chair on the opposite side of the table.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Kat took the seat.

  “A surprise visitor arrived this morning.” Queen Louise beamed like a cat that’d captured a mouse. Kat was surprised not to see a tail hanging out the corner of the queen’s mouth. “I’d like to introduce you to Princess Rowena from Colletto. She and Gill attended boarding school together for many years.”

  Kat waited for the queen to introduce her, but the growing silence in the dining room prompted her to speak. “Hello. I’m Kat Parsons. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Kat is a veterinarian from the States,” Gill added.

  Princess Rowena straightened. “Oh, you’re Sophia’s so-called BFF from camp.”

  The use of the word so-called poked at Kat like a large gauge needle, but she kept a smile on her face. “Yes, I am.”

  “Kat’s one of Sophia’s bridesmaids,” the queen said.

  Rowena’s perfect smile faltered, but it was back in place an instant later. “How sweet she’s included a childhood friend in her royal wedding party.”

  Sophie had warned Kat about women she’d meet who were anything but sweet. Mean girls who also happened to be royalty. A dangerous mix.

&nb
sp; Kat had learned to hold her tongue with patients. This would be no different. “Yes. I am honored to be a part of my dear friend’s nuptials.”

  “We’re ready for breakfast,” the queen said to Isaac. “No one else will be joining us this morning.”

  Rowena focused her attention on Gill. “Your mother was telling me you’ve been helping your sister with her wedding.”

  He glanced at the princess. “Yes, I must admit it’s been more enjoyable than I imagined.”

  Queen Louise leaned over the table. “You sound like you’re ready to work on your own wedding plans.”

  Rowena seemed to be holding her breath based on the fact her face was turning red. Subtlety didn’t appear to be one of the woman’s strong points.

  His gaze met Kat’s.

  Her heart bumped.

  That same energy as before passed between them, and then he looked at Queen Louise. “Remember what you said, Mother, one royal wedding at a time.”

  Rowena took a breath.

  “Of course.” The queen picked up her fork. “But there will be many eligible young women attending the wedding, including one who’s right here at this table. Isn’t that right, Rowena?”

  A normal person might blush when put on the spot like this. Not the princess. Her face was returning to its flawless ivory color. “Yes, and I look forward to getting reacquainted. It’s been too long.”

  Too bad it couldn’t be longer.

  That wasn’t the kindest thought, but Rowena acted so differently from Sophie. Kat filled her mouth with a forkful of omelet. Better if she didn’t say anything.

  But inwardly, she steamed. Oh, she wasn’t surprised that Queen Louise forgot about her. Two eligible women were sitting at the dining table—the princess and Kat, but the queen was making it clear that only Rowena had the qualifications to date the crown prince. The fact Gill hadn’t corrected his mother about Kat being eligible poked at her.

  Friends, she reminded herself.

  But it still hurt.

  She stabbed a melon ball, but instead of the tines going into the fruit, the ball shot off her plate and rolled to the center of the table.

  So much for her etiquette lessons. She was not only proving her ineptitude at interacting with royals, but also proving she didn’t belong.

  Isaac appeared, as if by magic, and gathered her coffee cup, snagging the stray melon ball without a break to his motion. “I’m sorry, Miss Kat. I forgot that you prefer black tea and served coffee instead. I’ll bring you another cup.”

  She wanted to jump out of her chair and hug her friend, but she forced herself to remain seated and not sigh in relief. “Thank you, Isaac.”

  Just words, but she hoped he saw her gratitude.

  He nodded once, winked, and then walked away.

  Warmth flowed through her. She had friends at the castle besides Sophie, Jamie, and Gill.

  She ate another bite of her omelet.

  “I don’t believe Rowena has been to Alistonia before,” the queen said to Gill.

  The princess wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I haven’t, ma’am.”

  “I have a wonderful idea.” Queen Louise sounded so excited that she nearly sprung out of her seat. “Gill will show you around town today. There are so many sights to see. Who better to play tour guide than the crown prince of Alistonia?”

  Rowena nodded so fast she looked like one of those bobble heads given out at baseball games.

  Gill shifted in his seat, as if uncomfortable, but he didn’t look at Kat. She didn’t know if he was ignoring her on purpose or if he was trying to figure out what to say. A good thing her napkin was linen or the thing would be shredded into a million pieces.

  “That would be nice, but I have plans this morning,” he said.

  With me.

  Kat was thankful he hadn’t forgotten.

  “Do you have state business to attend to?” Queen Louise asked.

  Gill’s jaw clenched. “No, I’m showing the film crew around the grounds.”

  “Kat and Jamie can do that. They’ve been here long enough to know their way around,” the queen said. “You’ve been working too hard. A day off will be good for you. And this will give you time to catch up with the lovely Rowena.”

  “I would enjoy spending time with you.” The princess placed her hand on his forearm. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”

  “I agree. You’ve both eaten enough.” The queen motioned with her hands. “Go now, so you have time to see everything. I’ll keep Kat company while she finishes breakfast.”

  So much for spending time together, but Kat kept a smile frozen on her face. Doing so wasn’t easy, but she had no choice.

  Neither did Gill.

  The queen had spoken. As he’d told Kat, he picked his battles. This didn’t appear to be one he wanted to fight. Disappointment ran rampant in her veins.

  Gill looked at her, but she knew he couldn’t say anything. Not in front of the queen and the princess.

  The last thing Kat wanted was for him to feel bad. Or to have him defy his mother.

  “Have fun.” She forced a smile. “Make sure you show Rowena the art museum.”

  “Oh, I love art. Especially modern.”

  Rowena would. Kat blew out a breath.

  The princess ran her French-manicured nails up Gill’s arm. Worse, he didn’t seem to mind.

  Jealousy burned. Kat had never felt this way about any man in her life. She didn’t like the feeling one bit.

  He stood and pulled out Rowena’s chair.

  After she stood, Gill extended his arm. “Shall we?”

  Huh?

  As the princess placed her arm on his, Kat’s stomach churned like a tropical storm in the Pacific.

  Gill had done and said the same thing with her when they’d been at the Christmas Market. He’d called her milady, but still…

  That had made her feel special, but it appeared to be a line he used with many women. Her throat closed. She should have known. Who had she been kidding to think she could mean anything to him other than, well, friends?

  Friends had been her idea.

  Feeling upset was stupid.

  Gill and Rowena walked out of the dining room. The sound of their footsteps faded as they disappeared from sight.

  Thank goodness Sophie wasn’t here, because this was going to be a rotten day. Kat didn’t want to bring down her friend two days before the happiest day of her life.

  Emotions ran the gamut. The reason why struck Kat like a fallen hay bale.

  She had fallen for Gill.

  Head over heels fallen for him.

  Nerve endings tingled. Her heart ached. She picked up her orange juice and sipped, afraid the realization would show on her face.

  Queen Louise sighed. “Don’t they make an attractive couple?”

  Kat nearly spit out the liquid in her mouth. She swallowed. The orange juice went down wrong, and she coughed.

  “I’m glad you agree,” Queen Louise said, even though the only thing Kat had done was nearly choke to death. “I shall leave you to finish.”

  So much for keeping her company, but honestly, Kat didn’t mind. “Have a nice day, ma’am.”

  “Now that I’ve seen Gill and Rowena together, I will.” The queen stood. “Mark my words. There will be another royal wedding in Alistonia next year. In the spring or summer when the flowers are in bloom will be the best time.”

  Princess Rowena was the one his mother had picked out for Gill to marry. Kat could barely breathe.

  As the queen walked away, Kat slumped in her chair. Her appetite was gone.

  Maximillian barked from the entryway. He was still sitting in the same spot.

  “You’re such a good boy.” She rose from the table. “Would you like to go for a walk when we take the film crew around?”

  His tail wagged.

  “I’ll take off your cone since I can make sure you don’t lick your paw. Sound good?”

  The dog headed to the stai
rs. At least another member of the royal family besides Sophie wanted to spend time with Kat.

  She should stick to loving animals. They didn’t require a person to be from a certain country or have the right background. They just loved—openly and unconditionally.

  She’d had that from her grandparents but never her parents.

  Was that too much to ask for from a man?

  From…Gill?

  Christmas is a time of magic and miracles.

  Kat hoped Jojo was right about that.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‡

  Today was far from Gill’s worst day ever, but he would rather be back at the castle with Kat doing a million wedding projects than sitting in the backseat of the limousine with Rowena. Time seemed to be going backward. He missed Kat, and every word out of the princess’s mouth aggravated him. His shoulders were so tight that he was afraid he’d have a permanent hunch.

  Rowena was gorgeous with looks any man would desire, but beyond the outer package, nothing about her intrigued him.

  “I had no idea Alistonia offered so much…culture,” she said after visiting the art museum where she’d droned on and on about the pieces as if reciting them by rote from a guidebook.

  “Alistonians enjoy the arts as much as others.” He’d much preferred his visit with Kat and Jamie, even with her calling them out on their acting like schoolboys trying to impress a girl.

  “Extraordinary.”

  It was extraordinary considering many smaller towns in Europe offered similar galleries but theirs was unique because of the special collections. Works that belonged to his family and were on permanent display so all could enjoy. “I’m glad you’re enjoying the tour.”

  “Immensely.”

  Rowena rested her hand on his forearm. She’d been touching him in some way all day. This type of behavior had been happening since he became crown prince.

  Back at boarding school, he’d been the spare heir and his brother Jacque got all the attention. The girls had viewed Gill with little regard. Only the girls back home had been interested in him. As crown prince, however, his worth had risen among the elitist nobles.

  “I may have to return for an extended stay.” Rowena squeezed his arm. “Your mother said there’s an entire guest wing that’s rarely used outside of special occasions like the wedding.”