"Antonio's the Crown Prince." Marco took both of her hands in his and kissed her cheek. Her skin felt warm from his lips that had touched her, intimately. "We don't have to do half the formalities as they did."
Tears formed in her eyes and wouldn't stop. She sniffled anyhow and somehow made the tears turn into a full-blown cry. "I'm tired still."
"Don't cry." He massaged her back and it felt so good.
She continued to blubber and turned to accept his offer of kindness. She hugged him. "I'm not. I don't want to lose you."
"I'm not going anywhere." He looked straight at her, his brown eyes warm and inviting. "We can be happy if you let us."
Yeah right. Tears done, she took a deep breath and pointed at the open partition between them and the limo driver. "Your mother is probably wondering why we're sitting in front of the palace for so long."
"I don't care. I need to ensure you're okay."
Was it any wonder she loved him? "Let's go. I'm fine."
Marco helped steady her when she stood outside the car. She glanced up at the tower where she and Marco picnicked that night and remembered Marco showing her the views. She’d felt like she was in a fairy tale, but now she imagined her mother staring down at her with disdain and disapproval. Anise and Henri waited at the palace door. "How did they beat us here?"
"They left earlier; I wanted you to be comfortable during our stay." Marco didn’t look at either of them as he walked with her up the few palace steps.
This time she'd keep her head on straight. The two doors were held open by servants. She stepped into the foyer that overlooked the main staircase, and with the blaring sunshine of the morning on her face, she saw her old roommate and best friend, Kristin running down the flight of stairs with her husband at a more leisurely pace walking behind her.
"Look, here come Kristin and Antonio." Marco stayed at her side.
"Kristin!" Her arms wrapped around her best friend, and it was like being given a life-line. She hugged her close and gained strength from the woman who had always had her back. She turned to her future husband and asked, "Marco, can I speak to my friend, alone?"
"Hello, Renee." Antonio gave her a hug. "Your parents arrived earlier."
"I need a minute, if you don’t mind?" She hooked arms with Kristin.
Marco nodded. "Antonio, help me find Mother? I'll wait for Renee to meet her mother and father."
"Good. I was going to ask you to wait for me." She needed to protect him if she could.
"This way." Antonio kissed his wife and Renee stared at Marco. If she was pregnant, would that guarantee her parents wouldn't scare him off? She didn't want to think like that, but the thought wouldn't go away. If only she didn't worry, but the truth was, she was terrified she'd lose him.
20
Arm in arm with her roommate, Renee relaxed. She needed the support of a friend. Kristin had met her parents so she knew why they made Renee crazy. The men left and Kristin guided them to a side room in the palace. Once the light was turned on, Renee realized this was a library. Pristine books were everywhere behind glass shelves.
Her former roommate and best friend was a welcome sight, far more than her family’s presence would be. Her own mother wouldn't understand at all, but Kristin knew it all and never judged. Kristin led them to a cushy sofa and sat down beside her. Servants came and set water on a table before them. Neither of them said anything until they were gone. Then Kristin broke the silence.
"Renee, your mother pretends we never met."
Her face felt hot. "I have no idea what I'm going to do if they ruin my relationship with Marco."
"That's impossible." Kristin stared at her and her eyes seemed to blaze. "Marco is like his brother—a force of nature."
Right. Renee took a deep breath. "I once thought my ex Tom was an alpha who wouldn't cave." Renee felt the tears but blinked them back. Kristin was the first one she could say anything to. "My mother and father ran him off so fast. I thought I was about to be engaged to a multibillionaire and that he was tough enough, but one golf course meeting with my father and he bailed on me. I was lost and assumed all I could do to make them happy was bring home someone they approved of—Marco doesn’t match. I didn't plan any of this, but I love him."
"Love is all that matters..." The door opened and Kristin stopped speaking. Renee also quieted once she realized they had company. Henri gave her a scowl as he carried a tray. Another man came into view and all of her attention went to him. Kristin offered her hand and said, "Oh, Lucio is here. Renee, this is Lucio. I don’t know if you formally met at my wedding."
"We talked briefly when Marco introduced us, Your Highness." Renee glanced at his black shoes that shone, keeping her head down. Her sandals had scuffs on them. Kristin's Antonio always struck her as handsome but nice, Marco was sexy and hot, but there was something formidable and brooding about his brother, Lucio. Renee immediately realized Marco's personality was part of his perfect package because there was no way she'd ever have spoken to either of his brothers.
Lucio said, "I was looking for my brothers."
"Lucio, have you heard the news?" Kristin placed her hands on her hips. Renee glanced at her friend. Without waiting for a reply, Kristin said, "Renee and Marco are about to marry."
Lucio bowed slightly. "I assumed the announcement was forthcoming the day we met."
Brooding was an apt description Renee surmised but she wasn't sure that was his only reason for being so quiet. She looked into his brown eyes. "You sounded a little like Marco on the phone, but in person you’re all so different."
Marco and Antonio popped their heads in the room. Lucio walked over to them and Marco asked, "Mind if we steal our brother? Soon he’ll be the only one left with the threat of banishment."
"No problem," Kristin said. "We’re going to continue our girl talk."
Marco met her gaze and Renee tried to believe everything would be fine. She also hoped the queen understood and that her parents hadn't upset her. A headache formed in her temples. The men left and the two of them retook their seats. Renee said, "Marco doesn't know how Tom disappeared after meeting my mother."
Kristin opened the water bottle and filled two glasses. "Tom clearly wasn't the one for you. Marco is."
"I get you're in love with his brother." Renee accepted the water gratefully and drained it in two sips.
"I told you I didn’t like Tom the day I met him."
True. The water lessened the pressure on her forehead and she could think.
Kristin leaned closer on the sofa. "So just relax. I'm here. Marco's here. Queen Anna Camilla's here and we're all rooting for you and Marco."
Renee sat back and crossed her arms. "I know this is stupid and that I shouldn't worry. Logically you make sense, but the logic isn't flowing to my emotional state."
Kristin blinked, clearly surprised. "Why?"
Right, her friend had no parents. She slipped her swollen feet out of her sandals and tried to prop them up on the table, but it didn’t seem proper. "My parents were sickly happy with each other and generally liked being together more than anything else. We planned trips on what they'd want to do or not do. My brother Neil is the perfect son and a replica of my father, but me... I'm the screw up. I'm the one who got stood up on prom because my parents talked my boyfriend into going with someone else."
All those tears she shed in high school replayed in her mind, but this time she felt no tears form on her cheeks. She’d not let them bully her into losing Marco.
"I'm sorry, Renee."
Kristin pressed a button and a second later Henri returned. Kristin pointed to Renee's feet and he nodded. Renee tried to put her shoes on, but another servant carried in an ottoman and placed it under her feet, like she was a princess.
Renee pressed her lips together, and let the feel of having servants hit her. Marco had said it was no different than hotel staff. Another servant replenished their liter of water and then they both left without looking up so she couldn’t thank t
hem.
Kristin poked her arm. "So? You were huge on telling me to take a chance and believe in love, when I didn't believe love was possible. Your prom date, Tom, none of them is who you love, right?"
"Love is possible. That's not my issue, Kristin." Renee fixed her gold cross around her neck that she'd worn today. "I can feel my parents here and judging me through the walls."
Kristin scooted closer and smiled teasingly. "Actually, I think they are on a tour of the royal grounds."
Renee shook her head. "I wish I was more logical about all of this."
Kristin sipped her water and Renee did the same. "I guess I should get going and stop delaying the inevitable. I just hope we're friends when this is over."
"Always." Kristin lowered her voice. "And your wedding will be the talk of the newspapers for years. But I sense there is something else bothering you."
The possible pregnancy had to be a secret. Only Kristin would see past the initial wall and assume there was more to it. "The truth is, I don't want to be controlled. While my mother was happy that my father made all the decisions, I'm not like her. I've only ever dated men I thought were stronger, but everyone else failed."
Kristin nudged her shoulder. "You can't give up. I know you believe in love. Look what happened for me, with your encouragement."
Antonio's affairs had all happened before he’d met her best friend. Every news article about the two of them now showed the idyllic royal couple in love. Renee had read those stories too and hoped Kristin was always as happy as the pictures made her seem. Renee already knew her mother would have an opinion on Marco's many exes. "I'm going to find Marco. Thanks for being here."
Kristin hugged her. "Well, I hope you're happy. I am, because I get you as a sister."
Renee hugged her tight. At least she had Kristin and that was something. Soon her mother and father would do their worst. She'd not back out, but the talk had let her air her thoughts. Once the hug ended, she stood, wincing at the tenderness of her feet.. It was time to find Marco and decide when and how they'd meet her parents—together. "Now that might be my saving grace. I’ve missed you Kristin. I hope your honeymoon was great."
"I loved being alone with Antonio." Kristin bounced up. "And I missed you. Let's go see Anna—I bet she’s drilling Marco as we speak."
His mother was another blessing if this all ended well. Halfway to the door, she remembered her shoes. Renee turned to get them, but the moment she slipped the sandals on her feet, a sharp pain went up her leg.
Forget it. She knelt down slowly so that she wouldn’t get dizzy and picked them up. Hopefully Queen Anna Camilla forgave the faux pas. She needed every ally she had because right now she was about to deal with her nightmare.
21
Marco had met with countless security councils from the pushy Americans to the scheming Russians who had once completely owned his country, but none of them had made him blink. However, his mother, Queen Anna Camilla Aussa, made him tremble like a ten-year-old boy. Dressed in her finest gray and blue gown, her crown centered perfectly on her head, she graced him with a disapproving frown.
She paced the carpet, but her blue eyes glared at him. Her gaze went deep and saw every single one of his many flaws. "Marco, Renee's parents haven't said a word to me. I'm not sure how to help if they don't speak and say what's on their mind."
"Mother, you can be intimidating..." Marco needed to find a way to create a spirit of unity with Renee's parents, starting with changing from his suit into jeans and a t-shirt. Americans much preferred the more casual look.
His mother threw her hands in the air the moment she stopped and stood in front of him. "Renee is a nice girl, and I want you both to be happy. If you want to get her father alone, I'll gladly work on her mother. I think if we each take one family member to talk with, we can negotiate. Antonio and Lucio can both help with her brother."
His temper softened. His mother could negotiate world peace if she was given the opportunity. "Very well. Tonight, I want Renee to see that she has nothing to worry about."
Her gray eyebrows rose. "I don't understand how someone as sweet as Renee came from people who don't speak—they glare. It's mind boggling."
"Renee's lost boyfriends in the past because of her parents—as you know." The buttons at his collar felt too tight. "I don't want her worried, not now."
She shook her head, as if she thought him a child still. "Son, a happy marriage starts with communication and trust. I will help and bring Kristin along as she's met them before."
Marco kept his lips sealed that Renee might be pregnant and it was extra important that she remain calm. "Renee's parents are my first priority and then the wedding."
His mother placed her hand on his cheek, like she had when she needed him to do what she told him. He listened all the time, though he only did what she wanted maybe half of it.
"I'll plan the wedding once I discuss the schedule with the priest today. I want her parents to see their daughter marry my son."
He took her hand off his face and patted it gently when he held her fingers. "Mother, we'll figure it out. I should go and change first."
His mother stilled and motioned toward the door. "Here she comes now. Ensure your bride understands there is nothing to be concerned about."
Renee walked arm-in-arm with Kristin who had made Antonio very happy. The ladies entered on the far side of the room, with no sitting area. Renee bowed her head and curtsied. "Marco, Your Majesty."
Marco left his mother's side immediately and went to stand beside his future bride. He brought her across the expanse of room to a seat. His mother said, "Renee, we are all here for you, no matter what happens."
"Thank you..." She kept her head down and unlinked her arm from Kristin’s to take his. "Your Majesty."
"Call me Anna," his mother reminded her. "There is no need for formalities after the first introduction. Now, I'm going to speak to the church so we can set the date. I very much approve of the dress you chose."
Renee's hands trembled. She looked at him and then dropped her head down again. He reached for her and hoped she'd be less nervous if he was close.
"I need to go see my parents."
"After we talk, you and I," Marco said. It was important she took the pregnancy test too. They had their lives to lead once her parents left.
"Where are they?" she asked.
The long pause of silence echoed through the room. He snapped his head up and stared at his mother, who had to know—she knew everything that went on in the castle. She finally said, "They wanted to walk in the gardens, alone. I'm sure they'll be back soon."
Renee nodded at her. "Please send for me the moment they return."
"Of course," his mother answered.
Renee lifted her head, her mouth tight. She shouldn't be this nervous! He placed his hand on the small of her back and whispered, "Let's go take the test."
Renee squeezed his hand.
His mother motioned for Kristin to join her and took her arm. "We are all working to make certain you are happy, Renee."
Renee glanced at him and then back at his mother. "Thank you, Anna."
The idea of Renee pregnant with his son or daughter kept popping up in his mind. Renee with little Maria yesterday had practically glowed with kindness and she’d been so sweet in accepting the doll. She’d make a wonderful mother and she was even prettier now than the day he met her.
His mother adjusted her crown and acted like she’d take it off her head, which he knew she'd never do. "You must ignore the crown," she told Kristin and Renee. "We are family. We will work on this together, so stay strong."
If Renee was pregnant, he'd ensure she had no troubles, ever.
Her head dipped. "Yes, Anna."
Finally. Renee calling his mother by name twice now showed promised.
"I should go and assist my husband who is holding court on his own. Come with me, Kristin?"
He waited for his mother and Kristin to leave, and dropped his han
d from her back "Let's go. We don't have a lot of time."
Renee’s shoulders relaxed. "Is everything in your room?"
The doctor was the best way. "Everything will be there in two minutes, including your clothes."
Her eyes widened. "I hadn't even thought about..."
"I'm not sleeping without you," he interrupted her. "Hold onto my arm while we climb the steps."
"I can handle walking on my own. I feel fine." She stayed next to him, but didn’t hold on as he instructed. "Marco..."
"If you are pregnant, I'll want to protect you." He turned toward the door. "Actually I want to do that regardless of the test."
She stopped walking. "Wait." He turned around and she continued, "I love you. I'm going to start focusing on the wedding and what makes us happy."
"Good." He helped her climb the stairs again.
She kept her hand linked to him. He'd get her a ring he bought himself, today, and not just one of his mother's heirlooms that she'd require for show while she discussed some ancient king of Persia to a group of tourists.
He had a clear plan now and he'd keep his intentions, as he always did.
Their futures all depended on how he won over her parents. He'd not let her down.
22
Renee changed into a sage green floral dress she found in the closet full of clothes that were now hung with Marco's. From the bathroom, she heard voices outside in the bedroom.
She slipped on sage green heels that had soles so soft it was like walking on pillows. She peeked out and saw an older man and middle-aged woman who was clearly a nurse.
She came out into the bedroom and Marco said, "Renee, this is Doctor Zane and Nurse Lara. They'll draw your blood to be sure, but they want you to go pee in the cup too."
Forbidden Prince (Princes of Avce Book 2) Page 11