The Prince's Mistress

by Day Leclaire

  Yes, yes. Im leaving. Before anyone could stop him he crossed the room in a half-dozen swift strides. Yanking Juliana from behind the screen, he gave her a long, thorough kiss. To hell with bad luck, he muttered against her mouth.

  The instant he released her, Peri and her assistants ringed him, urging him toward the door. They almost succeeded in ousting him when he noticed piles of silk folded on top of her bed. What are these? he asked, detouring in that direction.

  Nightgowns. Please, Your Highness

  He dug in his heels and gave the garments his full attention. Im not going anywhere until I see what you have here. He shook out each piece and studied it with an experienced eye. I like this one. A definite yes for the green. This ones perfect. Great color. Please, God, yes. Andfair warning he swiveled toward Juliana and held up one of the selections if I ever see you in this, I rip it off and it goes directly into the fire.

  In that case, Ill be sure to wear it on our wedding night, she returned.

  Huh. He tilted his head to one side, considering. Not a bad plan. Okay, fine. In another two weeks you can wear this one.

  Two weeks! Juliana shot out from behind the screen again. What are you talking abouttwo weeks?

  Didnt I mention? he asked with the utmost casualness. We have an official wedding date.

  There must be some mistake, she began.

  Returning the nightgowns to the bed, Lander cut her off. Ladies? If youll excuse us? Without a word, the dressmaker and her assistants vanished from the room, leaving him alone with his bride-to-be. Problem?

  Regarding him warily, Juliana snatched up her silk robe and belted it. What happened to taking our time? To having a slow and easy engagement period?

  He approached and caught the ends of her belt. One hard tug sent her tumbling against him as the robe came undone. We can wait, if thats what youd prefer. He slid his arms inside her robe and around her waist. I just felt the timing was good.

  Why? Why so soon?

  He shrugged. It gives the country something to focus on other than my fathers death. Instead of grieving, they have the opportunity to celebrate. It also pulls the focus off the amethyst crisis, giving me time to get to the bottom of the problem without worrying about media scrutiny.

  And the election? She gave him a searching look. Our marriage will help with that, too, wont it?

  Now youre going to win the election for me? He smiled in genuine amusement. I seem to recall that just a few short days ago you were certain you would be responsible for my losing.

  She shot him a teasing look, relaxing. Hey, that was before I became the cats meow. You marry me and the elections in the bag.

  His amusement faded. Tell me something, Juliana. Do you think Id marry youor not marry you, if it meant winning the election?

  She didnt hesitate. No, of course not. She nibbled on her lower lip. Do you really want to go through with this so quickly? You dont have any doubts at all?

  He found he could answer with absolute sincerity. None.

  She took a deep breath and then nodded, undisguised happiness giving her face a breathtaking radiance. Then it looks like we have fourteen days in which to finish organizing a wedding. Maybe youd better call Peri back in. We have a lot to do if were going to be ready on time.

  Later. He took her mouth in a lingering kiss, one she returned with utter abandonment. Much later.

  When Lander finally left Julianas room, he found himself thinking that while his bride thought two weeks far too soon for the ceremony, he found it an endless wait. He groaned in frustration. Hed never make it. Someone would slip up before then. Somehow shed find out about that ungodly bargain hed made with Joc. If the truth came out before the wedding could take place, she would walk. Hell, shed run. And Verdonia would be ruined.

  He shook his head in frustration. He should be worried about putting his people first, about his countrys economic future. Instead, all he could think about was Juliana. If she found out the truth, it would be worse than anything shed experienced before. Being told in such a harsh manner that she was illegitimate had been bad. Having Stewart betray her trust and the public scandal that had resulted from that betrayal, had been worse. But thisthis would destroy her. And it would be all his fault.

  A rolling drum of thunder woke Juliana on her wedding day, while a white staccato blaze of lightning greeted her the instant she opened her eyes. Rain peppered the windows blown there by a gleeful wind that rattled the sashes and shutters in a vain attempt to invade her bedroom. Before she had an opportunity to do more than groan in dismay, the lights flickered on overhead and an entire platoon of determined women bustled in, Landers stepmother, Rachel, leading the parade.

  Perfect weather for a wedding, she announced. An excellent omen.

  Juliana sat up in bed and drew her knees toward her chest, eyeing the intruders with sleepy annoyance. They were all Montgomery family members, the connections so convoluted she needed a detailed genealogy to keep them straight. But it was tradition for them to help Juliana prepare for the wedding and keep her company, so she accepted their presence with good grace.

  A downpour on my wedding day is considered lucky? A yawn interrupted the question.

  Without question. To a woman, the others gathered in the room nodded in agreement. Rain on your wedding day means youll be blessed with fertility and good fortune.

  Juliana glanced dubiously toward the window. And what does thunder and lightning mean?

  It signifies a very passionate love affair. Again the nods of agreement. Rachel came and sat on the edge of her bed. Normally your mother would be performing the task I am today, she said, taking Julianas hand in hers. Lander told me she died when you were only ten. I hope you dont mind that Im substituting for her.

  Juliana shook her head. Not at all. In fact, I appreciate it very much. It makes this part so much nicer.

  Rachel brightened. Thats a relief. She tugged at Julianas hand. Up you go. You cant believe how much there is to do if were to get you to the chapel on time.

  The first item on Rachels checklist was for Juliana to have breakfast with her and Landers stepsister, Miri, so they could discuss the days schedule. The two women were unmistakably mother and daughter, both with midnight-black hair as straight as Julianas was curly. Both had the same unusual bottle-green eyes and flawless complexions, just as both were delightfully unreserved.

  To Julianas surprise, she sensed a certain strain between them and couldnt help but wonder if theyd just had an argument, or if the thread of discord she sensed indicated that they disapproved of the wedding. Juliana could understand if that were the cause. Shed only conversed with Rachel on a handful of occasions. And shed never met Miri before. No doubt they questioned the speed with which the wedding was taking place.

  She waited until theyd been served before tackling the issue with customary directness. Do you disapprove of Lander and me marrying so quickly?

  Both woman glanced at her, startled. No, they said in unison. It broke the tension and they all laughed.

  Rachel leaned across the breakfast table and patted Julianas arm. You cant govern love. Or the speed with which it happens. Landers father and I only knew each other a week before he proposed. Merrick met his bride no more than two before they wed. And yet, Ive never seen a couple more in love. Juliana couldnt mistake the sincerity in the older womans voice. Im delighted for you and Lander, and wish you only the best.

  Thank you. Relieved, she turned to Miri. Lander speaks of you all the time. Im sorry we havent had an opportunity to meet before this. Have you been away?

  It was as though shed hit them with a live wire. Both women jolted in shock and after exchanging one startled look, were careful to avoid the others gaze. Juliana frowned. Oh, dear. If she didnt miss her guess, shed just discovered the source of the strain shed noticed earlier.

  My daughter has been enjoying a brief vacation, Rachel explained smoothly.

  Miris chin jerked upward in clear defiance and she tossed her waist-length
hair back over her shoulder. Actually, I was hiding out on the Caribbean island of Mazoné after helping Merrick abduct his wife.

  Miri!

  Give it up, Mom. Ill bet Landers already told her. She shot Juliana a challenging look. Hasnt he?

  Juliana dabbed her mouth with the linen napkin. So much for asking what shed assumed was an innocuous question. Shed opened up a veritable can of worms with that one casual inquiry. He told me just the other day that Merrick had abducted Alyssa and that they ended up falling in love. But he didnt mention your part in the affair.

  I took Alyssas place at the altar in order to give Merrick time to get away.

  It was everything Juliana could do to keep her jaw from dropping open. She snatched up her teacup and buried her nose in her Earl Grey until she could control her expression. Let me get this straight. She couldnt come up with a delicate way to phrase her question. Youre married to Prince Brandt, the man Lander will face in the upcoming election?

  Its not legal. To Julianas amusement, both women spoke in unison again.

  At least, we dont think it is, Miri added.

  Whats he like? Juliana asked, curious to know more about Landers rival for the throne.

  Hes tall, dark and handsome, of course.

  How can you call him handsome? Rachel demanded. Hes too austere to be considered handsome.

  I dont agree. You just think that because his features are more severe than the Montgomerys, which sometimes makes him look hard. An odd quality crept into Miris voice. To answer your question, Juliana, hes self-contained yet passionate. And he has this old-world charm about him. He puts honor and duty and responsibility before everything else. Everything. And once he makes up his mind about something, hes impossible to sway.

  Interesting.

  Juliana had learned to make swift assessments of people. Like her brother Joc, her judgment was rarely wrongwith the one disastrous exception of Stewart. Instinct told her Miris feelings toward Brandt ran deep. Secrets burned in those spring-green eyes, as well as pain. Not wanting to add to her pain, Juliana deliberately changed the subject, addressing Rachel.

  So, whats next on my checklist?

  After weve finished breakfast, youll meet with Father Lonighan. Hell give you his formal blessing for the union and offer marital advice.

  Have fun with that.

  Miri! Then you have an hour to soak in your bath before the fun part begins. Rachel ticked off on her fingers. A massage, facial, manicure and pedicure.

  Good Lord, Juliana murmured faintly.

  Then Miri and I will return to help with your hair and makeup.

  Miri grinned. What she means is, well watch while the experts take care of it. Then, in accordance to Verdonian tradition, Peri will sew you into your gown.

  Yes, she told me about that part, Juliana said. But if Im sewn in, how do I get out again, later?

  Rachel and Miri exchanged quick, mysterious smiles which worried Juliana no end. Youll see, was all theyd say.

  The rest of the day proceeded as outlined and the hours flew by. In no time she was having her hair fashioned into a gorgeous Gibson Girl hairstyle with ringlets framing her face and teasing the nape of her neck. Then the tiara shed tried on at the museum was added to the arrangement. She hoped Lander would appreciate that shed chosen something his mother had worn as a bride on a day very much like this one. She had the odd notion that it connected the two of them spiritually, one generation to another. As though aware of her feelings, Rachel gave her hand an understanding squeeze.

  Lander asked me to give this to you, she whispered, and offered Juliana a square jewelers box.

  Opening it, Juliana found the most striking pair of earrings shed ever seen nestled inside on a velvet bed. They were a teardrop confection of diamonds and amethysts, both Royals and Blushes. Her hands trembled so badly she could barely put them on.

  And finally came the gown itself, with Peri sewing her into it. As soon as shed finished, she stepped back and nodded in a combination of approval and pride. The fitted bodice glittered with tiny amethysts of every shade. Layer after layer of tulle swept out from the narrow waistline in an endless train behind Juliana that folded and hooked to form an elegant bustle to make for easier maneuvering both before and after the actual ceremony.

  And then they brought out her veil. A glorious confection of lace and tulle, it, too, glittered with amethysts. The lace and gemstones had all been set in an intricate pattern of swirls that managed to obscure her features while still allowing her to see. Now she understood how Miri had managed to fool Brandt when taking Alyssas place at the altar.

  As soon as Rachel twitched the veil into place, Juliana was escorted from her bedroom suite to the front of the palace where a flower-bedecked horse-drawn carriage awaited. Joc stood beside it wearing a dove-gray tux and looking more handsome than shed ever seen him.

  At some point the storm had passed, leaving the air scrubbed clean of humidity and filled with the delicious scent of early summer. A soft mist rose around the carriage, giving everything a fairy-tale quality. They rode through streets lined with Verdonians who cheered her passage. In no time they arrived at the chapel and Joc literally lifted her from the carriage and swung her to the flagstone entranceway.

  You know I only want the best for you, he said gruffly.

  Of course I know that.

  Id hug you, but youre all He gestured to indicate her veil and dress. I dont think I can wade through all that and back out again without getting it messed up.

  She smiled, though she doubted he could see it through the veil. I appreciate your restraint.

  He offered his arm. You ready?

  She took the question seriously. Was she ready? There were certain aspects of her future life with Lander that worried her, mainly living as a public figure. Shed spent a lifetime fighting the negative labels affixed to her name. How long would it take before she went from acclaimed to infamous again? It could happen. Public favor was a fickle thing.

  And then she thought of Lander and how she felt about him. How much richer her life had become now that he was a part of it, and nothing else mattered. Nothing. Im ready, she said, and slipped her hand into the crook of Jocs arm.

  Music drifted from the dim interior, Handels Minuet. They paused in the foyer where attendants straightened Julianas gown and unhooked the train, spreading it behind her. His Highness said he cut these himself, one of the women whispered, handing her a bouquet of fragrant white roses. He said youd know where they came from.

  The gazebo. Tears sprang to Julianas eyes and she started to lift the heavy blossoms to her nose, but the veil prevented her. As though realizing she was on the verge of ripping through the layers of lace and tulle, Joc urged her toward the sanctuary. The rippling majesty of horns broke into Stanleys Trumpet Voluntary the minute she appeared.

  And thats when she saw Lander. He stood at attention waiting for her, dressed in full military whites, including a chest rippling with medals and an ornate saber belted at his hipthe Lion of Mt. Roche at his most majestic. Late-afternoon sunlight struck the stained glass windows on the west side of the chapel. The colors shattered, forming a rainbow of hues leading from where she stood to where she most wanted to be.

  And then she was walking toward him. No, not walking. Floating, as though in a dream. The wedding service began, vanishing into the mists of memory almost as soon as it occurred. She vaguely recalled Joc joining her hand with Landers. Father Lonighan spoke at length, his deep voice rumbling over her. Through it all, her full attention remained on the man professing to love, honor and cherish her, to protect her from all harm.

  One of the clearest moments of the ceremony, a shard so piercing in intensity that it would forever remain a part of her, was when he slipped a pair of rings on her finger. The first was a heavy band of gold studded with Verdonia Royal amethysts. The second had her catching her breath. Instead of Soul Mate, he slid a far different ring on her finger, a delicate confection of diamonds and amethysts in
a trio of unusual shades that complemented the earrings hed given her earlier.

  I had it designed just for you, he murmured so only she could hear.

  Does it mean something?

  Of course. His hazel eyes glowed with tenderness. Well see how long it takes you to figure out.

  There wasnt further opportunity to speak. Father Lonighan gave them a final blessing, and the ceremony concluded with their being declared husband and wife. As tradition dictated, Lander had waited until the very end to lift her veil.

  Ive never seen you look more beautiful, he told her.

  Cupping her face, he took her mouth in the sweetest kiss theyd ever shared. Her eyes drifted closed as she lost herself in his embrace. The only thing that would have made the moment more perfect would have been if hed told her he loved her. Just as the kiss ended, trumpets flared to life in a triumphant recessional. Lander took her arm and escorted her down the aisle and then outside where a roar of cheers greeted their appearance. The sun dipped low on the horizon spreading a rosy glow across the city. With a laugh, Lander swept his bride into his arms. Her train caught the breeze and billowed around them as he carried her to their waiting carriage. And in that moment Juliana didnt think shed ever been happier.

  Nine

  A fter the wedding, Lander hosted a dinner reception for close friends and relatives. Laughter flowed as easily as the sparkling wine, both bright and effervescent and full of good cheer. During those brief hours, Juliana knew what Cinderella must have experienced after shed married her prince. A rightness. A completion. For the first time in her life, Juliana felt loved and cherished. She felt like a real princess.

  Toasts followed the dinner, some funny, some poignant, others heartwarming. Just as the last glass was raised, the majordomo appeared, inviting the guests to adjourn to the balcony to watch the fireworks display celebrating the royal marriage. When Juliana would have followed, Lander caught her hand and urged her in the opposite direction.

  Well watch them from a more private location, he told her.