–Stone Brubaker on the Morning Show.
“Madeline and HyacithLive!Another royal wedding ball is upon usbutwill we actually see a wedding? Stay tuned for thoughts from royal experts around the world. Also, was Prince Gus the first prince jilted at the altar? We’re live in five.”
–Madeline and Hyacinth Live!
OMG! I just saw Prince Gus at the port in Dalholm. Who’s he with?
–@Stefwithanf on Instagram
Prince Gus was at the quay today with this woman. Anyone know her? Are they a thing?
–Facebook post from Andrea Fuller
Now Trending on Twitter: Prince Gus
Does Prince Gus have a new love? My sources identify her as Daffodil Caron, a member of the Royal Trust.
–@RoyalWatcherOne
Chapter Twenty-Three
Gus
Stern handed him a towel, accompanied by a look that matched his name, as Gus entered his apartment. Mum stood in the lounge, hands at her side, her head tipped with curiosity.
“This is a surprise.” He ran the towel across his face and through his hair, gathering his thoughts. “Did you say you were coming up early?”
“Your father wanted a weekend away before all the fun begins. I was able to clear my diary for a few days, so I joined him. The child case has worn me to bits. The images are forever embedded in my brain. I thought between Hadsby, Dalholm, and seeing my son, I’d gain a fresh perspective.” Mum gave him the once-over. “You’re soaked.”
“I climbed up to the Hand of God.”Don’t be a shy man, out with it.“Daffy and I climbed. Got caught in the rain.” The residue of their kisses still buzzed through him. From the moment his lips touched hers, he fell into a deep pit of love. Best part? He felt certain she loved him as much.
“Daffy? Caron?” Mum made a face. “That seems rather odd. Have you spent a lot of time with her?”
“Why would it seem odd, Mum? We’re childhood friends. We’re living in the same castle.”
“A rather large castle. One could go days without seeing someone from the guest wing. Isn’t she engaged?”
“As a matter of fact, they broke it off. And I’ve been dining in the servants’ hall. Didn’t fancy eating alone.” He handed the damp towel back to Stern. “Where’s Dad?”
“Raiding the downstairs kitchen, where else? He loves Chef Charles’s cooking. He’d bring him to Perrigwynn if he had a prayer the man would move. Besides, I want to see the wedding gowns on display and check out theKing Titus.”
“The gowns are in the Grand Gallery. I saw them this morning. Daffy and Lucy have done a splendid job.” He held himself in check, trying to sound objective about his newfound love while his heart skipped and tap-danced to an inner love song.
“Shall we go see them together?”
“Give me a moment to change out of these wet togs.” When he escaped to his room, Gus sent Daffy a quick text.
Going to see the gowns with the queen. Meet you there in five.
He thought Daffy might already be in the Grand Gallery when they arrived, but for the dresses, it was empty. “I’ll get Daffy. She’s in Princess Charlotte.”
The moment she opened her door, he wanted to push inside, take her in his arms, and tumble into the nearest chair, kissing her, as his heart and body melted with desire. This beautiful woman loved him? Let Coral Winthrop tell every ugly truth about why she left. He’d discovered the wonder of Daffodil.
“Did you get my text? The queen wants us to join her in the Grand Gallery,” he said as if nothing at all boiled beneath the surface.
“No, I didn’t. Why does she… Is something wrong?” Daffy looked down at her trackie bottoms and sock feet. “I can’t go out there now.”
“You look beautiful.” No, shewasbeautiful, her bare face sporting nothing but the mark of his kisses and the cold wind. She was sexy without trying. “Come on.”
