Chapter Twelve
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Today was farfrom 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.”
Of course his mother would say that. He had no doubt Rowena was being displayed as one of his future bride choices.
His breakfast curdled in his stomach. Not happening.
Claude pulled over to the side of the road.
Gill leaned forward until the seatbelt across his shoulder stopped him. “Is there a problem?”
“A phone call from the castle,” the driver answered. He held his cell phone to his ear. “We’re in the car now, Princess Sophia. Of course I will relay the message. Is there anything you need us to bring home?”
That didn’t sound like an emergency. Gill leaned back against the seat.
Rowena patted his arm. “I’m sure everything is okay.”
He hoped she was right about that. “If not, they would have called me.”
She leaned into him. Her chest pressed against his arm. “Where are we going next?”
He wanted to skip the Christmas Market. If Rowena wanted to see that, she could do that on her own. “The waterfalls. James, the Marquess of Darbyton, said they are spectacular-looking right now.”
“Oh, I know Jamie quite well.”
That didn’t surprise Gill.
“That was Sophie, sir,” Claude said. “Congratulations, you’re going to be a grandfather.”
The driver’s words didn’t register. Gill blinked, though his eyesight had nothing to do with his hearing. “What did you say?”
“When Kat and Jamie were out with the camera crew, they took Max with them. He led them to a hole in the castle wall where they found another dog who is about to have puppies.”
There was another dog following him. A smaller yellow one.
Kat had seen a second dog. He should have listened to her instead of dismissing her words out of hand because he’d thought the worst of her. Foolish. Arrogant. Wrong. Kat was intelligent, compassionate, and competent. A woman worth more than the jewels in the royal collection.
“The dog is in labor. Kat has taken charge, and everything is going well.”
