“I’m never beastly.”
“You walk a fine line. And if you hurt my BFF’s feelings with your crazy accusations, I’ll turn into such a nightmare bridezilla that you’ll have to call in the royal guards.”
Sophie’s words were proving his point about her friend’s negative influence. “You never spoke to me like this before you met Kat.”
“I did, but blaming Kat for everything you don’t like about me is easier. Fortunately, she doesn’t mind.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
Sophie sighed. “I need to go. Be nice.”
“I will be on my best behavior.”
The line disconnected.
Gill didn’t like how quick Sophie was to defend her friend. His sister wouldn’t listen to reason, but the American with the stunning blue eyes would never charm him into thinking she wasn’t a threat. He would not put the people he cared about at risk.
Kat Parsons might be his sister’s BFF from camp and her bridesmaid, but if the woman showed any signs of hurting Sophie or chasing after a royal, Kat would be on the first plane back to the States.
*
The castle’s frontdoor wasn’t far away, but each step took effort. Kat’s feet dragged as if she were wearing cement blocks not comfy, slip-on suede boots. Her tote bag slapped against her hip. Nothing inside was heavy—her wallet, tablet, pen, lip gloss, and a paperback book about being a good bridesmaid, but she might as well have been carrying a thirty-pound bag of dog food.
Jetlag was defeating her, but she didn’t want to surrender yet. Coworkers had recommended staying awake after she arrived to adjust to the time change quicker. She hoped she could, but traveling was affecting her worse than working crazy hours ever had.
Claude walked ahead of her, and then he slowed. “A nice cup of black tea will refresh you.”
“Tea would be wonderful.” She wouldn’t fall asleep drinking. At least, she hoped not or that would make a mess.
The front door opened again. This time, a group of women exited, but not Sophie. Each positioned themselves as if their placements had been choreographed. Claude went inside with her luggage.
The three women wore gray dresses with starched white collars and aprons. Their nude-colored pantyhose brought back memories of 4-H competitions at the county fairgrounds before school started each year. That was the last time Kat had worn a pair.
A gray-haired man with silver, wire-rimmed glasses followed. He wore a black suit jacket with long tails, a gray vest, a white starched shirt, a fancy black tie, and white gloves. His posture was impeccable, as if he’d practiced by balancing books on his head, and not a single motion looked wasted.
“Welcome, Dr. Parsons.” He stood with one arm across his stomach and the other behind his back. “I am Jennings. You’ll meet the kitchen and dining staff later. This is our house staff. They will be assisting you during your visit. Liv has been assigned to you.”
A young woman in her early twenties with red hair twisted in a tight bun stepped forward. Her face was pale with no makeup or lip gloss, and her eyes were a pretty jade green.
“Welcome, Dr. Parsons.” The woman curtsied. “I’m Liv.”
“Hi, Liv. Please call me Kat.” She extended her right arm to greet the woman.
Liv stared at Kat’s hand as if she didn’t know what to do.
Oops. Kat pressed her arm against her side. She wasn’t in America any longer. “Is Sophie here?”
“The princess will be arriving shortly, Miss Kat.” Liv motioned her inside. “I’ll show you to your room. You can freshen up while I unpack your luggage.”
“Thanks.” Although, Kat wasn’t so sure she wantedthatmuch help. She’d never had anyone unpack her things.
She stepped inside the castle and found herself in a massive foyer that was bigger than her apartment. The floor looked like marble, and an elaborate rug had been artfully placed in the center.
A faint pine scent hung in the air. The smell of Christmas. Two topiaries decorated with red ribbon and gold stars flanked each side of a curved staircase. A plush carpet ran down the center of the marble steps.
The staircase was also decked out for the holidays.
Garland decorated with red ribbon, holly berries, and white lights was strung along the carved wooden bannister and lit the way even during the daytime.
