“You’ve always acted so normal with me. Even after you found out I was a princess. I didn’t want that to change, so I downplayed a few things.”
“I’m not upset, but is there more than this castle? I’d rather not be blindsided again.”
“I understand. Let’s see…” Sophie walked toward the bed. “My late father was the king consort. My mother is the reigning queen.”
“Queen,” Kat repeated. “As in the ruler of Alistonia?”
Sophie nodded. “That’s why I said I’d RSVP for you and give you the wedding invitation after you arrived. I didn’t want you to get wigged out. That’s the correct word, right?”
“Wigged out definitely applies here.” Not just royalty. The ruling family. Kat had to laugh.
“I’m so glad you can see the humor in this.” Sophie tilted her head. “There’s one more thing. Gill is crown prince.”
Crown prince meant he would be king someday. That explained his superior-than-thou attitude.
In America, a man his age who lived at home with his mother would be considered a failure, but here in Alistonia, he would one day be crowned king.
Sophie held Kat’s hand. “I’m sure you’re tired and everything must be overwhelming, so perhaps think about this castle as being nothing more than a great, big house that gets cold in the wintertime so it has lots of fireplaces. And there just happens to be staff and a dungeon.”
The sincerity in Sophie’s voice endeared her that much more to Kat. “I’ve never seen a dungeon.”
“I’ll show you ours. I can’t wait to show you everything. I have a feeling you’ll love the town. Not as small as where you grew up, but it oozes charm.”
Feeling tired, Kat sat on the edge of the bed. “I can’t wait, but there’s a wedding to work on.”
“Which is another reason I’m so happy you’re here. I’m about to lose my mind.” The way Sophie sat next to Kat reminded her of summers spent in their cabin at camp. “I never understood the logic of eloping until planning this wedding.”
“That bad?” Kat asked.
“I’m trying to emulate Switzerland and remain neutral.” Sophie leaned back on her hands. “My mother and my future mother-in-law don’t agree on anything. We’re on the fourth wedding coordinator. Bertrand’s mother, the Duchess of Darbyton, is American, and she wants to incorporate some of your country’s traditions. My mother says no because the wedding is taking place in Alistonia.”
The answer seemed simple to Kat. “What do you want?”
“For everyone to be happy.” Sophie sighed. “But I’m not sure that’s possible.”
Typical Sophie. That brought a smile. “Any chance of the two mothers compromising?”
“They already have. I’ll give you one garter toss for a traditional waltz sort of thing. The last wedding planner was about to bring in a mediator to see if that would help, but then she quit.”
“Yikes.”
Kat remembered the duties of a bridesmaid from the book she’d brought with her. She wanted to do her part. Not just make sure the train of Sophie’s dress didn’t get stepped on by the children in the wedding party as they walked down the aisle.
“I’m here now, and I can help you,” Kat said.
“Good because Heloise—she’s Bertrand’s sister and the other bridesmaid—won’t arrive until right before the wedding, but I fear she’ll just agree with whatever her mother says.”
“I’ll take over as Switzerland.”
“Thank you.” Sophie leaned against Kat. “I know we video chat each week, but it’s not the same as being together in person.”
“I know.”
“If you’re up for a tour, I’d love to show you around the castle.”
“Sounds good.” Kat would be less likely to nap that way.
Sophie studied her. “You’re so pretty. Pictures and video don’t do you justice.”
