Chapter Three
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Two hours later,Gill stood outside the stable where a horse groomer had seen Maximillian. That had been ten minutes ago. Enough time for his dog, who loved to run, to be on the opposite side of the grounds. Still, Gill wanted to look.
Not because he was that concerned about Maximillian.
The dog had a habit of disappearing lately, although he always returned in time for dinner. But because Gill had needed a reason to step out of this afternoon’s conference call.
His assistant Frederick was listening, and both of them didn’t need to waste time hearing the head economic advisor drone on about currency valuation. Especially when the man had given this same talk two years ago—only with the dates and interest rates updated. Very shoddy work especially when Gill’s interest in economics was well known throughout the council. He would have to seek a replacement in the new year. No one should lose their position during the holiday season.
“Maximillian?” Gill called.
No paws sounded. No barks, either.
The dog enjoyed roaming the grounds, but he wasn’t a miscreant. If he were around, he would come when Gill called. Unless the dog was taking a nap inside. The facility had been built because his mother loved riding. No expense had been spared making the stable more like a house for her beloved horses.
As soon as he entered, the heated air cocooned him in warmth. Yes, the stable would be the perfect place for Maximillian to sleep.
One of the stall doors was open. The horse must be in the arena or pasture.
Gill looked inside. No dog. But there were twelve more stalls to check.
“Maximillian,” he called.
“Who are you looking for?” a female voice asked. An American one.
Muscles bunched. Gill glanced over his shoulder at Kat.
She’d changed clothes and put on a heavier jacket, jeans, and tennis shoes. With her hair tucked inside a beanie and gloves on her hands, she looked ready for a blizzard, though snow wasn’t predicted for two more days. She must not be used to cold temperatures where she lived.
“I’m looking for my dog,” he said.
She took a step forward. “Is he lost?”
“Not lost. He can’t get out of the castle grounds.”
“That’s a relief.”
Her concern sounded genuine. Not surprising.
He remembered how Kat would head out at dawn each morning at camp to tend to any injured birds or animals she’d found the previous days. More than once, he’d followed her to make sure she remained safe since she was his sister’s friend. Gill had liked watching how kind Kat was to the animals, and she was braver than he would have been with some of the wilder ones.
But that had been so long ago.
Time changed things and people.
Sophie had mentioned something about Kat’s college student loans. That was before he’d known Kat attended veterinary school. That explained the lack of money she’d mentioned to him earlier today. One more reason why she could be here for more than just the wedding. Marrying a wealthy royal would get Kat out of debt quickly. Was money her motivation and not a title?
“What does your dog enjoy doing?”
“Exploring,” Gill said.
“Many dogs do. It’s nice he has a large, enclosed area to investigate, but you must worry when you can’t find him.”
“Maximillian doesn’t stay away that long, so I don’t have to be concerned about him.”
Kat didn’t seem like the worrying type. She took charge and fixed what was wrong. She was the most self-sufficient female he’d ever met, even more so than his mother.
