Chapter Six
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Lunch at acafé followed the fitting. After that, Sophie had a conference call, so Kat explored the public rooms at the castle. Yesterday, her brief tour had given her a glimpse of the first floor, but she wanted a closer look at where Sophie lived. Walking around with so many paintings, tapestries, and sculptures, however, made Kat feel as if she was touring an art museum, not a home.
Her first stop was the sitting room. The gray and yellow décor was not only inviting, but this room also had framed photographs of the royal family on the walls and fireplace mantle. She enjoyed looking at the childhood pictures of the young princess and princes with their parents. No priceless oil paintings, fragile statues, or suits of armor on display anywhere. This was the only room, other than the bathroom, where she wasn’t afraid of breaking something.
The feeling of home flowed through her. Not a way she expected to feel, but she understood why. This room felt the most…normal.
The traditional-style sofa and chairs were contemporary and comfortable looking. She pictured the royal family—any family for that matter—sitting around watching a movie or sporting event. The various wood tables looked sturdier than the antique ones in the music room and parlor. The pillows and throws gave the room a lived-in look. Most of the other rooms seemed more for show than actual use.
Not this one.
A fifteen-foot-tall Christmas tree was positioned against the far wall and centered between tall windows. The castle had more than a dozen trees, but this one was her favorite.
The other trees were decorated by theme or color scheme. Works of art and beautiful, yes, but she preferred the twinkling white lights and the variety of ornaments—blown glass, wood, metal, plastic—hanging from the branches.
Warmth flowed through her.
She walked toward the tree with wide branches and a shiny gold star on the top. The spaces between the branches told her it wasn’t a Douglas fir, but she didn’t know the type. The scent, however, was familiar.
She inhaled deeply.
The smell brought back fond memories of Christmases past, and she wondered what this year would hold. She pictured colorful wrapped gifts tucked under the tree branches. Pretty packages tied with silver, gold, and red ribbons. Would one have her name on it?
A crystal icicle ornament caught her attention and drew her closer.
Still no snow or icicles outside, but Kat was hopeful the weather forecast of a winter storm would come true.
She touched the icicle. So beautiful and not as fragile as the ornament looked at first glance.
“Looks like you survived meeting my mother.”
Gill.
Kat pulled back her hand, turned away from the tree, and faced him. His wool coat from earlier was gone as were his gloves. He wore a navy suit with a light blue shirt and red tie. She’d only been here two days, but he dressed so formally other than his workout clothes. Okay, he was the crown prince, but she wondered if he owned a pair of jeans or khakis.
His suspicious gaze made her feel like a trespasser. Her muscles bunched. She shouldn’t feel guilty for being in here—Sophie had said to go wherever Kat wanted.
She straightened. “I did.”
“Are you and Mother BFFs now?” The amusement in his voice shone in his eyes.
Heat rose up Kat’s neck. Might as well get this over with. “I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“You weren’t trying to scare me. Your mother was exactly as you described.” No sense pretending the meeting had gone well. “I didn’t have to pick my battles though. She barely addressed me. Which in hindsight may have been a blessing. I doubt she’ll remember me if we meet again.”
“If?” Gill didn’t gloat. Lines creased his forehead. “You’re staying here. You’ll see her again.”
Kat might as well change her name to the invisible American while she was in Alistonia. “Yes, but I doubt she’ll see me.”
A smile spread across his face. “That sums up my mother perfectly.”
Unfortunately.
Kat didn’t take any pride in being right. She’d hoped to get along with Sophie’s family. The same way her friend had with Kat’s grandparents. But that wasn’t going to happen.
