Gill nodded. “Jacques had so many ideas. Solid ones that could be implemented without costing too much. They called him the people’s prince. Now he’s known as the people’s priest.”
“Do you see him often?”
“No.” Not much. Gill felt a pang. “He’s assigned to Rome, and he and my mother no longer talk.”
Swallowing a sigh, Gill tucked the folded sack into his coat pocket.
“I saved a candy cane for you.” Kat handed it to him. “It’s not much, but I want you to know how wonderful the concert was. Your arranging this was so thoughtful.”
Not as thoughtful as her helping Maximillian. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
His favorite part hadn’t been the concert but Kat’s reactions to the songs. Unlike Sophie, Kat didn’t show her feelings to the world. She acted so in control at the castle, but not out here today. Watching the different emotions play across her face pleased him and made him want to see more. He wondered what she was like at home.
“It must be time to head back to the castle,” Kat said.
She sounded like she wasn’t ready to leave. Good, because he had more in store for her. “We’re not finished.”
Excitement twinkled in her eyes. “Really?”
The anticipation in the one word made him want to tell her what they were doing next. But that would ruin the surprise, one he thought she’d enjoy as much as the concert.
“Of course,” he said instead. “A proper thank you needs more than one part. Come with me.”
For a weekday afternoon, the streets were crowded more than usual, but he knew others were heading to the same place as them.
Kat stared up at a sign hanging outside a flower shop. The painted plaque hung from a metal scroll. “This street looks like something from a jigsaw puzzle.”
“Tourism drives the economy here.”
They turned the corner.
She stopped. Her lips parted, and she gasped. “What is this place?”
“Our Christmas Market. Every town in Alistonia has one.”
Rows of booths had been set up on the closed-off street. Portable shops were decorated for the holidays with lights and garland. Some sold food. Others offered gift items. Several displayed holiday decorations, including Christmas trees.
Excitement shone in her eyes. She rubbed her gloves together. “This is amazing.”
Gill thought she might like this. “Where would you like to start?”
“Let’s begin on one end so we don’t miss anything. I have a feeling I’ll be able to finish all my Christmas shopping tonight.”
“You sound happy.”
“I am.” Her shoulders wiggled. “Thanks to you.”
He extended his arm. “Shall we, milady?”
Beaming, she hooked her arm around his. “Let the shopping commence.”
Booth after booth, they explored, examined items, and tasted food like the town’s famous Christmas cookies. She purchased several handmade Christmas tree ornaments as well as knitted items. Her looks of awe made him feel like a super hero. This was one of his favorite holiday traditions, but seeing the market and his hometown through Kat’s fresh eyes made him savor things he’d forgotten and taken for granted.
“There’s one final booth,” he said. “This one has more Christmas items.”
“There can never be enough of those. Oh, look.” Kat picked up a large crystal suspended by a red satin ribbon and decorated with mistletoe. “Sophie would love this.”
“I’ll buy it for her.”
