“I’ve got your back.”
If only that were true…
Pushing the thought from her head, Kat inhaled deeply and then entered the ballroom. “Good morning. Anything I can do to help?”
The visible relief on Sophie’s face made Kat wish she hadn’t waited so long.
“I’m happy to lend my assistance also,” Gill added from behind Kat. “I believe Jamie is on a hunt to find ice to climb in Alistonia.”
“The two of you have impeccable timing.” Queen Louise’s gaze narrowed on the two of them coming in together. “Help Sophia redo the seating arrangement. I have three appointments in town. I expect to see progress when I return.”
With that, the queen walked out of the ballroom with a click, click, click of her heels against the floor and the scent of her expensive perfume wafting behind her.
“Is it too late to elope?” Sophie asked.
“Yes,” Kat and Gill said at the same time.
Her gaze met his before he looked at his sister.
“If you and Bertrand eloped, that would cause an international incident.” Gill stepped closer. “Mother would blame him. The duchess would blame you. Tempers would escalate, and fashion designers everywhere would be forced to choose sides. I fear the results of that might not be to Mother’s liking, which would lead to shoe makers and jewelers being dragged into the fray.”
Sophie laughed.
The sound warmed Kat’s heart.
Gill not only knew his sister well, but his love for her also shone through. Kat loved seeing his caring big brother side.
“I fear Jamie had fun seating arch enemies together,” Sophie admitted and then looked at Kat. “But I don’t hold that against him and neither should you.”
“Sounds like something he would have fun doing.” Kat touched Sophie’s shoulder. “What do you need me to do?”
“Us,” Gill corrected. “We’re both here to help.”
Sophie motioned to the miniature seating arrangement layout. “Help me avert arguments, tabloid fodder, and war.”
Gill gave a mock bow. “At your service, princess.”
“You have time?” Sophie asked her brother.
He nodded. “If I didn’t, I would make time. And with the intelligent doctor—”
“Reasonably intelligent animal doctor,” Kat corrected.
The amusement in Gill’s eyes made her feel warm all over.
“With the two of us working together,” he said to Sophie. “You’ll have no worries about progress being made.”
Kat nodded. “We make no promises about food fights not happening during the wedding dinner. Some things cannot be avoided.”
“That’s true. Especially with Jamie in attendance,” Gill agreed. “After a couple glasses of bubbly and dancing next to your centuries’-old foes, you never know what might happen when the second course is served.”
Sophie sat straighter, but she was smiling again. “Mother would be mortified if food went flying. Could you imagine?”
“Her reaction would almost be worth it.” Gill grinned. “Emphasis on almost. She’d likely decide to make sure she never died so I couldn’t inherit the throne.”
The glow returned to Sophie’s cheeks. “You mean she hasn’t already done that?”
Kat burst out laughing. “If your mother hears you, she’ll have you locked away in the dungeon.”
