She wanted to jump out of her chair and hug her friend, but she forced herself to remain seated and not sigh in relief. “Thank you, Isaac.”
Just words, but she hoped he saw her gratitude.
He nodded once, winked, and then walked away.
Warmth flowed through her. She had friends at the castle besides Sophie, Jamie, and Gill.
She ate another bite of her omelet.
“I don’t believe Rowena has been to Alistonia before,” the queen said to Gill.
The princess wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I haven’t, ma’am.”
“I have a wonderful idea.” Queen Louise sounded so excited that she nearly sprung out of her seat. “Gill will show you around town today. There are so many sights to see. Who better to play tour guide than the crown prince of Alistonia?”
Rowena nodded so fast she looked like one of those bobble heads given out at baseball games.
Gill shifted in his seat, as if uncomfortable, but he didn’t look at Kat. She didn’t know if he was ignoring her on purpose or if he was trying to figure out what to say. A good thing her napkin was linen or the thing would be shredded into a million pieces.
“That would be nice, but I have plans this morning,” he said.
With me.
Kat was thankful he hadn’t forgotten.
“Do you have state business to attend to?” Queen Louise asked.
Gill’s jaw clenched. “No, I’m showing the film crew around the grounds.”
“Kat and Jamie can do that. They’ve been here long enough to know their way around,” the queen said. “You’ve been working too hard. A day off will be good for you. And this will give you time to catch up with the lovely Rowena.”
“I would enjoy spending time with you.” The princess placed her hand on his forearm. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”
“I agree. You’ve both eaten enough.” The queen motioned with her hands. “Go now, so you have time to see everything. I’ll keep Kat company while she finishes breakfast.”
So much for spending time together, but Kat kept a smile frozen on her face. Doing so wasn’t easy, but she had no choice.
Neither did Gill.
The queen had spoken. As he’d told Kat, he picked his battles. This didn’t appear to be one he wanted to fight. Disappointment ran rampant in her veins.
Gill looked at her, but she knew he couldn’t say anything. Not in front of the queen and the princess.
The last thing Kat wanted was for him to feel bad. Or to have him defy his mother.
“Have fun.” She forced a smile. “Make sure you show Rowena the art museum.”
“Oh, I love art. Especially modern.”
Rowena would. Kat blew out a breath.
The princess ran her French-manicured nails up Gill’s arm. Worse, he didn’t seem to mind.
Jealousy burned. Kat had never felt this way about any man in her life. She didn’t like the feeling one bit.
He stood and pulled out Rowena’s chair.
After she stood, Gill extended his arm. “Shall we?”
