Geez.
My stomach flips.
At least that future is far away. King Leonardo still has plenty of years left before the crown passes on to Frederic when he turns 65.
The phone at my bedside rings and I nearly jump out of my skin. “Hello?”
“Sweetheart,” my mama’s voice coos.
“Oh, Mama, it’s so nice to hear your voice,” I say, sinking back into my bed.
“How are you settling in? We’ve been thinking of you constantly.”
“Well, the palace is beautiful, the sun is certainly bright, and the gardens are exquisite. Did you know they have a glasshouse filled with the most gorgeous plants?”
My mother’s soft laugh makes me smile. “The palace in Villadorata is very grand.”
“I met some Labradors moments after arriving. I made friends with them. I’m so glad they have dogs here.”
“That’s marvelous, Asti. And how is the prince?”
“The prince is—" I trail off. HowdoI describe Frederic? He’s hardly been friendly towards me, and that proposal wasn’t exactly one for the story books. Not unless it’s a guide on hownotto propose.
But then last night I felt the weight of his stare across the dining room table more than once, and he did tell me I’d charmed everyone. Well, after a few false starts.
There’s a distant voice in the background, and Mama laughs before she says, “Your father wants to know whether you’re in love already.”
In love with Frederic? Has he gone completely insane?
“Not yet,” I reply, keeping my tone light. A small knot forms in my belly.
Could I ever love someone like Frederic? Someone so controlled and serious?
I might have seen glimpses of humanity behind the formal exterior, but that’s all they are. Glimpses.
“Well, I’m sure he’s already falling for you. How could he not?”
“I’ll keep you posted.” I lift my left hand. “He proposed and the ring is…big.”
“Was it romantic, just as you’d wanted?” Mummy asks, and there’s such hope in her voice, I don’t have the heart to tell how it happened.
“It was nice enough, and I said yes, of course.”
“Of course you did! Oh, darling, I’m so happy for you. Things look as though they’re working out wonderfully.”
That knot in my belly tightens. “Yes. Wonderfully.”
There’s a knock at my door, and Anya bustles in with a breakfast tray piled so high it could feed an entire family.
“Mama, I’ve got to go. Breakfast has arrived. Alotof breakfast.”
“What’s on the menu?”
I examine the tray. “Everything.”
She laughs once more. “Lucky you. Have a wonderful adventure, Asti. Call me tomorrow?”
“Of course I will. Love you.”
