“You’re a caring person, Zara. This will be easy for you. You connect with people without even trying.” Her eyes flit to mine.
“How could you possibly know that?”
“Because I pay attention. Because after you came with me to the museum fundraiser, you had everyone eating out of the palm of your hand. They couldn’t get enough of you.” She blushes. The same blush I imagine on her cheeks when I’m making her come. Christ, these are not the thoughts I need to be having right now.
“Thank you, James. That means a lot coming from you.”
“What can I say? There’s a lot more to me than just the ‘playboy prince.’”
Press are crawlingat the arrivals gate. We’ve slowed to a stop as it’s time to get out.
“You’ve got this, Z. I promise.” I give her hands a reassuring squeeze as the door is opened. Everyone is immediately calling for our attention. Zara has a death grip on my hand. I pull her closer to me. I want to wrap her in a bubble and not let the outside world touch this beautiful woman attached to my arm.
“Your Royal Highness. Lady Zara. It’s a pleasure to have you both here today. I’m Olivia and I’ll be your host for the day.” Olivia bows before me, then takes Zara’s extended hand. Flashbulbs continue to pop as we meet our guide for the day. I’m used to the press being at every event, but it seems like lately there are more than usual. Maybe because Zara is a novelty, and they want to catch every moment of our budding relationship.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Olivia. I’ve never had the opportunity to come to the Royal Flower Show.” Zara is kind to everyone she meets, regardless of how nervous she is right now.
“Well, I’m thrilled I’ll be showing you around.” She takes us deep into the hall, skylights overhead bright with the spring sun. Any nerves Zara had seem to have faded with Olivia’s welcome. She drops my hand, and I can only follow. It’s rare when my presence is overlooked. It’s a new feeling, something I’m not quite used to.
“So, Olivia. What’s your favourite part of the show this year?” The perfume of the flowers should be overwhelming, but it’s not.
“The orchid farm. You’ll have to visit. It’s stunning. We also have a beautiful set of instruments made entirely from plants that I think you’ll enjoy, Zara.” Olivia is paying me no mind. She is absolutely taken with Zara.
Zara grabs her arm as excited eyes find mine. “You must take us there. It sounds wonderful.”
“Please, this way.” Olivia extends her hand, and Zara follows her, a little extra pep in her step. It’s nice to see after the stressful few weeks she’s had. I find my thoughts drifting to her more and more during the day. She didn’t mind the security officers I assigned to her, but trying to get her to take a car to work proved more difficult. She’s quite stubborn.
Zara stops suddenly, her eyes wide. The music installation is directly in front of us.
“Olivia, please excuse us,” I say to our host. She bows to me and scurries away.
“I have no words.” Zara’s voice is quiet. Her eyes are everywhere, observing the life-size instruments in this part of the grounds. Violins and pianos made of greenery have flowers flowing out of them. It’s something straight out of a fantasy novel. Zara is walking around, touching everything in sight. Her chocolate-brown eyes are unblinking.
“You like these, then?”
She hooks her arm in mine, pulling me close, her head resting on my shoulder. “This really is incredible. I know you have to do these kinds of events all the time, but the beauty and creativity these artists put into their work? I love being able to witness it firsthand.”
“You’ve never been here before?” Her fingers are dancing over the pieces. Her head shakes on my shoulder.
“Dad never brought me. I was usually too involved with my music and couldn’t be pulled away. But seeing these, I wish I had come.”
My chest swells with Zara on my arm. Where did this woman come from? “Will you play for me sometime? I’d love to hear you play.”
She pulls back, surprise on her face. “You want to hear me play?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“I would love to. Of course, I’ll have to find another violin.” Hurt laces her tone. I know she’s still upset about her violin.
I point to the life-size violin in front of me, covered in flowers. “Think you can play on this? I can probably get them to let me take it home.”
Her laughter ringing out is music to my ears. “Yes, I’m sure this would make the same sounds as I’m used to.” She’s grinning as she pulls away from me, dancing through the flowers. Bloody hell, how can I be in so deep with someone so fast?
“Maybe I could even play the piano for you.” Zara’s eyes are twinkling. She’s glowing with the sun reflecting off her. She looks happier than I’ve seen her this last week. Instead of fear underlying her every mood, she’s alight with happiness. I know she didn’t want to be thrust into this position, but right now, I’m glad it was her.
“You’re looking awfully thoughtful there, Your Highness.”
“Just thinking about how good you look there.” The blush that creeps over her skin stirs something inside me. Women fall at my feet, but it’s been a while since one has appeared indifferent. And that’s exactly how Zara was acting towards me. But after our event the other night, I’m seeing a new side to her. And damn, I can’t help but be drawn to her.
