The Making of a Princess (16 page)

“Nobody knew of this. I wanted some time to get to know Amanda before it was made public.” Jean Claude went on to explain the situation. “However, it is time to advise the whole council. Please arrange an emergency meeting. I want a plan in place before the press conference at three.”

“What of LeDuc’s involvement?” Carlo made notes on an open pad on his desk. “I assume the relationship was a cover for her presence here.”

Amanda made a distressed noise in the back of her throat.

“The relationship is real,” Xavier stated with authority. He caught the Prince’s gaze and decided to make his position totally clear. “Your Highness, I would like to speak to you later about marrying your daughter.”

Jean Claude gave a nod of approval.

Carlo had a fit. “Marriage! You need to slow down. There are precedents and politics to consider.”

“Stop! Just stop.” Amanda sprang from her seat. “You don’t have to worry. There’s not going to be any marriage.” Xavier’s gut clenched at the anguished gaze she shot him before including Jean Claude in her focus.

She waved toward Carlo. “He’s right, and this is exactly what the country’s reaction is going to be. The press had the same response. I’m an interloper, trying to force my way in where I’m not wanted. I don’t want to cause anyone any more embarrassment. Or hurt anyone by being associated with me. It’s best if I leave.”

“No.” Jean Claude moved to her side and pulled her into a warm hug. “I always intended to tell the people. It is unfortunate you had to suffer this unpleasantness before I could claim you.”

“No, Papa.” Amanda pushed away. “Carlo is right. I’ve just caused trouble. I will always treasure our time together, but it’s time for me to go.”

And she rushed from the room.

Xavier immediately made to follow her and found himself shoulder to shoulder with Jean Claude. The older man met his gaze and inclined his head, indicating Xavier should go after Amanda. “Convince her to stay.”

* * *

Amanda raced through the halls of the palace, seeking the sanctuary of her rooms. She probably provided quite the picture for the security cameras, bumbling along, tears staining her cheeks. But the need for discretion was gone. Their secret was out, an ugly blotch on the Prince’s reputation.

This whole mess was her fault. She had to make it right, and the best way to do that was to remove herself so the scandal could just fade away. She refused to cause the people she loved and cared about any more damage or embarrassment.

And she really had come to love her family here; she honestly felt like a member of a real, caring family. But she’d been a fool to think it could last.

In her suite, she pulled out her cell to call Michelle or Elle, but the time caught her eye and she realized it was the middle of the night back home. She flipped the phone closed, grabbed the box of tissues, and stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

She had to make travel arrangements, but she needed a few minutes first or she’d be a sobbing mess trying to talk to the airlines.

In spite of being at odds with Xavier, this last week included some of the happiest days of her life. And just when they finally found their way back together, this happened.

Obviously they weren’t meant to be.

Strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her back against a hard chest. Instant recognition had her hugging his arms to her. She dug her nails into the fabric of his jacket, both comforted and upset by his appearance.

“You aren’t going to change my mind. I’ve caused enough damage here.”

“Sweetheart, you are in shock from a traumatic event. There is no need for me to change your mind. Once you have had time to calm down and put the incident into perspective, you will see for yourself that you have done nothing wrong. There is no need for you to go anywhere.”

“But—”

“No buts. Just let me hold you for a few minutes. Do not think, just breathe with me.”

Because it was easier to give in than to fight, she relaxed against him, breathed as he breathed. And slowly felt the tension fade away.

Xavier’s phone buzzed. He moved one arm to answer, listened for a few minutes, grunting once as his body went taut. “I will tell her. I am working on it. Of course.” He disconnected, returned the phone to his pocket, and his arm around her.

“My father?”

“Yes. He wanted to know if I had convinced you to stay and whether I still wanted to speak with him this afternoon.”

“And what are you to tell me?” She couldn’t deal with the other yet.

“Elayna was the anonymous blogger. She confessed after I left the room. She was jealous of you and thought if she caused you trouble, you would leave. She had no idea you were actually the Prince’s daughter.”

“I told you she didn’t like me.”

“It appears you were right. I am sorry. I should have noticed her antipathy sooner. I let old ties blind me.”

“Stop.” She moved to face him, ran a finger down his chiseled jaw. “You are not responsible for her bad behavior. So just cool your guilt engines.”

“You do not blame me for her leaking you to the world?”

Leaking? She bit back a grin. She really shouldn’t laugh in the face of his sincere concern. His English was so good, these odd moments could lead to totally inappropriate reactions.

“How could you suspect her of such a thing? I don’t like the woman, and I would never have thought her capable of betraying the Prince.”

“She did not think of it as such. The Prince is often the target of gossip. She figured this would be no different but that you would suffer the inconvenience of the press pestering you for the remainder of your stay.”

“That’s messed up.”

“Yes, she messed up. None of this is your fault. I want you to stay.”

“But—”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “No buts. If you do not find blame for me, you cannot blame yourself for Elayna’s actions, either.”

“Maybe not.” She’d cooled off enough to see the sense of that. “But my part in this is more complex than yours. Jean Claude is talking to his advisors. He’s planning to make an announcement to the people. Everything is going to change, and I don’t know that I’m ready.”

“I am here to help you. There is nothing we cannot handle together.”

She tried a smile. “That sounds pretty good.” But if she stayed, if she became known as the Prince’s daughter, incidents with the press would become a part of her life.

And that frightened her. Forever more her actions would reflect on her father. On Xavier.

She’d just gained her freedom at home. If she stayed, she’d be giving it up for good. Their lives would always be under the scrutiny of the paparazzi.

“The press scared you,” he guessed.

She nodded, ducking her head.

But he wouldn’t let her hide; a finger under her chin lifted her gaze to his. And there was so much love for her shining there, her breath caught in her chest.

A good thing, because he lowered his head and kissed her, claiming her mouth with tenderness and care. He made her feel cherished, loved.

“I will not lie. The press can be tough, but you can learn to handle them so they become less scary.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “What you cannot do is give them power over you. I know how much you missed in life growing up in the shadow of your grandparents, of your mother.”

Something loosened in her heart at his words. It showed how well he got her.

“You have found a family here that loves you. I love you.” Oh God, she needed to hear that. “Are you going to let a little scare chase you away?”

Was she?

She’d longed for a family for so long, had wondered who her father was and she’d found both here in Pasadonia. Was she going to run because loving them was going to require that she step outside her ivory tower?

He swept her up, holding her against his chest so they were lip to lip, eye to eye. She felt like she was floating as she looked into his eyes.

“So you will stay? Marry me. Have my children.”

Overcome with love, with happiness for all she’d gained by taking a chance on this man, she couldn’t speak for a moment. Her throat closed with the force of her emotions.

Undeterred, he looked her straight in the eyes. “Amanda, the only question there was if we stay or return to America. I will have you for my wife. You will be the mother of my children. It’s just a matter of where we live.”

Okay she knew she should be upset by his arrogance, but truthfully it was so hot to be wanted that strongly.

“You would leave Pasadonia for me?”

“Of course. I love you.”

“But your family is here. Your career. You can’t just quit the militia.”

“Amanda, you are my future, wherever you are is where I will be. And whether you are here or in America, the Prince will want you protected. I will have no problem working out my current commission.”

How simple he made it sound.

“If you are worried about missing Michelle and Elle, let me remind you your father has his own jet.”

He knew her so well. And she knew him as well. His willingness to leave Pasadonia told her how much he truly loved her. She could never let him make that big a sacrifice.

“Do not make me bring in the big guns,” he whispered in her ear. “I can have the twins here in a matter of minutes.”

She laughed and looped her arms around his neck. “You play dirty.” She sighed and let the last of her worries drain away. Smiling against his mouth, she said, “You win. I’ll marry you.”

And then she rocked back on her heels and made her demands. “I want my wedding in the palace with both Michelle and Elle there. I deserve some reward for putting up with the press.”

“I can make that happen.” He didn’t even hesitate. “I know this guy...”

“My hero.” She pulled his head down and kissed him.

EPILOGUE

One year later

A
MANDA
STOOD
IN
the vestibule of the palace chapel watching as Xavier’s sister started down the aisle. Lovely in a strapless aqua mermaid dress, she led the procession, with Elle following in a matching yellow dress, and then Michelle in pink. The colors of their princess dresses from years ago at Princess Camp.

Fanciful, yes. But Amanda thought it appropriate considering it turned out she really was a princess. Okay, not technically. But close enough.

Her friends looked beautiful, especially Michelle, who was radiant in her fourth month of pregnancy. And Elle still had the sparkle of a newlywed. The three of them had worked out a round robin so each of them was the maid or matron of honor for one of the others.

Between the internet and Papa’s jet, she barely missed them at all.

Of course she had so much family now with Papa, Bernadette and the twins, but more so she had Xavier’s family. His mother and sister immediately swept her into the fold, and it had been great fun learning all Xavier’s secrets.

She’d been worried how the public would react to her existence, but the whole country had welcomed her. The Prince’s relationship with her mother was seen as a tragic love story while his reconciliation with Amanda was looked on as a happy circumstance of the romantic tale.

Her engagement to Xavier, a decorated officer of the Royal Republican Guard, played like a fairy tale in the press.

She could live with that.

She couldn’t wait to live with him. Being such a public figure this last year, she’d insisted on keeping separate living arrangements. Which didn’t mean they hadn’t found time to be together. He often discreetly made his way to her rooms. Still she longed to move into the house they’d chosen together and start her life with him.

“Are you ready?” Papa laid his hand over hers on his sleeve.

“Yes.” She glanced at him so handsome and proud.

“Nervous?” He smiled at her.

“Not in the least. Thank you for the beautiful wedding. It’s beyond what I ever dreamed of.”

“You are beyond anything I ever dreamed of. I’m so glad I found you.” He tipped her face up to kiss her cheek. “And now I have to give you away.”

“He’ll take good care of me. And I’m not going far.”

“He’d better.” A glint entered his eyes. “I’ll be watching him.”

“Papa.”

His brows lowered. “I know. No interference. You make it hard on a Prince.”

“Then just be my papa.”

He pursed his lips and looked ahead. “This is no easier.”

She laughed. “Then just love me.”

He brightened. “This I can do.”

She squeezed his arm and together they started down the aisle. Music swelled and the attendees all stood in honor of the bride. The chapel had been dressed in white and gold with lots of greenery and fresh roses and hundreds of candles lit on crystal pedestals making the room twinkle like a fairy bower.

Near the front she spied her grandparents. Grandfather, it turned out, overrode Grandmother’s ultimatum and made it clear he intended to remain a part of Amanda’s life. He’d urged her to call whenever she was on the West Coast so he could arrange to see her. Grandmother had come around when the wedding invitation arrived, offering a stay in the palace.

In a world turned upside down, Amanda found it reassuring that some things never changed.

And then there Xavier was, standing at the front of the church, magnificent in his dress uniform complete with sword. Thrilled at the sight of him, she smiled. How she loved him.

Every minute of every day was better because he was a part of her life.

His intense gaze met hers as if her veil were mere mist. He didn’t smile, didn’t flinch. His gaze was steady and sure and a little impatient. She read him loud and clear. He wanted her, wanted this over so she would be his forever.

She couldn’t agree more.

She spoke the truth when she told Papa Xavier would take good care of her. He already did. He treated her with the respect of a partner. Lavished her with the passion of a lover. And loved her as a man cherished his woman.

Her father gave her hand to Xavier and without hesitation she curled her fingers around his. The priest took them through the ceremony and she recited her vows to Xavier, but spoke loud enough for all to hear of her love and devotion to this exceptional man. He said his vows as if speaking just to her, uncaring who else heard his pledge.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Xavier immediately crowded close, lifting her veil. And now the smile came as he lowered his head. “I love you, Mrs. LeDuc.”

And he claimed her with a searing kiss.

* * * * *

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