She couldn't imagine a longer way. The halls were all enormous enough to house a giant party. They passed a huge grand piano and the crystal and gold chandeliers more than made up for missing art. He stopped right before the gilded door of her room. She knew this was it, for now. She tugged on his hip to keep him close, but she also wanted to talk to her friend who had been with his brother this afternoon. "I want to check on Renee and it seems hair and makeup will be thereforme."
He traced her cheek and smiled. "You'll have to look the part of princess for a while. I'm so gladyou'rehere."
His touch reminded her of why she’d said yes to his proposal. She hugged him. "Then it'sworthit."
Once she let go, he claimed her lips and for that second the rest of the world dissipated. All that mattered was that she was in his arms. "Hurry back to me, Antonio." She brushed the five o'clock shadow along his jaw with gentle fingers and let the fullness she felt settle inside her heart. Renee would say that Antonio was a keeper. Her friend loved herslang.
She turned to go into her room, but he caught her shoulder. "I am sorry I never bought youaring."
Seriously?It wasn't a big deal. His family mattered more. She shrugged. "Don't worry. Go find your brother and make surehe’sokay."
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "Kristin, I will come to you later to escort you todinner."
Her cheek tingled where his mouth had touched as he stepped away. She couldn't do anything but smile at him. For some reason, Prince Antonio Aussa wanted to marry her, Kristin Wells. Her heart beat grew faster. "I look forwardtoit."
Guards walked down the hall in double file. They slowed when the commander of the group realized they both watched. His hand lingered on hers for a moment and slowly walked toward the troops. She slipped inside and closed the door toherroom.
Two full closets on wheels, like something a bell hop might bring to a hotel room, held dozens of dresses. She traced the soft fabrics with her hand and never imagined owning half of this, but then the side door opened and Renee came inside. Kristin dropped everything and rushed across the hall to hug herfriend.
"Renee, how are you?" She let her go and searched her friend for signs of torture or captivity. Her wrists and ankles seemed fine, but she’d been tied up, a hostage, and sleeping withMarco.
Renee looked at her best friend with tears in her eyes and said, "You were so lucky you weren't in the palace when this happened. Where isSophia?"
"Who?" Kristin had a vague memory of Antonio and General Babik discussing a woman withthatname.
Renee made sure the door behind Kristin was closed and they were alone. Kristin's adrenaline built up as Renee confided, "I met her when you went to lunch. Did Antonio notmentionher?"
Her name hadn't come up in conversation exactly. She’d overheard it. She shrugged. "She must be a nice older lady then. I know Antonio sent troops toretrieveher."
Renee shook her head. "She's not old. She's a beautiful woman. You know the queen wants Antonio to marry,quickly."
"I said yes." Kristin hugged her waist, nervous. Queen Anna Camilla had shaken her hand and said she was good with Antonio marrying her. Was Sophia a backup plan? She'd have to ask Antonio for details,later.
Renee began to search the dresses on the rack for something to wear as well—both ladies wore the same size. "Well, Sophia made it clear that she wanted to marryAntonio."
"She said that?" Kristin took Renee's hand off the blue silk sheath, demanding her best friend’sattention.
Renee tilted her head in thought. "No. She said a Prince Aussa, but not exactly your Antonio." Renee lifted a green floor-length gown from the selection. “What do youthink?”
Kristin wrinkled her nose at the dress. Something else was going on—Renee never avoided gossip. Kristin crossed her arms and tried to understand. Perhaps this was to do with sleeping with Antonio’s brother? "Maybe your date this afternoon then. You never told me how it was withMarco?"
Renee's face flushed crimson. "How it was? How didyouknow?"
"Know what?" Kristin asked and stayed close as her friend tried to check out the dressesagain.
"Nothing." Renee continued to flip through thechoices.
Kristin didn’t even look at the clothes, but zeroed in on Renee. "You’re bright red. Did you have a good time? Antonio said Marco was going to show you thecountryside."
“So the rebels came at the wrong moment.” Renee bit her lower lip and closed her eyes. "We were naked.Inbed."
All the blood drained from Kristin’s face as she felt cold and her skin was clammy. “Those horrible men stripped you?” Renee deserved so much better. She covered her lips withherhand.
Renee’s blush reached her forehead, and down her throat. "No, we were taken prisoner the way theyfoundus."
Found in bed with Marco. “You and Marco?” Renee never had one night stands, ever. In fact she avoided any encounter that might lead to the situation. She never drank in public. She always had Kristin call at eleven o'clock on any date and pretend there was an emergency at home. On the plane to Avce, she’d admitted to feelings about their neighbor. Kristin narrowed her gaze. "But I thought you were in lovewithGreg?"
Renee dropped her hands to her sides. "A man who doesn't notice me? That’s nothing to love." She twirled away from the dresses and leaned against the four poster bed. "Marco is sexy, not looking to put a ring on anyone's finger and oh yeah, a prince. He's hard to say no to, when he's exactly what I want. Anyhow, let's not talk about this. I am so glad that you agreed to marry Antonio. Did he give youaring?"
