Chapter 10
Anna Camila stood in her room-sized closet and chose pale blue sailor pants with a matching blouse that had been tailored for her.
The transition from washing her own work clothes and picking out drab, off-the-rack skirts to wear in the office at the palace, toprincess, had been surprisingly simple. Every piece of clothes that she might want on a whim was already in her closet.
And in her size. And in styles she would have picked for herself.
From what she’d been able to figure out, working at the palace had given the fashion team inside information on her size and likes.
She’d seen the sailboats out on the water and thought it might be fun to go sailing—the last time she’d done that alone was over a year ago, before she began her job at the palace, and that was the culmination of years to not be afraid after her parents died.
Work had kept her busy and apprehension remained a niggling doubt.
Perhaps it was better not to mention this.
She brushed her hair to her shoulders, then went to find Leo. Her handsome husband was reading the newspaper as he sipped a cappuccino in the breakfast nook.
She walked in, listening to the hum in her heart, and he stood to greet her. “The sun is out.”
His nose wrinkled as he smiled at her and asked, “Are you humming?”
That was out loud? She shrugged and didn’t care as she twirled around the table. “I’m happy. Can we go outside to get our breakfast?”
He nodded and motioned toward the window. “There is a veranda that’s shaded and overlooks the ocean one floor down.”
Perfect. She peered down to the beach and surf. Life was so good here. Bumping into him as she turned, he held her hips to steady her in place. “I love it here, Leo.”
He kissed her cheek. “You’re glowing, my sweet.”
Sweet made her think of chocolate, and how a piece in the middle of a stressful day helped her focus. She hugged him., “You made me happy.”
A proud smile fleeted across his face and for a second her lips had a tingle like this would transition into more than just a kiss. Her eyelids batted closed, but then a piercing ring echoed in the air. Leo reluctantly let her go. “Your phone is ringing.”
He stepped back and took her phone off the table where both of theirs were charging. He handed it to her and she said, “It’s my grandmother.”
He picked up his folded paper and his cup. “I’ll get the staff to prepare breakfast. Take your time.”
She followed him with her gaze, eyes locking on his hard muscles beneath his light gray pants. Anna called out, “Be right behind you.” He winked at her and strode out of the room. She picked up her phone and said, “Grandma, I didn’t think you’d call me back so quickly.”
Her grandmother sounded serious. “I spoke to the queen this morning and thought I should tell you.”
Good. Hopefully it was about moving. She settled into the seat that was still warm from Leo. “You went to the castle?”
“No,” Maria said. “She came here.”
Immediately Anna tried to imagine Queen Anastasia in her royal blue gown having her guards roll a red carpet for her as she walked into the senior center where residents often gathered to play cards in the lobby. She blinked as she asked her grandmother, “To our… your apartment?”
Her grandmother sniffed like she had something to say, and Anna better pay attention. “I’m moving to the dower house today. The guards are already moving all my belongings. I wanted to tell you that when you get back, I’ll be close by.”
She straightened. “That’s great, Grandma! I’ll tell Leo.”
Maria then said, “It’s good to hear you call your husband his name and notsire.”
The last word had a tinge of judgment. Anna stood and twirled her wedding ring as she explained, “Well, if Leo and I don’t get along, I’m in for a lifetime of misery.”
Her grandmother coughed to clear her throat, ensuring every word was crystal clear as she said, “And if you don’t tell him that you love him then you’re in for a lifetime of pain.”
Anna froze and pressed her hand to her heart. “What?”
