Chapter 18
Leo’s leather boots, sword, and gold shoulder tassels were all part of his formal attire for the ceremony of swearing in the knights in some feudal tradition that dated back centuries, and uncomfortable as sin.
Today they were home, in the palace he’d been born into.
He and Anna had toured their suite of rooms this morning where they’d take up residence.
He bore the clothes because his photo would be all over the news as he was now back in the palace, a married man, and Crown Prince of Avce.
Tonight he and his wife would be photographed together for their official wedding reception with other royals from all over the world who had come for the party.
He would change from one uncomfortable outfit to the next as the night went on.
Once this was all over, he and Anna would take his yacht to escape at sea for a week, just the two of them. She wanted to practice captaining and he’d let her though this time they’d have his staff and a few of the royal navy as crew.
The future was bright. Pierre stopped him as he entered the palace and said, “Francesca is waiting in the conference room adjacent to your office.”
Leo nodded. “Ensure lunch is served. I’ll get Anna.”
Part of him wanted to handle this all himself, but his heart whispered that Anna needed to be beside him.
She had a say too, so he’d let her decide how much she wanted to do.
However, if he disagreed, he would tell her. From now on they were a partnership and he was neither her boss who directed everything, nor was he passive about his own life. If there was anyone he could trust, it was Anna. He knocked on their suite door, as a curtesy in case she had people she was hosting, and let himself in their rooms.
Luckily his wife was alone, fixing a diamond earring in her ear. She was dressed in a black skirt clearly tailored for her that showed all her curves. He eyed her with approval. Anna was beautiful, far more so than any model he’d ever met, and she radiated warmth that made everything better. She glanced over at him with a smile of welcome. “Francesca is already here,” he said. “Are you ready, my sweet?”
She held up her finger and then attached the other earring while she said, “Almost. Let me finish.”
Anna was now every inch a princess. There was no doubt about it. He walked over and hugged her waist. “But I like you… with less clothes.”
A huge smile grew on her face and she stepped on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Later, Leo. Remember. I do the talking.”
As long as after the meeting they had time, together, before she needed to see the stylist for the over-the-top reception his mother had planned for them with everyone in the world who was anyone invited.
Now they needed to find out what happened to his… indiscretion. It would be easier if the child had a name. “If you want, but don’t make an agreement without discussing it with me.”
She nodded to signal she was ready. “Fair. And Leo?”
“Yes?” He offered his arm.
She took it as she said, “Leo, Francesca is going to give me a number. Please don’t just agree. It’s better for our future if I negotiate a lower amount.”
“I don’t care about the number.”
“I get that, but I don’t want her to think she can come back for more money. So I’m going to haggle.”
Leo didn’t understand it but had realized that it was important to Anna Camila. “I won’t stop you.” He reached for the door to go but then stopped. He pressed against her hip so she turned toward him. “And no matter what Francesca decides to do… I love you.”
“I love you too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.
Leo kissed her and everything was right with his day.
She sighed as the kiss ended and once the world was in color again he opened the door and led her from their suites toward the conference room.
He held the glass door open. Guards in blue and gold uniforms surrounded the room. Francesca stood, her floral dress fitted for her like a glove.
Anna held out her hand to shake and he did the same as Anna said, “Francesca, hello.”
