The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

“But I said I was leaving soon.”

He laughed. “An hour and a half ago. And I knew you were lying.” He put down the tray and took the cover off the plate. “Señora Ortiz made stuffed salmon this evening.”

“It smells amazing.” He was gratified when she sat back in her chair and sighed. “I’m sorry, Raoul. I know I’ve been snippy.”

“Don’t apologize. If you needed more help, why didn’t you say something? We could have brought in someone temporary. Or you can have your own assistant. You have a lot to handle here.”

“I can manage,” she said, and looked away from his gaze again. Hmm. What wasn’t she saying?

“Come. Let’s move this to the seating area and table. There’s no need for you to eat at your desk.” He moved the tray to a small, round table and pulled up a proper chair. Thankfully she didn’t fight him. She sat, took the napkin from his hand, and placed it on her lap. He watched as she took her knife and fork and sampled the first bite, then he pulled up a chair himself. “Steph, what’s going on? Are you truly all right?”

She nodded as she put another piece in her mouth and chewed. “I’m fine. I really am just tired, Raoul. The wedding is a big deal. Even bigger than Lucy’s was. Diego’s more visible. More popular. And there are different security needs now than there were when Lucy and Brody got married here at the castle.”

It was true. For a long time, no one had even known Lucy existed—his half sister was a product from a May-September romance shortly after Raoul and Diego’s mother had passed. And she married a Canadian rancher and now lived in Alberta. All in all, that royal wedding had been more low-key than the production taking place in a few days.

She dabbed at her lips. “Don’t you want to say good night to Max and Emilia?”

He smiled. “I will. They are upstairs with Imogene for now. I told them I had to make sure Tía Stephani had some dinner first.”

“I’m not their aunt, Raoul.”

“You’re their cousin, and they’ve always called you Tía Stephani. They love you. You’re family. I wish you’d join us sometimes.”

He watched as Stephani played with her rice. “The thing is, Raoul, I’m Ceci’s family, but first and foremost I’m an employee. And blurring the line between the two is not a good idea.”

He met her gaze, and felt the little jolt he often felt when they looked at each other. For a long time he’d been able to ignore the feeling, that little flicker of recognition, of awareness. But he hadn’t been so successful since his last birthday and the kiss they’d shared. Now that flicker had context. Now he knew what she tasted like, felt like in his arms. He’d spent the last six months trying to ignore it, knowing it would only complicate things.

The line was already a bit blurred.

He got up and got her a glass of water, then sat again and waited for her to finish her dinner. When she was done, he handed over another smaller covered plate. When she looked up at him with a questioning expression, he grinned. “Coconut flan.”

“Oh, that’s my favorite,” she said, longing in her voice. “But I shouldn’t.”

“Yes, you should.”

“But my dress for the wedding . . .”

“You haven’t eaten properly in two weeks.” He knew, because he’d noticed and worried far earlier than today. “If you don’t eat the flan, the dress will fall off you and create a spectacle. I’m certain that’s not what you want.”

A smile teased her lips. “You’re making fun of me.”

“I’m trying to say that the last thing you need to worry about is your figure. Eat the flan. There should always be room for flan.”

If being a widower had taught him one thing, it was to enjoy the small moments. While responsibilities weighed heavy on his shoulders, he did try to make time for what was important. Bedtime stories with the children. Morning coffee with his father.

Watching Stephani eat flan. She put the spoon between her lips and that flicker came to life again.

“You’re better now?” he asked, then cleared his throat.

“Much.” She smiled at him. “Thank you, Raoul. For making me take the time to eat. A little hydration and food is exactly what I needed.”

She needed more than that. She needed to get out of the palace for more than sleeping hours. He was going to see about hiring her an assistant, even if it was only part time. He’d see to it, right after the wedding was over and Diego and Rose were off on their honeymoon. He rather envied their trip, though he knew Diego was blending it with business, as well. They were off on a Tanzanian safari and then spending a few weeks at one of Diego’s charity projects in the area.

Once upon a time he would have liked a trip like that with Ceci. Just the two of them, and it wouldn’t have mattered where they were, as long as they were together. He’d hold her in his arms through the night and they’d hold hands during the day and share secret smiles. He looked over at Stephani, who was finishing her dessert. Intimacy. That was what he missed the most. He missed having that certain so

meone at the end of the day. He envied his brother more than anyone could guess.

“I’m going to head up and say good night to the children,” he said, and pushed back his chair. “Just send word to the kitchen when you’re done. Someone will collect your tray.”