The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

ure it out, okay?” He brushed a thumb over the crest of his cheek. “I’m still getting used to the idea that I can hold you, kiss you. That there’s something more than work and friendship between us.”

“I know you’re unsure of your feelings.”

“Not unsure. Cautious. I want to have a few things figured out before I try to explain it to anyone else, that’s all.” His thumb traced a path from her cheekbone to the soft spot just in front of her ear. “And I want to make sure you don’t get hurt in the process.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve been taking care of myself for years.”

“Yes, you have. And I admire you for it.” He kissed her lightly. “Now, whatever is in your oven smells delicious. When do we eat?”

She laughed a little, kissed him, and then stood back and reached for her oven mitts. “It should be ready anytime,” she answered. “Why don’t you take the wine to the table?”

While he was gone she took the eggplant out of the oven and put the dish on the stovetop to let it rest for a few minutes. She grabbed the salad from the fridge and put it on the table while Raoul lit the candles. When she came around the corner with the main dish, Raoul was topping up their wineglasses.

“That smells wonderful.” He waited for her to put the dish on the table before holding out her chair. “I didn’t know you could cook.”

“Are you kidding?” She laughed up at him. “Before working for you, I was on my own. It was cook or starve. Besides, my family used to be close, and we’d have these great Sunday meals. Cooking feels like comfort to me.”

“Now everyone is spread out.”

“Or gone,” she said quietly. “She straightened and smiled. “Well now, that’s just depressing. Let’s eat instead, and talk about happier things.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, like what sorts of souvenirs Lucy will let the children bring back.” She served him a section of the stuffed eggplant. “And what they’ll bring you. I bet it’s Mickey Mouse ears and they’ll make you wear them.”

He grinned. “Lucy will do something to make me look ridiculous.”

“And you’ll secretly enjoy every moment.”

“I will.”

They managed to make small talk over the meal. Raoul took a second helping, more wine was poured, and Stephani got up to make the strong, dark coffee she would serve with dessert. To her surprise, Raoul helped clear the table and rinsed dishes while she loaded them in her dishwasher. She poured the coffee from the press and cut slices of samali cake, another one of her childhood favorites. Raoul took one look at the syrupy cake and his eyes lit up.

“I know what that is! Ceci’s mother made it once, when we were dating. It’s semolina cake, with that weird flavor.”

Stephani laughed. “Yes, it’s called mastic. Not everyone likes it, but I love it. Especially when there’s lots of syrup soaking through.”

They drank coffee and ate the sticky dessert, then Stephani took the dishes to the kitchen and came back with both the bottle of brandy and more wine for herself. “To round out the meal,” she said, “I have brandy. Why don’t we go out on the balcony?”

“That sounds perfect.”

Her balcony was covered, so the bright evening light was shaded from their eyes as they sat in wicker chairs, looking out over the city. The location of her building was on a hilltop, and on a clear night, such as this one, she could see right down to the sparkling water of the harbor. Pots of geraniums brightened the little space and added a spicy, floral smell to the air. She sipped at her wine, looked out at the skyline, looked over at Raoul, and realized that her life had turned out pretty amazing, no matter what the future held.

“You look happy,” he remarked.

“I am happy.” She held his gaze. “You’re here. I have a full belly, a lovely place to live, a fantastic job. My life is feeling rather charmed at the moment.”

“Tranquilo,” he murmured.

“Sí,” she replied, reverting to his native Spanish. “Estoy muy contenta aqui.”

“I’m glad. You deserve to be happy, Steph. No matter what happens, I want you to be happy.”

“I’m happy right now, and that’s all that matters. The future will take care of itself.”

As soon as she said the words, she felt a calm descend. Why was she so worried about what people would say or how things would end? All that did was color the experience of the moment.

He let out a short laugh, a puff of skepticism but without any teeth behind it. “The future rarely takes care of itself.”