Their Christmas Royal Wedding

Gabi turned. ‘Won’t they follow?’

‘I’m counting on it.’ He met her gaze. ‘Relax, Gabriella—as I said, this will be fun. I promise.’

‘OK. I’ll try. Maybe you should tell me where we are going.’

‘But that would ruin the surprise.’ Anticipation curved his lips at the prospect of seeing Gabriella’s face when she saw the venue of their date. He wanted to see her smile; knew that the headlines had worried her, knew that the prospect of marriage must be preying on her mind. ‘I will give you a hint. I am taking you to Aguilarez.’ He gestured to the window. ‘Perhaps you can consider this to be a geography lesson. If you watch you will see how the landscape changes; the countryside becomes craggier, more mountainous. Harder. In terms of history sometimes I believe it shows the differences in our cultures, as I told you at the maze.’ Gabriella turned to look, continued to study the countryside, the towns and villages as their journey progressed. Cesar took the opportunity to study her, the classical beauty of her features, the regal straight back, the gloss and shine of her hair.

After a while she turned to face him. ‘I see what you mean. It is very different from Casavalle.’

‘And I believe the difference in geography has impacted on our countries’ histories,’ he said. ‘On Aguilarez crops were harder to grow, conditions were harsher, tougher and that meant my people either resented or looked down on your people who enjoyed better harvests and an easier lifestyle. So unrest began and grew into full-scale war. At other times it was Casavalle who was the aggressor—wanting to rule the entire island, to get rid of the constant need for defence, the constant threat.’

‘And now?’

‘Now modern technology, worldwide trade, imports and exports, tourism, the treaties and agreements made by our ancestors have meant we are both prosperous countries and allies. Yet...’

‘You still believe that alliance to be fragile.’

‘It is difficult. As children my brothers used to play with toy soldiers and the opposing armies were from Aguilarez and Casavalle. One day my oldest brother will be King and my next brother is rising the ranks in the army, as was ordained from birth.’

‘And you? What did you do as a child?’

‘I tried to broker a truce—after all, even then I knew diplomacy was my future.’

‘What would have happened if you hadn’t wanted to be a diplomat? What if you’d decided you wanted to be a surgeon or a banker or a teacher or...?’ She broke off. ‘You get the picture.’

Cesar shook his head. ‘It didn’t work like that in our families. Some options, most options weren’t on the table. It was accepted each of us would take on one of the designated royal roles. So it was best not to consider anything else.’ He looked at her. ‘But do not feel sorry for me. I love my job; it gave me an opportunity to meet many people and I hope to do good, for Aguilarez and other countries too.’ The trips abroad, to ravaged, war-torn countries, the children who had literally nothing, invaded his mind, the images stark and vivid. In truth, those were the people he wanted to help the most.

But when he had asked his parents if his role could change, become more humanitarian, if perhaps he could set up a foundation, take up a more hands-on role with charities close to his heart, they had vetoed the suggestion. Now when he could he made anonymous trips, made anonymous donations and wherever possible he used his diplomatic influence to increase foreign aid.

Seeing the way she scrutinised his expression, he pulled himself to the present. ‘And as a diplomat I believe that it would be good for Aguilarez and Casavalle for us to marry.’

As the car started the steep, almost vertical climb up the mountain roads, she clutched her arm rest. ‘Where does this lead?’

‘To the palace of Aguilarez.’

‘Oh.’

Her face scrunched with worry and he understood immediately. ‘We aren’t meeting my family or anything like that.’ As the car slowed he nodded at her. ‘Ready.’

‘Hold on. I’ll just put my toque on.’ She smiled. ‘It’s a bit like a security blanket.’

He opened the door and climbed out at the gates that led to the Aguilarean royal palace. The gates were ornamental and spiky; set in the vast stone wall that surrounded the estate, they imposed their presence, made it clear that only those welcome could enter. Even now the temptation was there to look up and to check for defenders on the parapets.

Behind them a few hardy reporters had followed and cameras clicked and whirred. Reporters shouted questions. ‘Are you taking the Princess to meet your family?’

This time Cesar stopped for a moment. ‘Keep calm, guys. My family are not here. I am taking the Princess for a toboggan ride—on private royal property. No doubt we will see you again on our way out.’

A few photos later and they got back into the car and headed towards the palace.

‘I hope tobogganing is acceptable?’

‘Try and stop me. I love tobogganing. In fact, I, Princess of Casavalle, challenge you, the Prince of Aguilarez, to a race. Instead of fighting it out on the battlefield we’ll take to the slopes.’

Her smile lit her face and he could almost feel it warm him. ‘I accept the challenge, Princess. But, tell me, what is the winner’s prize?’ His gaze lingered on her expression, snagged on her lips. ‘A kiss?’

A silence and then she tossed her head in a regal acceptance; he’d known she wouldn’t back away from a challenge. ‘Agreed.’

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