The Prince's Christmas Vow

Ms. Russo smiled at her. “Hello again, Miss Sarris. We’re very anxious to see your mural. Prince Demetrius says that it’s a sight to behold.”

Zoe’s gaze moved to Demetrius. He did? He said that about her—erm...about her work?

He smiled and nodded. “Ms. Sarris, will you please show them your masterpiece?”

Masterpiece? Wasn’t he laying it on a bit thick? After all, she definitely was no Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. Not even close. She just did her best and hoped other people would take pleasure from her efforts.

Zoe swallowed hard. “I’m very honored that His Royal Highness has enjoyed my work. I just hope you’re not disappointed.”

“I’m sure we won’t be.” The eager look on Carla Russo’s face revealed her true interest in Zoe’s work. “Is it possible to see it now?”

Zoe’s gaze sought out Demetrius. He’d moved into the background, leaving her alone in the spotlight. She had no idea what he was up to and no way of asking him privately. The only thing she did know was that he’d been super kind to her these past couple of weeks, reminding her of all the reasons she’d fallen in love with him in the first place.

When Demetrius nodded toward the ballroom, she knew that he was giving her yet another gift. Her heart gave a fluttering sensation as his gaze held hers. He was giving her a chance to spread her wings as an artist and to make a name for herself. How would she ever repay him?

She turned back to Ms. Russo. “The mural is right this way.”

As they walked, the reporter asked one question after the next. “Was the mural your idea or was it something the prince came up with?”

“Um...it was actually my idea. I wanted to give the residents a relaxing, calming atmosphere. My mother has a great love of the sea, having grown up in a seaside village. I recently painted a similar mural for her. Though not nearly as large, she has enjoyed it a lot. And...and I thought others might enjoy it, too.” Zoe wondered if it was a mistake mentioning her mother, but it was too late to worry about it now.

“Your mother is one very lucky lady to have an artist for a daughter.” Ms. Russo meant well, but her words dug at the tender spot on Zoe’s heart.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to view both murals and they are amazing,” interjected Demetrius. “We were very lucky to have Ms. Sarris sign on for this project. She’s very talented.”

“And has it been decided if she’ll be working on the other buildings slated for renovation?” Ms. Russo held out the digital voice recorder for him to speak into.

Demetrius’s gaze met Zoe’s before turning back to the reporter. “That’s my hope, but we’re currently in negotiations.”

He didn’t disclose anything in his facial expression, but Zoe could tell he wasn’t referring to the revitalization project any longer. Her heart fluttered. Try as she might, she just couldn’t get him out of her system—even if it was the only way to protect him from his own good intentions.

When he found out about her chance of inheriting her mother’s disease, he would stay with her for all of the wrong reasons—pity, obligation and honor. She couldn’t let him fall on his sword for her. She loved him too much for that.

Ms. Russo turned to Zoe. “When Prince Demetrius called to tell me about your mural, he couldn’t stop singing your praises. You’ve definitely won him over, which I hear isn’t an easy feat.”

“We should move along. Ms. Sarris’s time is limited.” Demetrius stepped up to Zoe’s side. “She still has a lot of final touches to attend to before the ball.”

Ms. Russo frowned, but she quietly continued toward the ballroom. When the reporter turned away, Zoe could at last take in a full breath of air. She turned to him and flashed him a grateful smile.

He smiled back and signaled for her to lead the way to the mural. After weeks of hammering, plastering and painting, it was time for the grand reveal of Residenza del Rosa. On shaky legs, Zoe moved into the lead.

Even Demetrius had yet to see the mural since she’d put the final touches on it. All it needed now was a clear topcoat to help keep the colors from fading as well as to protect it from fingerprints. She’d been worried about how it would be received, but now with Demetrius’s encouragement and the administrator’s praises, she felt confident enough to share it with others.

She swung the door to the ballroom open and stood back, letting the others enter. The reporter and the photographer rushed forward, but Demetrius hung back, refusing to enter until Zoe had done so. He was forever a gentleman. That was just one of the many things she loved about him. The truth was there was so much to love about him that if she wasn’t careful, she was going to throw caution to the wind and forget why this relationship couldn’t be a forever thing.