The Prince's Christmas Vow

“Well, Zoe didn’t tell me about you.” The woman ran a hand over her hair. “Oh, my goodness. Where are my manners? I’m Liliana, a friend of the family.”

“It’s nice to meet you. About Zoe, do you know where she is?”

“She’s at the ball. I insisted she go after how hard she worked. This is her night to shine—”

“Grazie. I’m sorry to rush off, but it’s urgent that I speak with her.”

The woman smiled. “Tell Zoe not to worry about coming home tonight. I have everything under control.”

“I will.”

Not about to let the princess of his heart get away, Demetrius set off after her.

* * *

She shouldn’t have come.

Zoe was in no mood for a party. In fact, that afternoon she’d escorted her mother to a doctor’s appointment. The doctor had urged her to get her mother situated in Residenza del Rosa as soon as possible. He assured her that it would be better for her mother in the long run. She’d feel more settled as the disease progressed.

Though Zoe wanted to argue with the doctor, she couldn’t. Her mother had told her at the beginning of this journey that she never wanted to be a burden on Zoe. The day had just arrived far sooner than Zoe had expected. She wasn’t ready to let go. But her mother had squeezed her hand and told her it would be all right. Next week, her mother would move in to Residenza del Rosa—her new home.

Zoe was set to cancel her plans and stay home tonight, but her mother and Liliana insisted they wanted to see her in the gown. She’d picked it out special with Demetrius in mind.

She tugged at her burgundy taffeta gown. She glanced down wondering if the strapless, sweetheart neckline embellished with delicate crystals dipped a bit too low. The problem was she just wasn’t used to being all gussied up in an A-line gown that hugged all of her curves with a gentle ruching at her hips.

She hoped it didn’t make her look fat. She sucked in her stomach a little more, hoping it would help. Her mother and their friend assured her that she looked wonderful, but she didn’t trust either of them. They’d say that even if her face was breaking out and she was wearing an old sack.

“You showed up.”

Zoe didn’t even have to turn around. She recognized the voice. It was Demetrius. She hadn’t seen him since they’d posed as Santa and his trusty elf.

She turned to him and was immediately struck by how handsome he looked in his black tux. His hair was perfectly styled. Her fingers tingled with the urge to reach out and stroke his freshly shaven jaw. She resisted the temptation.

She swallowed hard. “Bet you’re surprised to see me here after the message I sent you.”

“More like relieved.”

Relieved? That was a good sign, wasn’t it? She glanced around the crowded room, wondering if there were photographers lurking about just waiting to catch a picture of them together. “Do you think it’s a good idea to be seen talking to me?”

“The first thing to learn about dealing with the paparazzi is not to let them dictate your life. Otherwise, I’d never leave the palace. If they want to create a story, they will with or without any help.”

She supposed he was right, but that didn’t put her at ease. The last thing she needed was the paparazzi digging around in her life. She already had too much going on with the pending annulment and her mother’s care.

“Zoe, stop worrying. I made sure the press wasn’t allowed into the ball tonight.”

“You did?” Her eyes widened. “But I thought you wanted as much press coverage as possible for the project.”

“Not at the expense of your happiness. I’ll still make sure there’s plenty of coverage, just not tonight.” Demetrius moved closer and placed a finger beneath her chin, tilting it up. “Are you okay?”

“Um...sì.” Definitely better now that he was there.

“You look a little pale. Did you eat anything today?”

She shrugged. “I had a little.”

He sent her an I-don’t-believe-you look.

The truth was she hadn’t had more than caffè and toast that morning. She’d been worried about her mother’s appointment and then the thought of fitting into her gown. And now with Demetrius standing before her looking like he’d just stepped off the cover of a glossy magazine, her stomach felt as though it were filled with a swarm of fluttering butterflies.

“That dress looks amazing on you.” His smile succeeded in increasing the fluttering sensation in her stomach.