Elena did her best to act normal. “You’re very lucky to have found someone so wonderful.”
Annabelle blushed. “I know. Don’t ask me how close I came to losing him.”
“That wouldn’t have happened.” Grayson stared into Annabelle’s eyes. “I know when I have a good thing. And you’re the best.”
“Aw...” Annabelle turned into his arms. She lifted on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Elena turned to walk away and leave the lovebirds alone—or as alone as they could be in the middle of a carnival. She really needed to find Luca.
“Elena, did you happen to see my brother?” Annabelle called out.
Elena turned back. “Actually, I was looking for him. I thought he would be here.”
“I did, too, but he was distracted last night. He didn’t even come down to dinner.”
Oh, no. Had he heard something? Did he already know that she’d made a fool of herself in front of the whole world?
“So you haven’t spoken to him since yesterday?”
Annabelle shook her head. “I wouldn’t worry. It probably has something to do with my father arriving yesterday. Those two can get on each other’s nerves.”
“Well, if you see him, can you tell him that I’m looking for him?”
“I will. But before you go, I want to ask you something.” Annabelle’s expression grew serious.
“Um, sure. What do you need?”
“I, well, we wanted to know if you’d be in our wedding?”
“You want me to stand up for you?”
Annabelle smiled and nodded. “I know you’re really busy now that you’re a world-famous model, but the wedding is almost a year out. Please say that you’ll do it. I know Luca would like it. A lot.”
Elena wasn’t so sure how to take Annabelle’s last comment, so she just let it slide. “I’d be honored. Thank you for asking me.”
Annabelle turned a triumphant look to Grayson. “I told you s
he’d do it. This wedding is starting to come together.”
“I know it’s going to be just as fabulous as your engagement,” Elena said.
“Just not as fun,” Grayson said.
“You’ll just have to wait for the honeymoon.” Annabelle sent him a devilish look.
Just then a man in a dark suit and sunglasses strode toward them. Elena guessed he was part of the palace security. She hoped nothing was wrong. But seeing as the man would want to speak with Annabelle, the king’s niece, Elena was ready to make a quick exit.
“Looks like someone is searching for you.” Elena pointed out the man.
“Oh.” Annabelle frowned. “And here everything was going so well. I should have known it was too good to be true.”
“Don’t worry.” Grayson rubbed his fiancée’s shoulders. “Whatever it is, we’ll get it straightened out and get back to the celebration.”
Annabelle sent Grayson a worried look. “I hope so.”
“I’ll let you deal with it.” Elena started to walk away.
“Ms. Ricci, could I speak to you?”