Playing the Royal Game

‘She’ll calm down in moment,’ the king said as Zoe marched out of the room. He clicked his fingers to have more tea then changed his mind. ‘I might have a brandy.’

And Alex saw the proud old fool and swore he would never be him, and never did he think he would be giving his father marital advice, but then the palace had changed an awful lot since the Jacksons had been allowed in.

There was emotion at every turn, arguments exploding, and Alex realised he would not change it for the world.

‘If I were you, Father, I’d ask for two glasses and I’d take the decanter upstairs.’

‘She’ll be fine in a moment.’

‘And maybe,’ Alex overrode him, ‘you might notice her hair.’ He didn’t add, Or someone else might. ‘And tonight, when the guests have gone and you have retired, I suggest you read this....’ He did not feel guilt as he handed over Allegra’s work—always efficient Belinda had had two separate copies bound for Allegra to choose from.

‘What’s this?’

‘It’s the real story of Bobby Jackson—it shows a man who knows how to forgive. It speaks of love and pride and his devotion to family. How even if others may not approve, he must be doing something right.’ He looked to his father. ‘After all, look at the children he has raised. But now, I suggest you apologise to your wife—and if you cannot manage that, at least speak with her.’

He watched as after a moment of painful deliberation his father creaked his way out of the chair and nodded to the butler, who handed him the decanter. He looked as if he was walking to the gallows as he climbed up the stairs. Alex never, ever wanted that for Allegra—had never wanted it for Anna either.

That burn in his gut was back. He turned to the butler, then changed his mind; instead he walked into his office and spoke with Belinda.

‘I want transport arranged.’

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

‘HE SHOULDN’T be much longer.’ Belinda clipped off her phone.

‘We don’t really need Alessandro...’ the king said, because he wanted the rehearsal over, was, in fact, rather looking forward to getting back to the palace with his wife! ‘He knows his place. Let’s just make sure the Jacksons—’

And Allegra bit back a smart retort. She was so sick of the none-too-subtle barbs that the Santinas knew exactly how to do things. Hell, who needed a groom at a wedding rehearsal?

‘Where is he?’

Belinda said nothing, but then she had never bothered with Allegra before.

‘I’m going to get some air.’

Allegra walked outside, gulping in the cool evening air. She had so badly wanted to see Alex, just for some reassurance. She jumped a little when Belinda walked up beside her.

‘They just want to run through the paces one more time. I’ll be Alex.’

Allegra could think of nothing worse. ‘I’ll wait, thanks.’

‘The king wants this wrapped up.’ Belinda wasn’t exactly enamored with Allegra either.

‘Then he should call his son.’

‘He knows where he is... For goodness’ sake, Allegra, do you really need to make a scene? Let’s just get on with it.’

‘Where is he?’

‘Where do you think?’

At that moment a car pulled up—not a royal car, not Alex’s car, but a car she did not recognise. She stood in the shadows of the vestry, watching her own heart be served on a plate, watching Alex, the passenger, turn to the driver. There was no mistaking the tenderness in the gesture—watching his hand reach out and cup the driver’s face. No mistaking the affection as he leant over and kissed her on the lips and then on her forehead...and they rested their heads there a moment before he pulled away.

‘Who?’ She hated that it was Belinda she had to ask.

‘Anna.’ She almost heard the snap of the last string holding her together. ‘I thought she was with your brother,’ Belinda carried on. ‘No doubt he’s reassuring her that nothing will change.’ She could hear the spite in Belinda’s voice.

‘Did he reassure you the same?’ Allegra couldn’t help but ask.

Hateful were the eyes that turned to her. ‘Do you think for a moment that a wedding ring will stop him? Look around, Allegra. So you get the prince, you get the dress and the pomp, and the title. Enjoy it, enjoy every minute of it, but it won’t keep you warm at night.’