For a few minutes, they didn’t speak. He knew his sister was referring to Bianca. He’d thought of her too. But she didn’t fit into the mold of a princess. She was different from all the other prospective brides.
Still, he could see his future with Bianca. He could imagine waking up next to her each morning. He could see having a family with her—a happy family.
But he knew his mother would not approve. Not by a long shot.
“Stop fighting it,” Giselle said, drawing him from his thoughts. “You’ve fallen hard for her. Anyone can see it. Even Mother.”
“Bianca is so easy to get along with. Everyone loves her—except Mother.”
“Forget Mother for a second.” Giselle stopped dancing and stared at him. “Do you love Bianca? Really love her?”
“I do.” There was no hesitation. It was a fact that he hadn’t been willing to acknowledge until now.
“Then stop standing here. Go get her.”
That was easier said than done. He had no idea where she was and the reception was ending. But he would find her. He would tell her how he felt. And then he had to hope she felt the same way.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THIS WAS IT.
The end.
Sadness assailed Bianca. It was the strangest reaction she’d ever had to the end of a wedding. Not just any wedding but a royal wedding that had received international attention. Her phone was ringing off the hook with people eager to have her plan their big days.
She should be thrilled. She should be out on the dance floor of the after-party celebrating, but instead she’d been busy ironing out small wrinkles in the background, from missing appetizers to a shortage of serving staff.
But now with the party in full swing and the prince’s favorite band playing, she spotted him smiling and chatting with his sister and a group of guests. That was all the thanks she needed—
“Miss Bartolini, I’d like to have a word.” The queen signaled for her to follow.
Once in the hallway, Bianca bowed her head. “Good evening, Your Majesty.”
“It was a lovely day. And that in large part was due to you.”
Bianca could hardly believe what she was hearing. The queen had just complimented her. After all the rows they’d had and how the queen was certain Bianca was going to make a disaster of everything.
“Thank you.” Bianca didn’t know what else to say.
“Perhaps my son should consider hiring you for his wedding.” Apparently, Bianca failed to keep the surprise from showing on her face as the queen continued. “So, he didn’t tell you that he will be announcing his engagement tomorrow. And his wedding will be later this year.”
Bianca struggled to speak. “That’s exciting news.”
Inside she felt anything but excited. She felt sad. She felt as though she were losing the most special person from her life—not that he was ever hers to start with. Just the thought of Leo with another woman filled her with jealousy. She quickly reined in her rising emotions.
“Very exciting. Everything is working out.” The queen beamed with happiness. “I’ve had my assistant forward you a bonus for your success tonight. And I know you must be anxious to get home to your villa so I’ve had my jet put on standby. It’s yours tonight or tomorrow.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“I won’t keep you. Since this party isn’t really my style, I’m going to call it a night and let the young people live it up. Goodbye, Miss Bartolini.”
“Good night, ma’am.” Bianca bowed her head once more.
She watched as the queen made her way to the door. There was nothing left for Bianca to do. Sylvie was seeing to any lingering details.
The thought of flying home tonight was tempting. It would be nice to get back to the villa while she was still a Bartolini—
“Bianca! There you are.” Leo stepped out of the party, closing the door behind him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”