“Are you kidding?” Adira laughed. “Of course. Why haven’t you seen the movies?”
“Time,” Hannah admitted. “I planned to see them this past winter, only…I ran out of time. I'd love to catch up, but the wedding planning—”
Adira waved her off. “Don’t think of the planning. I have the perfect solution. Not all the films come to Al-Dashalid, but we could easily go to Europe. Have a movie tour. Some of the films are playing again, now that they’re Oscar winners. It would be so much fun. Say you’ll go!”
“That sounds wonderful.” Hannah couldn’t believe the relief that swelled in her chest. A trip to Europe? “Cannes would be so perfect. I’m sure they’ll have showings of most of the films that were nominated, and we could take the train…”
It was exactly what she’d planned to do, only better.
There was a commotion at the door, and Adira perked up. “Look who’s here. Kyril!” She was on her feet in an instant and dashed to meet her brother. Hannah twisted to watch. Kyril listened, his face falling into a frown. Hannah got up slowly from the sofa and went to meet him. Her heart sank.
“A movie tour?” He raised his eyebrows at Hannah. “I know how much you’d like that. But we have to set up house here before we travel again.”
“Set up house?” This was news to Hannah. There hadn’t been any mention of a house until this moment. He'd always said the palace was their home.
“You’ll see, darling.” Kyril drew her to him and pressed a kiss to her temple. “We’ll have plenty of time to watch those movies later.”
* * *
She couldn’t help it.
Hannah scrolled through her phone, comparing hotels in Cannes. Despite everything, she still wanted to plan the trip. She let her chin fall into her hand and looked down at the screen. Cannes was fun. Setting up house? That was ridiculous.
“Surprise,” Kyril said from behind her, and she whirled on her seat.
“I didn’t hear you come in.”
He carried something shiny and menu-like with him. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“Surprise me with what?” Her heart beat faster at the sight of him. They’d been apart most of the day, and Hannah couldn’t wait to spend time with him. Any time at all.
“Your own personal movie tour.” Kyril wrapped his arms around her, placing the menu on the dressing table. “I have all the movies waiting in the palace's private theater. You choose the order, the snacks—I’ll have them make a second dinner, if you want.”
Hannah was struck by an intense craving. “Popcorn? Is there a popcorn machine?”
“Anything for you.”
She flipped through the menu. “You got all the movies?”
“Every single one.” Kyril laughed. ?
??And that’s not a complete list of snacks. If there’s anything not listed that your heart desires, I’ll have someone go into the city and find it.”
Within half an hour, they were nestled on a plush sofa in an empty theater, cool and dark, and Hannah leaned her head against his shoulder, cradling a big tub of popcorn against her belly.
Maybe this would work. As one movie went by, then part of another, she felt herself relaxing, felt herself settle.
“It’s a lot, this wedding,” she whispered.
“Is it?” Kyril shifted in his seat. “I thought you’d like the planning.”
“I’m not planning anything. I’m just…standing there, waiting for your mother and sister to make decisions. It’s exhausting.” Beating at the center of Hannah was a need for more control…or more freedom. “They’re so kind,” she added in a rush. “So kind. But—”
“I’ll talk to them.” Kyril slipped his arm around her shoulders. “But there are certain requirements for a royal wedding. Some of those things aren’t up for debate.”
“I know, but it would be nice to get a word in edgewise once a day.”
Kyril laughed. “I understand completely. I lived in this household all my life, so I know what it’s like to be steamrolled. I’ll talk to them.”