Winning the Queen's Heart: Contemporary Christian Romance (The Brides of Belles Montagnes Book 2) (32 page)

“I learned about my mother’s childhood, my father’s courtship of her, his determination to win the heart and the hand of the green-eyed beauty from Vashta. I saw pictures of myself as a child ‘working the ropes.’ Pictures from your point-of-view, taken by those of you who came to wish us well on so many occasions. From the deepest parts of my being, I thank you for your continued support. I could not ask for more.”

She stepped back and smiled, turning to accept Alexander’s escort to her seat. Before she could take a single step, the applause began. The chairs scraped again, and the crowd rose to their feet, almost as one.

“Long live Queen Christiana!” someone shouted.

“Long live Queen Christiana!” others shouted back. Several times.

She took Alexander’s offered elbow, her fingers clenching the inside of the arm of his coat. She held her other fingers to her lips and kissed them, waving to one side then repeating the action to the other. How had she become so blessed?

“They love you, Christiana.” She had not noticed Alexander bending his head, but his words, warm on her ear, did not startle her. Their truth did. Yes, this was a friendly crowd, such as it were, but the outpouring from all of her people overwhelmed her.

She blew one more kiss to the crowd as the applause began to die down. Alexander held her chair as she slid into it. Poppo sat on her other side and squeezed her hand as her husband took his seat.

Poppo leaned toward her. “You’ve done well, sweet girl. Your parents would be very proud of you.”

The preacher who had performed their wedding came forward and asked them to bow their heads. As he thanked God for the meal, Christiana thanked God for the people He sent into her life to offset those who would do her harm.

Peace settled over her. It would be a good night.

* * *

Julia talked with the woman sitting next to her. She’d been asked to dance a couple of times, but declined. Alex tried to dance with Annie, and he was doing his best to dance with Lily, but really they were just jumping around. The little girl was having the time of her life.

“May I have this dance?”

She startled a bit, but looked up to see Alexander bowing toward her. “Of course.”

He held out his hand, and she took it as he turned to the other woman. With a wink, he asked her to save him one for later. She laughed and agreed. Alexander led her to the dance floor, though his attention seemed to be elsewhere. Looking for his wife, perhaps? Seeing the way they looked at each other during the first dance of the evening, anyone would know they adored each other.

His attention still hadn’t returned to her when they started dancing. Lines creased his forehead. Worry?

“Is everything okay, Alexander?”

He looked back at her and twirled her around. She could see the queen dancing with his twin brother. The only way she could tell the difference between the two was the red sash distinguishing Alexander as the prince consort.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind, that’s all.”

Right. The uncle’s release.

“Have you enjoyed your trip to Ravenzario? Flat tire aside?” He grinned.

She smiled back. “It’s been wonderful. Your tips helped a lot.” And using his name had opened a few doors, but he didn’t need to know that. She hadn’t insinuated anything, just mentioned that the duke had been the one to recommend a place. “Tonight is spectacular. Thank you for inviting us and making arrangements for the dress and tux for Alex.”

“My assistant can work wonders. So, what was your favorite part?”

This. Right now. Dancing with a handsome man. If only he adored her the way her high school crush had adored Alex Slate. There was no point even day dreaming about such a thing, though. Maybe Chris Slate... “I couldn’t pick,” she finally said. “But Alex is convinced tonight will be the best part. Staying on palace grounds.” And she didn’t mention the stress caused when she’d heard her apartment had been broken into, even if her mom couldn’t figure out what might be missing. At least she wouldn’t have to replace anything on her non-existent income.

“What is it?”

She shook herself. “What?”

“Something’s wrong.”

“Oh.” She might as well tell him. “I lost my job last week. The trip was already mostly paid for or non-refundable, so we came anyway, but it’s been hanging over my head.”

“Why’d you lose it? Downsized?”

Julia closed her eyes and hoped he wouldn’t think she blamed him. “No. I went to see my boss’s brother at the hospital the day I saw you. Because of the extra traffic and news crews and everything, I was late to work. That wouldn’t have been a big deal, except for the presentation I was supposed to set up for. My boss had to do it, and everything was running behind, and he fired me.” She shrugged. “I’m hoping when I get back, that he won’t be as mad, and he’ll rehire me. Overall, he really likes me.” Maybe too much. “This was just a really bad time to forget.” Especially given what she now suspected. Her eyes filled with liquid, but she forced it back.

“What else is going on? There’s something else, isn’t there?”

“My apartment was broken into yesterday, though I don’t think anything’s missing, and…” She looked around to make sure no one else was nearby. “I think I’m pregnant.”

* * *

Dancing with so many women he didn’t know could be tedious. At least this time no one tried to slip their number in his coat pocket. After nearly an hour of non-stop movement, he knew the first break would come soon. Justin motioned to him as the dance ended. He bowed to Julia, who’d just dropped a bombshell, and walked to the edge of the floor before anyone else could claim him. He didn’t particularly like to leave her alone, but to dance with anyone but Christiana more than once was to invite gossip he couldn’t afford.

His eyes found his wife on the dance floor. Her soft green dress stood out for its simplicity, and he admired it as she twirled in the arms of Minority Leader Michaels. The man had done everything in his power this week to help find her uncle after his release.

It was the biggest cloud over his evening.

Justin whispered something about the trip back to the palace, and Alexander nodded absent-mindedly. Julia and Alex would join him, Christiana, and Christopher for the trip to the mainland. Justin motioned to a young woman looking nervous. The bride getting married tomorrow. Right.

He asked her to dance, and she accepted. Once on the dance floor, she seemed ill at ease.

“Relax, Ginger. I don’t bite.”

She laughed. “I know, but you’re not the same man who gave us the tour last year.”

“Sure I am.” He glanced down. “I just get to wear this silly blue sash thing now. Is everything ready?”

“It was very kind of the queen to offer all the assistance we needed to get ready for tomorrow. She could have just used her monarch’s privilege to rearrange stuff.”

“She’s not like that.”

“I had a chance to talk with her for a few minutes earlier. It’s easy to see why you love her.”

He didn’t answer so she continued.

“I know the story and all. Let’s face it. Most girls around here are royal watchers. We all dream of marrying Prince Charming and being swept off our feet to become a princess. What’s more important, though, is that the right Prince Charming comes along, with or without the tiara waiting. I found mine in Jonny. The queen found hers in you. You’re her Prince Charming and her white knight all wrapped up in one package. She loves you, and you love her. Anyone here tonight could tell you that.” He twirled her again trying to get her to stop. “And the way you glance at her baby bump? The way her hand is on it when she doesn’t realize it? You’re both beyond blessed, and you both know it, even if you won’t quite confess such to each other or to the public just yet.”

The song came to an end and the first break of the night began. He bowed to Ginger, who just smiled at him, and went to find his wife. She walked out of the ballroom back into the ante room they’d stood in earlier. He followed her to find her sprawled on the comfortable chair placed there for just such a reason.

“Are you all right?” he asked, kneeling next to her.

“My feet hurt, but I will be fine. I just needed a minute away to collapse a bit. I cannot exactly look like this in front of everyone.”

He reached for her hand and squeezed lightly. “You’re doing fabulously. Everyone I’ve talked with loves you. They’re so excited for the baby.”

She smiled weakly. “I am, too.”

“I know. I know you’re ready to be done with being sick and everything. When we get home, I’ll give you the best foot rub you’ve ever had and tuck you in.”

“That sounds heavenly.” She sat up and held out her hands.

He stood and took them, pulling her up. “You ready?”

“As I ever will be.”

Tucking her hand into his elbow, they walked back into the ballroom. This time there was no announcement, and really, no one noticed. Together, they made their way to several tables, talking with those sitting there.

When the music started again, they separated, each ending up with a different dance partner. The next two hours went by quickly and, before he knew it, the dancing ended, and it was time to head back to the palace.

* * *

The call had come too early for a Saturday morning, but it was one she would not turn down. “Prince William.” She nodded at his image on the screen. “How are things in Mevendia?”

“Very well, Your Majesty. My father was quite pleased with the deal your husband negotiated. Believed it to be quite fair.”

“My husband is a shrewd businessman, but one who believes in finding a win-win situation for everyone.”

“Well, he did in this situation.” She could see him shifting in his chair.

“So what can I do for you today?’

“We have been following the developments in Ravenzario this week, cousin.” The man was an exceptionally distant cousin of hers. The royal families of the three countries she spent time in growing up - her own, Mevendia, and Montevaro - were all descended from the same family, over a thousand years earlier. “Mevendia wishes to offer her support in whatever way we can.”

“I heard your father had been in contact with my security people. There has been some troubling news in my country this week.” She sighed. “I am not certain what, if anything, you can do to help, though, William.”

“Perhaps nothing, but knowing you have others on your side can often be an emotional boost if nothing else.”

“Thank you.”

He leaned forward on his desk. She had been in his office before and could visualize the dark wood she could not see. “Today’s news is the most concerning for you, though, is it not?”

Christiana rested her arms on her own desk in her make-shift office. “Pardon?”

“Today’s news.”

She shook her head. “I have heard no news today. Nothing of great import since my uncle’s release on Tuesday.”

William winced. “I am sorry, Christiana. I thought surely someone would have told you by now.”

Diana buzzed from the other room, but Christiana ignored her. “What news?”

He sighed. “Prince Alexander’s affair.”

A very unladylike snort of laughter came from Christiana. “My husband? An affair? I hardly think so.”

Right?

What about the woman he hugged at the hospital? Had she not been a bit dissatisfied with his explanation?

“The pictures are in the papers this morning, Christiana. Not just the tabloids either. They were together a couple of days ago.”

She shook her head. “Impossible. He has not left the palace since the release.” One hand covered her belly. “Alexander is quite protective.”

“Was he really there all day Wednesday?”

Christiana reached for her tablet and searched the schedule, groaning when she saw the entry. “He did have a meeting.” She scrolled through the travel time notes. “And he was gone a good deal longer than needed.”

“Look it up. Or better yet, ask him about it. If he has nothing to hide, he will tell you the whole story.”

She gave the best smile she could. “I will. Thank you for your support, William. Even though we are only three hundred and second cousins, your support means the world to me.”

He chuckled at the old joke about their relationship. “You are still among my favorite royal cousins, Christiana. You and Addie. Next winter, after the baby comes, we should all get together for a ski trip here in Mevendia. It will be just like old times.” Nestled between Montevaro and Switzerland, Mevendia had the best skiing of the three countries, though all had their share of mountainous terrain. The three cousins were close enough in age that they had spent a fair bit of time together. She would need their support to get through whatever came her way. The airtight mutual defense compact had survived over a thousand years and would not crumble on her watch.

And she learned every day that she might not need defense from just foreign armies.

William’s voice brought her back to the conversation. “If our intelligence agencies can help in any way, be sure to have your people call. Our men have instructions to help in whatever way they can.”

Christiana tapped a pen against the desk, knowing it would drive him crazy but it helped her think. “I will have Tony call later today, but the only thing I know of would be to trace any of my uncle’s movements or contacts in Mevendia and see if any of them are untoward or perhaps part of Mevendia’s seedy underbelly.”