Page 34 of Marrying a Prince

The portly man was too busy eating, but the little girl was studying her with wide eyes.

"Hello," she said, moving out of the way as a maid came by and dropped a napkin in Marianna's lap.

"Hi," the little girl said.

Marianna smiled. "What's your name?"

"Clara."

She looked so much like Leo. “And you are who to Leo?”

“He’s my big brother,” she said, stabbing her potatoes with her fork.

Leo had a little sister? Marianna studied her. She was adorable.

"I'm Marianna," she said, picking up a glass of water and taking a sip.

Clara nodded. "I know. You're the woman who is trying to steal my brother."

Marianna gasped. Water raced down the wrong tube, throwing her into a coughing fit. All eyes turned to her. She waved away anyone who approached. That was the last thing she needed—someone thinking she needed the Heimlich.

"Sorry," she said, her voice raspy. "Some water went down wrong."

There was a collective sigh of relief as everyone returned to their conversations. Marianna dabbed at her eyes with her napkin. Clara was staring at her again.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Marianna nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

Clara looked relieved. "Good. Because you're the only one who will talk to me. I'd be sad if you died."

Marianna laughed. She liked this little girl and was happy she was seated next to her. "How old are you?"

Clara sat up straighter in her chair. "Eight."

Marianna leaned in. "Want to know a secret?"

Clara's eyes widened as she nodded. "Yes."

Marianna glanced around to make sure no one was watching. From the corner of her eye, she swore she saw Leo's gaze on her. But when she turned, Gisella had pulled his attention away.

Trying not to feel too disappointed, Marianna smiled back at Clara, who looked as if she was going to die from anticipation.

She smiled. "I'm happy to be sitting next to you, too."

Clara looked disappointed. "That's it?" She picked up her fork and pushed around some meat on her plate. "I thought it was going to be a good secret."

Marianna held up her hand. "Hey, now. You didn't hear why."

Clara glanced back at her. "Okay. Why?"

Marianna wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh, just you wait. It's going to be amazing."

A wide smile spread across Clara's lips. "Perfect."

Chapter Twelve

Dinner was boring and dragged on. Leo couldn't help but let his gaze slip over to Marianna. It made his heart swell to see her chatting with his sister. Their heads were pressed together and they would occasionally giggle. He wondered what they were talking about. It had to be better than what he was being forced to sit through.

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