Page 37 of A Wise Prince

“South of France,” I add as I stand to one side so she can come into my room.

She frowns but quickly regains her composure. “Which part?”

“St. Tropez,” I add as I start packing.

“You guys should head down to the Amalfi Coast. It’s beautiful this time of year. And there are some great islands off the coast of Spain,” she suggests as she starts handing me clothes from a drawer.

“I can get someone to pack for you if you like?”

I shake my head. “Thanks, but it’s just as fast to do it myself. I’ve tried to suggest Italy, but Dad’s friend told him that St. Tropez was the place to be and once that man has his mind made up, well, there’s just no room for arguing.”

“Do you need a car to the airport?”

“Hold that thought,” I say as I message Dominic and Jackie with the new plan, which I assume they already know.

A moment later, there’s a knock at the side door to my suite.

“Come in,” I say, as Jackie pokes her head around the corner of the door.

“We’re getting a car. We leave in thirty minutes,” she says. I groan again.

“Thirty minutes, seriously?”

She shrugs. “Sorry, we have a short takeoff clearance, I guess, and your dad already arranged dinner plans.”

“Fine,” I mutter. I know I sound like an ungrateful brat, but I miss the control over my own life. Fine, I miss the idea that I can control my own life because I’ve never actually had any control. By the time I was an adult and in college, Dad was in his second term as president. And now, we are in his last year. I know we’ll have assigned Secret Service for years to come, but I hope things like this will be dialed down a few hundred notches.

“Well, I’m sorry you won’t be able to stay longer. You’re more than welcome to come back anytime. Logan and I aren’t always here, but it’s certainly nice having another female around this place,” she says with a giggle. I do like her. She’s the type of woman that I would want to be best friends with.

“I appreciate that, Anna. And thank you. It was so nice getting to know you and spending time here. This place is really magical,” I say to her. “I suppose I should find your father and thank him as well.”

She takes my hand. “Come on, he’s in the study.”

I follow her as she walks down the hall and the main staircase to a set of double doors. She knocks and opens the door before the king can answer.

“Dad?”

“Come in, sweetheart,” he says affectionately to her.

She pulls me inside with her. “Kate’s parents arranged for her to leave early.”

I bow my head toward him. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for having me the past few days. It’s been lovely getting to know your family and spending time here at the palace.”

King Michael rises from his seat and comes my way. I expect him to hold out a hand for me to shake, and I’m completely caught off guard when he sweeps me into a hug before giving me a double cheek kiss.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself, my dear. And you are most welcome anytime you’d like to visit. Just contact my office to arrange a guest room. There are always family members coming and going here now.” He chuckles on the last words.

Anna laughs. “Well, we did have to grow up, Dad.”

He looks fondly at her and I can see the overwhelming love in his eyes. “I know. It doesn’t mean it makes it any easier for your old dad.”

Anna rolls her eyes. “Anyhow, I’m going to show Kate out. Logan and I are going riding later if you want to join us…I mean, if you aren’t too old.” Her eyes sparkle with mischief and King Michael’s laugh bellows in the great expanse of the room.

“I suppose I could still manage,” he says. He takes my hand in his and squeezes. “I mean it. You need anything, you just let me know. I know how it can be when you are living far from home.”

I nod and thank him as Anna and I head out front to get in the car that will take me to a plane. I sigh. I’d love to have a staycation, but I guess that’s not happening.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

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