Page 19 of His Runaway Princess

“I’m not sure. I can find out, but I’d have to either leave you or you’d have to go with me.” He didn’t move, except perhaps to tighten his hold on her.

“Don’t do that.” Amalia needed him to stay more than she needed to know how long it would be.

“I won’t.” His hand rubbed up and down her arm. “We know we’re going to Biansola, which is south of Pagosa where the ferry left from. We departed from a much more northern port than where the ferry went. We’re also in a much better boat. That ride took several hours. I’m guessing this one won’t be more than two at most, but that depends on the weather and how long they want it to take.”

She nodded against him. They stayed like that until Amalia felt herself begin to relax. Eventually, she was able to let go of Ryker’s shirt and sit up on her own.

“Are you all right?” Ryker kept his arm wrapped around her.

Amalia blew out a breath. “I think so. I haven’t been on a boat in a nearly a year, not since I had very bad experience.” She wasn’t ready to tell him the whole story. It would mean telling him who she really was.

“I wish it hadn’t been necessary, but I think it’s for the best. Biansola has the Baicampo property run by Prince Alexander’s family. It seems like it should be fairly secure.”

That made sense. But it also came with the slight risk that the prince consort would be there. She’d just have to keep an eye out for the royal family and duck out of sight if necessary.

By the time they reached the dock on the island, she felt much better than she would have expected. Rather than bolting down the gangplank, she walked just as sedately as everyone else - or as sedately as she could with the wind whipping her hair all over the place. They all climbed into another van, much like the others they’d been riding in.

The drive didn’t last long, and they exited under an awning leading into what appeared to be a barn.

“This is the same location where Queen Christiana and Alexander, Duke of Testudines were married.” The local guide led them into the building. “It’s believed that she’s the first monarch of Ravenzario not to be married in the chapel on the property. However, it was under construction due to extensive water damage when their wedding took place. Prince Nicklaus of Ravenzario and Princess Yvette of Mevendia were married there, fulfilling the contract between the two nations.”

They spent the next few minutes looking around before they were ushered back into the van and driven over to the chapel.

A few of the photos of Nick and Yvette were on easels around the narthex, in the locations where they were taken.

“This is a lovely place to get married,” Amalia said to Ryker, looking around as she did.

“Would you like to get married somewhere like this?” Ryker studied one of the photos.

Amalia shrugged. “I’ll probably get married in the cathedral at home.”

It surprised her when Ryker didn’t follow up with a question about where she called home.

After a few more stories from the tour guide, they were taken to one of the other buildings.

“We’ll be eating shortly, and our special guests will be joining us there.” The guide looked positively giddy.

Who on earth could it be that had the guide so excited?

After finding their place cards, Ryker held her seat for her then took his to her right at the foot of the table. The special guests, whoever they were, would be seated at the other end.

The six family members talked quietly, pointing out one thing or another about the elegant room they’d been seated in, or about the place settings or flatware.

Amalia didn’t think any of it was overly fancy, but her life experiences were far different than the other’s.

“Are you all right?” Ryker’s quiet voice accompanied his hand covering hers for a slight squeeze.

She nodded. “I’m fine. Just a little out of sorts.”

“You did amazing on the boat ride over.” His grasp tightened on her hand. “I’m very proud of you for facing your fear, even if it was only because that fear was the lesser of two evils.”

Before she could respond, the doors opened to let the VIP guest, or guests, in. A voice told them to stand which meant Amalia couldn’t see who they were immediately. But after a few seconds, they came into view.

She felt the color drain from her face. This couldn’t be happening.

The VIPs were Prince Nicklaus and Princess Yvette.

Now what?

---