Page 41 of Forbidden Prince
Kristin hugged her. "Well, I hope you're happy. I am, because I get you as asister."
Renee hugged her tight. At least she had Kristin and that was something. Soon her mother and father would do their worst. She'd not back out, but the talk had let her air her thoughts. Once the hug ended, she stood, wincing at the tenderness of her feet.. It was time to find Marco and decide when and how they'd meet her parents—together. "Now that might be my saving grace. I’ve missed you Kristin. I hope your honeymoon wasgreat."
"I loved being alone with Antonio." Kristin bounced up. "And I missed you. Let's go see Anna—I bet she’s drilling Marco as wespeak."
His mother was another blessing if this all ended well. Halfway to the door, she remembered her shoes. Renee turned to get them, but the moment she slipped the sandals on her feet, a sharp pain went up herleg.
Forget it. She knelt down slowly so that she wouldn’t get dizzy and picked them up. Hopefully Queen Anna Camilla forgave the faux pas. She needed every ally she had because right now she was about to deal with hernightmare.
21
Marco had metwith countless security councils from the pushy Americans to the scheming Russians who had once completely owned his country, but none of them had made him blink. However, his mother, Queen Anna Camilla Aussa, made him tremble like a ten-year-old boy. Dressed in her finest gray and blue gown, her crown centered perfectly on her head, she graced him with a disapprovingfrown.
She paced the carpet, but her blue eyes glared at him. Her gaze went deep and saw every single one of his many flaws. "Marco, Renee's parents haven't said a word to me. I'm not sure how to help if they don't speak and say what's on theirmind."
"Mother, you can be intimidating..." Marco needed to find a way to create a spirit of unity with Renee's parents, starting with changing from his suit into jeans and a t-shirt. Americans much preferred the more casuallook.
His mother threw her hands in the air the moment she stopped and stood in front of him. "Renee is a nice girl, and I want you both to be happy. If you want to get her father alone, I'll gladly work on her mother. I think if we each take one family member to talk with, we can negotiate. Antonio and Lucio can both help with herbrother."
His temper softened. His mother could negotiate world peace if she was given the opportunity. "Very well. Tonight, I want Renee to see that she has nothing to worryabout."
Her gray eyebrows rose. "I don't understand how someone as sweet as Renee came from people who don't speak—theyglare. It's mindboggling."
"Renee's lost boyfriends in the past because of her parents—as you know." The buttons at his collar felt too tight. "I don't want her worried, notnow."
She shook her head, as if she thought him a child still. "Son, a happy marriage starts with communication and trust. I will help and bring Kristin along as she's met thembefore."
Marco kept his lips sealed that Renee might be pregnant and it was extra important that she remain calm. "Renee's parents are my first priority and then thewedding."
His mother placed her hand on his cheek, like she had when she needed him to do what she told him. He listened all the time, though he only did what she wanted maybe half ofit.
"I'll plan the wedding once I discuss the schedule with the priest today. I want her parents to see their daughter marry myson."
He took her hand off his face and patted it gently when he held her fingers. "Mother, we'll figure it out. I should go and changefirst."
His mother stilled and motioned toward the door. "Here she comes now. Ensure your bride understands there is nothing to be concernedabout."
Renee walked arm-in-arm with Kristin who had made Antonio very happy. The ladies entered on the far side of the room, with no sitting area. Renee bowed her head and curtsied. "Marco, YourMajesty."
Marco left his mother's side immediately and went to stand beside his future bride. He brought her across the expanse of room to a seat. His mother said, "Renee, we are all here for you, no matter whathappens."
"Thank you..." She kept her head down and unlinked her arm from Kristin’s to take his. "YourMajesty."
"Call me Anna," his mother reminded her. "There is no need for formalities after the first introduction. Now, I'm going to speak to the church so we can set the date. I very much approve of the dress youchose."
Renee's hands trembled. She looked at him and then dropped her head down again. He reached for her and hoped she'd be less nervous if he wasclose.
"I need to go see myparents."
"After we talk, you and I," Marco said. It was important she took the pregnancy test too. They had their lives to lead once her parentsleft.
"Where are they?" sheasked.
The long pause of silence echoed through the room. He snapped his head up and stared at his mother, who had to know—she knew everything that went on in the castle. She finally said, "They wanted to walk in the gardens, alone. I'm sure they'll be backsoon."
Renee nodded at her. "Please send for me the moment theyreturn."
"Of course," his motheranswered.
