Page 53 of Forbidden Noble
Now that was an overstatement. Until she'd found out about her birth parents, she’d scraped by, barely existing. “No, I never honed any.”
In the closet was everything she'd left. She grabbed white slacks and an olive green blouse, along with his mother’s gold cross. Done. With a quick check in the mirror, she added lip gloss and pinched her cheek. This was as good as she’d be for now, but she appeared almost a lady. He said, “You see straight through to people. Most of us need time to figure out what we should do next but you are the most intuitive person I've ever met.”
Another tear broke free and she had to splash her face again to keep it from happening.
She refused to turn into that much of an emotional mess. “That’s not a skill.”
Astorre took her hand and led her toward the great room.
She assumed it was going to be his sister or something to do with the castle, but he said on the way, “Yeah, it is. It’s called diplomacy and you have it, in spades--and we need that around here.”
Arguing would bring more sentiment. She squeezed his arm and said, “All I need is you.”
He headed to the middle of the great hall with her at his side. “Then let’s find out what’s going on so I can get you all to myself.”
The servants had them waiting like whoever the guest was must be important. She stood taller. “I’ve never thought of myself as diplomatic. This is new thinking.” Her voice echoed in the hall.
Wow. She would never try to say anything confidential in here. Astorre pointed above their head. “The room was designed for whoever is above to hear every word.”
No secrets--got it. She straightened her shoulders as the door opened and a nice-looking man on the thinner side, wearing jeans and a polo shirt, walked through the door with servants chased behind him as if they wanted to announce someone important. The visitor said, “I come with a message from the palace, Your Grace.”
The servants stopped.
Astorre bowed instantly and tugged for her to do the same. She blinked and asked, “Who?”
“It’s Prince Lucio, Your Grace.” The man took her hand.
She bowed like her husband, but the man waved for them both to join him at ease.
She hadn’t expected a visit from a prince, but Lucio turned toward her husband and said, “I stopped by to ask a question about your bomber you sent in.”
Astorre widened his stance like he’d have to defend his actions. She stood beside him as he said, “Yes, Your Highness. How can we help?”
Lucio tilted his head in a friendly manner. “I’m just curious, Astorre. We’ve not seen each other since Paris where you said it would be the last time you’d be allowed to speak to me.”
Astorre raised his brow and she held her breath. Was that reaction allowed in royal circles? “Things changed.”
“For the better.” Lucio said, “This man threatened your life, held a gun to your head, and tried to murder your wife. How is it that he’s alive and in my jail cell? When someone threatened my wife, I wasn’t so kind.”
Astorre's handsome smile had a hint of smugness. “You were dealing with a traitor. I was dealing with a boy who never grew into a man.”
Now that was an apt description of Max Fionella. Astorre had proved himself to her, and most importantly, to himself. She quickly said, “My husband said it would be worse for him to rot in prison, Highness.”
Lucio laughed. “That sounds like Astorre.” He then shook hands with him. “My father wants to hold a reception at the palace for you and your new bride. Montelino Bay has always been important in our kingdom.”
Were all the royals here warm and real? Both men stared at her like she made the decision. She ignored how when she smiled the skin around her eyes wrinkled a little bit. “That sounds fun.”
Astorre clasped the prince on his back as if they were friends. “Clara says yes, so we’ll be there.”
Lucio said, “And bring your sister. The palace matchmaker wants to run her profile as her time is coming.”
Astorre glanced up. Was his sister listening now? He said, “We’ll bring Olivia, but her choices are her own.”
If Olivia was listening, she’d like that answer. The prince left and once they were alone, Astorre offered his arm to lead her back up the stairs and she said, “Well, that was nice of the king. I’m excited to see a royal palace.”
He winked at her. “I’m excited to get you back to our room.”
“Lead the way,” she said as they made it to the top step.
