Page 53 of Princessa
I giggled.
Emma:And Prince Grayson?
Every woman’s fantasy.
Me:I’ll share some details when I get back tomorrow, or the next day since we’ll be getting back late. Are we on track for everything else?
Emma:Yes. Just about all invitees have RSVP’d. Some local newspapers, media and—Royal Buzz, eep!—have submitted credentials for their reps. And Cosmo (I truly died, by the way) reached out yesterday, looking for a way to get an exclusive. I offered them one with Henri, since Haute Couture is getting yours.
Me:Sounds like you’ve got it all under control! Call me if anything urgent pops up. Best of luck with Henri. XO
Slipping my phone back in my purse, I noticed Grayson’s eyes on me. “Everything okay?”
“Oh, yes. Just Emma checking in about Henri’s perfume launch party next week. Seems like she’s handling things quite well.”
“You do need a plus one to the event, no?”
Surprised, I said, “You’d come with?”
He brought my hand to his mouth, kissed my knuckles. “Of course. It’s an exciting time for you, not only because it’s a major event for the resort, but also because of the perfume,Princessa. It’s you, and I can’t wait to be there, right at your side.”
Wow, is what my heart said, right before the blood-pumper fainted. I’d only mentioned the perfume party to him once and—if I’m being honest—didn’t think he’d been paying attention.
Oliver turned a corner and drove up to an iron gate which opened slowly upon our approach. The road was cobblestone, causing the car to rock as it crawled toward the building which, by the way, really was a castle. As we drew near, a sign,Castle Primo, became more evident and outside the tinted window, I spotted a fence. Behind it were children, young and older, running, laughing, and playing about.
“Here we are, baby. Can’t wait for you to meet the kids and the amazing nuns who run this place—Sisters Julie, Roberta, and Maria.”
Once inside, it felt like we’d stepped into a convent and even more so as we graced the mile-long hall.
There were white walls, solid oak wainscoting, and stained-glass windows adorned with colorful images of Mary and Baby Jesus. The space was quiet, except for the cheerful squeals and squees of the children outside.
As we walked—Finn, Camille, Grayson, and I—a woman dressed in an all-white habit and a sweeter-than-sugar smile that could melt cold hearts, approached. “Prícep Grayson, quinoa sorpresa tan bonica.” She cupped Grayson’s hands close to her chest and placed a kiss on his left cheek, then the right. She spoke in Catalan but since it was similar to Spanish, I understood that she said,What a lovely surprise,to Grayson.
“Sister Roberta, always a pleasure.” He gestured toward Camille. “You already know Finn, but this lady by his side is the lovely Camille.”
Sister Roberta nodded, the genuine smile still on her face. “Pleased to meet you, Camille. Welcome to Castle Primo.” Her voice was as sweet as a cinnamon roll.
Grayson pulled me close and said, “And this is my Arabella.”
Trying to ignore the warmth coating my cheeks, I extended a hand to shake hers. “Good to meet you, Sister Roberta.”
“Ah, welcome to Castle Primo, dear. Nice to meet you.” She was an older, thin woman, with graying hair. “Have you come to see our newest addition?” She slid her gaze from me to Grayson.
“Yes, and also hang out with the kids for a bit. Maybe I’ll read them a story?” he said, linking my hand in his.
“Wonderful, I know they’d love that.”
We followed her to a grand, blue-carpeted room with round tables and chairs, and shelves galore, lined top to bottom with books. There were pictures of nuns reading to kids in a circle, and one with Grayson, King Matteo, and Queen Isadora all surrounded by a group of children—the little boys dressed in superhero costumes and the little girls dolled up in tiaras and dresses.
I make it a point to visit once a month, hosting superhero and princess parties for the little ones.It’s what I’dremembered Grayson telling me the day before. My eyes felt misty with tears, the generosity of Andorra’s royal family extremely heartfelt.
Sister Roberta invited us to have a seat while she left to gather Sister Maria, and the kids. When she returned, the children—about fifteen of them, ranging from age seven to sixteen—walked in, all in a straight-lined orderly fashion.
“Prince Grayson is here to read to you all, so have a seat on the circle and give him your undivided attention,” said the one introduced as Sister Maria.
Roberta helped get them settled on the red, circular carpet and they all sat tall, legs crossed—even the older ones—attention on Grayson.
Sister Maria handed Grayson a book. “We’ve just begun Pinocchio, and we left off on page three.”
