Page 24 of Not-So-Perfect Princess
“The housekeeper sounded sincere, ma’am,” Yvette said. “She’s especially concerned about you.”
“About me?” Jules remembered the warmth of Alejandro’s body and the sense of belonging she’d felt in his arms. He could have taken advantage of the situation and her emotional state last night, but he hadn’t. He’d acted like a friend, not a man who wanted some action. She’d actually been a tad bit disappointed he hadn’t found her desirable.
Silly. Pathetic, really. She straightened. “I appreciate the warning, but I’m going to be Alejandro’s sister-in-law. He doesn’t see me in the same way as he sees other woman.”
Doubt filled Yvette’s eyes. “I hope you’re correct, ma’am.”
Jules didn’t. She wouldn’t mind being wrong about this. Alejandro was…attractive, but the way he’d made her feel on the beach—understood, accepted, safe, ways she’d never felt before—intrigued her the most. After tonight, following the housekeeper’s advice and staying away from him would be the best course of action. No matter how much a tiny part of Jules wished he were the one she was marrying.
Better squelch that thought. Alejandro was going to be her brother-in-law. Nothing else.
“Don’t worry.” She raised her chin. “I’m not about to risk my match with Enrique for a fling with a self-avowed black sheep.”
Even one who was gorgeous and sailed and sent tingles shooting through her. More reasons to keep her distance.
After tonight.
Tonight would be her first chance to experience freedom. The initial step in figuring out how to be an influential princess and her own person.
“That is smart.” The tight lines around Yvette’s mouth relaxed a little. “Being matched to a man outside Aliestle would be a dream come true for most of our countrywomen, ma’am.”
Be careful what you wish, or in this case, ask for.
Jules recognized the maid’s wistful tone. She’d sounded the same way on more than one occasion. The weight on her shoulders felt heavier. She wanted life to be different for her countrywomen. “Has a match been secured for you?”
“Yes, ma’am. A very good match.” Yvette gave a half smile. “One that will be advantageous to my family.”
“That’s excellent.”
“Yes, ma’am. We marry in two years, after I complete my obligations on the palace staff.” The look in Yvette’s eyes didn’t seem to agree with her words. “I am…most fortunate.”
Most likely as fortunate as Jules. Her heart ached. She wanted men to treat the women of Aliestle with respect, consideration and love. Not like commodities.
When Brandt became king…
Yvette adjusted her starched, white apron. “I transferred the contents of your handbag into the purse, ma’am.”
“Thank you, I’ll…”
A high-pitched noise sounded outside the bedroom door. Not quite a squeal, but not a squeak, either.
Yvette’s forehead creased. “It sounds like a baby, ma’am.”
Jules hurried to the door and opened it. The noise sounded again. She glanced around the empty hallway. A black ball of fur scratched at the door across the hall.
“You’re correct, Yvette. It is a baby. A baby cat.” Jules picked up the kitten who pawed at her. A long, white hair above his right eye bounced like an antenna in the wind. “I can’t imagine someone let you out into this big hallway on purpose. Did you escape again?”
The kitten stared up at her with clear, green eyes.
Her heart bumped. She’d always wanted a pet. This one was adorable.
“I can see where he belongs, ma’am,” Yvette offered.
“I’ll return him.” The kitten wiggled in Jules’s hands. She cuddled him closer in hopes of settling him down. He rested his head against her arm and purred. “I know where he belongs.” With Alejandro.
Anticipation spurted through her. She wanted to see him. Because of the sailing, she rationalized. That was the only reason. Anything else would be too…dangerous.
“Cat?” Alejandro checked the closet, the bathroom, under the bed and beneath the other furniture. No sight of the furball anywhere.
