Page 41 of Not-So-Perfect Princess
Yvette returned, holding a lavender-colored, terry-cloth robe and matching slippers. “ma’am.”
“I’d rather dress.”
“I don’t think there is time, ma’am.”
Jules heard the sympathy in Yvette’s voice. “Do you have any idea what’s going on downstairs?”
“No, Ma’am.” Yvette helped her into the thick robe. “But people have been arriving at the palace since early this morning. I’m surprised the noise didn’t wake you.”
Jules had been dead to the world once she’d quieted her thoughts of Alejandro and fallen asleep. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so soundly. She didn’t remember any of her dreams. A rarity for her. “I didn’t hear a thing.”
“You must have been tired, ma’am.”
She nodded.
Lines creased Yvette’s forehead. “Are you feeling well, ma’am? Should I request a doctor be sent to the palace?”
“No worries, Yvette,” Jules said. “I’m not sick. Let’s go see what Enrique’s surprise is all about.”
Something good, she hoped. And something that had nothing to do with last night.
Alejandro stared at the attractive, stylish women carrying boxes into the palace’s large music room. These weren’t members of the normal staff. Not with those long legs and short skirts. His curiosity piqued, he decided to take a closer look and entered the Grand Hall.
Enrique paced with his hands clasped behind his back. Wrinkles creased his forehead. Sweat beaded at his brow. The crown prince looked nothing like the oil paintings of the island’s rulers hanging on the walls alongside him.
But Alejandro had seen his brother this way once before, when he prepared for what would turn out to be a disastrous date with a famous movie actress. The spoiled, pampered, egotistical couple had clashed from the moment they said hello. Each expected the other to cater to their whims.
“What are you up to, bro?” Alejandro asked.
“I wondered when the scent of perfume would lead you here.” Enrique dabbed his forehead with a linen handkerchief. “Look, but don’t touch. The women are being paid handsomely for their services.”
Alejandro raised a brow. “I didn’t realize you paid for female services.”
“Not those kind of services, moron.” Enrique sneered. “This is a surprise for Julianna.”
“A surprise. Really?”
“Don’t sound so shocked.” He continued pacing. “She is going to be my wife.”
Alejandro wasn’t about to forget about that. He’d resisted tasting her lips last night for that very reason. But her agreeing to be his helmsman made up for the lack of kisses.
Asking her to join his crew wasn’t his smartest move given consequences involved, but he believed La Rueca had a better chance of winning with her behind the wheel. She’d also looked so happy sailing. He wanted to show her how beautiful life could be here. All he had to do was douse his attraction for her, and things would be fine.
“I know.” He tried to sound nonchalant, even if he was a little…envious. Enrique hadn’t had much luck in the dating department, but he’d hit the jackpot finding a bride. Not that Alejandro was in the market for one himself. “But you’ve never gone to so much trouble for a woman before.”
Any trouble, really. Enrique expected women to fall at his feet. Those with dreams of being a princess and queen would until they tired of his self-centeredness. But Julianna was different…
“The royal wedding will generate a tremendous amount of publicity.” He lowered his voice. “Julianna must be dressed appropriately for the ceremony and reception.”
Too bad Enrique needed to feed his ego, not please Julianna the way she deserved to be pleased and cherished. Alejandro rolled his eyes in disgust.
“The princess is always at the top of the Best Dressed Lists.” He hadn’t been able to sleep last night. He’d searched the internet to learn more about Julianna. “She is a fashion icon for women, young and old.”
“In everyday clothing, yes,” Enrique said. “Being a princess bride is different. I have assembled the top experts here. A dress designer and her team, makeup artists, hairstylists and many others. This is all for her.”
