Paris and the Prince: A BWWM Billionaire Romance (Royal Weddings Book 1) (12 page)

W
hen Whitney's
plane touched down at the private airport in Dalvana, her bodyguard Orin finally ventured to ask the question he'd been dreading since they left Estia.

“Princess Whitney... There are bound to be photographers waiting outside the terminal when we leave. Would like us to do something in order to avoid unnecessary attention?”

Even as he asked the question, he knew what her answer would be. Leonard and Penelope had begged Orin to do anything he could to keep a low profile. But the glint of revenge in Whitney's eyes made it clear that she had no intention of doing anything to make this easy on anyone. If anything, she was going to cause a massive scene. And Orin had zero chance of preventing it. He was a full two feet taller than Whitney, and outweighed her by 150-pounds easy, and yet... he was terrified of her.

Whitney grabbed her Hermès bag and put on her Chanel sunglasses, and stared at Orin with contempt in her eyes.

“I have no intention of hiding from the press, Orin. Let them know I'm here. Let the press force Alex to face up to what he's done. Either way, he's going to have to deal with me. Sooner rather than later. Is there a limo waiting outside the door?”

Her tone made it clear that wasn't meant to be a question. If the limo wasn't there, Orin was going to be physically assaulted by the Princess, likely in front of the photographers. Whitney had never cared about anyone in the media believing she was a shrinking violet. For some, it endeared her to them. They believed she was feisty and funny. They didn't know that really, she was just mean and violent. She'd been known to shout at children that tried to speak to her, and in one PR nightmare, kicked a little boy who accidentally got chocolate on her Gucci skirt.

Orin knew that whatever was about to happen in Dalvana, it was going to be horrible for everyone who wasn't Whitney.

I should have quit yesterday
, he thought as he followed her dutifully off the plane.

K
ing Alexander
and Cat sat in his office, still as statues, staring at each other with absolute terror in their eyes. They had been sitting like that for half an hour, Cat holding Alexander's hand as he summoned up the will (and intestinal fortitude) to return Leonard's sixty-three phone calls. Twice, the King had picked up the phone, then panicked and put it back down. Finally, Catriona bit her lip and squeezed her husband's hand.

“Let's just get this over with, darling. It won't get easier, the longer we wait. It's going to be horrible no matter what.”

Alexander nodded resolutely at his wife, squeezed her hand back, then picked up the phone.

“Joy, can you please connect me to King Leonard of Estia... Yes, Joy. I'm sure.”

Cat smiled somberly as Alexander was connected. She watched as a conversation she could only hear one side of took place, but she could easily fill in the blanks.

“Hello, Leonard... Yes, I apologize for not returning your calls more promptly, but things have been a bit hectic here, as you can imagine... No, Leonard, I assure you, I have NOT been avoiding you.”

Cat snorted a quick laugh, then hastily covered her mouth so Leonard wouldn't know she was in the room.

“Leonard, I am very sorry for the way this played out. It is not the way we would have chosen. However, Alexander has made a decision regarding his future, and as his parents, we are bound by love and honor to support him. I'm afraid we are going to have to call off the engagement with Whitney.”

The screaming on the other end was so loud, the King had to pull the phone away from his ear to avoid damage to his hearing. Catriona's eyes opened wide in shock, but King Alexander just shook his head, choosing not to listen to the torrent of profanities that were being hurled his way from the other side of the line. After what felt like an eternity, Alexander finally decided he'd had enough.

“Leonard, Leonard. Calm down. I understand your disappointment, and we are willing to find a way to make up for the fact that we are reneging on our side of the agreement, but let's be civil and rational, please. Whitney and Alexander have never gotten along. It is a different era from the one in which we were matched with our wives, and perhaps it's time for all of us to…
modernize
a bit, eh? Now, if you can discuss this calmly with me, I am willing to continue the conversation. But if you are going to proceed with your shouting, I'm afraid I will have to say goodbye.”

Even from ten feet away, Cat could hear Leonard slam the phone down on his end. But Alexander didn't even jump. He anticipated that Leonard wasn't capable of being rational or calm.

“So how bad is this going to be?” Cat whispered.

The King rubbed his temples.

“Bad. It's going to be bad.”

O
n the other
side of the castle, in a garden that was completely hidden from prying eyes, Paris and Alex had no idea what was going on in the King's office. They didn't know anything about Whitney creeping her way toward their cozy bit of romance. All they knew was how warm the sun felt on their skin as it peeked through the canopy of trees above. All they knew was the intoxicating smell of lilacs drifting all around them as they lay entwined in the soft, emerald grass. All they knew was the comfort of their fingers clasped together as they talked about their lives before they met, about what they wanted from the future, about what they wanted in a future together.

“Paris, I haven't yet properly apologized for... everything, that happened. For bringing you here without explaining, for not telling you the whole truth about who I am, and for stealing you away from your studies. I know you're missing classes, and I feel terrible about that.”

Paris laughed, and leaned over to kiss Alex on the cheek.

“I will definitely have a lot of explaining to do when I get back, and some credits to catch up on, but I can't say I'm totally disappointed to be here.”

Alex smiled, but there was a little bit of sadness in his smile.

“I know it's a big decision, and a lot to think about, but would you ever consider picking up your medical studies here? I know you might have to re-take some classes, but I'm sure we could find a way to help you get started.”

Paris sat up and looked at Alex lying on the grass. His eager eyes smiled up at her, and she felt the butterflies again.

“Are you serious? You want me to... move here?”

“Well, I asked you to be my wife. That would be fairly difficult if you were living on another continent.”

Paris lay back down next to Alex, her head spinning with a hundred different thoughts. Alex could sense her hesitation, and offered her some reprieve.

“You don't have to decide now, Paris. But in the meantime, today is actually Matthias' birthday. We've had a party planned for quite some time, more of a ball, I suppose, since he's turning twenty-one. I'd like it very much if you'd be my date.”

Paris laughed.

“A prince wants me to be his date to a ball? Sure, because that happens to me every day.”

Alex rolled to his side and peppered Paris' face with kisses.

“I'm glad to be the first! Mother is going to take you to get a dress today, if you're willing to face the possibility of running into photographers.”

Paris kissed Alex back, slowly, with all of the passion she felt for him.

“I've made it this far. A few photographers aren't going to scare me off.”

“
Y
ou're
sure you won't wear white? You're absolutely sure?”

Paris scrunched up her nose at a lovely, simple white evening gown, but a gown that would not have suited her body type at all.

“I really do look terrible in white, I promise.”

Cat laughed and sent the dress away on the arms of a flustered assistant.

“Oh, my love. That's just silly. I'm sure you'd look beautiful in anything. But generally, attendees at birthday parties for royals in Dalvana wear white or black. Could we consider black?”

Paris had never been a fan of black. While she wasn't averse to mixing it into her everyday wardrobe, she never felt like herself in it. Cat, like her son, had excellent instincts, and saw the hesitation on Paris' face.

“Hmm... You know what, my dear? Why in the world should you blend in with everyone else? You are far too lovely for that! And furthermore, I am tired of black and white myself! Estella... darling! Fetch me that lovely red Dior number that Armand told me you were getting in, in my size, would you? And for Paris... I think I have just the dress in mind.”

Cat disappeared into a back room with Estella, the assistant, and left Paris to explore the racks of shockingly expensive dresses, and the beautiful shoes set around on actual silver pedestals. Trying on clothing was never her favorite pastime, and she was just about to plop down in a huge velvet armchair when she spotted a pair of gorgeous heels, twinkling from a locked glass case in the corner. The simple white heels were set in the loveliest swirling design from heel to toe, sparkling with what almost looked like diamonds. Paris had just touched her hand to the glass when Estella walked up behind her.

“Beautiful, aren't they?”

Paris jumped a foot off the ground.

“I... I wasn't going to do... anything. I promise.”

Estella giggled.

“Of course not, Miss Paris. I would never presume such a thing. Many times a day, I find myself stopping to marvel at them. They truly are one-of-a-kind. The last three Queens of Dalvana have worn them.”

“Are those diamonds? Real diamonds?”

Estella blushed, as if the implication of anything less was offensive.

“Of course, Miss! Over twenty karats. The last time the appraiser came in, he valued them at over four million American dollars.”

Paris practically fell back away from the case, suddenly afraid to so much as breathe in the direction of the shoes.

“That's... That's more than ten times what it will cost me to go to medical school!”

Estella bowed and smiled softly at Paris.

“They are shoes fit for a queen, Miss.” She whispered conspiratorially, “I think they'd look most lovely on you.”

Paris was just about to argue when Cat walked out from the back carrying one of the loveliest dresses Paris had ever seen in her life. It was long, made from a combination of royal blue chiffon, teal silk, and teal lace. The elegant cap sleeves, bodice, and back were made from the lace, with little pearls as buttons leading up a high neck in the back but a low cut front. The chiffon crossed delicately over the chest from the sleeves, and then led down to the flowing skirt, looking almost like the ocean lapping gently at a sandy beach. The whole dress was finished off with a thin teal belt, encrusted in the front with a small flower made of tiny blue gemstones. Paris couldn't even form words as she stared at the exquisite dress.

“Now, Estella here will probably have to take this in a little around the waist, and let it out a little at the chest and the hips, but we can do that today, right?”

Estella nodded enthusiastically and started hurrying Paris into one of the canopied dressing rooms.

“Estella will be right in to help you. But start slipping into it, Paris!”

Once Paris was safely ensconced in the dressing room, Catriona grabbed Estella's arm and held her back.

“Estella, dear... Fetch the keys to the case with the diamond shoes please.” She gave the servant a small wink. “They are indeed shoes that are fit for a Queen.”

A
s Dennis pulled
the car up in front of the palace, Paris was totally caught off guard by the amount of activity currently taking place. There were florists rushing around with huge bouquets of white flowers, chefs and waiters carrying trays full of food from vans into the house, and a bevy of men, hanging twinkling lights all over the front walk. As she got out of the car, she couldn't help but surprise herself, as she was overcome with a feeling of belonging, even amongst all of the grandeur.

Catching Paris off guard, Cat rushed around the side of the car and took her arm, rushing her into the house.

“Okay, Paris. Joy, our press secretary here, is going to take you to your room to help you get ready. She will have your dress, and she is very skilled at doing lovely hair and makeup. At a quarter to eight, I'll have Alex come collect you from your room. If you need more time, just let Joy know! Otherwise, I will see you at the party. Okay, my sweet?”

Once again, Paris felt overwhelmed by the kindness the Lennox family was showing her, and she was struck by the immense affection she felt for Cat. In a rush of emotion, she leaned over and kissed Catriona on the cheek.

“Thank you. For everything. For being so kind. For accepting me. For being... amazing. No matter what happens in the future—I will never forget you.”

Cat's eyes filled with tears and she squeezed one of Paris' hands in her own. Not accustomed to showing emotion like this in front of her staff, she rushed off before Joy could see the tears roll down her cheeks. Paris felt tears building herself, but she didn't have time to succumb to them. Joy grabbed Paris' hand and started pulling her toward the guest wing.

“We don't have a lot of time to get ready! I've already had the dress and shoes taken to the room. The makeup is all set up so I can start right away, and I've set some curlers to heat. I thought we could straighten your hair, then put in some soft, big curls. Now, I don't know if the Queen spoke to you about the shoes, but the one condition the keeper of the Crown Jewels had to lending them was that one of our security guards be present. So if you see a man in a suit watching you, don't worry. He's just watching the shoes.”

They were already in Paris' room, Joy having moved at a breakneck pace through the palace, when Paris threw up her hands to stop her from continuing.

“Hold it! Shoes? What shoes? A security guard? What are you talking about?”

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Joy opened it to a hulking man in a suit with a deeply stern face. He handed Joy a velvet box, which she accepted gingerly, before nodding with appreciation and shutting the door on him. When she opened the box for Paris to see, Paris couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. She was fairly confident all of her blood stopped flowing. Joy smiled over the top of her horn-rimmed glasses.