Page 89 of Royal Caleva: Luis

“At least it will buy time for Luis to make the announcement about you and for Mikel to set up the false trail for the media,” Eve said. “Once those things are done, Odette will find it much harder to get the legitimate media to believe her.”

“She could still make an ugly stir, though,” Grace said.

“Did you speak with Luis after you saw Odette?” Eve asked.

“Yes.” Grace looked down again. “He was very sweet and kind, but I couldn’t deal with all the baggage between him and Odette. I wanted to talk to you.”

An unworthy flash of triumph zinged through Eve. Grace had chosen to share her feelings with Eve, not her father. Eve quashed the petty thought. “You don’t need to apologize for taking care of yourself in this situation, sweetheart. Your father won’t have a problem with that.”

Grace slumped back against the seat. “I’m so glad that’s over.”

“Are you sorry you met her?”

“No.” Two more tears traced down Grace’s cheeks. “I had to know if I was like her. But I’m not. I don’t even look like her, thank God!” Grace’s voice was fierce.

“Of course you’re not like her.” Eve used her thumb to gently wipe away the tears. “I told you that already. I would know if my daughter was a psychopath.”

“You’re biased,” Grace said with an exhausted smile.

“Not that biased.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“Right back at you, honey.” Eve leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Odette said being loved is overrated.”

“Only because she doesn’t know how to love someone, so she can’t feel loved in return. It’s a two-way street.”

“That’s how I know for sure I’m not like her. Because I always feel your love.”

Eve swallowed hard.

“I’m starting to love Luis too,” Grace said.

“That’s a good thing,” Eve said and meant it, but she felt the pain of her own separation from him.

“You know how you insisted that he tell me about the downside to being a princess?” Grace said. “I feel like I haven’t seen his downside. Odette said something about a king having to be ruthless.”

“Don’t let Odette poison your relationship with your father. That would play right into her hands,” Eve warned. “Luis has done nothing but draw you into the embrace of his family.” Eve let her mouth slant into a wry smile. “Perhaps a little high-handedly, but only because he was overjoyed to have found you.”

“He definitely pulled some major strings to get me to Caleva for the vet school meetings,” Grace admitted.

“Think of how Raul and Gabriel interact with him,” Eve said, considering the deep ties of affection she had seen among the three men. “There is no fear there. Respect, yes, but they clearly feel secure with Luis.”

Grace nodded before she looked at Eve. “And if he ever tries to steamroll me, I’ve got you on my side. Not even a king could stand up to you when you get riled up.”

Grace gave her far too much credit. Eve had let Luis distract her from her responsibilities to her daughter. “As long as he doesn’t throw me off the cliff.”

Grace’s laugh was shaky, but it was a laugh. Her daughter would be fine.

Two hours later, Luis paced across his office yet again. He had attempted to read a report, but he could think only about Grace and how she had come through her meeting with Odette. He knew Eve would support their daughter through whatever emotions were buffeting her, but he wanted to help Grace too.

When the door opened, he spun on his heel to see Bruno gesture Grace inside. A slash of disappointment cut through him as the door closed without also admitting Eve.

“Grace, hija mía!” In three strides, he was across the room and embracing her. His heart stuttered when she laid her head against his chest and hugged him in return. “Are you all right?”

She nodded against him and then slipped out of his arms to lift her head. “It’s behind me, and I’ll be fine. But thank you for worrying.”

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