Page 16 of The Prince

“We are heading to the conference room next to our press area right now.”

“This palace is huge.”

“I know. And the parts where we invite the public are as far as possible from the family living areas.”

“I like that.”

“We do too.”

“I can imagine.” She hated publicity, detested the public eye in her private business. She had only been willing to be so open with the press because she felt so strongly about the park.

They entered a beautiful room, lined with windows, looking away from the ocean out to the plateau and grounds of the palace. Rows and rows of hedges surrounding flower gardens filled her immediate view. “I love it here.” She sighed. Then she laughed and turned to the table. But her throat caught on her next words. Daniel stood in front of her. He grinned. “I love you here.”

She gasped. His words sounded almost too much like something tender, which caused an ache inside. Until that moment, she hadn’t realized she’d been hoping to hear such a thing from Daniel, that her feelings of respect had grown and she was on a fast path to something more. “Glad I could come. I was just about to look over my notes. Do you want to talk about our message?”

“We can. But we all agree you should come out strong with your original thoughts from the beginning. I’ll tell you, you were right. We are a mess. The ministers are waffling, the press is attacking us. We have graffiti. Everything is a mess since you left.”

Her grin grew. She couldn’t help it. “I’m sorry. Obviously that’s not good news. But.” She swallowed, fighting sudden tears. “It just feels so good to be needed.”

He stepped nearer and took her hand in his own. “You are needed more than you know.” He pulled out her chair. But she didn’t sit. They stood, close, his eyes searching her face. “Everything is better when you are here.”

She closed the distance between them. “Is it?”

“Most definitely.” He tilted his head and pressed warm, soft lips to hers. She gripped his arm and let his kiss wash over her down to her toes. Then he created some space between them, aching, yearning space. “Much better.” His grin filled his face.

Her heart beat wildly. And she returned his smile. Things were much better for her when she was with him. Much of her fear dissipated and she felt strong. “Let’s get to work then.” Her eyes found his again, both silly with their continued glances and large smiles.

She pulled up her PowerPoint and some notes she had been working on. They discussed a plan; he listened carefully to what she explained, offered a few suggestions which she appreciated, and seemed pleased with the plan. “I think you are the missing piece to all the approaches I have been trying. You left so soon, I regret not having this conversation much, much sooner.”

Her heart thrilled inside. He appreciated her. He needed her insight. All this time he had not purposely assumed she had little to offer. It had been an oversight.

Thad returned and called them into the press room. She took a deep breath and calmed her shaking hands. Daniel nodded to her. “You’ll be great.” And they made their way.

The angry crowd surprised her. “What’s gotten into them?” She asked in an undertone, turning away from everyone.

“This is what happens when you go away.” Daniel shrugged. “Don’t let them rattle you. Their opinions could change in a matter of moments.”

Thad added. “They’re just worried about Torren.”

She remembered the torn down areas, the sad shops that were boarded up. And she had an idea. “Is there an initiative to rebuild?”

“Of course.”

“Excellent.” She stepped up to the microphone. “Hello everyone!” A room full of hands shot in the air and questions were shouted out at a pace she could not follow.

“Excuse me, please.” She waited and the room quieted down. “On the drive through Torren, I was saddened by the stores that remain boarded up, by the silent towns of people with torn up homes, by my beautiful homeland that is hurting and in need of help.” People scribbled furiously. “Rebuilding Torren is a wonderful idea, one I, we, fully support.” The people in the room gasped. “And so at this time, I am pleased to announce, straight from the palace press liaison,” She indicated Thad. “That Torren has a new plan to rebuild, an initiative supported by the crown.”

The shouts began again. “What kind of plan? How would it be funded?” One person shouted above another.

She held up her hands and they quieted. “I am as pleased as you that help is available. But that is not why we are here. We came today to talk about Cliff Bluff Park.”

They watched her, curious. At least she had their hopes engaged. She had no idea what the crown planned to do to rebuild Torren, but she knew they would. She was learning the Valdez family cared more for this island than anything else. They would not let it languish even if the funds came from their own pockets.

She proceeded to explain her vision for the park, for all the parks, and a new tourist initiative that would encourage eco tours and education about the unique wildlife and beauty that reside in Torren.

Daniel came to stand beside her, also following her lead and talking about the many other ways the park would be of monetary value to them.

Working side by side with Daniel, sharing her thoughts, her studies, her heartfelt desires, working for good. This is what she had been yearning for. And not once had she even thought about the angle to hold her head, how to use her hands or at which points to pause and smile. She had simply talked from the heart.

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