Page 29 of The Heart of the King

In her dreams, she was secure and loved and adored by the man she’d married on a drunken whim.

If only the same could be true when she awoke.

Christmas Day camewhether David felt ready or not. He didn’t have a present for Jasmine, not really, though they’d simply said they weren’t going to get each other gifts because they didn’t know each other well enough yet. That didn’t sit well with David, but he wasn’t sure what the alternative would be. He had something, but it wasn’t a gift, per se.

He had Stewart put him in contact with Jasmine’s parents to see if there was any chance they could come for a visit after all.

As Jasmine predicted, they were unable to get away. Or unwilling was perhaps a better way of putting it. At least that was David’s impression, since their options were to stay home with everyone except Jasmine or come to Auverignon and have only Jasmine.

He kind of understood that decision but expected it had made the day more difficult for his wife than it would have been otherwise. Like she’d pointed out, he didn’t know how to make her feel better.

They had some obligations, though. The church service was something new, at least it hadn’t been done in recent years, but it used to be common. Afterward, they’d gone to a soup kitchen and helped serve lunch before visiting an orphanage in the afternoon.

At least they’d stayed busy.

Now that evening was upon them, they’d be alone. Maybe he’d see if she liked some of those cheesy Christmas movies. Or find out her favorite Christmas meal, if it wasn’t too late to make it.

It had been too cold and dark to walk, so David had driven them the five minutes to the cathedral then to and from each engagement during the day.

There hadn’t been much discussion while driving from place to place. David told her about places of interest. Jasmine pointed out some buildings and Christmas decorations she liked. She’d even mentioned that she was looking forward to spending a full Christmas season in Auverignon.

It made him happy to know that she wanted to be around a year from now.

Before they could decide if they wanted to spend their lives together, ruling his country, they needed to spendtimetogether.

There was no better time to start than Christmas.

He pulled under the portico where they could be seen exiting the vehicle. No doubt cameras were rolling and still photos would be spread.

“Be sure to smile and not look exhausted,” he told Jasmine before they rolled to a complete stop.

“Of course.” She sounded weary, just like he felt.

Staff members opened their doors. He was closer to the building so he waited for her to walk around. Reaching out, David took her hand as they walked inside. Once through the doors, he didn’t let go but kept walking.

“Where are we going?” she asked as he led them a different direction than normal.

David grinned. “You’ll see. It’s not really a present, but it is a surprise.”

The happy face she’d put on outside had disappeared, replaced by the weary one. “A good surprise?”

“I hope it’s not a bad one. I don’t think it will be.”

They came to a stop outside two massive wooden doors. “What’s this?” Jasmine perked up a little bit.

He let go of her hand and pushed the doors open. “Our new home.”

“What?” She followed him through the doors and into the sitting room.

“The monarch’s quarters. It needed some repairs and furniture changed out. It doesn’t have to stay this way if we don’t like it, but the staff has worked to make sure it’s done for today.”

“It’s enormous.” She looked around the room. “How big is it?”

David shrugged. “Several sitting rooms. A bunch of bedrooms and bathrooms. A full kitchen, though I don’t think it’s been used since my grandfather took over. I can’t imagine him cooking, or allowing my grandmother to, not once he was the monarch. Do you want the full tour now?”

Jasmine shook her head. “Not now. I want to change clothes and chill for the rest of the evening.”

He kissed her cheek. “That sounds perfect, especially if you don’t mind chilling with me.”

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