Page 25 of Forbidden Prince
His mother’s keen gaze noticed how tightly he held Renee's hand. She turned fast and spoke for the family, united. "And be there for when the votes aretallied."
His mother then came beside Renee and winked at her. He had no idea what that was about. Renee scooted closer and stared athim.
Every part of him wanted to bring her to his room and show her how intensely he cared forher.
Renee blinked and asked, "Where'sGreg?"
Something churned inside him, and he hated the feeling entirely. His hands brushed against her back, holding her. "He's talking to his mother,inside."
"Good. I was worried about him and his mother too." She swallowed and placed her head on his chest. "Marco, I was so scared for you. I didn't know what todo."
"I'm okay." He bit back mentioning what bothered him and instead held her in his arms. "Let's get back inside. I promised you a datetonight."
"I want to be with you. I don't care what we do." Renee glanced up at him. "But no more threats orviolence."
"Fair enough." He walked with her into the palace, holding her hand. "Normally our castle doesn't see this much excitement. I think half of it is because you and Kristin are American. But I promise to get to the bottom ofit."
"Where are we going?" sheasked.
"To be alone." Tonight, he'd have servants set up the tower room that overlooked the river and village. The room was small, but they could picnic among the stars and be together. If she wanted to leave, he’d have to let her see everything she’d miss, includinghim.
12
Marco hadto go meet with the generals. Kristin was with Antonio so Renee pilfered through the dresses in her bedroom until she found a dark green sundress with flower designs. The material was soft and perfect for herdate.
She showered, changed and stared at herself in the mirror. Life with Marco was dangerous and every time she thought about Greg and that bomb, her stomachtwisted.
However, Marco's kiss sent her into another orbit. She applied a coat of lip gloss when there was a knock on thedoor.
Before she could even call out, the queen entered. Renee dropped her lip gloss on the vanity. "Goodevening."
"Tomorrow is Kristin's wedding to Antonio." The queen closed thedoor.
Yes, Kristin had left a note that the bridesmaid’s dress would be delivered in the morning. "Just let me know how I canhelp."
"I'm looking forward to planning your wedding next." The queen sat on the vanity bench. "I had Lucio pull your background check which only convinced me further that you matched my son, but there was one thing I wanted to discuss withyou."
"Other than Marco hasn't asked me to marry him?" Renee sat across from thequeen.
"No, this is about your parents." Queen Anna dug into her pocket and showed Renee the open browser on her phone. "You left home after they disapproved of your boyfriend, Tom Heights, who is one of the most successful venture capitalists in the worldnow."
"That was a long time ago." Renee had blocked Tom and her parents talk with her from her mind, a long time ago. That was two months before she'd moved to Miami and became Kristin's roommate. Kristin had met him once when he returned a few of her personal items but refused to talk toher.
The queen leaned forward. "Why did you leave a man who became a multibillionaire? Most women would have told their parents that their disapproval didn'tmatter."
True. She sniffled and picked up a tissue so she didn't blot all her makeup. If Tom had been nicer, perhaps she would have. Marco treated her like she mattered and it should be enough for anyone. "Because... because I was stupid and valued theirapproval."
Queen Anna Camilla reached out and took her hand. "Renee, I read this and wanted to let you know that you'd be part of my family if you stayed and I'd very much like to have you as a daughter as well. Don't judge my son based on yourparents."
Tear poured down her face at Anna’s genuine warmth. She didn’t care that her makeup was ruined. Her own parents’ voices replayed in her head from years ago when they spoke about Tom being unreliable and a bad match for her because he valued his job. Her mother had said she needed someonestable.
"I can't believe you found out about Tom." Renee wiped her eyes. "I haven't thought about him inyears."
"It's getting late and you have a date with my son." The queen stood. "I just wanted to tell you that despite your parents’ beliefs, there are benefits to being a princess and in ourfamily."
"Thank you!" Renee walked her to the door, stunned by the depth of release she felt. Then, she sat before the vanity and reapplied her mascara. Tom was history—and she closed the book on him once and forall.
It was time. She opened the door to the hall and saw her maid. "Which way is the SouthTower?"
