Page 44 of Royal Catch
I step into my room and let out a breath of relief. Still empty. I yank back the covers so it looks like I was there, and head for the luxury of the shower. I’m worn out from our night. Both of us knowing time was running out, we didn’t want to waste a single moment. I close my eyes in the steamy spray, my mind drifting to all the ways we pleasured each other. I sigh and replay it moment by moment.
As far as I know, there are no more competitions, so after my shower I dress in a cute green and white striped sundress with my sandals. Maybe I can relax on the beach today. Maybe Gabriel and his brothers can join me. It’s not the same as just the two of us, but…it’s what I can reasonably do given the Francesca situation.
Someone knocks quietly on the door just as I finish getting dressed. Probably Anna. She’s a quiet sort.
“Come in!” I call.
Anna steps in, does a completely unnecessary curtsy, and says, “The queen has asked for you to appear in her private sitting room as soon as possible.”
Excitement courses through me. The last time I was summoned to the queen’s private sitting room, it was to meet Gabriel. “I’ll go now.”
She follows. “It really is the queen this time.”
“What’s up?”
“I don’t know. She asked for Francesca too.”
A vague memory tickles my brain. Gabriel had mentioned that on Sunday we’d meet with the queen. It had completely slipped my mind in my angst over him. “I guess she’s going to make her choice today.”
“I hope it’s you, Your Highness,” she says warmly, surprising me.
“Thanks, Anna, I appreciate that. I’m sure you must’ve noticed I don’t fit in so well in the royal mold they have going on here. Things are much looser at home.”
“We need more loosening up here. I think you’re perfect, ma’am.”
I stop short, my throat tight.Me? Perfect?I throw my arms around her in a big hug. “You’re the best.”
She blushes and bobs her head. What a sweetheart.
We arrive in the sitting room, which is not the room I met Gabriel in before. Anna does a quick curtsy and disappears.
The queen sits in a highback chair, dressed impeccably in a lavender short-sleeved dress with a white cardigan, probably cashmere. Her expression is as serious as a heart attack. Gabriel sits adjacent to her on a blue velvet sofa. He smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Whatever is about to happen, it can’t be good.
I approach the pair and bow my head first to the queen. I curtsy too, though it’s tough with the tight fit of my dress. “Good morning, Your Majesty.”
“Good morning,” she says flatly.
I turn to Gabriel. Our eyes lock in an intense gaze. My pulse skitters, my mouth goes dry, and every nerve ending tingles with electric awareness, tuned in to him. I manage a small curtsy. “Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Good morning, Polly.” Only it sounds likeI love you. The warmth in his voice washes over me like a hug. My heart pounds in my ears, and my knees go weak.
The queen arches a brow at him. Apparently she noticed his tone held something more.
Gabriel indicates the matching blue sofa across from him, and I take a seat.
Francesca walks in with her maid, walking at a sedate pace, her eyes downcast. She’s dressed in a white lace dress that makes her olive-toned skin glow. It’s modest with a high neck and short sleeves, ending past her knees. I can’t help but wonder if she was going for a bridal look.
Francesca bows her head to the queen and makes a deep curtsy that she holds for a good five seconds. My curtsy must’ve been an insult. Finally she lifts her head. “It’s an honor to see you again, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to see you too, Francesca.”
Francesca smiles before turning to Gabriel. Her smile drops as she does another deep curtsy to him. “Your Highness.”
“Please have a seat with Polly,” Gabriel says.
She shoots me an icy look before sitting at the far end of the sofa away from me. Her maid hovers behind us.
“I’d like some privacy,” the queen announces, calling off the staff in the room. A few security guards and the servants who previously helped with the competition immediately exit. “You too,” she snaps at Francesca’s maid.
