Page 36 of A Royal Disaster
“Of course,” Elena said, nodding and smoothing her pristine apron. “I’m a professional and I have a class to teach. I’ll worry about my aunt later.”
Head held high, spine straight, she led the way back to the shop with Nia and Liam trailing behind her. He couldn’t speak for Nia, but he was anxious to see what the afternoon held. Judging by Elena’s reaction, it wasn’t going to be boring.
When they reentered the studio, Elena plucked a bell from the counter and rang it, calling for the children’s attention. Liam scanned the room, skipping over Jack and Ethan, who stood on either side of the front door, trying to determine which of the women was Elena’s aunt. His gaze raked over the adults who were lined up along the side walls of the studio, pausing on a middle-aged woman with warm bronze skin and midnight tresses who shared the same expressive brown eyes he’d come to associate with Elena. She smiled broadly when she noticed him staring and he returned the gesture—certain he had nothing to worry about—before turning his attention to Elena.
She stood before the class, showing them a print with a swirling golden tree on it. She explained that the piece was calledTree of Lifeand that it was a mosaic created by Gustav Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter. She went on to show them two accompanying prints,The ExpectationandThe Embrace, which together withTree of Lifecomprised the Stoclet Frieze. He was impressed with how well she commanded their attention, managing to squeeze in an art history lesson even as she explained the symbolism and the technique, which they’d be applying to the day’s project. Each child was to paint their own interpretation of the twistingTree of Life, with inspiration from their own lives replacing the companion pieces.
Sounded easy enough. He might even try his own hand at it.
“Most of you already know my helper, Nia,” Elena said, gesturing to her friend, “but today we have another very special guest with us.” She turned to him, a toothy grin fixed in place, the corners of her eyes crinkling as the children looked on expectantly. “I’d like to introduce you all to my friend, His Royal Highness, Prince William of Valeria.”
The room erupted in chaos, the children all craning their necks and speculating about the possibility of a real prince in their midst.
Liam smiled and waved modestly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Are you really a prince?” a little boy sitting at the first table asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“I am.” The moment the words passed his lips, the kids began peppering him with questions, shouting them out fast and furious, each one louder than the last as they vied for his attention. He tried to answer them all—he didn’t want anyone to feel left out—but it was utter chaos.
A little girl approached, stopping right in front of him and crossing her arms over her chest. “My mom says the British royals are way more interesting than Valerian royals.”
Shite. What was he supposed to say to that? Sweat coated his palms as the little girl stared up at him expectantly. He was well versed in political maneuvering, court machinations, and international relations, but when it came to kids? He was out of his depth and he wasn’t too proud to call for reinforcements. He turned to Elena, who was attempting to hide a fit of laughter behind her hand, and silently pleaded for help.
Eventually, she gestured to the sample painting.
Right. Get the class back on track. “It looks like we have a lot of talented artists in the class. I’m hoping you can all teach me a little something about art. Do you think you can do that?”
The children shouted a chorus of “yeses” as Elena and Nia beamed at them.
“Let’s get started then,” Elena said, clapping her hands together as she and Nia began moving among the tables, issuing instructions as the children scrambled to put their aprons on.
Liam shoved down his nerves and followed their lead, stopping frequently to answer questions about what it was like growing up royal and praising the children’s artwork. He wasn’t much help in the way of providing guidance, but even he could give encouragement. Not that the children needed much. They went to work immediately, creating their own swirling trees in rich shades of gold, green, purple, and red. He saw nearly every color of the spectrum represented as he moved from one table to the next.
Throughout his travels, he couldn’t help but watch Elena. Her dark hair was twisted on top of her head, secured with a pencil, and she wore a plain black T-shirt and leggings under the red EVA apron, but he was certain he’d never seen her look more beautiful. Her eyes shone with pride, and her laughter carried sweet and light above the cacophony of the studio. She was a natural with the children and they responded brilliantly to her passion for the arts. Not that he was surprised. In the short time he’d known Elena, he’d come to realize she was one of the most genuine, giving people he’d ever known.
Hell, this class was evidence of her kind heart. The fact that she was offering a class at her own expense, even as her business was flailing and the threat of bankruptcy hung over her head, was a testament to both her character and her spirit.
The world could use more people like her.
“Perdón?”
Liam tore his gaze from Elena, turning to find the dark-eyed woman he was certain must be Tía Rosa. Jack took a step toward them and Liam gave a curt shake of the head. It wasn’t unusual for his bodyguards to run interference with anyone who approached him, but this was Elena’s aunt, and, if he was being honest, he wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity to learn more about her life here in New York.
“I’m Tía Rosa, Elena’s aunt,” she said by way of introduction. “And, since my niece is not returning my calls and has told me nothing about you, I figured it was time I took matters into my own hands.”
Liam smiled reflexively, although he was at a loss for words. Despite extensive coaching, he couldn’t seem to come up with an appropriate response.
Assuming one existed.
Undeterred, Tía Rosa continued. “What are your intentions toward my niece?”
“Intentions?” Liam parroted back, stalling for time.
Bollocks. Maybe he should have let Jack intercede on his behalf after all.
“Don’t play coy,” Tía Rosa said, lifting a knowing brow. “I’m sure you are aware Elena’s parents have passed.” She paused, making the sign of the cross. “It’s my duty to look after her. She’s like a daughter to me, and she hasn’t had it easy. I won’t have anyone—incluso un príncipe muy guapo,” she said, looking him up and down, “making a mockery of her.”
Indignation flared deep in Liam’s gut, and he had to remind himself Tía Rosa had only Elena’s best interest at heart. Truly, it was a blessing that Elena had someone who cared so deeply about her. Besides, he couldn’t exactly fault her for being suspicious. Elena had been decimated in the tabloids and Tía Rosa had no way of knowing he was doing everything in his power to fix it. When he spoke, he willed her to hear the truth of his words. “I would never do anything to hurt Elena.”
