Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“How long will it take you to get me more information on her interests in the States?”
“I’m working on getting that to you as soon as possible. There are some layers to be pulled back.”
To be honest, he has turned over this information more quickly than I expected. I had mentally prepared myself for the wait.
“Very good, Williams. And the Heathworth Manor?”
“It is in her name. The staff has been keeping the grounds and caring for the manor. You are right, Your Highness. Something seems to be untoward. I will continue to look into it all.”
“Thank you.”
Williams looks me in the eyes, watching me silently. I lift a brow at him. He stands a bit straighter.
“I was wondering how it feels, Your Highness. You have found her.”
“My mother has found her. I’m not sure how I feel. She’s not what I expected. Although I never expected to find her at all.”
Williams clears his throat. “She is quite lovely. She looks just like her mother. She was an enchanting young woman.”
“Yes, so I’ve heard.”
Williams reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photograph. He hands me the photo across my desk. I take it and stare at the image before me in awe.
The woman in the photo looks just like Cinder. The only reason I can tell the difference between the two is the out-of-date clothing. I’ve heard how beautiful the princess was, but I don’t remember her.
“Magnificent, are they not?”
“The American never stood a chance. Cinder. I think I’m in shock, Williams. I was drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. I had no idea she was Princess Cinder Marie Heathworth-Ellis, my missing betrothed.”
Williams gives a rare smile. “Yes, that she is. I’m sure the young ladies who have been preparing for their invitations to the ball will be very disappointed to hear that there will be no grand gala.”
“We’re not calling off the ball. Not until I understand what’s going on. She hasn’t a clue who she is. This has to be for a reason. I want to get to the bottom of what has happened. Her identity is to remain a secret until I have this sorted,” I say firmly.
“Your Highness, I beg your pardon, but you just agreed that she looks just like her mother. Anyone who knew of the princess will know who she is immediately,” Williams says.
He’s right. I sit back in my seat and steeple my fingers in front of my lips. I want Cinder to get to know Verlez, the kingdom and its people, but that could be a bit tricky if I want to keep her a secret until I have a handle on what’s going on.
“You have a point. We’ll have to be careful.”
Williams gives me a cautious look. “As you wish. I will have a talk with the staff as well. They do love to gossip.”
“Thank you.”
CHAPTER 8
Event Planning
Cinder
“These are the invitations I thought would suit you and the event best. Strong but elegant,” I say as I pull the sample from my folder.
That’s right, I took my files with me when I left. Those three can figure out how to plan the events they booked on their own. My email is loaded with clients wanting to know what happened to me.
It’s a dumpster fire back in New York. It’s burning me up not to reply. I want to fix it all, but those three need to learn a lesson. If I jump in, they will just take the credit like they always do.
Nope, I’m not having it.
“I like this one,” Princeton says, taking the invitation from my hand. “Can we get it in navy blue?”
“Hold on. I believe we can.” I pull up a catalog on my tablet and flip through to the invitation. “Yes, we sure can. Would you like to go with the gold lettering or the silver?”
“What do you think?” he asks, placing a hand on the center of my back.
My brain short-circuits. I’ve been trying to grow back brain cells all morning. I’m surprised I’m functioning.
The. Man. Sleeps. Naked.
That body is so much nicer in the buff. His body heat is so delicious. It’s the only reason I got any sleep.
When I turned onto my side to give him my back last night, he took that as an invitation to wrap an arm around me and spoon my body. Talk about stunned. The erection that stabbed me in the butt all night was more than impressive.
“Cinder?” he says, rubbing his hand up and down my back.
“Um, yes. I think both will look amazing. Perhaps gold would be best. Yes, gold.”
“Perfect. We’ll go with that.”
“Okay, let’s move on to the decor.”
“Good afternoon, lovelies,” Mrs. Blake, or should I say, Queen Joy, sings as she joins us on the veranda.
Princeton stands and places a kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, Mother.”