I hastily make my way toward her, only taking the time to discard my jacket before unzipping my pants and thrusting into her.
This isn’t how I saw the start of my day going, but I’d be crazy to complain.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Richard greets me with a bow the second I sit down at the head of the table in the formal dining room. “Your usual breakfast and coffee?”
“Just coffee for now, Richard.”
I do my best to keep my tone as professional and even as possible, despite the fact I’m struggling to catch my breath after the incredible sex I just had. I can only imagine how flushed my complexion must still be, how mussed up my hair is. But it was completely worth it. Anything to make Nora feel loved is worth it.
“Ms. Tremblay will be joining me shortly.”
“Of course, sir.” He nods, then spins, leaving through the server’s door on the far side of the room.
I grab a copy of the New York Times from the table and unfold it as I glance around. A few members of the household staff are stationed in the corners of the room, as stoic and unmoving as statues, only coming to life when ordered to do so.
“Here you are, sir,” Richard says, placing my coffee mug and saucer in front of me. “Is there anything else I can get for you right now?”
“I’ll wait to order until Ms. Tremblay arrives.”
“Certainly, sir.” He bows and starts to leave.
“And Richard?”
“Yes?”
“Please inform Lieutenant Colonel Bridge to hold off on his morning briefing until Ms. Tremblay is here. Going forward, she’ll need to be a part of them, since my schedule will also affect her.”
He nods. “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”
“Thank you.”
He bows once more, then retreats, leaving me to enjoy the last few moments of calm before the day becomes one engagement after another. As much as I should find some sort of familiarity in being in the same room I’ve begun each of my days while in residence here, it’s lacking. The one thing that does bring me comfort is turning to the New York Times, like I did each morning in New York.
As does the smell of Nora still on my fingers whenever I bring my coffee to my mouth.
While I wait for her to join me, I peruse the various national newspapers I request be delivered every morning. After nearly an hour, I begin to wonder if I should go check on her when the door to the dining room opens. I snap my head in that direction as Richard enters and stops past the entrance, body stiff, as if at attention.
When Nora steps in behind him, all the oxygen is ripped from my lungs, leaving me breathless, thoughtless…mindless. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Grace Kelly herself came back from the dead and just sauntered into my dining room. It’s remarkable how much Nora resembles her, apart from her hair having a bit more strawberry in it than the first American princess had.
She glides into the room, as if she’s walking on air. As if she were made for this life. Even the few other attendants can’t help but stare. I all but forget the manners that have been drilled into me, too stunned by how incredible she looks. It’s not until she’s within a few inches that I remember to stand to greet her. I brush my lips against her cheek, then step back, admiring the green-and-white floral dress that’s slim through the waist, then flares in a style similar to what Grace Kelly once wore. And in typical Grace Kelly style, Nora completed the look with a simple strand of pearls around her neck and one in each ear.
“You look beautiful, Nora. Like a princess.”
“Good.” She laughs nervously. “Because I feel like an imposter.”
I hold her face in my hands, my gaze unwavering. “You’re only an imposter if you let them think you are. And from where I’m standing, you’re the real deal.”
She gives me a smile as I help her into the chair kitty-corner to me. The second we’re seated, Richard approaches.
“What would you like to drink this morning, my lady?”
Obviously taken aback at the way he addressed her, Nora stiffens before recovering, playing the part of my future queen with ease. “Decaf, please. Just a touch of cream and one stevia sweetener, if you have it.”
“Of course, ma’am.” He smiles, then looks toward me. “What would Your Highness like for breakfast this morning?”
I peer at Nora, silently asking her if she has any preference. Her expression is uneasy as she fidgets with her hands in her lap. She seems overwhelmed enough as it is, so I order for us.
“We’ll both have two eggs, over easy, buttered toast, and fruit.”
“Yes, sir.” He bows, then retreats.
“It’s going to take me a bit to get used to all of this,” she comments under her breath once he’s out of ear shot. “I’m used to being able to eat breakfast in just a t-shirt, my hair knotted in a messy bun.”
I fold the newspaper and push it away, grabbing her hand in mine, giving it a squeeze. “And you’re just as gorgeous in a t-shirt.”
“You’re only saying that because I wasn’t wearing any pants in that scenario.”
I pinch my lips into a tight line. “Perhaps.” I waggle my brows as I lean toward her, sliding my hand up her thigh. “But you’re not wearing any pants right now, either.”
She playfully swats me away. “Fiend.”
“Only for you.”
Hearing a throat clear, I look up as Lieutenant Colonel Bridge walks up to the table. I’d love to tell him to wait until we’ve at least eaten, but this morning’s…activities have already put us behind schedule.
“Your Highness.” He bows, then turns toward Nora. “My lady.” He meets my stare once more. “If you’re agreeable, I think it’s best if we go over today’s agenda.”
I nod, gesturing to the chair opposite Nora.
He unbuttons his suit jacket as he sits and sets his tablet on the surface in front of him, but his posture is still straight. “Today is a light day because of the announcement.” He looks at Nora as Richard places her coffee in front of her. “Tomorrow will be rather hectic for you, my lady. Once you’re announced as Prince Gabriel’s fiancée, you’ll be assigned your own private secretary to manage your daily calendar, which will be synched with Prince Gabriel’s. You’ll also have your own PR team to take care of any and all publicity. I’m sure His Highness has already advised you, but going forward, it’s best if you restrict any of your social media time. In fact, your PR team will most likely advise you to close all your current accounts and start new ones, which they will manage on your behalf.”
“But all my profiles are private. Only my friends can see what I post. I—”
“Once His Majesty announces his official approval, there will no longer be anything private about you. The public will want to know everything, and they’ll dig wherever they need in order to get that.”
I can sense Nora’s nerves from a foot away. As if today isn’t stressful enough for her. This is why I’d hoped to have a long engagement. Now we’re essentially cramming for an exam, and Nora will be doing the bulk of the work.
“Don’t worry about any of that,” I tell her, her face already several shades paler than when she walked in here minutes ago. “It’s all going to be okay.”