Not-So-Perfect Princess (12 page)

“True.” But the freedom he craved did. Her marriage to Enrique would give Alejandro what he wanted. No more pressure or orders to fulfill his royal duties and obligations. Yet was marriage to his brother what Julianna wanted?

“Your castle may be a fantasy, but if that’s your dream I don’t understand why you want to marry Enrique.”

“It’s my duty.”

“You have a duty to yourself.”

She stopped digging in the sand. “I was raised to do whatever is best for Aliestle. I’ve always known a marriage would be arranged for me. That is the custom. And marrying Enrique is what’s best for my family and my country.”

She sounded genuine. Patriotic. Alejandro’s respect for her grew knowing the sacrifice she was making. “You hold duty in a much higher esteem than I do. You’re ready to dive headfirst into an arranged marriage knowing you’re sacrificing your dreams. I can’t wait to escape the demands of palace life. We are very different.”

Her gaze met his. “You want what’s best for your country.”

“Yes.”

“So do I. We’re just going about it differently.”

Julianna might think so, but he knew better. She was far more worthy than him. “My brother doesn’t deserve you.”

She shrugged. “He would say I don’t deserve him the way I’ve been sneaking around behind his back.”

Alejandro sprung to her defense. “You’re helping the island. Once we place—”

“Win.”

Her confidence pleased him. “Yes, win, I’ll be able to draw more attention to the sailing and tourism here. But my father and brother…”

“They have different ideas.”

“They have taken a completely different path,” Alejandro said. “Enrique thinks my efforts are too radical. He believes a royal wedding will accomplish the same thing as my plans.” Alejandro drew lines in the sand. He wanted to make his own mark somehow. “But I’m not going to let them stop me. I’ll turn this economy around and show them.”

“I’m certain you will.”

He appreciated her confidence. He also liked how her blond hair shone beneath the afternoon sun. So beautiful.

One of the garden staff sprinted across the beach with his arms loaded with colorful buckets, shovels and other sand tools. He placed them on the sand. “Compliments of Ortiz, Your Highnesses.”

Julianna’s grin lit up her face. “Please thank him for me.”

The young man bowed before walking away.

She shot Alejandro a suspicious glance. “You sent a text to Ortiz asking for all this.”

“Sometimes being a prince comes in handy.”

The gratitude sparkling in her eyes made it difficult for Alejandro to breathe. “Thank you.”

He ignored the quickening of his pulse and handed her one of the shovels. “Let’s see if we can build you a castle that will last.”

CHAPTER TEN

T
HAT EVENING,
Jules floated down the staircase on her way to dinner. Her sling-back heels felt more like ballet slippers as she descended and the hem of her cocktail dress swooshed above her knees. An afternoon with Alejandro had been exactly what she needed. Building a sand castle had been fun, but being with him had made her heart sing. He’d told her about growing up on the island and listened when she spoke. Something men in Aliestle, including her brothers, rarely did.

Jules wondered if he was in the dining room. Anticipation danced through her. She couldn’t talk to him as freely as she had on the beach, but being with him during the meal would be enough.

Realization dawned. She had a huge crush on him.

She giggled like a schoolgirl. That would explain her growing affection toward him. Though crushing on her future brother-in-law probably broke every rule in the princess handbook.

Well, she never claimed to be perfect. Besides, she’d never let the crush go anywhere.

She entered the dining room to find Alejandro and Enrique involved in a heated discussion. As soon as they saw her they stopped talking.

She saw three place settings on the table large enough to seat twenty-four. “Is no one else joining us?”

Enrique kissed the top of her hand. He seemed big on that gesture. But he’d made an effort. She shouldn’t complain.

“My father is dining with old friends,” he said.

“Brandt is dining with new friends,” Alejandro explained. “He took Klaus with him.”

No doubt with a push from Alejandro. She would have to thank him later. “Lucky me. I’m a fortunate woman to be dining with two handsome princes.”

Enrique stared down his nose at his brother. “Though one of us is handsomer than the other.”

Alejandro half-laughed. “In your dreams, bro.”

Jules wondered what Enrique would do or say. She hoped nothing.

He ignored his brother and escorted her to the table. That pleased Jules. But his stiff formality overshadowed how suave and debonair he looked tonight in his dark suit. If only he would relax and not always be so…on.

A footman pulled out her chair, and she sat. A server placed a napkin across her lap.

Alejandro took his seat in one easy, fluid motion. He was definitely relaxed. Still he looked stylish in his own right wearing a button-down shirt and black pants. Not too fancy, but not casual. Just…right.

Her admiring gaze met his and lingered. The temperature in the room seemed to increase. Her heart rate kicked up a notch.

His mouth quirked.

Oh, no. He must realize she was staring.

Jules looked away. She took a sip of ice water, but the liquid did nothing to cool her down.

Enrique sat at the head of the table in King Dario’s place. The ornate chair befit the king with his confidence and majestic splendor better than his son, who didn’t quite emanate the right amount of regality and power. In time that would come, Jules told herself. With more…maturity.

The light from the chandeliers dimmed. Lit candles in foot-tall crystal holders provided a warm glow. Platinum-rimmed china set atop silver chargers stood out on the crisp, white linen tablecloth. A stunning bouquet of roses and lilies in an elaborate silver vase added a light floral fragrance to the air.

A table fit for a future king. And queen, she reminded herself.

“Romantic,” Alejandro said.

Very. She forced her gaze off him and onto Enrique. This would be the perfect opportunity for her fiancé to show Jules he was willing to make an effort with their relationship. Oh, she wanted to dine with Alejandro, but if Enrique held out an olive branch, or a red rose in this case, she would gladly accept what he offered.

“You know.” Alejandro pushed back from the table. “I’m sure you both would prefer an intimate dinner for two.”

He glanced at Jules. She didn’t know whether to thank him for the suggestion or not. Her heart debated with her mind over the outcome each wanted. She looked at Enrique, holding her breath while waiting for his answer.

“That’s generous of you, but the table is set for three. You’re already seated,” Enrique said. “Please stay and dine with us. I’d like to finish our discussion.”

Relief mingled with disappointment. Jules would get to spend more time with Alejandro, but Enrique should have taken his brother up on his offer. If he’d listened to her in his office, he would have jumped at the opportunity for them to share a romantic dinner alone.

But he hadn’t, and he didn’t.

Was he that dense or was he trying to make some kind of point? Did he want a chaperone present so rumors couldn’t start? No matter what the reason, his decision stung.

She stared into her water glass, not wanting to participate in the brothers’ conversation about Alejandro’s most recent real estate purchase—a run-down hotel on the opposite side of the island.

The servers brought out the first course. Gazpacho.

Jules waited for Enrique to take the first sip, then did so herself. The cold tomato-based soup was one of her favorites. This version had a little more spices than she was used to, but she liked the tanginess.

Enrique wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I heard the two of you were out on the beach building sand castles today.”

Jules stirred uneasily. She didn’t want to risk saying too much so took a sip of white wine. The Albarino tasted crisp and fresh, a perfect complement to the acidity in the soup.

“Yes, I bumped into Julianna on the beach,” Alejandro said much to her relief. “She was having trouble making a sand castle with her hands so I asked Ortiz to send out some proper tools to use.”

“Tools.” Enrique snickered. “You mean, toys.”

Alejandro didn’t look at his brother. He picked up his wineglass and sipped, the same way she had.

Jules recognized the impatience in his eyes. He was trying hard not to say anything. She respected him for not losing his temper. It couldn’t be easy letting so much roll off his back. Maybe she could make it a little easier on him this time. He’d come to her assistance by speaking up before, now she could return the favor.

“Having the buckets and tools delivered was a sweet gesture.” The afternoon had been a pure delight. The time had flown by with all the talking and laughter. She’d shared her dreams with Alejandro, something she’d never done with anyone else. Not even Brandt.

But Alejandro made her feel safe and, like the people on this island, accepted. He seemed to know her so well—better than her own family. It was easy to open up around him. He’d become a good…friend.

“And much appreciated,” she added for Alejandro’s benefit. “I would have never been able to build my castle without those items. Especially one that…”

“Lasts.” Alejandro raised his glass to her. “Now everyone can live…”

“Happily ever after,” she said with a smile.

“You shouldn’t have been out there so long.” Enrique scowled, seemingly oblivious to how close she’d gotten to his brother. “You’re sunburned.”

Jules touched her face. “Where?”

He studied her as if she were flawed and should be returned to the store for a refund. “Your nose.”

“Fair skin,” she said.

“I didn’t notice it when you were in my office,” Enrique said.

Thank goodness this hadn’t been the result of sailing. That would have been a total disaster. “I must not have put on enough sunscreen this afternoon.”

“The sun is strong here,” Alejandro said. “I should have reminded you.”

Enrique nodded, one of the few times she’d seen him agree with his brother. “Makeup will hide the redness. But if you get sunburned any worse, the wedding pictures will be ruined.”

Jules knew he expected her to make him look good. She’d have to layer zinc oxide on her nose during the race. Not only would that protect her skin from the sun’s harsh rays, but the thick, white lotion would help disguise her face better. “I’ll be more careful when we’re out tomorrow.”

Enrique eyed her suspiciously. “Planning to build more sand castles?

A lot more careful. She swallowed. Another sunburn would be a dead giveaway she wasn’t spending much of the daylight hours asleep in her bed. “No, but I plan to be outside. I was hoping you could join me.”

Alejandro nodded his approval.

Enrique didn’t notice. “I have meetings.”

“You’ve heard about our afternoon, Enrique,” Alejandro said. “Tell us about yours.”

“It was more interesting than playing in the sand.” Enrique described his day in minute detail.

Jules mouthed the word “thanks.” She appreciated Alejandro shifting the focus off her and onto Enrique’s favorite subject—himself.

Courses paired with wines to complement the flavors of the dish came and went. Enrique droned on with Alejandro chiming in with comments spoken and muttered under this breath.

The differences between the two brothers became more distinct. Enrique was so focused on himself and his role as crown prince and future king, nothing else mattered. She wasn’t sure if he cared who sat at the table with him as long as someone was present to hear him speak.

But Alejandro wasn’t perfect, either. His blatant disdain for the responsibilities thrust upon him by his royal birth and his lack of respect for the monarchy made her question his priorities. She wished he wasn’t so intent on turning his back on his duty.

Still she enjoyed his company. No one had ever made her feel so…good, capable, alive. Underneath his casual, sailor exterior, Jules saw a man—a prince—who loved his country with his whole heart, the same as her. But he’d been pushed aside due to the birth order and forced to live in Enrique’s shadow. And for that, he blamed the monarchy and the rules that accompanied it.

Neither brother was Prince Charming, and that was okay. Such a prince was the thing of legends and fairy tales, like the expectation of her being the perfect princess. Being perfect wasn’t possible.

Too bad no one else seemed to realize that.

Jules slumped in her chair, overcome by weariness and emotion. She straightened only to want to relax again. She focused on the food and tried to tune everything else out. It wasn’t hard to do.

As soon as the servers cleared the dessert dishes, Jules wiped her mouth and folded her napkin. “Thank you for the pleasant company, gentlemen. I’m going to retire for the evening.”

Both men rose as she stood.

“Good night, Julianna,” Alejandro said.

“Sleep well,” Enrique said. “I want to see my bride’s pretty blue eyes sparkling tomorrow.”

She moved away from her chair and waited for Enrique to offer to escort her, but his feet remained rooted in place.

Alejandro’s gaze met hers in silent understanding. “Sweet dreams.”

Jules acknowledged him with a smile. She didn’t dare trust her voice. She wanted to have sweet dreams, but she feared the wrong brother would be starring in them. Not only tonight.

But every night for the rest of her life.

Alejandro’s temper flared, but he maintained control.

For Julianna’s sake.

She walked out of the dining room with her head high, but the disappointment in her eyes was unmistakable.

Alejandro remained standing until she disappeared from sight. He turned to Enrique. “Why didn’t you escort Julianna to her room?”

Enrique had already sat. He motioned to the wine steward to refill his empty glass. “She said she was tired.”

Anger burned in Alejandro’s throat. “That’s why you should have walked with her.”

His brother’s gaze sharpened. “Why do you care what I do with Julianna?”

Good question. Alejandro sat. He downed what remained in his wineglass. He wanted to say he felt indifferent about her, but he would be lying. He enjoyed being with her whether on the boat or here at the palace. But, rudeness aside, that didn’t explain why his brother’s treatment of her bothered him so much. “I wouldn’t want her to leave the island.”

That much was true.

“Never fear, little brother.” Enrique snickered. “She can’t leave.”

“Can’t?”

“If Julianna doesn’t marry me, she’ll be forced to marry a nobleman from Aliestle.” His lip curled in disgust. “Any woman with half a brain would want out of that backward country.”

Alejandro hated that she had only those two options. She deserved so much more. “Julianna has more than half a brain. She’s very intelligent.”

“That is why she doesn’t mind how I treat her. She knows she must marry me,” Enrique explained. “She’ll put up with anything I do or say to keep from having to spend the rest of her life stuck in archaic Aliestle where men treat her worse.”

Julianna had admitted as much to Alejandro, but that didn’t excuse Enrique’s behavior. “Her misfortunate situation gives you carte blanche to be ill-mannered and rude to her. How…noble.”

Enrique snorted. “This is rich. Relationship advice from the man who goes through women as if they were selections on a menu.”

“I may have never been involved in a serious relationship for an extended period of time, but I know women. Better, it seems, than you, bro,” Alejandro said. “Julianna isn’t an obedient automaton. She has feelings. Dreams. She deserves—”

“She deserves what I see fit to give her.”

“Enrique…”

“As long as she obeys and provides me with heirs, be assured she’ll have all she needs.”

“She needs to be loved and accepted for who she is,” Alejandro countered. “If you continue treating her poorly and taking advantage of her situation, you’ll alienate her until she can’t take it anymore. Is that what you want?”

Enrique leaned back in their father’s chair. “You’ve come up with all this about her after spending an afternoon playing in the sand?”

“You’ve missed dinners this week,” Alejandro replied. “You can learn a lot about a person over seven course meals.”

Especially Julianna once she let her guard down and opened up.

“Come on, Alejandro,” Enrique cajoled. “You don’t care about Julianna. You want to make sure I marry.”

“With your marriage comes my freedom from royal obligations.”

That was the one thing Alejandro wanted more than anything. Somehow with his growing concerns over Julianna’s future he’d lost sight of that. How had that happened?