“I’m sorry I snuck up on you like that. I hope I didn’t frighten you,” I said with a charming smile. I could see right away that this woman was smitten with me, and I knew how to make the impression an even better one.

I, too, was struck by meeting her. She had windswept blond hair and brown eyes, along with a complexion that told me she wasn’t from Italy. Her white chiffon blouse was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a glimpse of her beautiful breasts. Experience had taught me not to stare, but I couldn’t help but take a few seconds and discreetly admire them from where I stood.

She took the shoe from me with a smile, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Immediately, all I wanted to do was get to know her…in more ways than one. She was stunning, certainly gorgeous enough to catch my attention, and I wondered what it would be like to have her in my bed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come up behind me. I should have been paying attention.” She smiled at me as she spoke, and I could see she was clearly doing her best to keep her composure. I crossed my arms and tossed my head, causing my overgrown hair to sweep to the side. She once again looked away, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” I said with a wink. I could tell by the scarlet in her cheeks that she was uncomfortable but enjoying herself, so I continued. “What is a beautiful lady like yourself doing out here? Apologies if this is too forward, but you aren’t from around here, are you?”

“I’m American. I’ve been here for the past couple weeks on vacation, actually. I tend to work a lot and thought it would do me some good to get away for a while, so here I am. I’ve always wanted to come here—ever since I was a child I’d heard such wonderful things about this place, and I’m pleased to say I haven’t been disappointed.” She gave me a flirty smile and I fell into step beside her.

“I trust that the men were up to your expectations?” I asked with a lightly teasing tone in my voice. She looked at me with surprise in her eyes, but I could see that she was flattered.

“Well, I can’t say that I have gotten to know many of them well. With nothing more than a drink here and there, it’s difficult to be a good judge of character.” I smiled as she spoke, seeing clearly what she was doing. I knew I could have as much fun with this as she was, so I continued.

“I’m sure a woman as beautiful as you had more than your fair share of men to choose from! I just pray they were able to show you a good time.” I winked and she blushed, looking away. The breeze was whipping through her long hair, reminding me of one of the many models I had seen doing a shoot for swimsuits on this same beach.

But the difference was, this woman didn’t need the help of lighting or cameras to look incredible—she could take my breath away with her smile alone.

“Do you come down here very often?” she asked suddenly, bringing me back into the present moment. I flashed her another smile.

“I guess you could say so. I have a place that way near the water, but it can get crowded so I come out here when I want some time to myself. Every now and then I get to see something magical, too, if I’m lucky.” She smiled and shook her head, though she was looking off into the distance, and I was proud of myself.

“Antonio,” I said, extending my hand.

She hesitated for a brief second then took it and I lifted her fingers to my lips. I could sense that my elegance had left a strong impression on her as she gasped and had to gather herself before answering.

“Sasha. Sasha Greening,” she said.

“Beautiful. May I call you Sasha, Miss Greening?” I asked with all the ease of a gentleman.

She looked at me and smiled as she nodded and I felt a surge of triumph rush through me, but the feeling was quickly replaced by guilt and confusion. The conversation I had had with my parents that morning came flooding back to me, and I realized I was going to have to give up this part of my life if I was going to get the throne.

I put my hands in my pockets as we continued to walk together. Before meeting this woman, I’d made up my mind that I was going to propose to Sophia. Sophia was starved for three things in life: money, attention, and luxury—the three things that I would be more than capable of providing for her. She came from a good bloodline that I knew my parents would approve of, and she was head-over-heels infatuated with me. It wouldn’t be at all hard to get her to agree to the situation.

If I was going to be a married man, I was going to have to give up my flirtatious ways. I thought the tabloids were difficult to deal with now, and I was single and able to do as I pleased. If I was going to take the plunge into marriage and be caught up in some sort of scandal with another woman once I become king, it would mean ruin for my family and disgrace for the entire country. No, those days, sadly, were going to have to be left behind, and I was going to have to grow up.

“I’m engaged.” The words fell out of my mouth in an odd tone, and I could see Sasha give me a sidelong look. A visible wave of disappointment washed over her, and for an instant I regretted that I had agreed to my parents’ plan. I’d have loved nothing better than to wine and dine this woman and see where things ended up before she left the country.

“Congratulations, you must be very happy,” she said, visibly recovering from her shock. I felt bad that I had simply announced the news, and part of me thought that it had been a foolish move as I had not yet proposed to the girl I’d just claimed I was going to marry. But, at the same time, I was so certain she was going to accept my proposal, I may as well begin spreading the word.

“It’s fresh news, honestly. I haven’t even told my parents yet,” I said as I continued to walk beside her. Once again, I could see the glance she gave me, as though she weren’t certain how she ought to respond to what I was saying. She gave me a smile, though it was somewhat confused.

“I’m sure they are going to be very happy for you both. How long have you known each other?” It was a very standard question for anyone who didn’t know me to ask, but answering it felt strange.

“Several years now. We’ve always managed to end up in the same places at the same time, and I guess you could say that we clicked,” I laughed, but she didn’t join in. There were a few seconds of silence, and I was scrambling to think of something to say. It was unlike me to be uncomfortable with silence, and it was even less like me to have trouble breaking it.

I didn’t want to keep talking about Sophia. The truth was I didn’t know much about her save for the fact she would be the most likely person to say yes to my proposal.

“I’m a wedding planner, funnily enough,” Sasha said suddenly, and I stopped. She paused, too, giving me a professional smile. I was struck with her remarkable ability to maintain her poise even in the most uncomfortable of situations.

I opened my mouth to reply, but I didn’t hold her eye contact. Letting out a sigh, I looked over the water before looking back at her.

“How would you like to plan the wedding of the Prince of San Peluzzi?”