Marco knocked on her door at seven o'clock. Renee checked the back of her dress in the mirror to ensure Anise had hooked it in all the right places. Green silk, with darker green braiding up the back and around the hem, gave it a medieval flair. Her long brown hair was braided in a coronet. Satisfied, she opened the door.

Marco’s black tuxedo made his dark eyes even more intense. She slipped out next to him and his hands brushed against the silky material of her dress near her waist. "You look amazing."

"Thanks." She caught him glancing at her figure and winked. "Is this okay to meet your mother?"

"She'll adore you." He said as if sharing a secret, "To be truthful, she usually gives my older brothers a hard time, but for me, she accepts that I have good taste."

Renee leaned closer. If his mother was against her best friend, there was a problem. "Kristin is a great match for Antonio."

Marco brought her down the hall, his hand on her elbow. "From what I understand, my mother likes Kristin already."

"Good, because she deserves a happily-ever-after." Marco led her toward what must be the main dining room.

She’d taken a step, and then the cool stone wall was at her back, Marco holding her by the hipbone and shoulder. "And what about you? What do you want?"

"I'm not asking for anything." Renee looked into his probing gaze. There was no way a world-wide catch, a prince, even the spare to the spare, would meet her parents’ approval. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Except more time with you, though maybe without the handcuffs."

"Agreed." His erection prodded her thigh before he stepped back and kissed her inner wrist. "Tonight, we'll escape so it's just the two of us."

"Will you always live at home, with your parents, in this castle?" It might be his job, living on the grounds. And it was certainly large enough.

He shook his head. "When we marry, we each get our own castle, though Antonio stays here for a lot of his time, with Mom and Dad. He's the Crown Prince."

And then they were inside the dining room, brightly lit by a chandelier above the long table that could hold a party three times their size, though only a few places were set with plates and glasses. People were already seated, but there were still some chairs open.

"Marco."

The older woman who spoke and stood must be his mother and the queen. Marco had her gleam in his eyes that seemed curious but sharp at the same time.

Marco escorted Renee over to the queen. "Mother, this is Renee Brown."

"Nice to meet you." Renee wasn't sure if she held out her hand to shake or if she should bow her head. She awkwardly tried to do both and then just curtsied like she saw in the movies.

"I'm Queen Anna Camilla, though you may call me Anna." Her blue eyes beamed at her. "You and your friend Kristin are most welcome in my family."

"Mother, I've not asked Renee to marry me." Marco added.

Renee quickly added. "And I'm not looking to marry a prince at the moment."

"I get ahead of myself, though I understand you were caught together already. Besides, my son can talk you into changing your mind, if he's smart. Waiting until the last minute for a bride, like Antonio, is dangerous."

Her mind fired off in a million different directions and left her confused. Queen Anna thought she was good material for a princess? Renee hadn't even been invited into the country club. She blinked and stepped away.

Marco nudged her down the line, but his mother stopped him to talk to her son privately.

Sophia was next and she looked at her up and down. "You're dressed this time."

Renee stood taller but kept her voice low so the queen didn't hear her. "I'm not the one hanging around hoping for a wedding disaster and to steal the groom at the last minute."

Marco rejoined her and said, "Let's sit over here."

A servant walked through the door. "Your Majesty, there has been another attack in the castle." Marco wrapped his arms around Renee. The queen stood. "The king is secure, but we are seeking Antonio and his bride."

"A second attack in the castle?" Sophia sipped her champagne. "This must be terrifying for you and the upcoming vote."

Queen Anna raised her eyebrow at Sophia. "Our family doesn't scare easily. Let's eat."

Marco led Renee to her seat. Servants poured wine and set the salads in front of them. Renee turned her knees toward Marco who then said, "Renee, everything will be fine."

He patted her hand. She wasn’t sure she believed him, but everyone did as the queen bid. Renee looked up at the sound of the door opening. Kristin walked in, her head held high, her red gown slightly torn.

Renee met her best friend's gaze but then Kristin backed out of the room.

Strange. She started to get up but sat back when Queen Anna said, "Renee, please tell us about your family and where you come from?"

Right. The truth. Her entire life was set to become just like dear old Mom and Dad, so she might as well explain. "My parents live in Jupiter, Florida. My older brother, Neil, is a computer programmer and working on the west coast these days. My parents practically live at the Jupiter Country Club and go to all the events there."

Soup was served, the servants effortless in their duties.

Marco sipped his broth. "And you're a teacher?"

"Yes, in Miami." She tasted vegetable soup done with spices that made her crave the next bite. She had one more sip of the soup and then put her spoon down. "Kristin is my roommate, though I think she's going to marry your oldest son and leave the apartment."

The queen signaled for her next course and leaned forward with a smile on her wrinkled face. "Marco is clearly smitten with you. It would do my heart justice if two of my sons found brides this month."

"Mother." Marco spoke in an absolute tone that meant no one should question him.

His mother shrugged, sat back and gazed at her. "Fine, I won't push. Renee, the roasted lamb tonight was prepared in your friend Kristin’s honor."

"I've never had lamb." Renee shook her head and finished her soup. "And I didn’t know Kristin missed this dish, but I’m game."

"The maids know everything," Marco supplied. "At least in this castle. They all report everything to my mother."

Renee's gaze went to the table and she studied the white table cloth.

Wait staff brought the next course when Kristin came back in with Antonio.

The meal was disrupted as everyone stood while her friend apologized to the queen for running out. Renee overheard the queen discuss a press conference outside and how Kristin needed to keep the rip in her once gorgeous red gown.

Antonio spoke to his mother, and Renee took the opportunity to join her friend. "Are you okay?"

"They tried to kidnap me, but I remembered the self-defense classes we took," Kristin said fast. Antonio glanced at her. Kristin murmured, "Talk to you tomorrow."

Her friend had been attacked while she ate soup. Palace life wasn't right for her as this was way too adventurous for a simple vacation.

Once Kristin and Antonio left again, they retook their seats and the queen said, "All of this is very unusual, but I like your friend's spirit. It speaks highly of you too, handling the chaos. I do hope my son has treated you well."

"Very much so." Renee met Marco's brown-eyed gaze. "He's been the perfect host and protector."

"Marco has always run into danger, like that time he trained in a war zone on how to disarm bombs." His mother's voice trailed off and she shook her head. "Never mind about that. Do you like the lamb?"

"It's delicious." Renee nodded and cut another piece for herself. "Thank you."

Everyone ate in silence, one eye on the door as if waiting for more bad news.

The servants cleared the lamb and brought out pastries and tea. Renee's stomach was full. Marco whispered, "Another half an hour and we'll go."

"Go where?" his mother asked. "Will you be convincing this lovely young lady to stay?"

"This is why adults leave their parents’ homes, Mother. If we were in England, I'd have moved out."

"Luckily, we are not in England anymore," she countered. "And as my son and a prince, you are welcomed in all circles. A wife will be good for you and help you settle down."

There was no way she was ready to be wife. In a castle, nothing was a secret, but it was wrong to let the Queen believe her relationship with Marcus was on the marriage track.