It takes every ounce of my will not to punch Stephan again.

You’ve already won, I remind myself. Your parents heard your side and amended your agreement. Stephan can’t sabotage us now. But the weasel has something up his sleeve, that much is certain. I don’t know what, but I’m not going to let my guard down around him.

Elle looks just as worried by Stephan’s threat.

“Come,” I say, sliding my arm through hers. “I’m sure my father has some things to say to his valet.”

I lead her back into the corridor, eager to put as much distance between us and Stephan as possible.

“What do you think he meant?” Elle asks me. “What could he do?”

“I wouldn’t trouble yourself with Stephan any longer,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “He’s all talk. He’s simply angry, and all he can think to do is threaten us. I’m sure nothing will come of it—after all, now that we know his game, we can outwit him.” I look down at her. “I must admit, I wasn’t expecting that conversation with my parents to go so well.”

A hint of a smile appears on her lips. “I told you to trust me.”

“I know, I just… You’ve certainly charmed my mother, Elle. And I dare say my father is coming around, too. I knew it was only a matter of time, that they just had to get to know you, but I’m pleased that it’s happened so quickly.” But that’s not the only thing that’s happening quickly. I slow down my pace, finally coming to a stop in front of a large window overlooking the city. Elle stops beside me.

“What is it?” she says.

I turn to face her, looking down into those wide blue eyes.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask her. “Are you certain that you want to go public with this story? That you’re comfortable telling the entire world what happened?”

“The entire world is going to find out eventually,” she says. “I’d rather tell it on my own terms than let some sleazy tabloid do it for me.”

I can’t help but admire her bravery, in spite of the risks involved.

“I will be by your side the entire time,” I tell her, raising my hands to cup her face. “Every step of the way.”

“I know.” Her voice is little more than a whisper. “Which is why I’m not afraid.”

I lean forward and brush my lips across hers. Her fingers close around my shirt, keeping me close as she returns my kiss.

It doesn’t take long before the heat takes over again. Need for her shivers through me, starting at the place where our lips touch and rippling all the way down to my toes. I deepen the kiss, twisting her so that her back is up against the window. She makes a soft whimpering sound and pulls me closer.

My hands slide down to the curve of her ass, then lower to the edge of her skirt. I yank up the fabric, pulling it up her thighs so I can reach beneath. My hands slide over her bare skin, teasing and caressing her. My fingers move higher and higher until I reach the thin lace of her underwear, and she gives a little gasp. I can feel the heat of her even through the fabric, and I run my hand along the edge of the lace, torturing her a little more.

Just when I’m beginning to contemplate the logistics of taking her right up against the window, I hear someone clear his throat behind me.

Instantly, I release her, remembering too late what happened the last time she and I decided to indulge our passions outside of our private chambers. After the gift my parents just gave us, I’d hate to anger them again so quickly.

But when I turn around, it’s only Matthias standing there. I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders relaxing.

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” he says. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I simply thought—well, given the tense circumstances—”

“It’s all right, Matthias. You’re right. We should be a little more careful.” I throw a glance back at a red-faced Elle, who’s smoothing down the front of her shirt.

“I was also wondering if Your Highness needed anything,” Matthias says. “Or if the audience with Their Majesties changed any of Your Highness’s plans.”

I’ve known Matthias long enough to be able to read the concern on his face, even though he’s clearly doing his best to hide it.

“Everything went extremely well,” I tell him. “My parents heard Elle’s side of the story and agreed with her course of action. My mother also got my father to amend his conditions for our relationship.”

“That’s very good, Your Highness,” Matthias says, relaxing somewhat. “But Your Highness…”

“Yes?”

“Your hands. I think perhaps you should have a member of the medical staff have another look at them.”

I look down at my hands—and sure enough, they are in need of some attention. Blood has soaked through the bandages on both fists, and it’s even managed to leak down the fingers of my right hand. Now that I’m aware of the blood, I feel the pain as well—a dull, throbbing ache emanating from my knuckles.

“I can take care of them,” Elle says. “If I can get some medical supplies.”

Matthias bobs his head. “I’ll send some straight to your rooms, Doctor Parker.” He looks at me again. “Is there anything else I might do for you? Perhaps bring you some lunch? And is there anything you’d like me to arrange for you this afternoon?”

“Lunch would be wonderful,” I say. “As for this afternoon…” I turn back to Elle. “Since we are no longer bound by the same ridiculous terms, perhaps we might venture out into the city after all. What do you say, Elle?”

She glances behind her out the window, down toward the colorful buildings below. “I think I’d like that.”

“Perfect.” I smile. “Matthias, if you would arrange that car for us again, I’d be much obliged.”

“Of course.” He gives a shallow bow. “I’ve also already delivered the other things you requested to Doctor Parker’s rooms.”

“Wonderful. And thank you, Matthias.”

Matthias gives one final bow before heading down the corridor again.

“What other things did you request?” Elle asks me. “What did he mean?”

“I asked him to find you some Montovia histories,” I tell her. “And the guest list for the state dinner. Just so you have some information going into the big night.”

“Oh.” She glances out the window again, chewing on her bottom lip.

“I don’t expect you to memorize them,” I say quickly. “No one does. But I didn’t think you’d want to go into the event blind, either. I thought I might walk you through the important guests and dignitaries. And I thought perhaps you might want to know a little more about Montovia as well. You shouldn’t feel obligated to read any of it—I simply wanted to ensure that you had access to the information.”

Some of the worry leaves her eyes. “I do want to learn more about Montovia. This is all just a lot to take in at once. I’m not even sure I have room in my brain to learn some of this stuff.”

“And yet you’re an accomplished doctor,” I say, grinning. “I suspect you’re capable of holding more knowledge in your brain than most of us on this earth.”

She shakes her head, laughing. “Right now this doctor is thinking we should get back to my room and get your hands cleaned up.”

I grin. She doesn’t have to ask me twice.

* * *

After my hands are freshly bandaged and our bellies are full of food, it’s time to head into the city. I make sure to wear a pair of gloves—though I hate the stiff, formal things, I don’t want anyone to start any rumors about my bandaged hands. I can only imagine the stories the press would invent about them.

Elle looks a little nervous as we head outside to meet the car Matthias arranged. I understand her concern—this is the first time we’ve truly stepped out as a couple since our little incident in L.A. We’re about to show Montovia our relationship, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world knows, too.

I press my hand gently against the small of her back as we head down the stairs to the waiting vehicle.

“Today is going to be fun,” I assure her. “I’m looking forward to showing you more of Montovia.”

“I know,” she says, smiling. “I’m just not really sure how to publicly date a prince.”

“The same way you would publicly date anyone else.”

She lets out a soft laugh. “That doesn’t really help. People will actually be watching me this time.”

“All the more reason to behave as you normally would. There aren’t any paparazzi allowed in Montovia, Elle. Certainly some of our citizens take an interest in the social lives of my siblings and me, but this isn’t L.A. Celebrity-gawking isn’t a sport the way it is in other parts of the world.”

She nods. “I know. And I should probably get used to this sooner or later. Especially with my interview coming up.”

I don’t want her to worry about that—not today, anyway. Today is about showing her more of my country, about giving her a beautiful afternoon in Montovia.

The driver holds the car door open for us. I help Elle inside, then follow.

“Take us to the Elizabetta Gardens first,” I tell the driver. “We can walk from there.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the driver says.

As he takes the road down into the city, I point out things to Elle. “That’s where most of the governing happens,” I tell her, pointing to a group of buildings with ornate spires just along the river. It’s where the Treasury Council meets, though I don’t want to think about my complex feelings toward that particular part of the government right now. “Next to it you can see the edge of the River Market—we have two main market squares here, and that’s where you’ll find the finest boutiques and specialty food shops. The other is the Central Market. The Elizabetta Gardens are in the same section of the city.”

I point out several other things as we move into the city—our small but prestigious university, a couple of large historical cathedrals, the national museum, the city hall. The city is preparing for the Summer Solstice festival—which is essentially an excuse for everyone to gorge themselves on fine food and wine and dance in the streets all night—so many of the buildings and signposts are decorated with garlands and ribbons. I’ve seen enough of the world now to know that our capital city is truly a wonder, a beautiful gem tucked away here in our valley.

And the Elizabetta Gardens are at the center of it all, acres of fountains and manicured gardens for the people to enjoy. I see Elle’s eyes widen as we stop in front of the entrance to the grounds.

“The gardens were a pet project of my grandmother,” I tell her as we climb out of the car. “They’re named in her honor. This used to be simply a greenspace, and though she left plenty of open grass where people can picnic and children can play, she wanted to create something truly beautiful for everyone to enjoy.”

“This place is gorgeous,” Elle says as I lead her toward the fountain at the head of the gardens. My grandmother was an avid student of classical mythology, and the fountains reflect that passion. This one, the largest of them all, depicts the nine muses from Greek mythology.

“I thought you might enjoy it,” I say, sliding my arm around her waist. “I thought we might continue your lessons in letting go and enjoying things simply for the pleasure of them.”

She pokes me in the side. “I’m getting there, I promise. But I still refuse to wear those ridiculously expensive dresses.”

“Who said anything about dresses?” I steer her down the path to our left, toward a trellis tunnel overgrown with flowering vines.

Her face brightens as she takes in the violet blossoms all around us. I’ve always thought this place magnificent, but today, even with the beauty around us, I can’t seem to look at anything but Elle.

Halfway through the tunnel, she suddenly laughs.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I was just thinking that it’s no wonder you brought me here today,” she says. “I can’t imagine any girl you bring here not falling instantly and madly in love with you.”

I feel myself grinning. “As I’ve told you, Elle, you’re the first woman I’ve ever brought back to Montovia, which means you are most certainly the first woman I’ve ever brought here.”

“Good,” she says.

My grin widens. “What’s this? Were you feeling a hint of jealousy just now?”

She looks away. “Why should I be jealous? You just told me you’ve never brought anyone else here before.”

“But you didn’t know that, or you wouldn’t have asked.”

“I didn’t ask anything. I just commented—”

“About other women falling in love with me. You asked without asking.”

“I did not.” She pokes me in the ribs again.

“Did so.”

She laughs and tries to poke me yet again, but this time I’m prepared. I dodge just out of reach.

“You’re going to have to do better than that, Elle,” I say.

She’s beaming. “Is that so?”

“How about this,” I say. “I’ll race you to the end of this tunnel. Whoever gets there first—”

I don’t even get to finish, because suddenly she’s rushing past me, racing down the path.

“You don’t even know the terms!” I call after her, but the words are hardly out of my mouth before I’m running too, sprinting after her.

She’s fast, but my legs are longer. Though she has a good head start, I gain on her little by little. Just before we reach the end of the tunnel, I’m close enough to grab her—and I do. I reach out and catch her elbow, pulling her back around and into my arms.

She’s laughing as my lips come down on hers. But then her arms are sliding around my neck, kissing me back with a force that nearly knocks me over. Soon I’m laughing, too, all while trying to kiss her again and again.

“L-Leo,” she manages between her laughter. “Maybe…we should… Not here.”

“Let them look,” I say.

But she wiggles out of my arms. “There will be plenty of time for that later. I want to see the rest of the gardens.”

Far be it from me to deny her anything. I straighten my clothes and glance around, but there aren’t many people in the gardens at this hour in the middle of the week. If someone noticed our amorous behavior, they were discreet about it.

Elle and I spend the next couple of hours walking around the gardens. After that, I take her over to the Central Market and we visit some of the shops. Most of the shop owners are excited to see me—the palace gets many of its goods from local craftsmen and artisans, so they’re always eager to show us their latest products. We sample fine cheeses, special blends of olive oil, flaky pastries, and sweet wines. I try to convince Elle to go into some of the boutiques—if she doesn’t want to wear the clothes we purchased for her, I’m happy to buy her things more to her taste—but she declines. She’s still not comfortable accepting gifts from me, but I intend to do what I can to change that.

As the day wears on, I suggest heading down toward the river to find a place to eat.

“There are several fine restaurants down there,” I tell her as we make our way down the cobblestoned street. “And if we sit outside while we eat, we can watch the sun set over the mountains.”

“That sounds amazing,” she says.

We walk arm-in-arm toward the river, settling into a comfortable silence.

“Well?” I say after a moment. “What do you think of Montovia so far?”

“It’s beautiful,” she says. “Like something out of a fairy tale. I can’t believe people live like this all the time. It almost doesn’t seem real.”

“But it is real,” I say. “And you can live like this, too. For as long as you want.”

She’s silent for a long moment, not looking at me.

“Leo…” she says finally.

“There was no question in my words, I promise,” I say quickly. “I just wanted you to know that as far as I am concerned, you are welcome here for as long as you wish to stay. And it pleases me to know that you’ve enjoyed what you’ve experienced of this country so far.”

Again, it is some moments before she answers. “I have.”

“Good,” I say. “Then let’s make sure you enjoy tonight just as much.”