Monarchies of Belles Montagnes 1 by Carol Moncado

Author:Carol Moncado [Moncado, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CANDID Publications
Published: 2016-05-31T04:00:00+00:00

Ellie sat next to Jonathan and waited for the queen to arrive. The barn looked about like she expected though many of the attendees seemed far less comfortable in their attire than she did when she was all dressed up. Straw bales with wool blankets or saddles on them rimmed the outer edge of the dance floor. One wall had clothes lines with long johns, plaid shirts, denim overalls, and socks clipped to them. A mechanical bull was set up in one corner.

She would not be trying that one.

Several other stations were set up around the perimeter of the room - bobbing for apples, face painting, and...was that a kissing booth? Who would be manning that? Before she could think any further, trumpets blared. All of the seats scraped back and everyone stood.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Her Majesty Queen Christiana of Ravanzario and her escort, His Royal Highness Prince Richard of Montevaro.”

Ellie’s heart dropped in her chest as there was a smattering of applause from around the room. She could only see the top of his head and couldn’t see the queen at all. Was her hand in his elbow? Had he covered it with one of his own? Did he feel the same thrill in his stomach when he looked at Queen Christiana that Ellie felt when Rick looked at her? Jonathan’s hand on her shoulder reminded her it was time to sit down.

“Did you know he was going to be here?” he asked her softly.

She shook her head. “No, but I haven’t heard much from him since he left. I don’t have access to much more than the bare bones of his schedule unless it overlaps with my family’s. For the next few weeks all it says is ‘out of country on business.’”

Servers began moving around the room with plates of barbecue ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw. She and Jonathan talked a bit with each other and with those sitting at the table with them while they ate.

As the meal wound down, Alexander Bayfield stood at the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this evening to raise funds for the Bayfield Family Foundation. These funds will go to...”

Ellie tuned him out and wished she could see Rick from her seat. Was he whispering something in the queen’s ear? Something that would make her try to hide a smile or laugh? They’d grown up together, at least sort of, according to what she’d gleaned from conversations around her. Many of the Ravenzarians seemed to like the idea of the two countries solidifying their relationship with a marriage of their queen and the prince.

Her stomach twisted at the thought of Rick - no, Richard - kissing the woman the way he’d kissed her on that balcony in Greenland or more.

Jonathan’s hand covered hers, squeezing it in sympathy. “Are you all right?” No one else would hear his whispered question.

Ellie took a deep breath to steady herself. “Yes. Even if there is something between them, I have no right to be upset.

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