One of the palace staff had come and set her hair in rollers—a silent girl who’d been ruthlessly efficient: tugging the rollers into place within a few minutes, with strict instructions not to remove them until five minutes before she was ready to leave.
It felt so unreal. Even her face in the mirror looked unreal. The black kohl she occasionally put around her eyes had been smudged uselessly across one cheek. It had taken her two attempts before it looked anything like it should. And the red lipstick seemed too severe. It was a perfect match for her dress—together they would look magnificent—but next to her white skin and dark hair in the bathroom mirror she felt she looked more like the Wicked Queen in Snow White.
Doubts were creeping into every corner of her mind. Alex had asked her to come. His reasons seemed valid. But she was just an ordinary girl who knew nothing of visiting dignitaries or the traditions of other countries. At first this had seemed exciting, flattering and little fairytale-ish. Now it seemed terrifying. Every handshake, every nod of her head, every word she said could be wrong.
The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass him.
Maybe things would be better if she stayed in her room?
The door handle creaked and the door edged open. Ruby gasped, her hands automatically going to her bra-covered breasts and her bare abdomen.
But it was Annabelle, dressed in pink pyjamas and with sleepy eyes. She didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned to see Ruby half dressed.
‘Is something wrong Annabelle?’ She knelt on the floor next to the little girl.
But Annabelle’s eyes were wide as she looked at the sparkles on the red dress. She let out a little squeak of excitement and pulled her thumb from her mouth, reaching over to touch the dress.
It swung on its hanger, making the sparkles move like little stars in the sky.
The thumb had left a smudge on the delicate fabric, but Ruby didn’t care. ‘Do you like it, Annabelle?’
The little girl nodded. So Ruby let it swing some more, sending the sparkles further. She lifted Annabelle into her arms and swung her around, then picked up an abandoned book from the floor.
‘Let me take you back to bed,’ she said, slipping her arms into her satin dressing gown and padding next door.
She read the caterpillar book until Annabelle fell asleep. She almost wanted to stay there. It would be so much easier falling asleep next to Annabelle than putting on that dress and going out to meet the world.
Alex had asked her to accompany him. What exactly did that mean?
She was Ruby Wetherspoon from Lewisham. She couldn’t speak any other languages. She didn’t know how to address dignitaries. There was every chance she would seriously offend someone by not shaking their hand the correct way. Her stomach was turning over and over.
Annabelle looked so peaceful. Her attachment to Ruby was growing. It was Ruby she’d seek out now when she was looking for company. It was Ruby she wanted to draw pictures and play games with.
And these last few weeks had brought changes in her demeanour. She wasn’t quite so shy. She was gaining confidence. She was interacting better with the children at nursery. She might not be talking, but every day Ruby heard more sounds and expressions. It was almost as if a tiny little valve had been released and she was becoming more comfortable.
Last night Ruby had been convinced that the humming along to Finding Nemo was becoming a murmur. She’d been careful not to react. She’d stayed exactly where she was, letting Annabelle lie in her arms until she’d fallen asleep and then gently sliding her arms out from underneath her.
The thought of going away and leaving this little girl was starting to play on her mind. The hospital in the UK had started to ask her for the date of her return. It seemed reasonable. She hadn’t expected to be here this long. But the days had quickly turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Euronia was starting to feel like home—no matter how many times Polly phoned her and told her it was time to return to London.
She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave Annabelle.
She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave Alex.
Where had that come from?
Her face flushed and she walked back into her own room, shedding her dressing gown and pulling the red dress from the hanger and stepping into it.
She sucked in her breath and slid the zip up at the back. It fitted perfectly—just like everything the palace had provided. The silver sandals were elegant, but comfortable. The only thing missing was jewellery.
Nothing really suited. Her plain gold earrings and chain looked paltry next to the designer gown. Maybe it would be better with nothing at all?
She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. With the rollers removed her dark hair was hanging in curls, covering her shoulders. The boning and the crystals on the dress gave her a more curvaceous shape than normal. And now, with the dress in place, her skin didn’t look quite so pale or her lips so red.
Her hands trembled as she took off her gold earrings.
Tonight she was going to a ball in the palace.
Tonight she was going to a ball with her own prince.
Just for tonight she might actually be a princess.
Just for tonight she might actually look as if she was worthy of Alex.
And tonight, for the first time, she might actually feel as if she was part of a couple—even if it was only in her head.
* * *
Alex had been pacing for the last thirty minutes, wondering when Ruby would appear.
The palace was buzzing. It had been over a year since there had been a ball at the palace. When his mother and father had ruled there had been several balls every year, all raising money for various charities.
Alex had given some instructions on which charities he wanted to support, and the various people he wanted to invite. But all the details had been dealt with by his staff.
In less than a few minutes over a thousand people would be in the palace. He had guards in all corridors, letting the guests know which areas were open to the public and which were not. The corridor that held Ruby and Annabelle certainly wasn’t.
He walked along its length, cursing himself for not saying goodnight to Annabelle earlier. He opened her door just a crack—she was already sleeping, her book and a stuffed caterpillar beside her on the bed.
He walked across the room and dropped a kiss on her forehead before quietly closing the door behind him. His fingers tightened around the black velvet box in his hands. He was still unsure. This felt right—he just didn’t know how Ruby would react.
He knocked on her door before he could change his mind.
She opened the door and met him with a smile. ‘Hi, Alex. What do you think?’
There was a tremor in her voice. An uncertainty.
He couldn’t speak. He must have the dopiest smile on his face right now. What did he think? She’d just blown him away!
Ruby was always gorgeous—usually understated, but gorgeous nonetheless. But he’d never seen Ruby the grown-up.
The scarlet dress was stunning. Elegant without giving anything way. Hugging her curves but sweeping the floor and keeping everything covered. The beads along her bodice sparkled in the dim evening light snaking through the windows. Her hair had been styled into large curls, covering her bare shoulders. She was wearing more make-up than usual, but it was perfect. Highlighting her flawless skin, dark brown eyes and red lips.
He held out the black box towards her. ‘You look almost perfect, Ruby.’
‘Almost?’
It was obvious she knew he was teasing her. She stepped forward, reaching out for the box.
He could tell she was nervous—her hands were trembling slightly. Would she know he was nervous too?
She lifted the lid and let out a little gasp. The diamonds were dazzling. The jewels on her dress paled in comparison to these. He knew instantly he’d done the right thing.
‘Alex...’ Her eyes were wide. ‘Where did these come from?’ She held up one of the earrings, its thirty hanging diamonds bright and clear.
‘They were my mother’s. I knew you were nervous about tonight. I thought it might be nice if you had something of hers to wear.’
‘You want me to wear these?’ She looked almost terrified. ‘But they must be worth a fortune.’ Her fingers went automatically to her earlobe. ‘What if I lose one?’
He shook his head and smiled. ‘You won’t. Don’t worry.’
‘But—’
‘But nothing.’ He spun her around to face the full-length mirror in the room and held up one of the earrings next to her ear. ‘Can’t you see how perfect it looks?’
She could hardly argue. Her face said exactly how she was feeling.
She put her hand up over her heart. ‘They’re beautiful. They set off the dress perfectly.’ She turned around towards him. ‘How did you know?’
‘Because my mother had impeccable taste, Ruby. It wouldn’t have mattered what you wore tonight—these earrings were always going to be a perfect match.’ He bent a little lower and whispered in her ear. ‘You have a lot in common with her.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘It means that you look beautiful.’ He pressed the earrings into her hand. ‘Here—put them on and let’s go.’
She stood in front of the mirror, putting the earrings in place, then stopped for a second to study her reflection. She was trying to calm herself. Trying to steady herself for the night ahead.
He put his arms on her shoulders. ‘You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room, Ruby Wetherspoon.’
He was standing by her shoulder, looking at their reflection in the glass. He knew she was nervous. He was nervous himself. Although this was meant to be a private function, nothing could ever really be private when a thousand people were involved.
This would be the first time since Sophia had died that he’d officially invited someone to be his partner. He was well aware of how some of his guests might react. But the charity ball had always been an informal occasion. In a way, it might give Ruby a taste of what could lie ahead.
He hadn’t even broached that question with her on the yacht. There had been too much more to deal with. But now the time was right.
He slid his hand into hers. ‘Are you ready? Because you look beautiful.’
She nodded slowly and touched the glittering diamonds in her ears. ‘I’m ready now.’ She sounded more confident. More sure.
He didn’t have a shadow of a doubt. His mother would have loved Ruby Wetherspoon.
* * *
The first disaster was tripping over her dress. Even though it was gorgeous, and made-to-measure, she wasn’t standing quite as straight as she should be. As a result the bottom seam of the dress kept catching on her toes.
A strong hand at her elbow stopped her face-planting on the floor. At first she thought it was Alex, but he was on her other side. A quick glance proved it to be one of the waiters, with a whole silver tray of canapés in his other hand.
He gave her a little conspiratorial nod. ‘Mind your step, m’lady.’
She gathered up part of the dress in her hand. Her stomach was turning over and over. Another waiter proffered a tray with champagne flutes but she shook her head—champagne was the last thing she needed right now.
Alex turned and smiled at her. It was the first time she’d really seen him in formal dress. He’d been pressed up behind her next to the mirror, and she’d been so dazzled by the diamonds that she hadn’t noticed how handsome he looked. The black dress uniform suited him perfectly, with its sweeping red sash across his chest and adorned with several gold medals.
It hadn’t even occurred to her that the sash was the exact same red as her dress. Had Alex done that deliberately?
They walked through the ballroom doors side by side. It wasn’t so bad. There was no audible hush when they appeared, just a few quiet gestures and murmurs.
Alex immediately went into charm mode—working the room and talking to lots of the guests, his arm behind her, gently guiding her from person to person. Sometimes he spoke in French, sometimes in German. After the first few words she was mainly lost, and just nodded and smiled along, shaking a proffered hand when appropriate.
The diamonds had felt dazzling in her ears upstairs—if a little ostentatious—but in this room it was clear that Ruby was the least adorned woman there. Everywhere she turned there were rings the size of rocks and twinkling tiaras.
She’d recognised a few faces from royal families across Europe, all in dazzling jewels. And even the movie stars and supermodels were adorned with diamond necklaces and bracelets.
A blonde actress—one of her favourites—was right in front of her. She was immaculate, as usual, in a figure-hugging black dress high at the neck but with virtually no back. How she kept the dress in place was a mystery to Ruby.
She spun on her heels and tilted her head, unashamedly studying Ruby. Waves of discomfort washed over her, along with a distinct flow of blood to the cheeks. She was determined not to be intimidated.
She held out her hand. ‘Maria Cochette? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ruby Wetherspoon.’
Her hand stayed in the air for the longest time.
‘I know who you are.’
The Italian accent that sounded so cute on screen was harsh in real life. Maria’s eyes swept up and down Ruby with obvious distaste. The dress that had felt so perfect upstairs suddenly felt old-fashioned and overdone.
This was a woman who had charmed in every interview Ruby had ever watched. She exuded elegance and grace. But the look she was giving Ruby now held none of those things.
She moved closer, still ignoring Ruby’s outstretched hand. Her voice lowered. ‘So how did you do it? How did little Plain Jane manage to catch the Prince’s eye?’ She sneered. ‘Or was it just too easy for him to do the hired help?’ The vulgar words were spat out. ‘Lydia Merr told me about you. She said you weren’t even eye candy—and she was right.’
Ruby had never been a girl for conflict. But if she’d been any other place, at any other time, she would have punched the perfect Maria clean in the face. Alex had warned her that Mrs Merr was a renowned gossip, and it seemed their kiss hadn’t gone unnoticed.
For the first time that night she drew herself up to her full height. She almost felt her dress lift from the floor. Up close, Maria wasn’t so perfect. Botox had made her eyebrows arch unevenly. Her suntanned skin couldn’t hide the wrinkles around her eyes.
Ruby lifted her hand up to her ears and smiled sweetly, though she knew her eyes would be shooting daggers. She’d dealt with too many difficult patients and members of staff over the years to simper around a woman like this.
‘I guess some of us have hidden talents, Maria. Or maybe our core values and ethics are just apparent.’ She let her fingers run over the sparkling drop diamonds. ‘Do you like the earrings Alex gave me to wear? They were his mother’s.’
The diamonds were elegant, in contrast; the bling from Maria was almost blinding her.
She met the cold grey eyes with another smile. ‘I always think that less is more, don’t you?’
She didn’t wait for an answer—just turned and walked away, ignoring the stifled noise of indignation behind her.
Ruby never behaved like that. But something had burned inside her. Was it the way Maria had looked at Alex? Or her total disrespect for Ruby?
Her stomach flipped over. Would this be something she would need to get used to?
She almost stumbled over her feet. Where had that thought come from? This was their first official outing together. It might lead to nothing.
But all of a sudden, even after all their talks and all this time, Ruby felt woefully unprepared. Alex had said nothing to her, but this almost felt like a test to see how she would do. A test she was about to fail spectacularly if her exchange with Maria was anything to go on.
She looked around the room. She didn’t have a single friend here.
It was a sobering thought.
And all of a sudden she felt very alone. When was the last time she’d spoken to Polly?
She was planning on spending Christmas with her parents in France—that was only a few weeks away—but for the first time since she’d got here she missed her colleagues, she missed her friends, she missed her flat.
It was this. It was here—standing in this room with hundreds of people and the only person who had her back was Alex.
It was as if he felt the vibe across the room. He looked up and his gaze met hers, and he gave her a quizzical are-you-all-right? look. It was impossible, but she felt as if she could see the bright blue of his eyes even from this distance.
He started to walk towards her and her feet automatically moved in response. All she could do was smile. It didn’t matter who else was in the room. The only person who mattered was Alex. And he was looking at her as if he felt exactly the same way.
The voices, the jewels, the chatter all around her just faded to background noise. Her smile was getting broader by the second. It was the strongest urge, the greatest pull she’d ever felt. Like metal being drawn towards a magnet from a million miles away.
Several people tried to talk to him as he made his way towards her, but Alex didn’t even blink—he just kept his eyes focused entirely on her.
Seconds later he filled her entire view. For another second both of them hesitated. Then his arms were around her waist, her hands were resting on his shoulders.
‘Are you okay?’
‘I am now.’
She’d never felt more sure of anything. This time there was a hush in the room. Their actions had attracted everyone’s attention.
But Alex’s bright blue eyes were still fixed on hers. ‘You’re the most beautiful woman in the room, Ruby.’
His voice was low, for her ears only.
‘That’s the way I always feel around you,’ she murmured.
‘Good.’
His lips met hers. She could hear the audible gasps around her but she didn’t care. Alex was kissing in her in front of everyone. Alex was making his intentions clear.
It was as if she could soar. Soar above the shocked faces in the ballroom and soar above the pink palace. The kiss in Paris had been special—had been electric—but this kiss was everything. He spun her around as he kissed her and they both started to laugh. Knowing entirely how it looked.
He pulled his lips back, their noses still touching. ‘You’re mine, Ruby Wetherspoon. And the whole world knows it.’
‘And you’re mine right back.’
She’d never thought she’d say those words. She’d never thought she’d believe them. But this moment was hers. Hers and Alex’s.
‘I don’t really want to look around,’ she said. ‘I don’t want anyone to spoil what’s happening between us.’
His eyes were still fixed on her face. He was smiling. ‘Who could do that?’
It was almost as if a gong had sounded. Some ancient clanging noise reverberating around the room. But it was actually the opposite.
Silence. Pure and utter silence.
No one was talking. No one was murmuring. All she could hear was her and Alex breathing. Every tiny hair on her arms stood on end. It was as if someone were walking over her grave.
‘Alex?’
He looked up and his hands dropped from her waist. There was an elderly couple standing in the doorway. Immaculately regal. Both were staring at Alex.
It took her a few seconds. She’d never met or seen pictures of Sophia’s parents. But for a reaction like this it had to be them.
She glanced nervously at Alex. How much had they seen? Had they seen him kiss her, or just hold her?
Those few seconds whilst he gathered himself seemed to stretch into hours. She saw everything. The fleeting moment of panic followed by the worry of what to do next.
Her heart plummeted. He’d been carried away. He hadn’t thought of the consequences of kissing her in front of everyone. This was a disaster.
Every eye in the room flicked between them and Sophia’s parents.
She heard Alex suck in a deep breath, then his hand moved over and took hers.
The feeling of skin against skin was unexpected. Her gaze fixed on their hands as he intertwined their fingers. He moved forward in long strides and she struggled to keep up, having to gather her dress in her hand to stop it from tangling around her feet again.
He gave a courteous bow to the King and Queen. ‘Ruby Wetherspoon, I’d like you to meet Annabelle’s grandparents—King Henry and Queen Isabelle of Leruna.’
Her brain was racing. What on earth would they think of her?
There were a few expanding seconds of silence. Then their immaculate breeding kicked into place.
The King gave a nod of his head, ‘Ms Wetherspoon.’
The Queen took a little longer. But her wide-eyed look had disappeared. Ruby could almost tell that to this woman composure was everything.
She held out a hand towards her. Ruby felt a second of panic—was she supposed to shake it or kiss it?
Alex made the tiniest movement and she reached out and shook the Queen’s hand. Something from fairytales long ago made her curtsy. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Queen Isabelle.’
As she stood up it was clear the Queen was regarding her carefully. Her heart was fluttering madly in her chest. If she didn’t calm down soon she’d end up in a crumpled heap on the floor. She felt as if the whole room was watching her. Anything she did right now would be crucial. Her actions and demeanour would temper what everyone in the room thought of her.
It was as if a lightbulb had gone off in her head. All of a sudden she realised just how much of a chance Alex had taken on her.
She sucked in a breath. She was worthy. She was worthy of his faith in her. She just had to show it.
She was still holding the Queen’s hand, and Isabelle’s eyes were starting to smart with disapproval.
Despite her glittering tiara and her sumptuous silver gown, Ruby knew a clear way to connect with this woman. In her job she’d managed to charm the most difficult family members over the last ten years, and she could do it again now.
‘It’s been a pleasure to work with Annabelle these last few months. She’s such a wonderful little girl and she’s making real progress.’
Isabelle looked a little startled at the familiarity. People probably didn’t speak to her like this. But as soon as Annabelle’s name was mentioned it was clear she was interested.
‘You’re the speech therapist.’ There was just the slightest hint of distaste—as if she were trying to put Ruby in her place.
‘She’s my friend.’ Alex’s words were quiet, but firm. Shooting a crystal-clear message across the tension-laden air. It was like a subtle counter-attack.
But this woman with decades of experience didn’t even blink. Her eyebrows rose a little. ‘Progress? Is she starting to talk?’
She was clearly surprised.
Ruby nodded and moved closer to her, away from the prying ears that were straining all around the room to hear their conversation.
Alex shot her a look that was a cross between pure relief and pleading, and with an almost imperceptible nod engaged the King in conversation, leading him over towards a drinks tray.
Ruby held out her hand to let the Queen lead the direction of their steps, and was unsurprised to find her leading them towards the entrance to another room filled with antique mahogany chairs. The door was closed quickly behind them by one of the palace attendants.
The Queen settled herself in one of the chairs and arranged her skirts around her before gesturing to Ruby to sit down too.
‘Tell me about Annabelle.’
Ruby smiled. ‘I’ve seen definite progress in the last few months. It’s slow. But steady. I don’t dispute the diagnosis of selective mutism. But do you know that in some cases children will speak in some circumstances but not others?’
