“Champagne?” she whispered in horror. Amilee squinched up her nose. “No way!” she gasped. “That stuff is gross!”

  He laughed, delighted with this girl-woman. “Well, then what would you like?”

  Amilee looked around, obviously not happy with the view. He saw the moment that she decided not to tell him. “I’m fine,” she stated, her shoulders drooping ever so slightly. But he grasped that she wasn’t “fine”. She was irritated or disappointed about something and trying to hide it.

  Normally, Rian would have dropped it. But there was something about Amilee, a strength and tenacity hidden beneath all those hideous ruffles. He wanted…to protect her? Yes, but that wasn’t exactly it at the moment. He wanted…to make her happy. Yes, that was exactly it! He wanted to bring a smile to her face. He wanted to bring back that shimmering smile that he’d had a brief glimpse of a moment ago.

  Rian touched her shoulder. “Why don’t we sneak out to the kitchen and grab our own feast?” he suggested.

  Amilee’s eyes widened in surprised delight. Quickly, she looked around as if trying to determine if anyone else milling about would catch them doing something so illegal. “Can we really do that?” she asked, quivering slightly with hope. “My parents told me that I had to stay here and speak with anyone who wanted to talk with me.” Her fingers tightened into little fists, rumpling her dress. “They had me rehearse replies to different questions.”

  He laughed, nodding his head. “Yeah, my governess did that for me when I was about your age. It’s good practice. But in this case,” he looked around, suddenly repulsed by the way everyone was laughing and guzzling the excellent champagne, “no one seems to want to talk with us. So why don’t we get out of here? I think we’ve been the center of attention long enough, don’t you?”

  Amilee grinned eagerly at the suggestion and Rian was startled by the dramatic change in her appearance. Gone was the serious girl-child who had been lectured and schooled for her first major public appearance, and in her place came the gamin, adorable child with cute dimples and sparkling, chocolate eyes, more than ready for mischief!

  “I’d love to!” she laughed.

  He glanced around, nodded to his father who understood the silent message, then gestured to Amilee, leading her towards the doors that would take them to the kitchens.

  Pushing through a set of double doors, the noise increased exponentially under the bright, white lights where the palace kitchen staff rushed about. Orders were bellowed, pots and pans clanged, and, in the distance, something clattered to the floor. There were about thirty people bustling about. Chefs, waiters, line cooks, and sous chefs all called out orders to one another. It was organized chaos and a completely different environment from the civilly elegant affair they’d just left.

  “Cheese puffs!” Amilee whispered, unconsciously licking her lips and inching closer to Rian. A steaming tray of golden cheese puffs had just been pulled out of an oven and placed on a rack to cool. The treat was right in front of them and Amilee was almost bouncing with excitement.

  “Cheese puffs it is,” he announced, wanting to give the poor kid a treat. He grabbed a plate, and proceeded to fill one side of it with the still-warm cheese puffs. “What else?” he asked, looking down at her and ignoring the kitchen staff who were surprised to find a royal prince in their midst.

  Rian noticed that Amilee kept her hands tucked behind her back, as if she’d been ordered not to touch anything.

  “What about some of these?” he asked, taking a pair of tongs and adding several small cakes and confectionaries on the plate. One of the chefs noticed them and started to open his mouth. But Rian gave the man a look that dared him to object. Thankfully, another of the other kitchen staff rushed over and whispered in the man’s ear, obviously explaining who Rian was.

  Amilee pointed at the various treats and Rian piled the plate high with appetizers. When they were done, he stopped a waiter and asked for glasses of lemonade to be brought to them.

  “You don’t have to drink lemonade,” she told him, her chocolate eyes serious and almost sad again. “You can have the champagne, if you’d like. I promise I don’t mind.” She bit her lip and toyed with the ruffles on her dress. “I know lemonade is a kid’s drink.”

  Rian could see the insecurity in her eyes and his heart went out to the girl. Smiling gently, he didn’t wait for the waiter to bring them the treat. Instead, he poured two glasses of lemonade from a large, ice-filled pitcher. “I like lemonade,” he lied. “It’s refreshing. You carry the drinks and I have the appetizers.”

  He led her through a different door this time. This one led out to the palace courtyard. Since it was dark now, the lights of the palace were lit up and they could easily see what was going on. “Let’s sit down over there,” he said, indicating a bench under a tree. He put the plate between them, then chose a cheese puff, popping it in his mouth and nodding his approval. “Good choice!”

  She smiled, relaxing as she picked up a puff. “Oh, they’re so good!” she sighed, slouching for the first time.

  “So…you’re in college?” she asked. When he nodded, she sipped her lemonade. “What are you studying?”

  He looked at her curiously. “You don’t know?”

  She shrugged self-consciously. “I was given a big binder filled with information about you.” She fluttered a hand over those damn ruffles again. “I was supposed to memorize it. But I didn’t want to know the facts,” she explained, tilting her head slightly. “I doubt the facts in that binder are the real you. I don’t like it when someone summarizes my personality, as if I’m one thing or another. It never sounds like me. I think that people are more complex than a summary of facts.” She picked up another cheese puff and looked up at him. “So,” she tilted her head, “what are you studying?”

  “Economics,” he told her.

  She nodded. “And do you enjoy it?”

  Rian was startled by her question. Looking at her curiously, he replied, “No one has ever asked me that before.”

  Those pretty, dark eyebrows shot up and, for the first time, he noticed how exotic her eyes were. “Well, do you?” she prompted.

  He laughed, shaking his head at her curiosity. “I guess so.” He shrugged and took a long sip of the lemonade. It was pretty good, actually! “I’ve never really thought about it. I need to understand economics in order to rule my country better, so I take the classes.”

  She nodded and Rian suspected that there was a wealth of understanding in that gesture. “I want to study women’s social history,” she announced. “A lot of people think that one can trace the history of the world and understand each region’s culture by studying wars.”

  He’d heard that argument before and nodded. “That is the general consensus, I believe.”

  She shrugged and chose another tiny cake. “I don’t agree.” She took a delicate bite, lowering the remainder to the napkin in her lap. She looked like a fairy, he thought suddenly.

  Shaking off such fanciful thoughts, he returned to their conversation. “Why is that?”

  She sighed. “Because wars were traditionally fought by men. And if we only study the wars, then we miss out on half of the world’s history.” She saw him consider this and pressed on. “I think we should study social history, especially women’s social history. I think we can learn more about life and why we are where we are if we study what led to a war. What events and cultural issues pushed two countries, tribes, or nations to the point where violence was necessary? We should study what happens during peace times within a community and region, not just before, during, and immediately after a war. What were people thinking? What were their hopes and dreams? Are they even allowed hopes and dreams or are those crushed under a dictator? We should study the people, not just the rulers. It’s the commoners who push for change and encourage culture to evolve over time. Understanding the commoners also helps us understand the leaders. Why do so many people follow a leader into battle? What’s the mental momentum that brings people to that point?”

  She stopped when she saw him smiling at her and sighed, deflating once again as she stared down at the uneaten portion of her tiny cake. “I know. Boring subject.”

  He laughed softly and pushed the plate towards her, silently offering her the last few cheese puffs. “Not at all. In fact, I’ve never thought about it that way. You might have a point.”

  She lifted her eyes anxiously. But at the sincerity in his expression, Amilee’s lovely features morphed into a beautiful smile, her relief evident. A moment later, Amilee looked out into the darkness. “I love social history. I think it’s so much more interesting than studying about how humanity has learned to kill people more efficiently.” She lifted her eyes to him again. “So, why do you like economics?” She popped another cheese puff into her mouth.

  “I like numbers. And although economics is a lot of math, one also needs to understand social norms and reactions behind the numbers. I enjoy the more humanitarian aspect of that math curriculum.”

  She wiped her fingers on the napkin. “That’s interesting. And are you good at it?”

  He laughed, delighted with her openness. “Most people just assume that I’m excellent at everything I do,” he admonished with a teasing voice.

  She squinched here nose again. “I know,” she replied with a giggle. There was a sparkle of mischief in her eyes as she continued. “That was bad of me, wasn’t it? I’m supposed to be more reverent to your every word, to bow and scrape, and…” she sighed, batting at the irritating ruffles now. “And I’m supposed to hang on your every word.” She looked up at him, her eyes turning serious. “You don’t mind if I don’t do that, do you? I’m not good at it. And I’d probably lose a great deal of respect for you if you demanded it of me.” She angled her head slightly. “And isn’t it better to be respected than revered?”

  The teasing comment he was going to give died on his lips. Rian was stunned. And impressed! Slowly, as if he couldn’t understand how a child of twelve could have such a brilliant grasp of life, he nodded his head. “Yes, I’d have to agree with you there. And no, I don’t want you to bow and scrape to me.” It was true, he thought. He absolutely hated the stupid ways that people bowed to him. “I don’t want a submissive wife.”

  She grinned, those charming dimples reappearing. “You don’t want a wife at all! And I don’t want a husband.” Her eyes brightened, looking as if she’d just solved one of the great mysteries of the universe. “So, we’re perfectly matched!” and she picked up the last of the small cakes, nibbling delicately.

  He chuckled. “You’re right there. Marriage is…difficult, even when two people are madly in love.” He looked away, staring into the darkness. “But it’s the way of our people. And everyone is thrilled that you’ve agreed to marry me. Eventually.”

  She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Puleese! The entire country is jealous that I’m your betrothed. Most of the women, especially your friends, would stab me in the back and step over my body in order to reach you, Your Highness.”

  She was so cute, he thought with a chuckle. “I hope it never comes to that. But you’ll be protected, Amilee.”

  She shrugged, obviously unconcerned.

  “Your Highness,” a man in a dark suit called out.

  Rian turned, his eyes sharpening on the man. “It’s happening?”

  The man nodded.

  Rian looked back at Amilee. “My apologies, Amilee,” he said to her, taking her hand in his as he stood up. “I have to leave now. I look forward to our next meeting.” And he bowed over her hand, kissing her fingers in a very old-world style gesture before walking away with the stranger.

  As she watched him stride away, disappearing along the dark pathway, Amilee’s smile faded and she wondered what she should do next. Looking around, she contemplated the silence and the darkness, the fluttering stars overhead and the confusing events of the day. Instead of heading back into the ballroom where everyone would stare at her and whisper behind their hands, probably making rude comments about her stupid dress, Amilee remained on the bench, watching the people move about the ceremonial room with drinks and food, laughing and enjoying themselves. Oblivious that one of the guests of honor was outside, watching everything through the glass doors. A light turned on to her right and she noticed Rian walking into a room. There were several men already there and they looked serious. They didn’t completely close the doors and she watched as they discussed something very seriously.

  Amilee pulled her eyes away from the room, feeling as if she might be invading Rian’s privacy by watching. Besides, the moon was beautiful tonight. It illuminated the flowers blooming in the courtyard and shimmered off some of the hardier leaves. Sitting here on this bench, with the branches of the tree overhead, she felt as if she were in a secret world. A private world. The floral scents and the soft chirping of cicadas gave her a sense of…peace.

  “You’ve found my favorite hiding place.”

  Amilee startled, watching an elderly woman sit down on the other end of the bench. She had silver hair pulled up into a bun on top of her head and she wore a sparkling outfit that looked more like a caftan than a dress. It was elegant “bohemian”, which suited the woman’s hip jewelry perfectly. Again, Amilee glanced down at her own pink, ruffled atrocity and sighed, wondering when she’d be allowed to choose her own clothes and figure out her own “style”.

  “You’re Amilee, aren’t you?” the elderly woman asked, sighing as she carefully settled herself onto the stone bench. Her weathered hands clasped an ornate cane, the rings on her fingers shimmering in the dim light as she folded them over the top. The woman sighed as she relaxed against the bench, smiling at…something that obviously made her happy.

  Still staring up at the stars, she patted Amilee’s hand. “In a few years, you will be my granddaughter-in-law, so you may call me Inis,” she commanded regally.

  Amilee smiled politely at the woman, not sure if she was crazy or just kind. Either was possible, she knew. “Thank you, Inis.”

  The woman’s eyes moved over Amilee, a gentle look in her eyes. “You hate that dress, don’t you?” It was said in a conspiratorial whisper and, for a moment, Amilee wasn’t sure she’d heard Inis correctly.

  Amilee nodded with a short laugh. “Yes. It’s ridiculous. My mother told me that the dress was appropriate for today’s ceremony, but I just feel silly.”

  Inis laughed softly. “It’s quite a study in ruffles.” Her gaze moved towards the ballroom. “I suspect that the original architect of this courtyard wanted to impress palace guests with the view of the plants and trees, hence the walls of windows and doors along the three sides of the courtyard. But no one inside realizes how much can be seen from out here at night. It’s a beautiful place to come and watch the activities that are happening inside.” She chuckled. “The views are the reason that this bench is my favorite place to sit at night.”

  Amilee smiled her agreement, but remained quiet, watching the guests inside while she sat outside under the stars. Everyone in the ballroom was laughing and appeared to be having a wonderful time. Amilee felt like an outsider, almost as if she were looking at a microscope of her life.

  “You’re going to be a beautiful woman, Amilee,” Inis proclaimed softly, interrupting Amilee’s melancholy thoughts. She sighed heavily, her fingers twisting on the top of the cane’s handle. “You’re just a child, and you shouldn’t have become betrothed at such a young age. You have so much life to live before you commit yourself to one man and one goal.” She paused, her eyes returning to the stars. “But I have a feeling about you,” she said with a smile and a confident nod. “I think there is going to be a wonderful romance in your life.”

  Again, Amilee smiled politely, wondering what could be so wonderful about her future life. She was betrothed to a man who…who had understood how lonely her world was, stolen treats with her, and talked to her, laughed with her. And then disappeared to do something more important.

  Her eyes darted towards the door and she wondered if anyone would ever consider her to be “more important”. The room through which Rian had disappeared was closed now, so she couldn’t see him. Then her eyes shifted towards the glass windows looking into the elegant ballroom where perhaps two hundred people were celebrating her betrothal. No one other than this kind, elderly woman knew that she was out here. Everyone was completely unaware of her absence. In other words, she wasn’t important to their celebration either.

  She thought about Inis’ proclamation, wondering if the “romance” would be with her husband to be. Her eyes drifted to the windows in front of the closed door. No, one had to be important to someone before anything fabulous could happen.

  Rian tried to listen to the other three men. They were discussing an infrastructure issue with the northern territories and funding issues with a contractor. But in reality, Rian’s mind kept returning to the twelve year old girl-child sitting alone outside on a cold, marble bench. He wanted to tell these men to figure out the issue on their own. Or maybe he could tell them to discuss it tomorrow morning. Every instinct warned him that Amilee needed him.

  “Son, this is your domain,” his father said, interrupting his thoughts. “You mentioned that the region needs more bridges, and that would take some of the pressure off the…” Rian’s father continued to speak, but Rian wanted to tell him that he had more important things to do. Amilee needed him!