A Royal Christmas Proposal

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll keep an ear out for him.”

Ericka shook her finger at the sweet middle-aged woman. “We’ve already discussed this. You’re not supposed to address me as ‘Your Highness.’ Please call me Ericka.”

“I keep forgetting,” the woman said. “It just doesn’t feel respectful.”

“It’s my wish,” Ericka said. “So that makes it respectful. Please?”

“Yes, Miss Ericka,” Nanny Marley said.

Ericka smiled. “That’s a little closer. I’ll be back soon.”

“No hurries on my account, ma’am,” the nanny said.

Ericka drove her tiny smart car through the winding streets of Chantaine. Her route to the palace took her past the view of the azure ocean trickling against a white sandy beach. She’d never realized how much she’d missed her homeland until she’d returned. In fact, she’d fought the idea of ever returning. She’d had too many memories of feeling confined and suffocated in Chantaine. Leaving had felt so freeing.

Even now, she felt twinges from her memories, but she was determined to keep her feelings and future in perspective. One of her most important decisions had been not to live at the palace. Another important decision had been to hire Nanny Marley. The next decision would be to get rid of her assigned security man, Mr. Walker.

As she pulled up to the palace, the gates were opened and she was waved through. Parking her car at the side of the main building, she touched her finger to the sensor that would allow her inside the door. Her shoes echoed on the marble floor of the hallways as she made her way to her brother’s office. The same office had once belonged to her father, although her father had spent far less time performing royal duties and much more time on his yacht with his mistress du jour. She’d always found it amazing that her father had managed to sire six legitimate children despite his numerous affairs. Now that Ericka was grown, she could look back and see that her mother had continued to have children in hopes of truly winning her father’s heart. Unfortunately, her mother’s wish had never come true.

Ericka’s stomach knotted as she remembered feeling that same sense of desperation at losing her husband. She’d been all too aware of the deterioration of his feelings for her. In fact, she’d made love with him in a final effort to win him back. When she thought of how weak she’d been, she could hardly bear it. It had taken her over a year to find herself again and get centered. She never wanted to be that weak woman, dependent on a man again. Never.

Reaching her brother’s office, she knocked on the door and waited. Impatience nicked at her and she knocked again.

The door swung open and one of her brother’s assistants dipped his head. “Your Highness,” he said.

“I need to see my brother,” she said.

“But he’s—”

“It won’t take long. I promise. Stefan,” she called. “I know you’re in there. Do you really want me yelling outside your office?”

Her brother’s assistant groaned and seconds later, he backed away, allowing her entrance. Stefan frowned at her. “I just got off a conference call with two dukes from Spain and Italy.”

“Great timing,” she said, and shot him a broad smile. “I thought you might be signing off around this time.”

“I actually had some other items on my list,” he said, his irritation clear.

“I imagine they could wait until tomorrow. Eve and your little ones would probably love to see you tonight.”

His hard gaze softened. “You’re probably right. Eve is worn out by the end of the day with this pregnancy, although she would deny it.”

“You married a strong woman,” she said.

“So I did,” Stefan said. “I suspect you’re here to complain about your new security man.”

“Your suspicion is correct. I specifically requested someone low key, who won’t interrupt my routine or bring undue attention.”

“Mr. Jackson will work out with no problem. He comes highly recommended. I wanted the best for you and Leo.”

“You gave me the Texas version of the Jolly Green Giant. He’s been an interruption since he walked through the door. He doesn’t like the cat—”

“Can’t blame him there,” Stefan muttered.

“Leo likes the cat,” she said.

“Leo doesn’t know any better,” Stefan retorted. “Listen, you haven’t even given Mr. Walker a chance. He hasn’t been there a whole day. The least you can do is give him a trial period.”

“One more day,” she said.

Stefan shook his head. “At least a week. He left an assignment in the States at my request.”

“I don’t need this kind of invasion into my privacy. I can’t believe you think Leo or I are at risk here in Chantaine.”

“You forget Eve’s encounter with that crowd before we were married,” he said.

“That’s different. I won’t be doing nearly as many appearances since I’m focusing on the conference. Any time I’m making an appearance, you can assign someone from your security detail for me.”

Stefan sighed. “I don’t like to frighten you, but I don’t trust your ex-husband. How do you know he won’t try to use Leo to get some sort of settlement?”

Ericka’s blood ran cold at the thought. She swallowed over a lump of fear and shook it off. “My ex-husband couldn’t be less interested in Leo. He knew I was pregnant when I left.”

“He could change his mind. If he does, I want to be ready for him.”

Chapter Two (#ulink_3c687919-70b1-5e78-847e-a14c33e93ca9)

Treat heard two voices coming from the den of the house as he walked down the hall. He stopped outside the den and watched as the princess used sign language while she gazed at her computer tablet. The baby sat next to her with his eyes closed, apparently asleep.

“So, how did you like that, Leo?” she asked and turned to look at her child. She gave a soft laugh. “Bored you to sleep, right?”

She sighed. “Well, maybe we can get you to extend your little nap in your crib,” she said as she gently picked up the baby and stood. She turned and met his gaze.

Treat saw the way her body stiffened slightly. “Anything I can do for you? I’ve decided to focus security around the perimeter of the property and give you and your nanny a panic button.”

“Fine,” she said with a total lack of interest. “I’m going to try to put Leo down now. He has a hard time sleeping unless he can see me or I’m holding him.”

“Maybe it has something to do with his other senses being heightened. Do you leave a light on in the bedroom?” he asked.

“No. I hadn’t thought of that,” she said. “I use room darkening shades for him during the day.”

Treat shrugged. “Just something to think about. He’s probably a very visual guy.”

She studied him for a moment. “I’ll do some research.”

He nodded. “Looked like you were doing well with the sign language,” he said.

“You know sign language?” she asked.

“A little. Not enough to get any—” he said, and wiggled his hands for the sign for applause.