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.With a tilt of her regal head she motioned to the footman on duty, who opened the doors and ushered in a chic-looking woman dressed in a gorgeous suit the shade of periwinkle.“This is Madame Chantille, the most talented dress designer in all of Europe.”“You are too kind, your highness.”“And these are my granddaughters.Do you think you can fix them up a bit for tonight’s party?”Madame Chantille studied them for a moment before nodding emphatically.“Leave them in my capable hands, ma’am, and I’ll transform them into the belles of the ball.”Luc tried not to sigh impatiently as his valet slipped on his jacket for him.He’d been putting on his own jacket for more than twenty years, but now that he was a king he was no longer allowed that luxury.The royal attire featured the deep blue and red of St.Michel’s national colors.The military-style jacket was filled with medals along the right breast pocket, each one indicating some special point in the country’s history.Luc hadn’t had time to learn the names of all the medals yet, he’d been too busy trying to memorize his lines for the coronation on Sunday.The Privy Council had performed a private ceremony with only themselves present so that Luc could assume his duties immediately.And what a mountain of paperwork had awaited him! He’d had nonstop meetings with the cabinet members of the government and had hardly slept since returning to the palace, but what irked him most was that he had yet to see Juliet.He’d sent her a corsage for tonight and told her to save him the first dance.He’d also assigned a guard to watch her, wanting to make sure she was safe even though Celeste and Claude had fled the continent and were on their way to South America, to a country without an extradition agreement with St.Michel.He did take some pleasure in knowing that the royal jewels she’d taken with her were fakes, replaced by the dowager queen when her son had first announced his engagement to Celeste.It was easier for Luc to think of King Philippe as the dowager queen’s son than as his own father.In his heart of hearts, Albert would always be his father.Albert had sent his regrets that he couldn’t attend the festivities tonight, but said he’d be there for the coronation ceremony on Sunday.The promise of seeing Juliet tonight was the one thing that had kept Luc going.His valet placed the rich red satin royal banner across Luc’s chest and pinned it in place with the Cross of St.Michel.Luc looked in the mirror…and saw a king.Twenty minutes later Luc looked across the crowded Crystal Ballroom…and saw Juliet.Juliet had never seen the Crystal Ballroom look lovelier.Except perhaps for that night when she’d attempted to give Luc dancing lessons, when he’d lit candles and played Strauss waltzes on a boom box.The first time he kissed her.Tonight a string quartet provided the music and the priceless Austrian crystal chandeliers were all lit up, showering the room with mini-rainbows dancing off the numerous tiers of faceted crystals.The mirrored walls reflected the beautiful people in their gorgeous gowns and elegant tuxedos.Footmen, attired in their most formal livery of red jackets and pants, were stationed around the perimeter of the huge ballroom, ready with silver trays of slender Bohemian crystal fluted glasses filled with St.Michel’s best champagne.Juliet also caught sight of the three de Bergeron sisters.The romantic Marie-Claire was with her aristocratic businessman husband Sebastian, who could give George Clooney a run for his money.At one point in the search for the missing heir, Sebastian’s manipulative mother had claimed that he was Katie’s child.Juliet could only imagine how upset that must have made Marie-Claire, who was already half in love with him.The truth had come out, and Sebastian had gone on to marry Marie-Claire in a lovely ceremony.Ariane, the middle sister, was laughing at something her husband Prince Etienne of Rhineland had just said to her.The eldest princess, Lise, was gazing up adoringly at her new husband Charles Rodin.Lise, several months pregnant, had that wonderful glow about her.Juliet had never seen her look happier.All three woman looked stunning with their blond hair and light eyes.Juliet was certain that the dowager queen didn’t have to call in a specialist to help any of them.They all knew what to wear, how to look gorgeous naturally.It had taken a team of five to make Juliet look this good.But she did look good.Even she was willing to acknowledge that much.In fact, she looked almost beautiful.Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirrored walls, she almost didn’t recognize herself.Madame Chantille had chosen a magically divine dress in white and silver that shimmered with every step Juliet took.The strapless top hugged her body, showing off her bare shoulders, while the rich drape of the material added grace to her appearance by its sheer elegance as it curved in at her waist before flaring out in a full-length skirt.Her hair, behaving perfectly for once, was arranged in a cascade of curls falling from the top of her head.She hoped Luc recognized her.She had yet to catch sight of him.The ceiling-to-floor French doors were open to the large terrace leading down to the gardens, allowing the fragrance of old-fashioned roses to perfume the room.Juliet paused to smile and chat with one of the footmen who’d recently become engaged.Her sister tugged on her arm.“Did you see Luc? Talk about a hottie!”Juliet didn’t even bother reprimanding her sister.“Where is he?”“On his way over here.Ten people have stopped him to talk with him, so it’s taking him a while, but he’s almost here.Hey, Spyman, how’s it going?”Luc smiled.“I haven’t spilled anything yet, Muffin, so I’d say it’s going okay [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]