Page 74 of Christmas at the Castle
“Max is your act of rebellion.”
Gill’s hands tightened around the steering wheel. “Yes, I suppose he is.”
“You did well.” Kat never expected Gill to tell her something personal, but she appreciated him doing so and felt closer to him. A way she’d hoped to feel at the end of today, not at the beginning. “Max is a great dog.”
“The best.”
Gill parked in a lot off the main street. Only a few spots remained, which surprised Kat. She’d never seen this many cars in one spot during her trips to town.
She exited the car.
Snowflakes landed on her face and jacket. Her boots sank into the snow. Another day in winter wonderland. She hoped this one didn’t end with any injuries or a trip to the veterinarian’s office.
He came around the front of the car and stood by her side. “You’re supposed to let me do that.”
“Sorry.” The condensation from her breath hung on the air. “I’m not used to having car doors opened for me.”
“Then you’re hanging with the wrong sort.”
“Does that make you the right sort?” she joked.
“Today, yes.” His tone was light and playful—a way he didn’t act around her. “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if I still am.”
Seeing him act so carefree touched something inside her. Kat had never been able to imagine him being anything other than the sullen teen from camp and the unwelcoming prince she’d seen when she arrived at the castle. But now…
Gill was so different. He was dressed like any other Alistonian, not the crown prince, but more than his clothing had changed. His smile appeared so readily. His voice was softer and gentler. And his gaze wasn’t accusing her of anything.
She could get used to this.
The snowflakes became smaller. Not as many fell.
He opened the trunk, removed a red sack with something inside, and swung the bag’s strap over his shoulder.
“What’s that?” she asked. “Or is that a surprise, too?”
“Patience.”
“You’re testing mine.”
“Not much longer.”
“Unless this is all a ruse.” If eyes could laugh, his were. Only this time, he was laughing with her, not at her. She liked that. “There could be nothing in the bag, and the only place we’re going is around the block and back to the car.”
“That’s true, but this is not a ruse. I promise. There is something in the bag. And we’re going somewhere. Satisfied?”
She winked. “For now.”
That made him laugh.
She stared footprints in the snow. They went in both directions. “Which way?”
He motioned to a street corner. “Around there.”
She expected to follow him so waited for Gill to go first. Isaac had told her about walking behind Queen Louise and Prince Guillaume, not next to them and never in front of either.
“Waiting for something?” Gill asked.
“You’re supposed to go first.”
