Page 97 of Christmas at the Castle
“Good, because I need your help.” She didn’t glance at Kat. “I need you to escort me to the council’s dinner.”
Something was going on. “You haven’t had an escort in years.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” His mother smiled at Kat. “Don’t you look pretty today?”
Kat’s smile looked unnatural. “Thank you, ma’am.”
His mother tilted her head. “Perhaps you and Jamie can keep yourselves entertained while we’re away. Enjoy a quiet dinner. Or explore the castle. We have a dungeon.”
Gill’s shoulders tensed. His mother must have heard they’d toured the dungeon yesterday, but what else did she know?
Kat’s cheeks turned pink. Charming, but noticeable. “We’ll figure out something, ma’am.”
“I’m sure you will. You’re quite resourceful.” His mother looked at him. “Meet me in the foyer at six.”
She walked out without talking to Sophie.
Underneath the table, Kat touched his thigh. He covered her hand with his.
Concern clouded her gaze. “Do you think she knows?”
“No, but she’s curious.” And would be looking for any clue or sign that more than a tour went on in the dungeon.
Gill removed his hand from Kat’s. “I must go with my mother tonight.”
“It must be awful to have no choice.”
His situation with Kat was one of those times. “It can be, but that’s how it is.”
“I wish it could be different for you.”
He fought the urge to touch her. Too many people were around. And they were supposed to be just friends, but still… “I wish that, too.”
*
Kat walked tothe dining room for breakfast. She hadn’t seen Gill last night, but he’d mentioned having her go with him to show the film crew around the grounds this morning.
Yes, they were only friends, but the thought of spending the a few hours with him, even with the others in tow, made her feel as buoyant as a cloud. Her feet barely skimmed the floor. She hoped she would be able to keep her attraction hidden.
Max ran up to her. He’d come from the direction of the dining room. Gill must already be there. A thrill shot through her.
“Good morning, handsome.” The dog looked at her with an expectant gleam in his eyes. She slowed and patted his head. The dog soaked up the attention, as usual. “Enough rubs for now?”
Max panted.
“Let’s go find Gill.”
When they reached the dining room, Max sat. The queen must be at the table. The dog knew better than to enter when she was there.
Kat entered the dining room. Neither Jamie nor Sophie was there. The chair next to Gill was occupied by a woman she’d never seen before. A beautiful, elegant woman with violet eyes and long, amber hair.
An extended royal family member in town for the wedding? Sophie had said more people would be arriving today, including Bertrand.
“Good morning,” Kat said.
Gill rose. He greeted her with a warm smile, but his posture seemed stiff. “I hope you slept well.”
She nodded.
