Read Online Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson - Free Book Online
Authors: Traci Hunter Abramson
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chateau,” Pierre commented, his voice welcoming.
“Yes, I only arrived today, but I’m looking forward to exploring a bit tomorrow.”
“There are days I would like to do the same thing. The history and artwork here make me feel like I’m in a museum disguised as a home.” He lowered his voice fractionally. “One that has the best cook in the province.”
Janessa took another miniature quiche from a servant’s tray and nodded her approval. “I’m definitely going to have to compliment the chef.”
A few minutes later dinner was announced. When everyone moved into the dining hall, Janessa stopped at the entrance and absorbed her surroundings.
Three elaborate chandeliers were evenly spaced over the enormous table. The wooden floors were freshly polished, and Janessa imagined that the wood itself was centuries old. She guessed the room could easily seat a hundred people, though only half that many would dine here tonight. A bit intimidated by the size of the room and the formality of the setting, Janessa forced herself to move forward. After a quick search, she found the place card with her name on it and was surprised to
see she hadn’t been seated next to Garrett.
As Janessa sat down, a waiter moved to fill her wine glass. Janessa held the glass out to him, speaking quietly as she explained in Italian that she didn’t drink and asked if he might give her a glass of water instead. The waiter nodded in agreement, removing her glass and returning a moment later with a goblet filled with water.
Janessa thanked him and took a sip as the rest of the guests filtered in. When Prince Garrett entered, she moved to stand as protocol demanded. Noticing her already at the table, he caught her eye and smiled, then changed his course so he would pass her as he moved to his own seat at the head of the table.
He leaned in to kiss her cheek and whispered, “Having fun yet?”
She whispered back, “Probably as much as you are.”
He smiled and moved on, leaving Janessa wishing they had been seated more closely. The guests at tonight’s party were dignitaries from the French Embassy along with selected family members and a few prominent French citizens working in Meridia. The conversation was tedious and single-minded as the French ambassador continued to express his concerns over an upcoming trade summit. Thankfully, the delicious meal more than made up for the lack of interesting conversation.
At the head of the table, the prince smiled and chatted with those around him. He evaded some questions and answered others, every time responding politely to each of his guests. His voice was sincere, yet his posture remained rigid throughout the evening, and he never seemed to really relax.
His eyes were dark and just a little mysterious, as though he didn’t want anyone to pierce through to the man beneath the polished sheen. He managed to take a bite of his meal occasionally, but several of his dinner companions failed to recognize that they were there to eat. Every time Prince Garrett moved to take a bite, someone else would ask him a question.
As Janessa ate her dessert, something sinfully chocolate and airy, her sympathies went out to the prince. He never even got a chance to pick up his spoon.
When the meal finally concluded, everyone moved back into the parlor. The open terrace doors invited the night air in. Garrett introduced several people to Janessa. He then spent a few moments socializing with Isabel and two other young women in attendance before he excused himself to go get a breath of fresh air. Rather than give him the few moments alone he so clearly needed, those chatting with him decided some fresh air would benefit them as well.
Garrett’s manners were impeccable, and only a flicker of annoyance flashed in his eyes before he quickly concealed it and smiled at the women who escorted him outside. One of the dignitaries shifted to follow them, and Janessa glanced around the room. Some of the guests had
“Yes, I only arrived today, but I’m looking forward to exploring a bit tomorrow.”
“There are days I would like to do the same thing. The history and artwork here make me feel like I’m in a museum disguised as a home.” He lowered his voice fractionally. “One that has the best cook in the province.”
Janessa took another miniature quiche from a servant’s tray and nodded her approval. “I’m definitely going to have to compliment the chef.”
A few minutes later dinner was announced. When everyone moved into the dining hall, Janessa stopped at the entrance and absorbed her surroundings.
Three elaborate chandeliers were evenly spaced over the enormous table. The wooden floors were freshly polished, and Janessa imagined that the wood itself was centuries old. She guessed the room could easily seat a hundred people, though only half that many would dine here tonight. A bit intimidated by the size of the room and the formality of the setting, Janessa forced herself to move forward. After a quick search, she found the place card with her name on it and was surprised to
see she hadn’t been seated next to Garrett.
As Janessa sat down, a waiter moved to fill her wine glass. Janessa held the glass out to him, speaking quietly as she explained in Italian that she didn’t drink and asked if he might give her a glass of water instead. The waiter nodded in agreement, removing her glass and returning a moment later with a goblet filled with water.
Janessa thanked him and took a sip as the rest of the guests filtered in. When Prince Garrett entered, she moved to stand as protocol demanded. Noticing her already at the table, he caught her eye and smiled, then changed his course so he would pass her as he moved to his own seat at the head of the table.
He leaned in to kiss her cheek and whispered, “Having fun yet?”
She whispered back, “Probably as much as you are.”
He smiled and moved on, leaving Janessa wishing they had been seated more closely. The guests at tonight’s party were dignitaries from the French Embassy along with selected family members and a few prominent French citizens working in Meridia. The conversation was tedious and single-minded as the French ambassador continued to express his concerns over an upcoming trade summit. Thankfully, the delicious meal more than made up for the lack of interesting conversation.
At the head of the table, the prince smiled and chatted with those around him. He evaded some questions and answered others, every time responding politely to each of his guests. His voice was sincere, yet his posture remained rigid throughout the evening, and he never seemed to really relax.
His eyes were dark and just a little mysterious, as though he didn’t want anyone to pierce through to the man beneath the polished sheen. He managed to take a bite of his meal occasionally, but several of his dinner companions failed to recognize that they were there to eat. Every time Prince Garrett moved to take a bite, someone else would ask him a question.
As Janessa ate her dessert, something sinfully chocolate and airy, her sympathies went out to the prince. He never even got a chance to pick up his spoon.
When the meal finally concluded, everyone moved back into the parlor. The open terrace doors invited the night air in. Garrett introduced several people to Janessa. He then spent a few moments socializing with Isabel and two other young women in attendance before he excused himself to go get a breath of fresh air. Rather than give him the few moments alone he so clearly needed, those chatting with him decided some fresh air would benefit them as well.
Garrett’s manners were impeccable, and only a flicker of annoyance flashed in his eyes before he quickly concealed it and smiled at the women who escorted him outside. One of the dignitaries shifted to follow them, and Janessa glanced around the room. Some of the guests had
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