He smiled. Couldn’t help it from spreading as he surveyed the room full of reporters. Normally not how he would’ve responded to the press. This was where he’d put some of these vultures in their place.
André finished his update on Solana’s economic outlook, complete with new five star hotels, luxury casino, and the announcement of a new sailing school, funded by the royal family. He nodded to Alanna, and cameras flashed.
“This new program is the brain-child of Gabriel Flynn. He wishes he could be here today for this, but he’s traveling at the moment. He’s very excited, as we all are. Questions?”
A dozen hands shot up, with several people bursting out inquiries. The loudest—a lady up front—wore a black pantsuit with too much cleavage revealed.
“Rumors earlier this week claim you and Miss Westfall had broken up. Now, I can’t help but notice the band on your ring finger. Care to comment?”
André smiled. With a nod from Gemma, who stood off to the side, he took a deep breath. “Gemma and I were married this weekend, in a private ceremony.”
More cameras flashed as murmurs raced through the crowd. People surged forward with recorders in hand.
“We’ll hold a grand reception in a few weeks, and honeymoon in a few months. There’s still a lot to complete here on Solana before we take a holiday.”
“Where will you go on your honeymoon?”
“Was the queen present?”
“Why was there no formal announcement before?”
The questions bombarded him like a tidal wave.
He kept his cool. Waiting for the reporters to calm.
“Does the false rumor of the split up have anything to do with the recent resignation of the Royal Stable Manager, Oscar Nauta?”
That question pulled his attention back to the woman in the black suit.
Not a mystery why she asked that.
“Why would you ask that?” He stared her down, the other voices fading off, and waiting.
“I just find it curious; a man working for the crown for thirty years dismissed the same weekend as the false rumor. Do you believe he was a leak of some kind? Does the royal family routinely use false rumors to flush out any assumed leaks?”
André used his practiced political smile. “I think, Miss Callowell, you already know the answer to that. As does your boss. Since personnel files here are confidential, I’m curious how you would know about our stable manager’s employment status.”
“I don’t reveal my sources.” She smirked. “Like all good journalists.”
Is that what you are?
“And like all good employers, we don’t discuss personnel matters. That’s an invasion of their privacy.”
“How can the general public be sure we’re getting accurate information from the royal family with these kinds of tactics?” she dared to throw back.
Another scattered murmur traced through the room.
He held up his hand. “The general public will always receive the truth from the royal family. Events over the last year have proven that. This is a good example of why we don’t condone gossip. Most of the time, it’s wrong. Or an outlandish exaggeration. In the future, I recommend before you print anything regarding the royal family, you call our Press Secretary’s office for confirmation. Not hound palace staff members.” He locked eyes with Callowell again. “Like all reputable journalists.”
A warm satisfaction spread through him when several people glanced sideways at her.
“Last question,” he announced.
“When will the grand reception take place? Is there any word on the queen’s wedding date?” someone called from the back.
André grinned. “I’ll let Her Majesty answer that.” He stepped back, and allowed his sister to take the reins.
Taking Gemma’s side, he kissed her cheek, and laced his fingers with hers.
The slight dimple bared from her satisfied smile sent a zing through his body. The same smile she used during foreplay, that drove him wild with—
“Well done,” his wife whispered, careful to keep her words discreet while Alanna spoke into the microphone. “Your annoyed smile is just as sexy as your genuine one.”
“Prove that to me later.” He winked.
The queen cleared her throat. Her subtle way of reminding them she was still speaking. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a lot to do to prepare for the reception, not the least of which is to update the royal records to include Her Royal Highness, Princess Gemma.”
Gemma’s lips parted, and her chest rose with a gasp.
The room erupted into applause, and Alanna grinned, clapping along.
A burst of joy filled André’s heart. He lifted Gemma’s hand to kiss her knuckles.
Then she smiled.
And knocked his soul sideways all over again.