Princess In Denim Read Free Page B

you're a royal princess now. Y'all better act like it," Moira snapped. And she stomped across the floor in her boots, checked to see that it was Emma, and let her in.
    Chloe was speechless. Moira had turned into her Chloe faster and easier than Chloe was managing to turn into a princess. She had to get her act together.
    Emma hovered by Moira's side as she examined Chloe. "She needs makeup."
    "I know," Moira answered. "But fifteen minutes ago, I was a princess who didn't carry any."
    "Ah." Emma handed over her purse. "Go for it."
    Still fretting over the king, Chloe asked, "Is he here yet?"
    "His secretary just phoned. His Majesty is on the way."
    "Relax, Chloe...uh, Moira," Moira said. "He'll be happy to see you. He's an old family friend."
    Just what she needed, someone who'd known Moira as she used to be. Someone who knew the family well. Someone who, if he discovered the deception, might feel honor bound to toss her off the airplane.
    Chloe slumped onto the padded stool by the vanity. "Great. Do I jump plane now, or wait for him to throw me out?"
    Moira shoved a mascara wand into Chloe's hand and turned her to face the mirror. "Make yourself look like a princess, kid."
    "He'd better have poor eyesight."
    "You've been my best friend for ten years. Just act like me, in your own way, of course."
    A messenger tapped on the door, and Emma spoke with him. "His Royal Majesty has just arrived," she told Chloe and Moira.
    Chloe looked in the mirror. Other than mildly petrified, she looked pretty darned good with a touch of mascara, blush and lipstick. Maybe, if Baesland had a prince, and the king didn't see through her disguise, he'd take a liking to her looks and send the prince her way. She missed her ponytail and ball cap, though.
    "Remember, Moira, act regal."
     
    * * *
     
    The long, silver-gray limo oozed luxury. Its seats were of the softest silver-gray leather, matching carpet lay underfoot and up the doors, Yanni drifted softly out of invisible speakers, the bar was well stocked and, just in case an occupant wanted to work instead of relax, a computer, fax, and phone were discreetly cabineted away.
    His Royal Majesty, King William, noticed none of it. "Leonard."
    As always, William's private secretary responded promptly, "Yes, Your Majesty?"
    "Send a follow-up letter to the surgeon in Los Angeles, thanking him for the appointment today and detailing what we discussed. I would like him to respond as soon as possible."
    "And Mr. Edwards at UCSB?"
    "Yes, the same. Restate the urgency of breaking ground this year. And mention that I am deeply grateful for his meeting me at such a late hour. I am certain that was quite unusual for him."
    "Yes, Your Majesty." Leonard's normal mask broke into the slightest of grins. "I'd say the six cups of coffee he consumed were evidence of that."
    For the first time in his life, William checked his tie—the red, power tie that his valet had deemed appropriate for today's meetings. It had a crown woven into it, so subtly that people consciously did not see it, but subconsciously were constantly faced with the fact that he was a king, and they were not. It was fine for a day of business appointments, but not for greeting the princess.
    "Damn." He loosened the knot and yanked it off.
    "What, Your Majesty?"
    "Is she there?"
    "Yes, Your Majesty. She boarded the plane fifteen minutes ago." He deftly caught the tie as William threw it aside. "I'll find you another."
    William gave the matter little thought. "Better not."
    "But, Your Majesty, you never—"
    "If she is as spineless as the rest of her family, I do not wish to scare her. I only want to make a good impression."
    "Very well." Leonard draped it over his shoulder. "I will keep it handy for your appointment in Texas."
    If Leonard said more, William did not notice. The luxuriousness of the limo eluded him, not because he was used to it, but because his mind was on the princess he had not seen in sixteen years. She had been a child to him when