The Cinderella Princess Read Free

you?”
    “Don Peabody.”
    Peabody-Franks was the US advertising firm associated with the reality TV show’s production company, but his father could still be the puppet master behind this farce of finding a princess bride.
    A noise sounded in the bathroom. Something clattered against the floor. Water ran. Must be the assistant.
    Luc wanted to get up, move, but he didn’t see any clothing nearby. Had the hotel management put him to bed last night? “Tell me how you plan to help me.”
    “First we go back to Italy to film.” A smile still hadn’t cracked her tight lips. “I brought a list of additional bride candidates since the others haven’t…worked out.”
    “Not my fault. I’m doing what I can.”
    “Really?” She motioned to him lying in bed. “Running away and overindulging in champagne isn’t helping. Princesses are turning down first dates with you. We need one that will at least go out with you once if we’re ever going to find a woman to accept your marriage proposal.”
    Each word slapped his face. The sting, however, was nothing new. “If you’re trying to make me feel worse, you’re succeeding.”
    “That wasn’t my intention.” Her voice softened slightly. Her expression didn’t. “But sugarcoating your situation isn’t going to find you a bride.”
    “I appreciate your honesty.” Few told him the truth. Others only repeated what his father wanted said.
    Birth order had determined Luc’s fate long before he was born. Being the youngest child of the king meant no one had expectations he’d amount to much. Unlike his six older siblings, he’d had few rules to follow growing up. Spoiled, yes. Indulged, all the time, especially by his mother. That was why he hadn’t thought his parents would pressure him to marry like the others.
    “I do need to find a wife,” Luc admitted. “But I don’t understand how you’re supposed to help me unless you know of a princess living in a tower with no electricity or a noblewoman who’s run out of other marriage options.”
    “I don’t know any women like that, but trust me. I’ll be able to help you.”
    “Are you a matchmaker?”
    “I’m an account executive at the advertising agency.”
    That didn’t tell him much, but he hoped she wasn’t like the worthless royalty consultant hired by the production crew. “Tell me the difference between a marchioness or a viscountess.”
    “I have no idea, but I’m happy to find out.”
    Not a bad answer. “That’s more than the show’s former royalty expert offered to do.”
    “I’ll do whatever has to be done for the show to be a hit.”
    Her confidence appealed to him. “A true professional.”
    Defiance flashed in her eyes. “Is there any other kind?”
    Her ballsy tone impressed him. He guessed she succeeded, more than she failed. Maybe she would be the right person to help him find a bride. “The hotel allowed you into my room…”
    “Nick spoke to them.”
    Of course, who else? The man had ruined many an opportunity for fun since he arrived a month ago. But Luc had one more thing to do before leaving the country. No one would stop him.
    Another woman approached the bed. She wore a baseball cap and carried a glass of water. A smile lit up her beautiful face.
    Smiling hurt from his teeth to his brain, but Luc did his best. He wanted to make a better impression on this one. “Hello there. You must be the assistant.”
    “I am.” She handed him the glass and two white pills. “These should help you feel better, Your Highness.”
    “Thank you.” This was the kind of care Luc was used to. He took the pills and downed the entire glass of water. Refreshing and needed. Both the liquid and the woman. “There’s no need for formality. Please call me Luc.”
    “I’m Addie.”
    “Nice to meet you, Addie.”
    Something landed on his midsection—the thick, white robe provided by the hotel.
    “What?” he asked.
    The woman in black—he’d forgotten her name—glared at him. Forget