Lucia and Zoe will be secure and together.
That was what she needed to focus on. Not his dimples.
But her nerves mounted. The fluttering in her tummy was because she’d never flown in a plane before, that was all.
That’s not all.
This whole thing was insane. She needed to tell him she’d made a mistake. Back out and beg him to help that family—surely he would once he heard about Lucia’s struggle?
‘Okay?’ Alek was watching her with astute amusement.
She thought about Lucia and Zoe again. She thought about living on a warm island for a while. She thought about full financial freedom and independence for the rest of her life.
‘Okay.’ She nodded.
They went through a side door of the airport terminal. A uniformed woman escorted them directly to the plane.
‘Everyone is aboard?’ Alek asked.
‘Yes, sir. We’re cleared for departure as soon as you’re seated.’
Hester paused in the doorway and frowned. This wasn’t a small private jet like ones she’d seen in the movies. This was a commercial airliner. Except it wasn’t. There weren’t rows of cramped seats and masses of people. This was a lounge with sofas and small armchairs around wooden tables. Accented with back-lit marble and mirrors, it was so beautiful, it was like a hotel.
She gaped. ‘Is this really a plane?’
He smiled as he gestured for her to sit in one of the wide white leather armchairs and showed her where the seat belt hid. ‘I’ll give you the tour once we’re in the air. Can I take your bag?’
‘Can I keep it with me?’ Her box was in there and it contained her most precious things.
‘In this compartment, here.’ He stowed it and took the seat opposite hers. ‘I’ve arranged for a stylist to fly with us, so you can make a start, and I’ve had an assistant pull together a report on some key staffers so you can get ahead of the game on who’s who at the palace.’ He pulled a tablet from another hidden compartment. ‘I don’t find the palace intimidating, but I was born there so it’s normal for me.’ He shrugged his shoulders.
She nodded, unable to speak or smile. It was enough effort to stay calm. Was she really about to leave the country? About to marry a man who was destined to become a king? About to launch into the air in a giant tin can?
‘Nervous?’
‘Of course,’ she muttered honestly. ‘But once I’ve done some preparation I’ll feel better.’
His pilots would have years of expertise behind them. She breathed carefully, managing her emotions. After a while she could glance out of the window. They’d climbed steeply and now the plane levelled out.
‘Follow me,’ Alek said, unfastening his seat belt.
She fumbled and he reached across and undid her belt for her.
‘Are you—?’
‘I’m fine,’ she interrupted and quickly stood, taking a pace away from him. He was too close and she was unable to process the spaciousness. ‘Are all private planes this big?’
‘No,’ he smirked. ‘Mine’s the biggest.’
‘Of course it is,’ she muttered. ‘Your ego could handle nothing less.’
‘Miaow.’ He laughed. ‘I see why you’re friends with that grumpy cat.’
Beyond the private lounge he pointed out a bedroom suite—with more marble and mirrors—then led her through another lounge to another cabin that was more like the business-class seating she’d seen in the movies. Half the seats were full—several of those suited bodyguard types, then others who looked like assistants. As she and Alek neared, they all scrambled to stand.
‘Please.’ Alek smiled and gestured for them to remain seated. ‘Is your team ready, Billie?’
‘Of course, Your Highness.’ A slim jeans-clad woman stood, as did another couple of people.
‘This is Hester,’ Alek said briefly when they were back in the second lounge. ‘I’ll leave you to introduce your team. Please take good care of her.’ He sent her a small mocking smile and headed back to the front of the plane.
That was it? There were no instructions? She had no idea what she was supposed to do.
‘We’re here to help you, Ms Moss,’ Billie said confidently.
And there was indeed a team. A hairdresser, a make-up artist, a beautician and a tailor. They were doing a wonderful job of hiding their curiosity but it was so strong she could almost taste it.
‘Would you mind if we untie your hair?’
Hester paused. She had to trust Alek’s choice, and in their professionalism. ‘Of course.’ She pulled the elastic tie to free her ponytail. ‘I just need you to make me presentable as consort to the King.’
All four of them just stared at her, making her feel awkward.
‘That’s not going to be a problem,’ Billie replied after endless seconds. ‘Not a problem.’
She didn’t pretend she could reach for anything more than presentable. But she’d been around Princess Fiorella long enough to understand a few tricks. Tailored clothing and some polish could make her passable.
‘We have some dresses,’ Billie said. ‘Would you try them on first so I can make alterations while you’re with the beautician?’
‘Of course, thank you.’ Hester watched, stunned, as Billie unzipped several garment bags while Jon the hairdresser began laying out his tools on the table. ‘You must have run to get all this together so quickly.’
‘An assignment like this?’ A huge smile spread across Jon’s face. ‘Once in a lifetime.’
Once in a lifetime was right. And it was an assignment for her as much as it was for them. She could learn to do what was necessary, she could even excel in some areas. But she
