Can a convenient marriage…

reignite a long-lost love?

In this The Princess Brides story, Princess Donetta will never forget her first and only love—Crown Prince Enrico. Forbidden to marry by their feuding families, Enrico left, letting Donetta believe he never loved her. Years later he’s back, offering Donetta his hand in marriage to unite their countries. Donetta feels it’s her duty to accept, but on one condition—he give her his heart, too!

REBECCA WINTERS lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. With canyons and high alpine meadows full of wildflowers, she never runs out of places to explore. They, plus her favourite vacation spots in Europe, often end up as backgrounds for her romance novels—because writing is her passion, along with her family and her church. Rebecca loves to hear from readers. If you wish to email her, please visit her website at cleanromances.net.

Also by Rebecca Winters

Holiday with a Billionaire miniseries

Captivated by the Brooding Billionaire

Falling for the Venetian Billionaire

Wedding the Greek Billionaire

The Princess Brides miniseries

The Princess’s New Year Wedding

The Prince’s Forbidden Bride

And look out for the next book

Coming soon

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

The Prince’s Forbidden Bride

Rebecca Winters

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09113-8

THE PRINCE’S FORBIDDEN BRIDE

© 2019 Rebecca Winters

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

® and ™ are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

MILLS & BOON

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

How lucky was I to be born to my darling,

talented mother, who was beautiful inside and out?

She filled my life with joy

and made me so happy to be alive!

I love you, Mom.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

Extract

About the Publisher

PROLOGUE

A TRUMPET SOUNDED, followed by the voice of the announcer.

“This year’s winner in the sixteen-year-olds’ jumping and dressage, in the junior division of the Emerian concorso, is Princess Donetta Rossiano of the country of Domodossola. Congratulations to this unparalleled equestrian and her horse, Blaze!”

Everyone in the crowd clapped with enthusiasm.

“She has been the reigning international champion in these events since her first appearance at the Windsor concorso, when she was ten years old and accompanied by her father, King Victor of Domodossola. Today she’s accompanied by her trainer, her father’s cousin, Prince Lorenzo, a world-famous equestrian in his own right.”

There was more clapping.

“And now Her Royal Highness, Queen Anne of Emeria, will present the winner’s cup.”

Donetta was overjoyed to have won, but she was even more excited to receive her prize from the queen. The elegant young monarch was so lucky to be born in a country where she could be queen.

Being the eldest of three daughters, Donetta had always dreamed of being queen of Domodossola one day. Somehow she would make it happen. Even if the law didn’t allow women to rule, she was determined to find a way to get it changed.

Prince Lorenzo stood next to her. “You deserved to win the overall championship because you’re the best! I knew you would do it. Too bad your family couldn’t be here. They would be very proud.”

“Thanks, Lorenzo, but I’m glad you’re here. You’re the expert who taught me how to ride. You deserve a prize, too.” Lorenzo had won many awards in concorsos throughout his youth.

Donetta was secretly thrilled he’d come. Lorenzo, who also served as her chaperone on these trips, always gave her the freedom to have fun at the different concorsos without following her around, something she needed badly today.

“If Princess Donetta will please come forward to the dais.”

“Go claim your well-deserved prize,” Lorenzo whispered.

A round of applause accompanied her walk to the table, where pictures were taken of her with the queen. When Queen Anne handed Donetta the cup, she whispered, “You’re the most outstanding female rider I’ve ever seen, Princess Donetta. I expect to hear of more exciting victories on that remarkable horse.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. This is a great privilege for me.”

Donetta could only imagine doing this same thing for a young rider one day when she was queen.

She carried the engraved silver cup back to her spot in line with Lorenzo, treasuring the moment.

Another trumpet sounded, followed by the next announcement.

“This year’s male winner in the sixteen-year-old division is a name we’ve been applauding since he first rode his horse at the Windsor concorso at the age of ten. Prince Enrico of the country of Vallefiore, riding his horse, Rajah! If you’ll come forward to the dais, Queen Anne will present your international winner’s cup.”

* * *

The prince stood next to his first cousin Prince Giovanni. Giovanni had lost his parents in a plane crash, and after introducing him to Donetta, Enrico explained that his parents had taken over raising Giovanni. He lived at the palace with Enrico and his family. The two were like brothers and did everything together. Donetta had liked Giovanni immediately.

As her gaze riveted on Enrico, he flashed her a glance that said he was equally excited to see her and be with her again. They had plans when this was over. If her fifteen-year-old sister Fausta were here, she would say he was so dreamy he looked like a movie star.

He was more than dreamy.

Six years ago the prince had caught Donetta’s ten-year-old eye when she’d first watched him perform at Windsor in his division. Even at the age of ten, he’d been a little taller and stronger than the other male contestants of his age. With his olive skin and dark hair, he’d definitely been the best looking.

Back then she’d noticed everything about him, from his penetrating black-fringed eyes to his outstanding performance on his splendid black horse, Malik. She’d envied the way the two were so tuned in to each other; it was as if they were one.

To Donetta’s surprise, Enrico had sought her out after the prizes had been awarded. He’d complimented her on the way she rode and she’d returned the praise. From then on, whenever they saw each other at the dozen concorsos held every year in various countries, they would try to spend time together. No one else existed for them. They would discuss the finer points of each other’s performances and talk about their lives.

Because of Enrico’s striking looks and intelligence, Donetta never noticed the other male contestants. Whenever she learned he was on the list of competitors for his age group, her eyes always sought his and he’d find her once the competition was over.

They’d walk off away from the others. Often they hid out on the grounds to talk and laugh. From that first concorso, she lived for each meeting.

Today, as Donetta watched him accept his silver cup, she realized he was becoming a man, one whose looks and charisma had a visceral effect on her.

Donetta examined her heart and realized she had an infatuation for Enrico that wasn’t about to go away.

Now that his presentation was over, the groups disbanded and she handed her silver cup to Lorenzo, who would be staying to talk to the officials.

He smiled at her. “I’ll see you at the entrance in an hour?”

“That’s perfect. Thank you!”

In a quiet voice he said, “I know why you’ve always been so excited to ride in every concorso possible, and I’ve kept a blind eye. Have fun, but be careful and remember—you’ve been promised to Prince Arnaud. Need I remind you that the Rossianos and the Montedoros have been in a feud over trade rights for two hundred years. If your parents ever find out about you and Prince Enrico…”

“Don’t worry. I’m always careful and I know you won’t tell.” None of his warnings bothered her a bit. She was excited to be with Enrico. They loved being together whenever they could, especially knowing it was forbidden by their two families.

Now was her chance to get away and be alone with him. She started walking her horse toward the stable, knowing he would catch up.

“Donetta?”

She trembled as that seductive voice did unexpected things to her, but she didn’t want people to know she was waiting for him. It was always better if he was the one who approached her. Her legs felt less substantial as she turned to him.

“Enrico!” She was so excited to see him she could hardly stand it.

“Congratulations! You gave a superb performance!”

“I wanted to tell you the same thing, but we can’t talk here. How about we both mount our horses and take a ride away from the track?”

Donetta wanted to be with him all day. Right now she was too eager to spend time with him to worry about an ancient feud, or her parents’ plan that she marry Arnaud one day. Enrico’s parents had promised him to Princess Valentina of Vallefiore one day, but like Donetta, he didn’t give it any thought.

They walked to the stable. She found her horse’s stall, where her groomsman had brought Blaze after her last event. “I’ll meet you here after you’ve retrieved Rajah. We’ll have to ride bareback.”

A smile broke out on his handsome face. “Do me one favor? Don’t wear your helmet.” His eyes played over her features, sending a thrill of excitement through her body.

She chuckled. “Why?”

“Because for once I’d like to see your hair completely uncovered.” On that unexpected note he strode away from her on his long, powerful legs. No guy could look better in riding breeches than he did. At six-two, he was becoming a man.

His comment had caused her to tremble. She removed her Devon riding jacket and helmet. After shaking her head to loosen her hair, she walked over to Blaze and offered him a treat and gave him a hug.

“You were brilliant today. I love you. How would you like to take me for a ride without the saddle? We’re going on a walk with Rajah.”

She removed the trappings and her devoted horse nudged her. “Ah…that feels good, doesn’t it?”

Donetta reached for the reins and mounted him. No more competition today. No more rules. Just pure fun with the most gorgeous guy she’d ever known. For him to have asked her to go riding with him on this special day made her happier than she’d ever been in her life.

As they backed out, she saw Enrico without his helmet, coming on his stallion. Normally they didn’t allow stallions to enter the competitions, but it seemed they’d made an exception for the prince in this competition. He had total control over his animal.

Enrico, too, had shed his jacket and had loosened his white show shirt at the throat. When they walked out into the sun, the rays glistened on his luxuriant black hair.

* * *

Donetta’s willingness to ride bareback was one of the reasons Enrico found it so exhilarating to be with the princess. Her spirit of adventure made her different from all the other princesses his family forced him to spend time with.

None of them could ride the way she did or be more entertaining. As his best friend and first cousin Prince Giovanni had been saying since they’d been coming to the concorsos together, Princess Donetta was poetry in motion, on or off her mare.

Her five-foot-seven-inch height gave her a regal elegance that had nothing to do with her title. In her navy-and-beige riding kit she looked spectacular, especially with her silvery gold hair cascading down her shoulders and back, shining like one of the waterfalls secreted in the mountains of Vallefiore.

She’d been very pretty, but now with those shimmering light green eyes that reminded him of the South Seas he’d seen in his travels, she’d turned into a raving beauty. Whenever he saw her in a crowd—always surrounded by more males than females—he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“You rode a new horse today, Enrico. Why did you name him Rajah?”

Her question brought him back to the present. “To befit his kingly Arabian ancestry. His breed runs wild on the plains in my country and his instincts are phenomenal.”

“I’d love to see a sight like that. He’s absolutely gorgeous. With him you’ll continue to win every competition from now on.”

“I’m sure you will, too. No other rider comes close to you.”

She beamed as he led them on a path away from the track to the park in the distance. When they reached the trees, they dismounted. “I brought a picnic for us.”

“You’re kidding!”

Enrico pulled a blanket out of his saddlebag and spread it on the ground. Then he produced several sacks of sandwiches, fruit and drinks.

“This is fabulous, Enrico.” She sat down with him to eat.

“Much as I want to spend the entire weekend with you, that isn’t possible. I’d give anything if we were eighteen. Then I’d be able to take you to an early dinner and dancing in some trendy café. But we’re not old enough to go out to a place like that yet.”

“No. My parents would never allow it. What about you?”

“I could steal away with you now if I could, but since that isn’t possible, we’ll have to wait until we’re eighteen. Then we’ll do whatever we want. You’re the only girl I want to be with.”

“I think about you all the time.”

He darted her a penetrating glance. “You don’t know the half of it. As soon as we turn eighteen, we’ll go out after every concorso. That’s a promise. In the meantime we’ll have to make do with picnics.”

“Next time it will be my turn to bring the food. I’ll manage it somehow.” She glanced at her watch and moaned. “I’d better go back. Lorenzo gave me an hour.”

“What would happen if you’re two hours late?”

“I don’t dare test him and find out.”

“I was just teasing, but it doesn’t mean I can’t dream.”

“I know. I feel the same way.”

He got to his feet and cleaned up the mess. After putting everything back in the saddlebag, they returned to the stable.

Frustrated that they had to part, Enrico dismounted in front of Blaze’s stall. “I’ll help you down.” He held out his arms. “I won’t let you fall.”

Donetta glanced at him again with that enticing smile. “I’m sure I can trust you.” She reached for him. The second he felt her in his arms, he pulled her against him before lowering her to the ground. Every beautiful part of her fit perfectly, increasing his desire for her.

“I’m going to miss seeing you, let alone our talks, Donetta.” Unable to help himself, he lowered his head to kiss her mouth, knowing he wouldn’t be able to be with her until the next concorso. She tasted so good he couldn’t stop and began kissing her long and hard, sweeping them away until both were breathless. This kiss would have to last.

Sometime later he unwillingly released her. “Until next time. Have a safe flight home, bellissima,” he murmured before reaching for his horse’s reins to walk away.

* * *

Two years later, there’d been twenty more horse competitions where Donetta had met with Enrico. They’d enjoyed picnics and kissed each other until they were breathless. Now that they had both turned eighteen, Donetta was dying to be with Enrico again because they could really be together now for hours and hours.

After she won the overall championship for eighteen-year-olds at the concorso in Vienna, she’d worked it out with Lorenzo to look the other way while she and Enrico went out to dinner. She promised to be back at their hotel by 11:00 p.m., and Giovanni had hired a limo for them.

Donetta almost died with happiness when Enrico took her to a club where they could have dinner and dance. He never let her out of his arms, kissing her cheek and neck.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this, Donetta.”

“Oh, yes, I do! Thank heaven there’s another concorso next month, otherwise I’m not going to be able to handle the separation.”

He kissed her lips before dancing them back to their table. It was already getting to be eleven o’clock, but she didn’t care. She wanted to stay out all night with him.

“Donetta,” he said after they sat down. “There’s something I have to tell you, but I’m dreading it.”

Some nuance in his voice told her she wasn’t going to like it. “What’s wrong?”

“Today was my last time to ride in a concorso.”

She blinked. “What are you talking about? We can ride in competitions until we’re a lot older. I don’t understand.”

He gripped her hand across the table. “Next week I’m leaving for England to attend university at Cambridge. Giovanni will be going with me. I won’t be riding in any competitions from now on. There’s no time. During the next four years I’ll be spending most of my time studying. There’ll be a few visits to see my family.”

Donetta had been so drunk with happiness the import of his statement took a minute to sink in. “I see,” she said in a quiet voice. “What will you study?”

“Business, law enforcement, finance, economics, agriculture.”

“I’m envious.”

“Aren’t you going to be attending college, too?”

“Yes. Next month, but it won’t be in England. My parents insist I get my education at Domodossola University. They don’t want me going far away.”

“I wish you could come to Cambridge, where we could spend all our free time together after our classes are over, to study and do other things…” His words caught at her heart. “Will you be competing in more concorsos while you’re at university?”

By now they’d been served dessert, but she couldn’t touch hers. “Maybe some of them.”

“After the performance you put on today, I have no doubt you’ll continue to win everything. I heard what the head of the Austrian federation said to you after your win. Your ability on a horse is breathtaking.”

“Thank you,” she said, trying to smile, but her heart was heavy.

“It’s killing me that I won’t see you again.”

Enrico squeezed her hand harder. “I know I’ve upset you. Now you have some idea of what the separation’s going to do to me.”

Tears flooded her eyes. “The thought of not seeing you again… I can’t handle it. Your presence has always made the competitions more exciting for me. Everyone asks, is Prince Enrico going to win again? They think I know. And I do,” she said with a teasing smile.

“Now you’re really flattering me. I’ll watch for your name in the competitions coming up on the lists in the next few years and try to get away to see you.”

“Oh, please come!”

“I don’t want to lose you, Donetta. In the meantime let’s write to each other. I’ll send you letters through your equestrian foundation and ask Giovanni to mail them.”

She brightened. “I’ll do the same through your organization and put Prince Giovanni’s name on the envelope so he’ll send them on to you. No one will be able to monitor them. Our families will be incensed if they find out that a Montedoro and a Rossiano have been carrying on a forbidden relationship all these years.”

“You’re right. That old ridiculous animosity over trade rights between our two countries is still a sore spot with my family. But I refuse to worry about that right now.”

“I’ve never worried about it,” Donetta said with stunning honesty. Neither of them had talked about the people they were promised to. Both sets of parents would be enraged about what had been going on behind the scenes.

“Much as I don’t want to, I’d better get you back to the hotel. Lorenzo will be looking for you, and Giovanni will be waiting for me at the airport. We’re flying home on the royal jet tonight.”

That revelation brought more pain to her heart as they left the club in the limo.

“Come closer, Donetta. I don’t want to waste one second of the precious time we have left.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed the daylights out of her until the limo pulled up in front of the hotel.

He finally let her go. “I’ll write to you as soon as I’m in England. Stay safe and send me some pictures.”

“I’ll be waiting for your letters and pictures, too.”

They embraced one more time before he helped her out of the limo. She ran inside the hotel, where Lorenzo was waiting for her.

He looked at his watch. “You’re only a half hour late. I can forgive you for that.”

She hugged him hard. “Thank you for being my friend.”

“Why the tears?”

“I’ve had some disappointing news, but today was the best day of my life.”

* * *

Dear Donetta,

When you told me you were participating in the concorso at Aix-en-Provence in France, I bought this book for your twenty-first birthday. It tells the history of the white Camargue horses of that region. I believe you’ll find it fascinating.

I plan to fly in for your competition and will be staying at the Hotel Cezanne, where you are staying. I’ll ring your room.

We’ll spend as much time together as we can while I’m there. I’m longing to see you again. All the letters and photos have kept me going, but it’s been a century since I kissed you.

Enrico

After reading the book from cover to cover, Donetta kissed Enrico’s letter. It traveled to her purse, her pocket and her pillow. She had it with her when she entered the hotel. This time her staff stayed at a different hotel. So did Lorenzo, who’d flown here with her but had come only to watch her perform, not keep tabs on her.

Once she was in her room, her pulse raced and wouldn’t subside, because she knew she’d be seeing Enrico shortly. She had brought several outfits with her, not knowing what to wear. After much indecision she chose to wear a filmy short-sleeved dress in champagne color and bone-colored sandals.

To please him Donetta left her hair long and flowing from a side part. After applying pink, frosted lipstick, she put on hoop earrings of the same light green color as her eyes. She wanted him to take one look at her and never let her go.

When the room phone rang, she literally jumped before picking up.

“H-Hello?” she stammered.

“Thank heaven your voice hasn’t changed.”

His had grown even deeper. “Neither has yours.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes,” she answered, almost out of breath.

“Meet me in the lobby in five minutes. I’ve rented a car. We’re going to take off and find a charming spot away from the world where we can be alone.”

Donetta came close to fainting when she saw the man of her dreams standing near the entrance, wearing a tan suit and sports shirt. No man came close to her picture of Enrico, who was the personification of every woman’s dream of a dark-haired prince. At almost twenty-two, he was truly breathtaking and sensuously male.

“Bellissima,” he murmured. His black eyes played over her hungrily before he grasped her hand. They walked to the parking area and got in his car. He drove them out of the city to the suburbs and pulled up to a place called the Patio.

“Before we get out, I have to do this.”

“Enrico—” she cried as he reached for her and his mouth closed over hers. It didn’t seem possible that she was in his arms again and they were giving each other kiss for kiss, unable to get enough.

Evening turned into night as they tried to make up for the years when they hadn’t been able to be together. The letters and photos hadn’t been enough.

“If you’re dying for dinner, we’ll get out of the car, but I don’t want to let you go.”

She shook her head. “I’m only dying for you. After your letter and gift, which I love, I haven’t been able to concentrate on anything. All I want is to be with you.”

“We’re safer here than back at the hotel, where everyone knows us. But this is no way for us to have a relationship. One more year of schooling for both of us and then we can make plans to be together. What if we take a trip after we graduate? How about two weeks to the South Seas or a Caribbean island?”

“I’d give anything to go away with you. Anything!”

“Then we’ll do it. You’re so beautiful, Donetta, I think I’m hallucinating. Kiss me again.”

After another half hour they ended up driving to a store for fruit and some quiche. “I need to get us back to the hotel. You’re performing in the morning and need your sleep.”

“No, I don’t. I only need you.”

The car was their sanctuary. They didn’t go into the hotel until after one. “I’d come to your room, but then you’d never get rid of me and we’d be the target of every eye. I’ll be at the stands in the morning to watch you on Blaze.”

They rode the elevator to the second floor, where he had to get out, but they clung to each other.

“Enrico? How soon do you have to get back to Cambridge?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Why don’t we just drive away right now until you have to be at the airport. I’ll skip the competition.”

He pressed his forehead against hers. “You can’t do that. I can’t let you. But we’ll be together all day tomorrow.” Enrico let her go and stepped out into the hall. He looked back. “Meet me in the lobby at seven and we’ll go somewhere for breakfast before you have to report to the stands.”

“Don’t go, Enrico. I’m afraid.”

He frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“Because I’m too happy.”

“You don’t know the meaning of the word yet. Buona notte e sogni d’ oro, Donetta.”

Golden dreams. She’d been living in one since they’d met in the lobby. “Buona notte, Enrico.”

The elevator door closed and carried her to the third floor. When she reached her room, the phone was ringing. She rushed to answer it. “Enrico?”

“Good. You’re home safe and sound for tonight. I’ll be dreaming of you.”

“I dream of you every night,” she confessed.

“One of these days we won’t have to do that anymore.”

He clicked off.

She was slower to hang up. If he meant what she thought he’d meant, he wasn’t just talking about a two-week vacation. Filled with elation, she whirled around the room before settling down long enough to undress and get to bed.

CHAPTER ONE

THERE WAS NO sight more beautiful to Crown Prince Enrico da Francesca di Montedoro than the island country of Vallefiore. In the early morning light, the sun’s first rays appeared like fingers over the magnificent vertiginous mountains and sparkling waterfalls.

From his vantage point atop the highest peak, he could see his country was surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea splashing against rocky shoreline cliffs and hidden grottoes.

He’d always likened his country to a dazzling blue-green jewel whose lakes and villages made up its many facets, including the plains where the wild Sanfratellano horses ran free.

His eyes followed the lay of the land over rolling hills and orchards to palm-studded sand. Everything could grow here in its subtropical climate. But as his father, King Nuncio, had told Enrico when he was a boy, without more fresh water to irrigate, it couldn’t flourish as it should.

From that day on, Enrico had a dream that one day he’d find a way to bring much-needed water to all parts of the eleven-thousand-square-mile island. Now, at the age of twenty-seven, he and his cousin Giovanni, always his best friend and now his personal assistant, were slowly fulfilling that dream.

Today he’d come to the topmost point of the new water treatment plant to talk to the foreman, Giuseppe, and work out a few small problems. They talked for several hours and discussed the results of the huge project he and Giovanni had developed. At this point other countries wanted to adopt it.

After saying goodbye to the foreman, he climbed back in his Land Rover, surrounded by his bodyguards. He headed down the mountain for the palace in Saracene an hour away. The capital city was located on Lake Saracene, the large, brilliant light green body of water resembling those in the tropics.

Donetta possessed eyes that same color. He remembered the last time he’d looked into them before kissing her senseless. Those two days in Aix-en-Provence had been heaven. She’d once again won another competition, filling him with pride. He’d come close to kidnapping her for good before he came to his senses.

Consumed with ideas for the two of them after graduation, he’d returned to Cambridge more anxious than ever to finish his studies and fulfill his desire to be with her on a permanent basis.

But right before his graduation, his world had come close to falling apart when he’d learned the tragic news that his father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his mother needed him. He had to fly home immediately and forgo his graduation ceremony.

What made the situation worse was his mother’s insistence that the palace keep the world in the dark over the king’s diagnosis. She didn’t want the citizenry to learn that the disease had taken over completely and he could no longer function. This meant Enrico was forced to settle into his duties as crown prince the second the jet touched down.

Enrico was put under further pressure when his mother arranged for Valentina to be a visitor to the palace. The queen was demanding he marry her. Both sets of parents had been good friends for years and she expected Enrico to propose immediately. At the time of the marriage, an official coronation would make Enrico king. Only then would it be revealed that King Nuncio was ill.

Enrico had no intention of marrying Valentina, but the visits had been captured in the news, creating the excitement of a coming royal wedding for the country. To end this nightmare, he’d told his mother there would be no wedding in the foreseeable future while he was attempting to run the affairs of the kingdom.

His desire to take Donetta on a two-week trip had been thwarted by circumstances beyond his control. In his next letter to her, he told her the vacation would have to be put off and he wouldn’t be writing any letters for a while.

Without giving away the secret about his father, he explained his work for the country had become too involved. When the time came, he would get in touch with her again.

He’d received a response that said she understood how busy he must be and hoped to see him again soon. “I miss you, Enrico.” He could hear her voice that tugged on his heart. That was the last letter from her.

Now it was five years later and he still couldn’t stop thinking about her and wishing they could meet again. Did she still miss him? How would they really feel about each other after such a long absence?

At the age of eighteen Enrico had already made up his mind over the woman he wanted in his life. In his wildest fantasy he’d even dreamed of Donetta becoming his bride, despite knowing such a marriage would raise a furor with their families.

Because of the two-hundred-year-old dispute that had made their countries enemies, Enrico had never told anyone about her except his cousin. But not even Giovanni knew the extent of Enrico’s feelings.

Enrico needed to find out how much of their relationship had been driven by rebellion, and how much had been based on a genuine and deep love for the each other. Ever since he’d competed on one of his special horses in an international concorso ippico held in England, he’d admired Princess Donetta Rossiano’s ability in the dressage event.

For a ten-year-old she was a marvel, much better than any of the guys on all the teams represented from around the world. He’d approached to tell her so and was struck by the shimmering green color of her eyes, which had grown fierier as she’d matured.

She, in turn, had complimented him and had admired his horse. As they’d talked, she’d asked lots of questions about the breed he’d chosen, revealing her exceptional intelligence.

Enjoying her company, he’d spent time with her at the various tracks after each concorso. He liked being with her when she trained before an event. Drawn to her like crazy, he’d laughed and flirted. Her discipline and composure made Donetta stand out from the others. He’d been fascinated.

Over the years Enrico had watched the beautiful princess from Domodossola with the long, flowing silvery gold hair compete in dozens of concorsos just as he had. By the age of twenty-one she was all grown up, with a keen intellect and opinions on subjects that kept him riveted. On top of everything else she was the best jumper and by far the most stunning young woman he’d ever seen or known.

There was no woman like her and he had to see her again. Although she no longer competed in concorsos, she now ran the equestrian organization for her country’s entrants.

A month ago Giovanni had suggested Enrico travel with him to Madrid, Spain, to watch their country’s participants and horses perform in the day’s events. Though Donetta might not be there, Enrico made the decision to go anyway.

It was late in the day when he finally caught sight of her near the stable. At least he thought it was Donetta, but wasn’t sure until she turned around to talk to someone. To his shock she’d cut her long, diaphanous hair. It had been styled to form a feather cut that framed her beautiful face.

One look and he knew his attraction for the five-foot-seven blonde beauty had only intensified over the years. His pulse rate accelerated. When she saw him, her fabulous green eyes darkened with emotion.

“Enrico—”

“It’s been five years, Donetta.” Thank heaven there was no ring on her finger.

She smiled, but the element of excitement was missing in her eyes. “Now we’re all grown up.”

Yes, they were. Her womanly figure took his breath away.

“Your Sanfratellano horses are still making winners out of your riders.”

He cocked his dark head. “It appears your country is celebrating another champion, too, but she didn’t ride like you did at the concorso in Aix. I’ll never forget our time together.” Nor the way she’d filled his arms during those two days in France. “How long are you going to be in Madrid?”

“I should have left five minutes ago. The limo is waiting to take me to the airport as we speak.”

Her answer came as a huge disappointment. “You have to leave right now? When I saw your country’s name on the list for this competition, I came specifically to see you.”

By the way she held herself taut, he knew this meeting had shaken her as much as it had him. “Knowing how busy you’ve been helping your father run the country, I’m surprised you could get away.”

He sucked in his breath. “I deserved that, Donetta. If we could go out to dinner and have some private time together, I need to apologize to you for so many things.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t say that to be mean-spirited. You don’t owe me anything, Enrico. We were young, we had our fling behind our parents’ backs. Those years were magical for me, but we both knew our real destiny was still out there waiting for us. But I have to admit I was shocked when you stopped writing. It hurt more than you know to realize that day had come for you.”

“There were reasons,” he whispered.

“You think I don’t know that?” She let out an audible sigh. “I’m glad to see you again. It’s such a surprise. You look wonderful.”

“So do you, bellissima. I’d give anything if you didn’t have to go yet.”

“I’m sorry, but my staff is waiting for me and we’re on a tight schedule. I’m grateful you came. Seeing you has given me closure. Addio per sempre, Enrico.”

Goodbye for good? If she thought that, she had another think coming.

He watched her walk away on those long, slender legs until he couldn’t see her anymore. Damn if she wasn’t more gorgeous than any woman had a right to be.

Enrico had admired Donetta through a boy’s eyes, but now he was a twenty-seven-year-old man and recognized those feelings for her had taken root at an early age. They’d never gone away.

No matter how bad his father’s Alzheimer’s had become, it was time to do something about the way he still felt about Donetta. But Madrid hadn’t been the place to reconnect. She’d dropped an impenetrable shield around herself, with good reason.

He needed time and privacy so she couldn’t dismiss him, because that was exactly what she’d done. It was his fault. By ending the letter writing at the time, he’d left her to believe he’d gone on to follow the path his parents had outlined for him. Enrico couldn’t blame her for anything and needed to start over again with her.

On the flight back to Vallefiore with Giovanni, Enrico broke his silence over coffee and confided his long-held secret to his cousin. “I fell for Donetta when she was only ten years old. I would have married her after college if Papà hadn’t already been so ill and needed me.”

His cousin nodded. “I suspected that was the reason for all the letter writing. But the queen would never allow such a marriage. As if the bitter enmity between our two countries weren’t reason enough, I’m afraid she’s going to have a coronary when you don’t marry Valentina.”

“It’s my life. I want Donetta. Always have. Seeing her again has let me know she’s the one for me.”

“Have you said as much to her?”

“Not in so many words.”

Giovanni sat forward. “Why not?”

“I intend to the next time I see her.”

“Next time? Did she ever admit she was in love with you?”

“No. If she had, I would have run away with her.” He’d hoped to hear those words when they’d been in Spain, but they hadn’t come, probably because Donetta was wary of him. Deep down it had bothered him. “Why are you asking me all these questions?”

“Because I’m afraid I have bad news for you about her.”

“What do you mean? I’ve kept track of her and I know she’s not married yet.” Enrico had always followed news about her and her family. Today he had the proof she wasn’t attached to any man. Not yet…

“That’s true, but you’re still out of luck.”

“Stop speaking in riddles.”

Giovanni’s eyes were as black as Enrico’s. “You could never have married her.”

“What are you saying?”

“I hate to tell you this, but I have it on the best authority that Princess Donetta has turned down every proposal ever received because she never plans to marry!”

Enrico shook his head. “Come on, Giovanni. It’s me you’re talking to.”

“Don’t I know it, so you have to take me seriously. Get this—she’s living for the day when Domodossola’s laws of succession change to allow women to rule. She wants to be queen.”

“That could never happen.”

“You and I know that. Nevertheless, up to this point in time she has wanted to reign and reign alone. No husband. That’s why she’s our age and still single!”

With that explanation, Enrico burst into laughter. That didn’t sound like the Donetta who’d shared her feelings with him on paper. What he’d just heard was ridiculous, and yet it wasn’t beyond possible that she did want to change her country’s rules established over centuries. Besides her brains and beauty, she was the most unique woman he’d ever known.

The woman did have strong opinions that excited him, but he had no idea she was so ambitious.

“Tell me, Giovanni. How do you know all this?”

“Because I have a secret, too. As you know, your father put me in charge of the Sanfratellano Horses Federation when I was only twenty. He wanted our country to have a presence at all the international concorsos.”

Enrico nodded. “I told him you should be the head since you knew the most about them. It made me very happy when you accepted the position.”

Giovanni had been the right person to head their lucrative horse breeding business unique to the island. The Montedoro family had been renowned for over a thousand years for their fabulous Sanfratellano horses, which boasted a distinguished pedigree. They brought buyers to their stable from all over the world.

“I was happy about it, too. Once college was behind us, I got busy planning the schedule for our country’s participation in more competitions when I wasn’t helping you. As you know, I traveled to the various concorsos on the list and met Princess Fausta Rossiano in Paris last fall at a competition.”

“Donetta’s sister was there?”

“Yes. She came with their aunt and Donetta, who was in charge of her country’s entrants. From what I’ve been told, the two sisters are thick as thieves. They look a lot alike. I guess our Montedoro genes are tuned into a certain type of woman. Fausta is a knockout, too.”

“I agree,” Enrico said.

“Naturally I wanted to get to know her better. But her best friend, Mia Giancarlo, whose father is an international banker I’ve worked with, gave me some private info about the two sisters that was fascinating.”

“Go on.”

“Mia told me that Fausta won’t date any royals and would refuse to go out with me. It seems she has turned down many royal proposals because—get this—she plans to marry a commoner!”

“Are you putting me on?” Enrico demanded.

“I swear not. That’s when Mia told me that Donetta has refused to marry for the reasons I just explained. It seems the only normal sister is the youngest one, Princess Lanza. She’s now married to Prince Stefano of Umbriano,”

“That’s right.” A whistle escaped Enrico’s lips.

But Enrico wouldn’t allow this gossip to thwart him. In his gut he knew Donetta had loved him. He was determined to pursue her at any cost. Giovanni had given him enough information to offer her something she wouldn’t be able to turn down.

“I’m going to create a situation where we can be legitimately together so I can propose. The truth is, I can’t get her out of my head. I’ve been a fool to pretend to be doing my duty when all these years she’s been the one.”

“I guess if anyone can try to persuade her, it’s you. But you’re forgetting your mother. She’ll forbid it.”

“I’ll remind Mamma that she had her opportunity to reject or accept my father’s proposal when the time came. Now it’s my turn.”

“Good luck with that.”

It was evening when they arrived at the palace grounds and parked outside the west wing. Their bodyguards followed in another car. He and Giovanni shared a suite of offices where he could get busy plotting before they went to their own apartments to sleep.

“I’ve come up with a solution to get her here, Giovanni. Don’t go to bed yet. Our country has never hosted a concorso. What do you say we plan the most spectacular event ever put on in any country? I realize it will take time and effort, but it will be worth it.”

A long silence ensued while his cousin eyed him through narrowed lids. “You crafty devil.”

* * *

“How are you feeling on this beautiful July day, Papà?” Twenty-seven-year-old Donetta had served herself breakfast at the huntboard in the small dining room of the palace and sat down at the table with her parents and sister Fausta.

“I’m fine.”

“Are you?” She flashed her mother a glance for verification. Her father had a heart condition he’d finally admitted to after their youngest sister Lanza had gotten married to Prince Stefano of Umbriano on New Year’s Day.

“He’s upset that Stefano had to fly to Argentina over mining business yesterday,” Fausta explained. “Papà doesn’t know how long he’ll be gone, and this time Lanza went with him.”

Lanza had been their father’s pet forever, but since marrying Stefano, she went everywhere she could with her husband. Lanza’s childhood crush on Stefano had turned into a love he reciprocated. They were crazy about each other, but their father missed her and didn’t seem as happy these days.

“He had to go,” Donetta reasoned. “What’s really troubling you?”

Her father, King Victor of the country of Domodossola, looked down and frowned. “Since their wedding, Stefano has been much busier running his mining interests than I thought he’d be.”

Donetta could have told him as much. Her father had hoped his new son-in-law would take over a lot of the responsibilities of governing, but Prince Stefano was a gold mining engineer. He’d brought much-needed funds to his country of Umbriano in the Alps, and now to their Kingdom of Domodossola on the French-Swiss-Italian border.

Marrying her younger sister Lanza hadn’t changed what he did for a living, even though he tried to give their father as much of his time as he could when he was home.

“So why don’t you lean on me while he’s gone?” Donetta knew her plea would fall on deaf ears, but she said it anyway.

Her dream had always been to rule Domodossola on her own when her father no longer could, but the law of succession didn’t allow a woman to rule. She’d been forced to give that dream up a long time ago.

“I can manage the latest contracts on the timber we’re shipping to Umbriano.” Among her college courses she’d taken finance and accounting.

He shook his head. “You’re sweet, but I’ve got Giulio working on them.” Except that their financial advisor was eighty-two and had started making mistakes.

She finished her coffee. “In that case, I’ll ask you to excuse me while I go to my office.”

“Don’t leave yet,” her father said unexpectedly. “Your mother and I have something vital to discuss with you.”

She lowered her head. That could mean only one thing. Marriage. What else? How many times in her life had they brought it up to her!

“We’ve received half a dozen invitations from Prince Arnaud’s family, asking that you’ll spend time with them. Just last week another request came from the royal family pleading with all of us to visit their estate at Haute Vienne. It’s time. You can’t avoid it any longer!”

“Please take this seriously, Donetta,” her mother begged her. “When they came to Lanza’s wedding in January, Prince Arnaud spoke to your father and me in private. Since being with you in Paris while Fausta was there, traveling with your Zia Ottavia, he’s most anxious for the betrothal to take place. The man is entranced by you, darling. You have to do something about it!”

“I’m not ready yet, Mamma.” She’d found Arnaud attractive and realized that she appealed to him. But in her heart of hearts she knew that Arnaud wasn’t in love with her any more than she was with him. If he weren’t a royal, he would be free to choose the woman he desired.

“You said that to us a year ago, darling. Arnaud has been very patient,” her mother declared. “He told me he’s never wanted to marry anyone else since he met you.”

“It’s true,” Fausta interjected. “Arnaud couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

Maybe so, but Fausta knew where Donetta’s true heart lay and was angry at Enrico for dropping her sister.

The one man who’d stayed away five years.

Donetta loved Fausta for being so loyal and listening to her while she’d suffered over that first year after the letters stopped coming. At first she’d imagined Enrico’s family had learned about the letters and his liaison with a Rossiano. In their fury, they’d demanded he break things off immediately.

Whatever the explanation, that had been the blackest, bleakest time in her life and only in the last year had she managed to pull out of the pain. There had been recent rumors that Enrico would be getting engaged to Valentina. What chance did Donetta have at this point? It had taken her a long time to realize that in the end Enrico had stopped loving her. What a stupid, foolish fool she’d been to keep him alive in her heart all this time!

As she’d told him in Madrid a month ago when he’d shown up out of the blue, they’d had their fun living in a dream. But that period when they’d ignored the fact that they were both promised to other people was long since over. Seeing him again had given her the closure she’d needed even if he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring yet.

“I find Arnaud very handsome and know he’s successful,” her mother continued reciting his virtues, breaking into Donetta’s tortured thoughts. “We all know how well thought of he is in his country and what a wonderful husband he will make you. Your Zia Ottavia thinks he’s perfect for you.”

Her aunt’s opinion held a lot of sway with her mother.

Suddenly her father sat forward. “It’s past time you got married, Donetta.” His no-nonsense voice shook as he said it. With his heart condition, Donetta worried when he got this upset. “To think our youngest is already married, yet our oldest is still single. It isn’t right. This silliness about you not being ready for marriage has gone too far and has to stop.”

“Please consider what we’re saying.” Her mother got up from the chair and put a hand on her shoulder. “Arnaud will be coming to Domodossola tomorrow. He says it’s on business, but we all know the real reason. He’s so eager to see you. Will you allow him to call on you tomorrow evening? I’ll plan a special dinner.”

Her mother never knew when to give up. She took a deep breath. “Do you really like him, Papà?”

He stared at her without blinking. “Of course I do! I’ve been planning on your marriage for a long time. We’ve known and liked his parents for many years, too. I’m very impressed with his sincerity. You’ve had many suitors, but I honestly believe he’ll make you a wonderful companion you can love and trust.”

Her mother hugged her. “All we ask is that you give him the chance to spend more time with you.”

“Amen,” her father asserted.

Resigned that her parents weren’t going to stop pressuring her, Donetta got up from the table. “Since it’s so important to you, go ahead and invite him to dinner, but I can’t promise anything.”

“I believe something wonderful will come of it,” her father reminded her.

She decided to change the subject. “While we’re all still here, I wanted to give you some good news. The Carrera charity raised enough funds to pay the work crew’s final bill for renovating the Santa Duomo Maria Church that was damaged during the last earthquake. Piero e Figli have done a remarkable job.”

“Their work has always been excellent,” her mother murmured. “That’s my favorite church in the city.”

“Mine, too, Mamma. The frescoes are priceless. I just hope more funds keep coming in to start work on some of the other buildings since we can’t dip into the treasury.”

“Absolutely not.” So spoke her father whose voice sounded stronger since her capitulation.

“Then I’ll see all of you at dinner tonight.”

Fausta shook her head. “I’ll be eating in town with Mia.”

Her best friend, Mia, a nurse at the Hospital of the Three Crosses, was on Fausta’s fund-raising committee. But Fausta was spending more and more time in town with her. Donetta figured there was a compelling reason why she hadn’t been around much lately. Fausta continued to meet new men along with Mia, and Donetta had promised to keep it a secret from their parents.

In turmoil over Enrico’s disappearance from her life and now her parents’ insistence that she marry Arnaud, Donetta gave her parents a kiss and left the dining room.

Dispirited, she headed to the south wing of the fifteenth-century palace, where all the offices were located. She had her own office next to the room where their legislature met. But she was often away from the palace doing fund-raising and goodwill tours.

When she was gone, she relied on her secretary, Talia, to run the daily business, bring in the mail and do odd jobs in her absence. Talia, a married brunette in her thirties with two children, nodded to her as she entered the room.

“You’ve received something important in the mail this morning. It’s stamped top priority and it’s from the country of Vallefiore, Your Highness.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.