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‘He should be proud of you,’ she muttered fiercely.

The light in her eyes was different. Brighter. More ferocious. Softening only when she looked at him. She seemed taller—shoes, no doubt, and the tiara added another half-inch. But there was that defiant tilt to her head. Nothing melt-in-the-background about her now. Tilly was here to be seen. A good thing, given she was the centrepiece—every eye in the place locked on her the second they were announced into the ballroom. Including his. It was no ‘act’ to be entranced by her. Focusing entirely on her was the only way he got through the first hour—enduring the receiving line—presenting her to each avidly fascinated guest as his wife, accepting congratulations. He felt like a seal in a circus. But he shielded her from his father on the other side of him. He hadn’t engaged with the man other than to murmur hello. Had Domenico known what Hugo had done? The disgraced aide was long gone from the palace—he’d fallen on his sword and claimed sole responsibility. But had Domenico ordered it? There was no proof of that—which was the only reason Alex could remain in the room with him now.

His father addressed the invited guests—waffling on about how wonderful the surprise wedding was. Peaky, tense, but seemingly determined to bridge the schism that had been exposed in the palace. ‘We come together to care for Matilde.’

Alex almost lost it then.

‘To Alex and Matilde and the future of Montaurella!’

His stomach clenched. The future of Montaurella was coming a whole lot sooner than anyone here tonight realised. He barely made the required polite chat. Shy of two hours into it he gave up and hid in the corner for a moment, watching Tilly deep in conversation with a society hostess who was patron of a museum in Paris.

‘Congratulations.’ Erik walked over. ‘Tilly’s flourishing.’

Alex had been jealous to see her smile when Erik had appeared in the reception line. But then she’d turned to Alex and her face had illuminated with a different radiance—slaying that old insecurity with one sweet smile that was only his. And made him feel even more unworthy.

‘I thought you liked her,’ Alex confessed sheepishly.

‘Who?’

‘Tilly.’

‘What?’

‘I thought you liked her. I thought you’d try to rescue her over the video thing and Dad pressuring her.’

‘I would have.’ Erik faced him so no one could read their lips. ‘I would have given her money and got her out of Montaurella to go and live her life.’

Yes. That was exactly what he should have done. Erik had always been the better man. But it wasn’t too late. Even as she showed just how perfectly she could fit into palace life, it wasn’t fair to keep her here.

‘I sure as hell never would have married her,’ Erik added. ‘She’s a sister to me. But she was never that to you.’

Alex stiffened. ‘I wasn’t here.’

‘Partly because of her.’ Erik nodded. ‘You avoided her from the moment you saw her and now we all know why. It was never that you resented her mother. It’s always and only been about Tilly for you.’

Yes, Alex knew. He just hadn’t wanted to accept it. Sex. Chemistry. One look and he’d wanted her and he couldn’t dig it out of his system. He would now. He had to.

‘She cares about you,’ Alex said to his brother. ‘She’s worried about your rush wedding.’

‘She’s one to talk.’ Erik chuckled. ‘But she has good instincts. I’m not sure Princess Antonella is all she seems.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Meaning it’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll work it out when I see her tomorrow. You focus on the mess going on here.’

‘About that.’ Alex braced. ‘I intend to come to an understanding with our father. It’s good you’re going away for another few days.’

‘It’s that serious?’ A bleak look entered Erik’s eyes. ‘I’ll stay if you need me, Alex.’

‘No. It’s better for you not to be here.’ Erik had been burdened enough. Alex wanted him to enjoy his life. ‘Go woo your princess.’

Erik’s phone vibrated.

‘You should check it,’ he drawled. ‘If it’s the lovely Antonella you don’t want to delay your reply.’

‘If it’s her…’ Erik scanned the message and his expression sharpened as he pocketed his phone again. ‘I’ll sort it at the appropriate time.’

Alex frowned. ‘You sure everything is okay?’