How to Turn a Frog into a Prince - Bree Wolf Page 0,13

the moment their eyes met, it seemed like lightning struck.

Indeed, there was something tangible between them, something that reminded Charlaine of that moment at the marketplace long ago when Amancia and Peter had first met.

Caroline’s face paled as she beheld them. Then she quickly mumbled an excuse to her companions and disappeared inside. It seemed for all intents and purposes that she was fleeing the scene, pain etched into her eyes.

“You should go after her,” Charlaine told Pierce as he stood beside her like a stone column, his dark gaze staring after Caroline. “You clearly want to. Don’t let her get away.”

His chest rose and fell with a slow, deep breath before he followed after her.

Returning her gaze to the guests around her, Charlaine belatedly realized that by sending Pierce away, she now found herself alone in the arena facing hungry lions. Frowned expressions greeted her, disapproval and distaste sparking here and there as judgmental eyes swept over her from head to toe.

Of course, Charlaine could have changed her appearance in an effort to hide the differences that made her stand out. That revealed her as an outsider. Emma had kindly offered her help. However, Charlaine had refused.

After all, she was proud of who she was, and she would not dishonor herself or her family by hiding a life she had loved. No, she was who she was, and those who disliked her were simply not worth her time.

With her head held high, Charlaine made her way through the crowd until she came to stand on the edge of the terrace, overlooking the green lawns. Children raced up and down a small slope, their faces aglow with joy and effort. One little girl waved to her, and Charlaine waved back, cherishing the way children saw the world.

With kindness and curiosity.

Indeed, it was a beautiful day, and Charlaine determinedly pushed away all dark thoughts and decided to enjoy it. Her skin warmed under the sun’s rays, and she felt its effect deep within her soul. The lawn beckoned to her to lose her shoes, but she refrained, not wishing to embarrass Pierce. And besides, she had promised Albert.

Thoughts of Pierce’s ancient butler brought a deep smile to her face for he reminded her of her own father, always trying to teach, to impart wisdom, to counsel and protect. Pierce had told her that Albert had lost his own daughter a few years back and still grieved her loss.

Perhaps it was Fate that they had come into each other’s lives.

After a small eternity, Charlaine glimpsed Caroline return to the terrace, her face taut and her eyes filled with sorrow. With a look over her shoulder as though afraid that someone might be following her, she approached an elderly couple—presumably her parents.

Sighing, Charlaine marched across the terrace and neared the French doors the second Pierce stepped through, his gaze tense as it swept over the assembled guests, clearly looking for someone.

For Caroline.

Apparently, whatever had happened had not gone well. “I assume you didn’t tell her you loved her,” Charlaine remarked, unable to hide that hint of reproach that came to her voice. “Otherwise, she would not be so furious.” She tugged on his arm, urging him to look at her. “What did you say to her?”

Swallowing, Pierce finally met her gaze. “I will not discuss this with you,” he growled, frustration written all over his face.

“Well, you should discuss it with her,” Charlaine pointed out, pained to see two people apart who should be together. She reached for his hand, and his eyes returned to hers. “Sometimes loss cannot be remedied,” she whispered, feeling a catch in her throat as she remembered the moment Peter had closed his eyes for the last time. “Sometimes it is final, and there is nothing we can do about it.” Her eyes darted to Caroline. “This is not one of those times, and you’d do well to remember it.”

Pierce’s gaze softened, and she could see that her words had reached him. “You’re right,” he whispered, gently brushing a tear from her cheek she had not even been aware of. “I will speak to her again.” A smile tugged on his lips. “Thank you for wearing shoes today.”

Charlaine laughed, loving him for always knowing what to say. “Albert convinced me.”

“Did he now?” Pierce asked, incredulity in his gaze. “How on earth did he manage that?”

Charlaine could not help but grin as she recalled the mischievous twinkle in Albert’s gaze when he had spoken to her earlier that day.