bathroom, Auggie took me into his arms. “You look like a princess,” he complimented with a kiss.
“A princess with a little something extra,” I giggled as I caressed my tummy.
His forehead met mine. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We headed downstairs where the car waited. Sean held the door open for us to climb inside before driving us to the airfield where Seamus 1 waited.
Audra was waiting for us by the gangway. “Good morning, Your Grace,” she smiled.
I had never heard her greet him so formally. He didn’t correct her. He just gave her that heart-stopping smirk. “Countess,” he greeted.
They let me ascend the steps first. I found a beautiful buffet on the table waiting for us. Sparkling ginger ale, my beloved auberries, both fresh and baked into delicious muffins. There were even some auberry-filled Danishes that nearly made my knees buckle.
Both Jack and I were big fans.
Every time I tried to ask where we were going, Auggie would pop another bite in my mouth. It was both erotic and frustrating.
Finally, we retreated to the private quarters of the plane to snuggle on one of the sofas as we watched the blue sky overhead.
I dozed against his chest more than once in the several hours it took to reach our destination. At just before noon, he nudged me awake. “Are you ready?” he asked softly.
“Ready for what?”
“Ready for the world to change.”
He didn’t give me much chance to mull the question over. He pulled me to my feet the minute Sean announced we could deboard. I followed him towards the exit as Audra led our little parade..
The minute the door swung open we were greeted with music. I already knew it was the Aldaynean anthem, being played by a marching band waiting for us on the runway, dressed in bright tropical colors. There were dancers and the Royal Guard, and a bunch of government officials dressed in their formal best.
“Welcome to Ademar,” he said as we stepped out under the blazing tropical sun.
I gasped as he pulled me along. The press snapped photos like crazy as we walked down the purple carpet that had been strewn with familiar black rose petals. Auggie waved a hand at the crowd, who clearly loved him. They screamed and waved their Aldaynean flags, hoping to catch his eye.
Just like every concert, he made sure to acknowledge as many as possible.
When he nudged my elbow so that I might greet them as well, I immediately put on a smile and began to wave, surprised that several signs in the crowd were welcoming me, also.
The Royal Guard raised their swords as we passed them, heading straight for a platform where a woman stood, her own uniform decorated in several medals, whose halo of white hair was in sharp contrast to her mahogany skin. Auggie stopped in front of her just as she bowed.
“Your Grace,” she greeted.
Auggie bowed as well. “Madam President.”
She turned her attention to me. “Miss McPhee,” she greeted with a bow. “My name is Edwinna Morrow. Allow me to welcome you to Ademar.” She extended a hand.
I had no idea what to do. Did I bow? Did I just shake her hand? Where was Audra?
I clasped Edwinna’s hand gently. “Madam President,” I said, mirroring Auggie right down to the slight bow. I figured if it was good enough for a prince, it was good enough for me.
I was rewarded by a young girl, about twelve or so, dressed in fine silk in the deepest pink, placing a crown of hibiscus flowers on my head.
“We are so thrilled that you both will be joining us for our Independence Celebration,” Edwinna smiled. “It has been quite a long time since you have visited us,” she admonished Auggie in a soft, teasing reprimand.
“It is only because I’ve forgotten what a lovely hostess you were,” Auggie said. “For that, I beg a thousand pardons.”
“Water under the bridge,” Edwinna dismissed with a wave of her hand and a bright smile. “You are here now. Luz de Mar has been prepared for your visit. You can rest there until our festivities begin this evening at sundown.”
“Excellent,” Auggie nodded, indicating his approval. “You may arrange everything with my assistant,” he said, bringing Audra into the conversation. “You remember Countess Tremwell.”
“Of course,” Edwinna said. “So lovely to see you again.”
Audra bowed to acknowledge the authority of the president. “The pleasure is all mine, Madam President.”
We all walked together, surrounded three rows deep by officials. Guards ensured our safety as we continued to