Christina’s jaw dropped. She searched everyone’s faces, as if seeking the truth. “But it was just a story, right? It’s a charming tale, but the legend isn’t real.”
“Precisely.” Richard crossed his arms. At least Miss Armstrong had the sense not to believe in legends and magic. “A bunch of hocus-pocus nonsense. That is all.”
“Tell her the truth,” Mother said with a significant look.
Fine. But still he hesitated. “The legend is not true, but the people of San Montico believe it is true. Therein lies the problem.”
“What problem?” Christina asked.
“This should be interesting,” Mother murmured. Didier chuckled in reply. Uncle Phillippe grinned at Alan.
Richard would not say the words. He stared up at the lavishly gilded domed ceiling. “Didi?”
“You must marry Prince Richard within a week,
