Once Upon a Romance 01 - Before the Midnight Bells Read Online Free PDF Page A

comforted. She knew her mother would have approved.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Max took a deep breath when the steward told him the king was ready to receive him. He needed to play this just right. He carefully arranged a bewildered look on his face and followed the steward into the king’s study. Heavy oak paneling and red velvet cushions made the room seem like a miniature throne room : an impression that did nothing to help sooth e Max’s nerves. He gave himself a little mental shake, and offered the king a bow in greeting.
    “ You Majesty, I’ve come to ask your help.”
    “ Of course Max, what’s the trouble?”
    “ I’m trying to select a gift for Vivienne, but I can’t determine anything she really wants. I was hoping you might have an idea.”
    The king laughed. “I ’m not sure what sort of help I can be. Normally Vivi is full of requests, but s he’s only asked me for one thing over and over ever since the weather improved. She wants to go on a hunting expedition.”
    “ She is quite a good shot with her bow, Majesty.”
    “ Oh, yes, it’s not that, I just haven’t wanted her to be out alone with only the huntsmen to protect her.” King Regal gave him a thoughtful look. “If you like, I could send you both on a week long hunt as a wedding gift.”
    Excellent. Vivi had told him the king would think of this, but he was relieved that she was right. It would have been awkward leading the king around to it. “That would be marvelous, your Majesty.” Now to bait the hook. “It doesn’t solve my problem, though. I am still lacking a gift for your daughter.” Max waited . K nowing the king, any moment now—
    “ Give her hunting gear, Max! While you’re at it, give her a sturdier horse, too. That palfrey she’s got is only good for short rides.”
    “ What a wonderful suggestion, your Majesty!”
    Max excused himself, feeling extremely self-satisfied. With one quick conversation he had gotten the king to instruct him to provide Vivienne with everything she would need.
    ***
    “ Well, you were right.”
    “ Of course I’m right. I’m the princess. I’m always right. Even when I’m wrong it’s your job to tell me I’m right anyway.” Vivi was arranging her hair for dinner and not really paying attention to Max, who had just dropped by. “What am I right about, again?”
    “ Everything, obviously.”
    Vivienne inspected herself closely in the mirror. Apparently she found nothing wrong with her raven-haired, violet-eyed perfection, so s he heaved a mighty sigh and turned to her friend . “Don’t be tiresome Max, feed my ego. How have I been vindicated this particular time?”
    “ Your father has instructed me to gear you for a hunting expedition.”
    The princess’s teasing attitude suddenly fell away, and she laughed joyfully and gave Max a brief but enthusiastic hug. “Well done, Max! I knew you could get him to suggest it. You’re brilliant.”
“As brilliant as you?”
    “ Well, almost, anyway.”
    The co-conspirators grinned at each other in mischievous glee.
    “ So, what color do you want your horse to be?”
    “ Purple.”
“Vivi. Please.”
    “ What? It’s the royal color.”
    “ It won’t exactly blend with the mountain terrain.”
    “ I don’t care.”
    “ Also, they don’t make them in purple.”
    “ They don’t?” The wide-eyed, innocent look the princess gave him made Max snigger. “Very well then, pick whatever you think best, my darling betrothed.”
    “ Fine, I’ll get you a mule.”
    “ A mule?” Vivienne was startled.
    “ I think it will suit your temper admirably.”
    “ A mule.” The princess’ eyes narrowed in irritation.
    “ What? I hear they come in purple.”
    Vivi dove for her cushions, and Max fled the room before she could hurl them. Her normally impassive guard gave Max a bewildered look when he heard the thuds on the door to the hallway. As the guardsman went charging into the room to check on Vivienne’s royal well-being , Max laughed and