The Making of a Princess Read Online Free PDF Page A

pleasure knowing Grandmother would heartily disapprove.
    It may be petty, but Amanda didn’t care.
    And she was having a really good time.
    “The jewels are stunning.” Hands behind her back, she leaned forward to study the three crowns on display. “The workmanship is exquisite.”
    “Only the highest quality gems are used in the making of the royal crowns. Pasadonia uses the same jeweller and silversmith as the Royal house of Britain. There are over two thousand precious gems in the coronation crown, known as the St. Martin.”
    “St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of soldiers.” She strolled on to a display of scepters. At his questioning look she confessed, “I did a Google search.”
    “Yes. We are a small country but we have held our own through the centuries.”
    “Le Valliant allié.” She read on the shaft of a gleaming gold scepter. “The valiant ally.”
    “Our motto, and a way of life. We believe in making friends not enemies.”
    “A nice sentiment,” she nodded and moved on to a cabinet of daggers, the decorative knives were as beautiful as they were lethal. “But in my experience politics aren’t that easy. It’s not always possible to be everyone’s friend.”
    “Perhaps not, but when you control a neutral port in the Gulf of Lions, it is possible to avoid making enemies.”
    “I would think that would make you all the more vulnerable to invasion.”
    He inclined his dark head. “As I said, we are small but we held our own. Pasadonia has always had a strong militia. We are fierce fighters.”
    “To this day?” she asked curiously. Looking at his profile she saw the pride in him, and when he turned his golden gaze her way, she saw the fierceness he spoke of.
    So why had she sensed an underlying tension when he’d talked of his family’s history in the royal guard?
    “Yes,” he said simply. “Pasadonia has all the problems of any nation in these days of unrest. Terrorism is a universal issue. Our Prince is a vocal member of the International Security Consortium. Our militia must be ever vigilant.”
    “Of course.” How small-minded of her not to associate big world problems with a small principality.
    “We protect our Prince. We protect our borders. We protect and aid our citizens.” He gestured to the elaborate exhibit. “We protect our national resources. We stand in the middle of Pasadonia right now. These are my country’s treasures. They are my responsibility. I will protect them with my life as I would if we were in my homeland.”
    “I can see you’re very dedicated.” She placed her hand on his, where it rested on the corner of a display case. “Your country has beautiful treasures. Considering the uncertain times, I’m actually surprised your Prince would send the jewels on tour.”
    “Tourism is a large part of our economy. With people traveling less these days, our economy was suffering. The tour has generated a large influx of necessary income.”
    “Your Prince is smart to use the riches of your history to finance your current and future needs. From what I’ve read the tour has been incredibly successful.”
    “It has. My Prince is very pleased with the generosity of your country and its citizens.”
    She laughed. “Americans are fascinated by all things royal. Probably because it’s not something we’ve ever known.”
    The next turn took them by the tiaras. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies looped and swooped in delicate designs, layering gem upon gem so it glittered like fallen stars.
    “Oh.” Again she clasped her hands behind her back, an old habit to keep from reaching for something she shouldn’t touch.
    He tugged on her fingers. “I am sorry I cannot let you handle the jewels.”
    She grinned at him. “I’d love that, but I understand. I used to dream of being a princess when I was little. All little girls do.” She glanced at the brilliant display, sighed. “I never imagined anything this elaborate. This beautiful.”
    “Ah, so you