Page 20

EMILY

T he chandeliers above me sparkle like captured stars, throwing light across a sea of designer gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos. I adjust the strap of my silver dress — the one that I bought just for tonight — and wonder again if coming on this trip was a good idea.

The more time we spend together, the more confusing Hugo is. One minute I think I have him figured out, only for him to suddenly throw another curveball my way.

I spot him across the ballroom, a head taller than most guests, his hair combed and styled back.

He laughs at something the Japanese ambassador says, the sound genuine but controlled.

We haven’t interacted much so far on this trip, but only because he’s been busy.

I’m hoping the women I have my eyes on will be here tonight so I can make introductions.

I mean… I think I’m hoping they’ll be here. Or maybe I don’t want them to be here at all?

“More champagne, mademoiselle?” A waiter appears at my elbow.

“No, thank you,” I say, forcing my attention away from Hugo.

The room feels oddly hot, so many bodies packed into it, so much chatter, too many thoughts and not enough quiet.

Pressing my fingers to my throbbing temples, I head in search of water. After finding it and downing a whole glass, I linger by a window and watch the cars down below pass by. For some reason I can’t put my finger on, I suddenly feel horribly lost and without meaning in my life.

Odd. That’s not me at all. I know who I am, know what I contribute to the world. I’m?—

“Emily.” Hugo appears out of nowhere. “I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.”

“Just observing.” I force myself to smile, though I still feel all twisted up inside. “That’s part of my job.”

He leans down slightly, his voice dropping. “And what have you observed? Any potential queens in the vicinity?” There’s a touch of teasing in his tone that makes my stomach flutter.

It’s no longer a good flutter, though, like the kind I used to get when Hugo was around. Instead, I feel like I might vomit.

“Several,” I reply professionally. “But you’ve been rather busy with the German finance minister for the past forty minutes.”

“Duty calls.” He straightens his already perfect bow tie.

“You also said you would talk to women on this trip,” I remind him, while wondering if I even care anymore.

“Indeed,” he says coolly. “And I have not forgotten.”

“The night is young,” I assure him. “The Countess of Kassel is here. She’s on our list — Cambridge-educated, speaks four languages.”

Hugo follows my discreet nod toward a tall blond woman across the room. “She looks… proper,” he says without enthusiasm.

“Proper is good for a future queen, isn’t it?”

He shrugs, his shoulder brushing mine. “I suppose so.”

A waiter passes with fresh flutes of champagne, and this time I take one. The bubbles tickle my nose as I sip, and I know I might regret it tomorrow, but right now I need something to take the edge off of tonight.

“You don’t have to babysit me all night,” Hugo says suddenly. “I promised my mother and you that I would make an effort. I will. You should have fun. Enjoy yourself.”

“Our past events have taught me otherwise. Sorry, Your Highness, but when it comes to love, you do need babysitting.”

What I don’t say is that I’m enjoying standing beside him, being mistaken for someone important enough to be in his orbit. I also don’t mention that every time I imagine introducing him to the countess or any of the other carefully vetted women on my list, I feel a tightness in my chest.

A flurry of excited whispers fills the ballroom as a famous actress arrives. I’ve seen her movies, but it’s the first time I’ve gotten a look at her in person, and she’s even more beautiful in real life. Like everything else right now, though, I can’t seem to find it in myself to care.

“Hugo, darling!” A woman’s voice interrupts us.

She’s elegant, probably in her fifties, with a French accent and perfect posture. She kisses Hugo on both cheeks before turning curious eyes to me.

“Catherine,” Hugo says warmly. “May I introduce Emily Neale? She’s a… friend visiting from America.”

Friend. Not matchmaker. Not employee. I extend my hand, which she takes briefly.

“Emily, this is Catherine Eder, an old family friend.”

“Lovely to meet you,” I say automatically.

She looks between us, a knowing smile forming on her lips. “Hugo, you’ve been holding out. When your mother mentioned you’d be at the gala, she didn’t mention you’d be bringing someone special.”

I open my mouth to correct her, but Hugo speaks first. “Emily and I are still getting to know each other,” he says smoothly, neither confirming nor denying her assumption.

Catherine practically beams. “Well, it’s about time. I told Julia you simply needed to find the right woman.” She leans in conspiratorially toward me. “He was quite the heartbreaker in his youth, but always a gentleman.”

“I was standing right here the last time I checked,” Hugo says dryly.

Catherine pats his arm. “And now look at you — all grown-up and finally loved-up. I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at her.”

My champagne suddenly goes down the wrong way, and I cough discreetly into my hand. Loved-up? The way he looks at me? I force a smile that feels stretched across my face.

“You’ve caught us,” Hugo says with a charming smile, surprising me further. His arm slides around my waist in a gesture that seems both protective and possessive. “But we’re keeping things quiet for now.”

Catherine nods conspiratorially. “Of course, of course. The press would have a field day. My lips are sealed.” She mimes locking her lips before drifting away to greet another guest.

The moment she’s gone, Hugo’s arm drops from my waist. “Sorry about that,” he says, looking genuinely apologetic. “She’s a terrible gossip. If I’d corrected her, the story would have changed six times before reaching my mother. This way, she’ll keep her ‘secret.’”

But I just stare at him. What’s he’s saying doesn’t make any sense. If Catherine’s a gossip, she’ll spread news no matter what, and now everyone will think Hugo and I are dating. It’ll make it even harder to find him a match.

Why is he doing this?

Inside, something is crumbling. For just a moment, with his arm around me and his body warm against my side, I’d allowed myself to imagine it was real.

That this brilliant, dedicated man — who carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders and still remembers to thank every server who brings him food — could see me as more than a professional service provider.

I look across the room at the countess. She really would make him a suitable match. Educated, poised, charitable. I should walk over there right now, make the introduction, and do the job I was hired to do.

Instead, I feel like I can’t breathe.

“I should…” My voice doesn’t sound like my own. “There’s the countess. I’ll go see if she’s ready to meet you.”

Hugo frowns slightly. “Are you all right? You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lie. “Just doing my job.”

His expression shifts, becoming more princely, more distant. “Of course.”

My heart pounds against my ribs like it’s trying to escape.

I need to escape. This is ridiculous. I’ve matched hundreds of couples.

I’ve watched them fall in love, get married, start families.

I’ve smiled at their happiness while telling myself that someday it would be my turn.

And never once have I fallen in love with a client.

Until now. Until Hugo.

“Excuse me,” I murmur. “I need some air.”

I don’t wait for his response. I hand my champagne flute to a passing waiter and make my way toward the French doors I spotted earlier.

They lead to a balcony overlooking the gardens, and the cool evening air hits my flushed face as I step outside.

Thank goodness, the balcony is empty. There’s no one to witness my breakdown.

My hands grip the stone railing as I take deep breaths. What am I doing? I should call Queen Julia tomorrow, make up some excuse about a family emergency, and recommend another matchmaker. I should book the first flight back to Los Angeles and forget I ever met Hugo.

What I’m doing here, this dance and game Hugo and I have going on, it’s dangerous. The only thing he is serious about is breaking hearts, and if I stay, it will be the biggest mistake of my life.