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"Too many tourists don't give deference to Sicilian conventions. I like that you do."
She shrugs, like it's not a big deal. "I grew up splitting time between Southern California and Spain with my parents. Two very different cultures. They expected me and my brothers to respect each culture and adapt to the norms of both." She flashes that brilliant smile again. "Besides showing respect for the culture in which you find yourself is just good manners."
"Agreed." Though it isn't merely good manners for the son of a monarch; it is imperative. "Have a coffee with me and I will give you a personally guided tour of the cathedral after."
"You're an expert, are you?" she teases
"My family were originally from Sicily." Generations ago, before the country of Isole dei Re was founded by my ancestors. "We still have business interests here."
She bites her bottom lip, clearly considering whether she wanted to break away from her tour group to spend time with a stranger.
"You said you are here with friends,sì?"
"Yes."
"Invite them to join us."
The concerned furrow on her brow smoothed. "You don't mind?"
"Not at all." Would I rather be alone with my beautiful goddess?
Certo. But I understand her reluctance.
"Let me text them." She lifts her phone and points it at me before tapping the screen. It clicks, indicating she took my photo. "I'm sending your picture too. What's your mobile number?"
I rattle it off, surprised at my own willingness to do so.
She dials. When the phone in my suit jacket inner pocket buzzes, she nods with satisfaction and sends her text.
"I approve your caution."
Perfectly shaped brows rose, her expression turning wry. "How nice for you."
I laugh. "Yes, well, I have a tendency to think my opinion matters too much. At least, according to my sister and brother."
"Younger, I bet."
"My sister is twenty-five minutes older, my brother fifteen."
"Andyoubossthemboth around?"
"Boss is a strong term. I make suggestions." Not that either Elena or Adamo appreciate my advice when I give it.
They both might be older by minutes, but we were born on the same day and of the three of us, I am the most practical.
"You're a triplet?" she asks with obvious curiosity.
"Sì."And my entire life is overshadowed by that fact.
The youngest triplet of the royal family. Not the heir. Not the spare. But I refuse to melt into the background like a distant relation to the throne.
My siblings and I share our family's business responsibilities, but I am the one who took over those that kept my father away from the palace. Our family's businessisIsole dei Re. If our company does not thrive, neither does our economy.
So, I travel extensively. Add that to my increasing diplomatic duties on behalf of the Crown and I spend only scattered weeks throughout the year with my family.
"My older brothers are twins. There's a bond that they don't share with me." For a moment, she looks sad.
And I understand. Being the heir and the spare, Elena and Adamo share a bond outside of our multiple birth that I'm not part of.
