Royal Secrets by Traci Hunter Abramson Page A

decorated with sailboats and seashells. An enormous gift-wrapped box rested on a low-lying table in the center of the room.
    Giancarlo was already sitting on one of the child-sized chairs, one hand resting possessively on the present. “Can we open it, Mama? It has our names on it.”
    “Let me see.” Alora stepped forward and read the simple white card. Giancarlo and Dante—Welcome to your new home. Even though the card wasn’t signed, Alora had no doubt it was from Janessa. She smiled and nodded at Giancarlo. “Go ahead. Let’s see what Aunt Janessa left for you.”
    Giancarlo didn’t have to be told twice. He ripped the paper as Dante scrambled closer and started pulling at the wrappings from the other end. Both boys stared down with delight when they revealed the box that held a wooden train set.
    “Oh wow.” Giancarlo breathed out a sigh of delight before he looked up at his mother. “Can we play with it? We promise to share, right, Dante?”
    Dante’s head bobbed up and down enthusiastically, and Alora let herself get caught up in her boys’ delight. “Go ahead. Just make sure you keep the pieces on the table so they don’t get broken.”
    The box was barely open when a knock sounded at the door. For the next twenty minutes, a steady stream of uniformed servants paraded in and out of her new quarters, her shabby belongings taking residence next to elegant antiques and plush furniture.
    She had turned over her keys to one of the servants, who had insisted he would park her car in the garage for her. A young woman was currently unpacking her boys’ suitcases in their room.
    Alora was contemplating unpacking her kitchen supplies when a smiling older woman entered. Both chubby hands gripped a serving tray laden with all the fixings for sandwiches.
    “So you made it.” She spoke in Italian, but her accent was definitely French. “I am Patrice Saldera, the cook here at the chateau.” She walked straight into the kitchen and set the tray on the counter. “I’m sorry I haven’t stocked your kitchen yet. I didn’t expect you quite so soon, but this should get you through until dinnertime.”
    “That is so kind of you. Thank you,” Alora managed, accepting Patrice’s outstretched hand. “It’s so good to finally meet you. You have made quite a favorable impression on Janessa.”
    Patrice’s cheeks flushed pink with pleasure. “Our Gianessa is a good girl.”
    “Yes, she is definitely that.”
    “Now, where are those little ones of yours?”
    “They’re enjoying their new bedroom.” Alora motioned to their room, and Patrice crossed to peek in at them.
    “Oh, what handsome boys you are.” Patrice didn’t cross the threshold into the room, but from behind her, Alora could hear her sons introduce themselves and invite Patrice to play with their new toy. After chatting with them for a moment, Patrice turned back to Alora, a satisfied smile on her face. “They are darling. We are going to enjoy having little ones around here again. It’s been far too long.”
    Alora immediately thought of her sons’ earlier dash to the garden. “I hope you feel like that after you’ve gotten to know them a little better.”
    “Oh, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine,” Patrice assured her. She motioned to the young woman currently in her sons’ room unpacking their suitcases. “Brenna here is available to watch your boys anytime you need so you won’t have to worry about them getting into too much mischief when you’re working with Gianessa.”
    “Oh, I didn’t expect that you would provide babysitting services for me. They can tag along with me when I’m working.”
    “That wouldn’t be any fun.” Patrice waved away the suggestion. “Little boys need fresh air and sunshine. We’ll make sure they get plenty.”
    “Well, thank you for all your hospitality. I can see why Janessa is so fond of you.”
    Patrice patted Alora’s hand. “I’d best get back to the kitchen to start on dinner. What