the black sheep of the family.”
Julianna pursed her lips. “A black cat for the black sheep.”
“Not by choice,” he admitted. “The cat chose me.”
She stared at the kitten, but didn’t pet him. Definitely ice running through her veins. “Such a lucky kitty to be able to choose for itself.”
“It’s too bad royalty doesn’t get the same choices,” Alejandro said.
He waited for her to reply. She didn’t.
“Eat, sleep, play.” A man in his early twenties with dark, curly brown hair stepped forward. He had rugged features, but his refined demeanor matched his designer suit and Italian leather shoes. “The life of a cat seems perfect to me. Much better than that of a prince.”
“Well, the kitten is a stray,” Alejandro said. “Caviar isn’t part of his diet.”
The man grinned. “It’s only part of mine on occasion.”
Julianna sighed. “Prince Alejandro, this is—”
“Alejandro,” he corrected. “I don’t use my title.”
“Wish I could get away with that,” the other man said. “Though the title does come in handy when it comes to women.”
“That is the one benefit I have found,” Alejandro agreed.
Julianna rolled her eyes. “The two of you can compare dating notes later. Now it’s time for a formal introduction.”
The princess’s words told Alejandro she was cut from the same cloth as Enrique. Both seemed to hold an appreciation for royal protocol and etiquette. Something Alejandro saw as a complete waste of time. The two stuffy royals might live happily ever after.
“Alejandro,” she continued. “This is His Royal Highness Crown Prince Brandt. One of my four younger brothers.”
Brother? Alejandro studied the two. He couldn’t believe they were so closely related. Brandt was as dark as his sister was fair.
“Half brother,” Julianna clarified, as if reading Alejandro’s thoughts.
That explained it. But nothing explained why his gaze drifted to the curve of her hips. A nice body would never make up for an unpleasant personality that was the female version of his older brother. Maybe he’d been spending too much time working at the boatyard and not enough time out partying with the ladies. Perhaps later …
Right now he wanted to return to his room. Being surrounded by royalty was suffocating.
“It’s been nice meeting you.” His obligation to be here when the princess arrived had been met. He cradled the now napping kitten in the crook of his arm. “I’ll see …”
Julianna stroked the kitten. The move took him by surprise. The soft smile on her face reached all the way to her eyes and made him do a double-take. His pulse rate shot up a few notches.
He’d always been a sucker for a pair of big baby blues. “Would you like to hold him?”
She drew back her hand. Her French manicured nails had no cracks or chips. “No, thank you.”
Alejandro didn’t know whether to be intrigued or annoyed by the princess. Before he could decide which, a cloud of strong aftershave hit him. He recognized the toxic scent, otherwise known as the expensive designer brand of cologne his brother wore.
Enrique turned the corner. He strode across the floor with quick steps and his head held high. Whereas Brandt looked regal, Enrique came across as pompous.
He stared at Julianna as if she were a red diamond, a rare gem meant only for him. Dollar signs shone in his eyes. Enrique’s priority had always been La Isla de la Aurora. Women were secondary, which was why an arranged marriage had been necessary.
After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Enrique glared at Ortiz, who introduced everyone with lofty titles and more middle names than Alejandro could count.
Enrique struck a ridiculous pose, as if he were at a photo shoot not standing in the foyer. “I hope you had a pleasant journey from Aliestle.”
“Thank you. I did.” Julianna’s polite smile gave nothing away as to her first impression of her groom. “The palace is lovely.”
Leave it to Enrique to turn meeting his future wife into such a formal event. Alejandro couldn’t believe his brother. Didn’t he remember their charm lessons with Mrs. Delgado? If Enrique had a clue about women, about Julianna, he would kiss her hand and compliment her on her shoes. He would make her feel as if she’d arrived home, not treat her like a temporary houseguest. But Enrique only did what he wanted, no matter how that affected anyone else.
“Alejandro.” Irritation filled Enrique’s eyes. “What are you doing with that animal?”
“He’s a kitten. And I’m only following your instructions, brother,” Alejandro explained. “I’m here, as requested, to meet your lovely bride.”
Enrique’s face reddened. “You could at least have taken the time to dress.”
“He escaped while I was changing.” Alejandro petted the sleeping cat. “I assumed Father wouldn’t want a kitten tearing through the palace unattended.”
Enrique started to speak then stopped himself. Their guests must be keeping his temper in check. At least the princess and her entourage were good for something around here.
“I’ll take him to my room,” Alejandro added. “See you at dinner.”
“Formal attire,” Enrique reminded, his voice tight. “In case you’ve forgotten, that includes shirt and shoes.”
Alejandro rocked back on his heels. “I know how to dress for dinner, bro, but thanks for the reminder.”
The air crackled with tension.
Twenty years ago, they would have been fighting while Ortiz called for the palace guards to separate them. Ten years ago, the same thing might have happened. But Enrique would never lower himself, or his station, to that level now. Even if his hard gaze told Alejandro he wanted to fight.
“At least your younger brother knows how to dress, Enrique. Not all of mine do.” Julianna sounded empathetic. “I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s hard being the oldest.”
Her words may have been calculated, but they did the trick. Enrique’s jaw relaxed. He focused his attention on Julianna.
Alejandro was impressed. Diffusing the situation so deftly took skill. And practice.
“It can be difficult.” The corners of Enrique’s mouth lifted into a half smile. “Younger siblings don’t take things as seriously or have the same sense of duty.”
Idiot. Alejandro wondered if his brother realized he was also slamming Brandt, another crown prince, with his words.
“Some don’t,”
