The Orphan And The Crown

40

GIA'S POV

"Are you sure you want to be there?" Alessandro asked me. We were on our way to the meeting with his prime minister. "I want to gain experience. I don't want to look like a fool."

"Okay but the minute you feel uncomfortable, you can go." He assured me.

I looked out the window when a laugh escaped my throat.

Alessandro raised his eyebrow at me. "Did I say something funny?"

"No, but I can't help laughing at Kate's reaction this morning." I burst into laughter and he rolled his eyes playfully with a widening smile

"Can't find ten inches anywhere." He shrugged and I cackled, covering my mouth with my hand.

The driver stopped at Penrose Palace where the meeting was. Alessandro took my hand in his and we walked to the meeting with his assistant Desiree. I felt nervous that the prime minister would not be happy to see me after what happened with his wife's event.

"Your majesty." He bowed and shook Alessandro's hand.

His eyes met mine and he offered a small, friendly smile that made me feel more at ease. He extended his hand. "Miss Napoletano, good to see you."

"Likewise, sir." I replied, shaking his hand. The meeting soon began and they mainly spoke about the affairs of the country. I listened to their conversation, zoning out every once in a while.

"What do you think, Gia?" Alessandro asked me.

I met his eyes and he nodded, allowing me to speak.

"I entirely agree that you should strengthen your relationship with countries such as the U.S., Canada and France. But I think it's crucial that you host a different country for the first state visit." I advised and they both eyed me with curiosity.

"You need to strengthen your relationships with countries other than your most obvious ones." I continued. "Perhaps South Africa or Denmark."

He nodded, stroking his chin.

"I believe that's a brilliant idea, Miss Napoletano." The prime minister gave me a nod of approval.

After the meeting, Alessandro and I had lunch outside in the garden. He asked the chef to make me all my favourite dishes which I couldn't say no to. 

"This is the best chicken mayo sandwich I've ever had." I moaned. I looked at Alessandro and found him staring at me with his piercing blue eyes.

"Sorry." I smiled sheepishly and he continued eating.

"You did really well in that meeting." He commented with a smirk.

"I did?" I arched an eyebrow and he nodded. "Much better than I expected. You're going to make a great queen."

I chewed slowly, processing the words. It hadn't dawned on me that I was going to be the queen of England once I married Alessandro. I overlooked it without actually processing what it actually meant. The thought of it made my stomach contract into a tight ball. It was a huge role to play and I had to do it to the best of my ability.

"Don't worry, we'll be in this together." Alessandro smiled at me reassuringly and I returned it.

After eating, he blindfolded me and said he wanted to show me something. My heart was pounding wildly in my chest as I gripped tightly onto his hand. I took each step carefully so I wouldn't fall.

"Just stand here for a sec, princess." He said. The sound of a door unlocking sounded through my ears and he removed the blindfold. My eyes flickered open, looking around. I gasped when I laid eyes on a huge painting of me smiling. My eyes prickled with tears and I was at a loss for words. It was breathtaking and beautifully done.