Chapter Seven #2
She turned and took a seat and Benedikt had to wrench his gaze from the loving fit of denim against female curves and the supple sway of her hips.
‘I wasn’t sure you’d be in the office yet.’
Benedikt shrugged as he sat opposite her. ‘I’m an early riser.’ And sleep had been impossible. ‘How did you sleep?’
Her eyes widened as if surprised. Annoyance stirred. Just how much of his father’s reputation was she attributing to him? He felt like saying his mother had insisted on impeccable manners. That he wasn’t an ogre who ate pretty little girls for breakfast.
Annalena shrugged. ‘Not well. I had a lot on my mind. You?’
‘The same.’
‘What’s so amusing?’
He hadn’t realised he was smiling. ‘In the short time we’ve known each other we’ve never beaten around the bush, have we? I appreciate that. I prefer unvarnished fact to polite untruths.’
‘So do I.’
He believed it. Her reaction to his proposal had been forthright. His bruised ego was testament to that.
‘I assume you’re here to give me your answer.’
She inclined her head, her mouth pinching. ‘Not that you actually asked.’
Benedikt frowned. ‘I did you the courtesy of sharing the truth, Annalena. What is it you want? For me to get down on bended knee—?’
‘No!’ Her eyes rounded in horror. He couldn’t decide whether it was because she wanted nothing to do with him, or because she didn’t want to enact a farce. ‘There’s no need to insult us both with such a performance.’
Relief stirred, but so did annoyance. She had a unique ability to discomfort him.
‘So you’ve made a decision.’
Her hands twisted in her lap before she saw him watching. Instantly she lifted her hands to the arms of her chair, adopting a pose that looked graceful and nonchalant. Except for the quickened pulse at her throat.
He liked it, he realised. The combination of outward serenity on a woman who, he’d learned, was volatile. Passionate.
Something stirred at the prospect of knowing her better.
Because, he realised, he would be knowing her better. If she planned to reject his proposal she wouldn’t be jittery. Not that an ordinary observer would see her nerves. She pulled her collar close then sat straighter, the image of royal composure.
Inside him a tiny demon danced with glee. She was going to say yes.
‘I have made a decision.’ Her needle-sharp gaze skewered him. ‘I’ll accept the throne and marriage. With provisos.’
‘Naturally.’ He should have known she wouldn’t make this straightforward. ‘Go on.’
‘I want your signature on a document stating that the dam won’t go ahead and I want your decision announced publicly, before the engagement is made public.’
‘My decision?’ he scoffed. ‘Don’t you mean yours ?’
He’d yet to see the detailed argument against the project. Yet he couldn’t fault her logic or her bargaining skills. He admired her for both.
‘I’m happy to wait until you’ve read the papers. I sent them again to your office last night. In fact, take your time. I’m in no rush.’
‘No. We’ll finalise this quickly. And while we’re talking about conditions, I have one. I want you to stay here until we announce the engagement.’
She blinked, pupils darkening the green of her eyes. Her skin paled. But instead of making her look fragile, the changes emphasised her allure and that elusive touch-me-not air.
Excitement stirred. She might have perfected the look but he’d learned her body sent a different message. Yesterday when they’d got close he’d felt her change from aloof to breathless anticipation.
Before Annalena’s arrival he’d forced himself to consider marriage despite his own antipathy. Now though, he saw definite compensations.
‘But I have work. Meetings. I can’t just cancel everything.’
‘It won’t be for long. There’s a grand ball at the end of the week, an official welcome to me as the incoming King. It will be a perfect opportunity to introduce you and announce our engagement.’
She shook her head. ‘That’s too soon.’
‘The sooner the better. Your people in Edelforst will welcome an early resolution to the dam issue and there’s no reason for us to delay, not with our coronation approaching so quickly. It’s much better if people get used to the news in advance of the coronation.’
Annalena might have been carved from stone. She sat so still, as if she’d forgotten how to breathe. Yet when she spoke her tone was even.
‘Do you have any idea how long it takes to create a ball gown, made to measure? Not only made-to-measure but spectacular? Because, believe me, only spectacular will do if you intend to announce our sudden engagement.’
He didn’t, but that wasn’t going to stop him. ‘I’m sure there are any number of suppliers who’d move heaven and earth to fit you with a suitable dress in time. Designing for a queen would make their name.’
Her jaw worked. Was she grinding her teeth? Still her composure didn’t crack. ‘I can’t persuade you to put off the coronation a little?’
‘You assume correctly. The date is set. The only thing that will change is that it will be a double coronation and a wedding on the same day. It will make things much easier for us, for you, in the long term.’
He waited for the outburst but it didn’t come. Instead she surveyed some point on the far side of the room. He could almost hear her brain working.
‘Very well. I’ll attend the ball but I can’t stay here. At the very least I need to be visiting couturiers and—’
‘No need. They’ll come here. My staff will organise it this morning.’
Her head snapped around, her gaze fixing on his. He felt the sizzle of energy under his skin as if he’d been zapped by a live wire.
‘An excellent idea.’ Even white teeth bit off the word. ‘But they can come to my home in Edelforst.’
Benedikt shook his head. He had no intention of allowing her off the premises until this deal was sealed.
Not just with a marriage contract but with a public announcement so she couldn’t back out.
He needed to control the information around her right to the crown and their agreement until everything was settled.
He’d have security bar the palace exits if need be. But that would only cause fuss and bother. Annalena would be outraged and storm at him. He’d rather channel her energies into more productive directions.
‘Time is of the essence, Annalena, remember? If you’re here for fittings we’ll make the deadline.
If everyone has to traipse into the provinces…
’ He shrugged and spread his hands. ‘Besides, a couple of days in the palace means you’ll be available to sign relevant documents.
You can get up to speed on any unfamiliar royal protocol.
Better to be prepared, don’t you agree?’
‘I could still be available if I stayed in a hotel.’ She paused, one eyebrow arching. ‘Or don’t you trust me out of your sight?’
Benedikt silently cursed. He’d promised honesty. ‘Would you, if our situations were reversed? Would you trust me ?’
Her gaze flickered. Her mouth tucked in at the corners as if suppressing disapproval or disappointment.
She rose in one graceful movement. ‘Very well. I’ll stay until the ball. But the morning after, I go home.’
She waited long enough to see him nod then swept from the room.
Benedikt was torn between relief and admiration.
Already she looked and acted every inch the Queen. He suspected she had the makings of an excellent ruler. For all her unpredictability and lack of training, she was focused on the public good, not herself. She listened, even when she didn’t want to hear unpalatable truths.
Marrying her had been an impulsive idea, triggered by bizarre circumstances. But it was one of his best.
The question was whether he could break through her wall of disdain so they could forge a workable marriage. A mutually…acceptable marriage.
Another challenge to add to the long list, Benno.
Along with turning around a failing administration, rooting out corruption, announcing a betrothal that would stun the world and taking on the burden of ruling a country that had begun to lose faith in its leadership.
He had to win over the most determined, proud, distrustful, distracting woman he’d ever met and persuade her he wasn’t some sort of Bluebeard. Easy!
He raked his hand through his hair and closed his eyes, ignoring the ache pounding at the back of his skull. He’d always liked a challenge but this…