Chapter 5

As he talked with the ambassador’s daughter about the retreat, beneath the table, Prince Alexander’s leg stroked Ginny’s. Or did it? Heat flushed her entire body. This couldn’t be happening. For so many reasons. He was royalty. She was a peasant. She was sure the Royal Ten Commandments forbid such folly. Gazing at his profile, with his knee pressed to hers, she was getting excited. She wanted Lex. Right here, right now, in a room with almost a hundred strangers. She glanced at Chrissy, at Ingrid—and made up her mind. Another candidate for his heart had thrown her hat into the ring. She was willing to fight for him.

He glanced aside at her, his eye closing in the briefest of winks. How could he make her feel so special with a faint gesture that no one else had noticed? Ginny relaxed into the moment. She’d read that few people are actually present in the moment, actually totally aware and enjoying the moment. She was determined to stay completely in the moment and enjoy every nanosecond while she was in his company. So, she sipped her consommé and waited for him to turn back to her. That he did as soon as Chrissy began to eat and stopped talking.

“Do you like consommé?” He gave her a wicked, sexy grin, his eyes sparkling like sunlight on a blue sea.

“It’s very good. I’m…I guess you’re…the whole experience is overwhelming,” although haltingly, she’d told him the truth.

“I’ll share a secret.” He leaned nearer, whispering, “I could quite happily do without all this. I’d rather be lying in the sun on the yacht sipping champagne or snuggled in a blanket before the fire in the snowy Alps.”

“I believe you’re committed, Prince…Lex. Being royalty with all its accompanying obligations isn’t an easy job.”

“A King even more demanding.” He gazed into her eyes, radiating passion. “You’re a perceptive woman. Tell me a secret, Ginny. I’ll tell you another of mine.” He arched a dark brow.

She whispered a laugh. “My secrets are deep and dark. No one is privy to them.” It wasn’t quite true. One of her secrets was the origin of her gown. What would he think if he knew she wore borrowed finery? Even Princess Eugenie had remarked on the emerald gown. At the stroke of midnight, she had to lose her glass slipper before a marque flashed, ‘Second Hand Rose’.

“Now you must tell. I’ll die of curiosity.” He sipped the white wine from its proper glass—the tall stem with a cut-glass bowl, a hock glass she recalled.

“You go first.” She dared, not caring who saw her flirting…until it occurred to her that she probably looked like a fool, stargazing at a Prince.

Scandalous, he leaned near her again to whisper, “I simply can’t resist beautiful women with red hair and green eyes.”

“I am irresistible?” She paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth.

He trapped her in an intense look. “That you are…Ginny.”

She nodded at Ingrid. “Your lover isn’t happy you’re talking with me.”

“She doesn’t have red hair and green eyes.” His expression went serious. “Ingrid knew from the beginning that we weren’t forever.”

Her eyes widened, but she controlled a gasp. “But the tabloids said she had your child.”

“You follow me in the tabloids?” He grinned, nodding. “I’m flattered, but they lie, you know. I’ve never fathered an illegitimate child.” He glanced at his lover, and something in his expression said goodbye. “What do you think of this country so far?”

“I haven’t seen it except for the city and a couple of drives into the country.” Ginny was surprised that talking with Lex was easy, not the dry-mouthed terror she’d expected.

“I hope you’ll stay, Ginny.”

“Unfortunately, I leave at the end of summer.”

“Does your government allow its ambassadors to reside long in a country?” He moved slightly to allow the servant to remove the starter, and another to deliver the second course. “If so, you can summer in Desjardins.”

“I don’t know, but I’m afraid I can’t come every summer.” What was she saying? If he wanted her to come to Desjardins next summer, Katy bar the door. She didn’t care. One way or another she’d be here.

He smiled disarmingly. “We have a medical school in Desjardins. Quite a good one.”

Her romantic escaped, evading control. “I’d like to stay in Desjardins. I love the more relaxed atmosphere and the beauty of the mountains and the seaside. You have it all at your fingertips, Lex. Prince or not, I know you appreciate Desjardins’ natural beauty.”

“Prince or not,” he murmured. “I love my country and its spectacular beauty. I’m impressed that you appreciate my home.”

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to visit Desjardins. I think I’m going to love it here.”

“Alexander.” The King interrupted again, directing his son’s attention to the Calhouns. “The Ambassador will meet with us tomorrow afternoon at four.”

Ginny glanced at Ingrid. Didn’t the blonde have anything better to do than glare at her? She tossed the other woman a triumphant smile. Tonight, or another night soon, she’d dine privately with the Prince of Desjardins. His position mattered not at all. The man captured every dream and each wish she’d dared to make as a romantic girl. Wasn’t she still the wide-eyed romantic? Did that romanticism account for why she’d never been content in a relationship? As a teen, she’d volunteered at a DC hospital, which had earned her the dubious honor of a senator’s son trying to seduce her in the backseat of his hot car. Didn’t happen.

You have your sights set on a man who’ll inherit a kingdom? Stupid girl. Life isn’t a fairytale. She glanced at Lex. That way leads to heartache.

The impossible had occurred, and the man she’d admired from afar had responded to her with a warmth and interest she’d explored only in dreams. Her racing heart threatened to leap from her chest. Fate had been kind, but destiny was a two-edged blade that could turn in her hand.

As predicted in the tabloid, grilled fillet of brill with mussel foam, puy lentil compote with Dijon mustard, and braised mini black radishes were then served. This was followed by roasted fillet of lamb with thyme gravy, carrot terrine and crushed potatoes with wild garlic. The meal concluded with a caramel Bavarian cream served with lemon curd and sorbet.

When her heart sank at the thought that he was merely toying with her, Ginny lost grip on living in the moment. She didn’t taste another bite of the sumptuous feast.

***

Alexander’s POV

As was usual in matters of the heart, I ignored the fact that courting the U.S. Ambassador’s daughter would be an excellent political ploy. My small country, though neutral, could use the protection of a superpower. I liked Chrissy, but Ginny played a chord in me no one had ever played. I wasn’t even sure if anyone knew the tune. Only my heart of hearts knew it.

The guests were being preparing to leave the dining room to be guided the short distance to the ballroom. We would leave first. I leaned near her and said in a rush, “I want to dance with you all night. After the ball, you must come to me. I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you. I realize I’m being brash and bold. We’ll talk. Only talk, I promise.”

My come-on speech wasn’t elegant, but it was sincere not a gambit to entice her into bed.

“Talk? Really?” She glanced away, then again met my gaze. “I thought you were suggesting a royal seduction.”

Surprised, I arched a brow. She was beautiful and sassy. A dynamic combo. I wanted her even more. “I’ll send someone for you. To show you the way. My manservant is discreet.”

“From the Parsonage? I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She gave an imperceptible shake of her head. “Isabel is watching like a hawk already.”

“You’re staying the night in the palace.” I frowned. “Weren’t you told? True, your room adjoins Chrissy’s, but won’t they retire soon? The ball concludes at midnight. I’ll send someone at one.”

“I haven’t agreed yet.” She tilted her head and gave me a look that made my blood boil.

I gazed into her eyes, sincere when I asked, “What can I do to persuade you?”

She bit her lower lip, her smile wicked but in a way innocent. Perhaps, the mischief came from those enchanting green eyes.

“What are you thinking?” I glanced up to see the footman approaching the King. Time had run out.

“Stand on your head.” She arched her brows, her eyes sparkling.

I laughed. “Excuse me, please. I must go stand on my head.”

Beneath the table, I let my fingers drift over her hand. For a fleeting space out of time, my hand closed on hers. Her face softened, all mischief gone, but we couldn’t stay in that moment as I desired to do. My arm dropped to my side. The footman scooted back my chair, and I rose. “I enjoyed dinner, Miss MacDonald. I’ll see you in the ballroom.”

“I enjoyed dinner, too, Prince Alexander, and remember, first, middle, and last. Oh, and everything in between.” She smiled wistfully.

I knew we were the object of much conjecture already, but I couldn’t resist a final glance before Eugenie and I exited the ballroom side-by-side behind the King and Queen.

Thirty minutes later in the ballroom, after the pomp and circumstance of another receiving line for guests of the ball only, Ginny walked past where I stood, talking with my sister, and thinking what I should do next. Across the room, I saw the Norwegian ambassador conversing with John, but Ginny was nowhere in sight. The dancing had yet to begin. Where was she? Chance or fate, I turned the instant she glided behind me.

“Miss MacDonald,” I detained her with a hand on her elbow, “we must finish our conversation about Replica. I missed the episode you mentioned. You can fill me in on what happened.” All this was for Eugenie’s benefit. I could only hope that Ginny played along since I’d told her that I’d never missed an episode.

“Of course, Prince Alexander. Any time. Good evening, again, Princess Eugenie.” She ducked a perfect curtsey. Not to be a courtier, Ginny had learned quickly to tell little white lies.

The orchestra opened with my father’s favorite love song, Franz Liszt’s beautiful Liebestraum. Gazing into enchanting green eyes, I was lost, didn’t care that I shattered tradition. As was normal, this dance was scripted. I was to partner with my Aunt Heloise, standing near and talking with Eugenie’s partner, the French ambassador, but I kicked over the traces of my well-ordered life, ducked my head in a formal bow, and asked Ginny, “May I have the honor?”

My sister’s jaw dropped, then she recovered and offered me a big smile of approval. My aunt had half-turned and froze when I took Ginny’s hand. The King and Queen were already halfway to the beginning point. Custom demanded that they take one turn of the floor before Eugenie and I with our partners stepped into the dance.

I’d not only ignored diplomacy but discretion as well. People were staring. My only regret? Someone, somehow, would snap a picture, and tomorrow Ginny’s face would be on the front page of every newspaper in Desjardins. I wasn’t doing my reputation any good either, but I didn’t care—couldn’t care. Ingrid excused herself from her dinner companions and marched through the guests, her expression as ominous as a thundercloud.

Ginny nodded in the other woman’s direction. “Here comes trouble.”

“All the more reason to dance with me. Shall we?” With a hand at her waist, I guided her into the royal waltz behind my father and my mother.

Eugenie and the ambassador took the floor behind us, never missing a beat. I loved that quality about my sister. Nothing shocked Eugenie, or, if it did, she hid it with calm aplomb. Curious people stared, wondering who the dark horse in this new race was. But what mattered was completely as it should be. In my arms, Ginny was relaxed and smiling.

I smiled down into her eyes. “Have you decided?”

To her credit, she didn’t attempt to play coy and pretend she hadn’t understood me. “You are persistent.”

I winked and swung her into the next whirl in the dance. “Very. You’re a good dancer.”

“John taught me last night. Chrissy and I practiced until past midnight.” She stiffened in my embrace. Those eyes I so admired shaded wary. “There are only three couples on the floor. And they are all royals. This must be—I don’t know what to call it, but I shouldn’t be here.”

“You’re with me.” I winked. “You should be here.”

My mother glanced over my father’s shoulder, and her brows shot up in surprise. Father twirled her, caught sight of us, and smiled. He must really dislike Ingrid to condone my antics this time. One of the large gilt mirrors on the walls caught our image as we waltzed past—a flash of emerald, white, and gold. I thought we cut a rather spectacular figure. Then a thought occurred to me. Perhaps, the only place we’d be allowed to stay together was in that mirror. Convention chafed at me like a poorly fitting saddle.

“My first waltz is with a prince,” she whispered.

“Are you convinced to spend the night in conversation with him?” My arm tightened at her waist as the music reached a crescendo. “The visit includes champagne.”

Smiling, she tilted her head back as I spun her faster. “What time shall I expect this discreet servant?”

“When the clock strikes one,” I said in an ominous tone, “listen for a tap-tapping at your old oaken door.”

“You sound like a poet.” She laughed.

“I’m trying to sound like a poet,” I said. “Was there a ring of The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes.”

A beautiful light lit her face. “My absolute favorite poem.”

“Mine, too.” I guided her into a turn. “We have a lot in common.”

“Yes, we do. A classic poem and a show that will probably be cancelled next season.”

For the remainder of the dance, we gazed into each other’s eyes. Little zings of excitement rippled over me, something I couldn’t recall ever happening to me. I settled into the moment, enjoying just being with Ginny. But all too soon the music ended. My hand remained at her waist as we faced a ring of expectant, inquisitive faces. My sister Eugenie was the only one smiling. The others were shocked, as well they should be. I’d introduced a stranger in the Royal Waltz.

As we exited the dance floor, Father turned. “I believe we’ve met Miss…”

Ginny waited for me to fill in the blanks. “MacDonald,” I said, and she gave him a beautiful, artless smile. None of the court plastic here. Ginny was real.

I’d hoped we could escape unscathed. Good sign, both King and Queen were smiling, though I knew my father would favor an alliance with Miss Calhoun. Both must be happy I’d left Ingrid fuming in the wings. At court, my lover would win no popularity awards. Though I did genuinely feel that my mother only wanted my happiness.

Mother was saying, “Miss MacDonald, what a lovely gown. You’re with the Ambassador’s party. Welcome to Desjardins.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.” Again, the perfect curtsey. “Your country is beautiful from its majestic mountains to the beaches. I’m looking forward to discovering more about it.” Ginny was so sincere her speech had to charm my parents.

“I understand that South Carolina is quite beautiful—mountains to seashore,” the King said and smiled. Oh, yes, he liked Ginny. “We hope you’ll be very happy here.”

Mother glanced at him, then smiled at Ginny. “You must visit with the Ambassador and his family.”

“I’d like that very much.”

Six of us—the King and Queen, then the Heir Apparent and an American girl no one knew anything about, and lastly Eugenie and her partner—exited the dance floor. The Royal Waltz had cemented Ginny’s place at Court. Only three people frowned. Mrs. Calhoun, Miss Calhoun and Ingrid. I understood two of the women’s reactions. Mrs. Calhoun might have designs for her daughter, and Ingrid felt displaced. I hadn’t wished to hurt her. I simply couldn’t help following my heart. Chrissy, I didn’t understand. She was Ginny’s best friend. We strode into the parting guests as the orchestra began a more modern tune.

“I won’t enjoy any dance tonight as much.” I squeezed her waist with my fingers.

“Do you mean I didn’t step on your feet even once?” She flickered her eyelashes. Her expression grew wistful. That expression became playful when she met my gaze. “I guess you’re required to dance with everyone.”

“Not the fellows.” I flashed a grin and halted at the sound of approaching footsteps. I tensed, dreading the onslaught of Ingrid. To protect Ginny, I turned my back and ushered her to the Calhouns, asking Chrissy if she cared to dance.

Ingrid stopped midstream, knowing she couldn’t cause a scene, or she’d lose her place at Court, which had always, except for my stubborn rebellion against my position, been a precarious one.

This race of hearts had begun. Ginny smiled, and my engine revved.