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Her hands fisted. ‘You’re accusingmeof being unreasonable?’
That brooding stare locked on hers and she had the strangest sensation that she couldn’t step away. Those intense eyes pinioned her. His gaze flicked to her mouth then her eyes and tension notched higher, a sense ofanticipationunlike anything she’d experienced.
‘You’ve spent a long time angry with my family, fixated on our apparent crimes. But consider this from my perspective. I was unaware of the issues you raised until today.’ A muscle jerked in his jaw, making the harsh set of his features suddenly more human. ‘The allegations are serious and I’ll get to the bottom of them.’
‘But—’
‘If true, they have the potential to cause alarm, if not panic in a country already reeling from the unexpected death of its king. If true, they’d cause a constitutional crisis. In the circumstances, it’ssensiblefor you to stay while we sort it out.’
She shook her head. ‘I’ve already provided the documentation you need. But I don’t need to stay here.’
She’d hated the palace, or what it represented, all her life. It had been home to the scheming criminal who’d killed her father and, she was convinced, her mother too. Oma had insisted her daughter had died from grief for her husband.
Annalena’s nemesis went on, his voice implacable. ‘If you’re really the Queen, you’ll need to get used to living and working here.’
The idea shot a bolt of cold steel through her ribs.
No, that wouldn’t happen.
She’d sign over her rights to the crown once the dam was stopped. She had no desire to be Queen. Her life was fulfilling. She had no aptitude for court politics and no desire to learn.
‘Meanwhile, having you here will be more efficient. I want this sorted quickly, don’t you?’
‘Naturally. But I can stay elsewhere in the city while you do that.’
That had been her plan, to visit the university and spend a few days catching up with colleagues.
‘What are you afraid of, Princess?’
She wanted to tell him she didn’t use her title and preferred he didn’t, since he made it sound like a challenge. As if he thought her unworthy of it.
More, she wanted to scoff at the suggestion she was afraid. She was a competent professional, respected by her peers and the people of Edelforst.
Yet coming here into the lion’s den was more daunting than she wanted to admit.
This was a world she’d avoided. Where his poisonous father had ruled, backed up by cronies who either couldn’t see or didn’t care how flawed he was. She’d rather be safely back home, surrounded by her work and her friends.
Annalena sucked in a shocked breath. Maybe she and her beloved Oma had more in common than she’d suspected. The old lady was as sharp and indefatigable as ever, but her physical world had gradually narrowed so she found it hard to leave home. That was why Annalena had come alone today. The Grand Duchess rarely left her castle and then only to visit familiar, nearby places.
‘Princess?’
How she detested that casually raised eyebrow and mocking tone. As if this stranger sensed the trepidation she’d barely been aware of herself.
He didn’t know the first thing about her. He was prodding, pushing her into agreeing.
It was infuriating that it worked. If she stayed she could negotiate the deal Edelforst needed and it would be finished all the sooner.
Besides, reading the glint in his eyes, she suspected if she didn’t accept his hospitality he’d lock her in. He could make her his prisoner rather than a guest. Would he dare?
Despite his courtesy, she sensed his deep-seated implacability. Did she want to test it when, in the end, they’d have to negotiate?
She exhaled, forcing out the tension behind her ribs. Slowly she lifted her chin to meet his stare.
‘Very well. I’ll accept yourgraciousinvitation.’
Her voice dripped disdain. They both knew there’d been nothing gracious about his words nor had there been an invitation, merely an ultimatum.
For a second she thought she saw the hint of a flush across his cheekbones but of course it was imagination.