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‘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 trustme?’
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,distractingwoman 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…
CHAPTER EIGHT