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‘What do you want me to say, Benedikt? I didn’t ask for this.’ She waved her hand in a gesture that encompassed both him and the palace. ‘You know I don’t want it.’
He’d had a long, difficult week too, as difficult as hers. His patience snapped.
‘You think I wanted things to work out this way?’ He’d never wanted to marry. He’d seen close up how poisonous and destructive marriage could be. Only his sense of duty forced his hand, and the hope he’d do better than his parents. ‘This is bigger than you or me. Bigger than our personal wants. We agreed that.’
Her head tipped back, making him realise he’d stepped in close. But she didn’t look intimidated. Her hands were on her hips, her eyebrows arching superciliously. She’d never looked more desirable.
Light flashed off her emerald ring as she gesticulated. ‘Which is why I’m dressed like this, ready to go through with tonight’s farce. I’m delivering on my side of the deal.’
Her eyes glittered, diffidence replaced by pride and a challenge he felt deep in his gut.
Now this wasn’t about a show for the world to see. It was about him and her.
He wanted to curl his arm around her back, tug her close and feel those soft curves against his hardness. He wanted her eyes to turn brilliant with sensual invitation and later, with sated delight.
He wanted Annalena. And despite her anger now, he’d seen the looks she’d sent him this last week when she thought he wasn’t paying attention. Looks that made him suspect her tension wasn’t about repugnance but something quite different.
Benedikt forced his hands to stay at his sides rather than reach for her.
‘It’s not enough. You need to do more.’
‘More? I’mmarryingyou. Thereisno more.’
He was already shaking his head. ‘It’s not enough to go through the motions. You have to make it look convincing. If you flinch every time I get near, no one will believe in our marriage or our partnership as rulers.’
Her eyes darkened and for a second he wondered if he read fear in her eyes. Then the illusion disintegrated. He saw only impatience.
‘You want me to nestle close and simper?’
A bark of laughter escaped. ‘I can’t imagine you simpering but I’d love to see you try.’
He’d enjoy her nestling close, reaching for him.
Slowly her mouth curled into a rueful smile. ‘You’re right, I wouldn’t have a clue how.’
Benedikt waited. Now her flash of anger had disintegrated, she seemed to mull over his words.
‘I’m not a good actor.’
‘Of course you are. Remember the day you strode into my office and threatened to take the crown from me? You were so self-assured, as if you had no doubts that you’d succeed. But you can’t have known for sure it would work.’
‘Anger can make anyone brave.’
‘Maybe. But what about when we signed the marriage agreement? The witnesses commented later on your poise. You took it all in your stride with complete confidence.’ Benedikt lowered his voice. ‘But I saw how your hand shook and how you needed time to bring yourself to sign.’
She chewed her lip. ‘You weren’t supposed to notice.’
But he had and his admiration for her had soared.
‘Think of all those times when you’ve had to project the image people expect, as Princess of Edelforst, or presenting at some academic conference. You’re good at hiding trepidation, good at being the person people need you to be.’
Her eyes were wide and her lips parted as if he’d shocked her to the core.
‘Did you really think I was so oblivious I wouldn’t notice? You play a good game, Annalena, but don’t forget I grew up learning those same skills. I can hide my feelings and put on a public face too.’
She breathed deeply, her sigh fluttering across his chin. ‘This isn’t quite the same.’
He didn’t have a name for the emotion that rippled across her features, but it made him regret that he’d had to force her hand.