Page 122 of To Pleasure a Prince

Slowly he turned, then swept his gaze from the tip of Louisa’s head to her elegant slippers in a look that was as hot and covetous as any Marcus had ever given Regina. “I meant the kiss,” he rasped. “I definitely meant the kiss.”

Then whirling on his heels, he left.

Louisa looked shaken as she stared after him.

“Tell me what you require of me,” the prince said. “Tell me what I must do to make amends for my overzealous friend’s actions.”

Settling her shoulders with a resolute smile, Louisa returned her attention to him. “First, I want to know why you want me at court.”

The prince’s face darkened. “You mean, you want to know if you’re my natural daughter.”

She flushed, but did not back down. “Yes.”

Marcus tensed beside Regina.

“Your mother said you were, and we did have an…er…encounter that could have brought it about. But it is equally possible you are not. Frankly, I cannot be sure.” When Louisa’s face fell, he added, “In my heart, however, you are my daughter. And that is why I wanted you at court. Why I still want you at court. Because I should like to get to know the woman I only knew as a girl.”

Louisa smiled, and Marcus groaned beside Regina. No doubt he was thinking how fragile his sister’s emotions were right now and how easily she could be influenced. And he was right. Regina could only hope that the young woman had enough sense to realize it for herself.

“I will consider your offer, Your Highness,” Louisa said. “And I do understand what a very great honor it is to be asked to serve in your court. If I agree, however, I want one thing in return.”

His Highness leaned forward. “You will have it, whatever it is.”

“Simon’s ambition is to be prime minister, is it not?”

Regina and Marcus exchanged glances.

The prince hesitated. “Yes.”

“I believe he would make a good one…in time. After he has known something of the world. The broader world outside of England, that is.”

The prince eyed her consideringly. “Yes, you may be right about that.”

“An ambassadorship or governorship somewhere would educate him most thoroughly, don’t you think? Perhaps in India or the West Indies. Somewhere he can’t toy with the affections of sensitive young English ladies for a while.”

Marcus whispered in Regina’s ear, “And you thoughtIwas a dragon.”

“Simon will never forgive her for this,” Regina whispered back.

“Good. The sooner he learns not to toy with my family—including you—the better.” He squeezed her hand.

She squeezed his back.

“Foxmoor will simply refuse the appointment,” the prince said.

Louisa, the little minx, sidled closer. “Not if you tell him you will withdraw all support for him as prime minister unless he takes it.”

The prince cast her a hard look. “You want me to choose you over my friend and closest advisor?”

“Not at all. I am merely pointing out that I cannot serve in His Highness’s court and travel in the same circles as a man I cannot trust, a man like the duke.” Her lower lip trembled rather dramatically. “It would be too painful for me.”

Marcus needn’t worry about her anymore,Regina thought.

“Very well,” His Highness said. “A governorship it is.” He settled back against his chair. “And you will serve in my court.”

“She said she would consider it,” Marcus put in.

Louisa ignored her brother. “If the Duke of Foxmoor takes an appointment abroad, Your Highness, I would be honored to serve in your court.”