Page 15 of Some Like It Royal

Russell continued to watch her, his expression far from unkind. “It’s a difficult role you’ve decided to tackle. One that you are going to have to let consume you…if you want to become the Princess Alyxandretta.”

“I can’t be Alyx anymore?” At all? Weren’t they dressing her up to be herself?

“Likely not. It would be too easy to forget, to get tired, and then you drop the charade.”

She didn’t imagine the sympathy in his voice. Her life didn’t belong to her anymore and wouldn’t for the next few months. She’d voluntarily signed it over to Daniel Voldakov’s crazy plan.Eye on the prize. Great acting experience, name recognition, career gold.

“Okay, I’ll change. Will you meet me in the garden?” She turned, searching the doorways beyond the main hall that connected the living room to the rest of the house. “I think it’s over there.”

“I have some phone calls to make, take your time. A morning suit would be appropriate. A blouse, a jacket, a skirt and low heels. It’s summer, choose something with color—green or peach, perhaps. Both would flatter you.”

She didn’t receive clothing advice from a man twice her age that often, or ever actually. “Okay. Thirty minutes?”

“It would be my honor, Your Imperial Highness.”

Oh, yeah.Thatwould take some getting used to. Russell’s smile told her he knew it, which meant he’d likely call her that more often. “Okay, thank you.” Did she curtsy or was that something royalty received and didn’t deliver? Uncertain, she left it alone and escaped up the stairs.

I wanted to take an immersion class…

But this isn’t immersion, is it?

Two hours later, her eagerness faded like a worn-out puppy in a play park. She wanted to strangle Russell. Her feet protested the uncomfortable pair of creamy heels that she rarely wore because they were the only shoes that matched her cream-colored suit. She didn’t have a green one. The pale pink blouse beneath it added a touch of color, but Russell clucked at it when she arrived at the garden. This outfit was more suited to a wedding than a morning walk, which was why she’d purchased it in the first place.

They walked in a slow circuit. The too-casual slow pace made her crazy.

“Your Imperial Highness, fidgeting is a sign of boredom. At no point when you are meeting with others or presenting in public can you allow yourself to look bored. Calm, serene, engaged. These are the three words you want to remember.” He caught everything. If she rolled her eyes, twisted her fingers or, heaven help her, tapped her foot.

“We’ve been at this for hours, Mr. Russell. I need a break.” Her shoulders slumped. Just a few hours into the charade and she wanted out. What the heck did that say about her future career choices?

“Quitting, Your Imperial Highness?” The challenge tweaked her pride.

Her chin came up. “No. But I wish to sit, to eat and to have a respite from the lesson.”

“Very well.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s just now one. Let’s reconvene at two-thirty.”

“You’re not joining us for lunch?” Daniel chose that moment to appear. He caught her left hand and lifted it, brushing one kiss to the finger bearing his ring. The action kick-started her sluggish system.

“Very nicely done, Mr. Voldakov. Her Imperial Highness still needs some work. But I have a rule—I do not sit at a table with clients unless it is part of the lesson, and the princess has requested a break.”

Guilt stabbed at her. The man shouldn’t miss a meal because she’d whined.

“I ordered in the food. It arrived about twenty minutes ago. If you want to eat in the solarium, we’ll take the dining room.” Daniel didn’t appear to share her hesitation. He tucked her arm into his.

“Thank you.” Russell nodded to both of them, adding a bit of a bow to her. “I’ll see you at two-thirty, promptly, Princess. We’ll take the discussion inside. I think we can spend some time on language, history and etiquette this afternoon.”

“Yay,” she murmured, but he was already out of earshot.

Daniel ducked his head down to catch her gaze. “Tired?”

“Exhausted. The man can walk.” She wanted to peel off her shoes and walk barefoot across the cool tiles inside the house. So tired, she didn’t object to Daniel leading her to the dining room. The smell of fresh grilled fish and vegetables elicited a fierce growl from her stomach. Two cups of coffee and a croissant didn’t cut it against the stress.

He held her chair and caressed her nape as she sat. She pulled away, but his hand didn’t retreat. “We have to get used to this,” he reminded her.

“I need a break, okay? Just for this hour—we’re not on display. No one here to impress.” The disconcerting sensations his every touch elicited didn’t help either.

“A small one. It might be easier to pretend touch when you don’t have to worry about what people are seeing.” He uncovered her plate before sitting down to his own silver-topped dish. Her mouth watered at the food.

For a man used to servants and hired help, he did do an awful lot for himself.

---