Page 36 of Enamored
“’Tis not a matter so easily decided.”
“I am the princess. I want you there. What more is needed?”
“The king’s permission.”
“And you fear he will dismiss you?”
“When he learns of how I have monopolized your time for the past twenty-four hours, he might send me far away again.”
She skimmed her foot upward and sent more water into the air. “Then you think the king will disapprove of the bond forming betwixt us?”
“I think he will have nothing to fear after you are betrothed. But until then—especially if you decide to invoke the power of the sword—yes, I do believe he’ll worry about where you’re placing your affections.”
She stilled. “My affections?”
“Of course, we’re friends and nothing more.” But were we only friends? What about Rasmus’s instructions to make her fall in love with me?
“Of course.” She climbed to her feet, and I averted my eyes. As children, when we dangled our feet in the water, I’d never considered the impropriety of seeing her feet unclad. But now... I couldn’t give in to the desire to look at her. ’Twould do no good for this increasing pull I was feeling.
She stood and lifted her wet hem, clearly not having the same concern as me, giving me a view of her feet and ankles.
My blood heated. She was exquisite.
Without another word, she swiped up stockings and boots and walked away, her back stiff, her chin level—the sure sign my words had offended her.
I scrambled up, gathered my discarded footwear, and rushed after her. The path, though laden with sand, also contained many rocks, slowing her. I caught up to her easily and took hold of her arm.
I could feel the eyes of the guards upon us. Were they under the influence of the king or Rasmus? To whom were they reporting back? As I hesitated, they turned away, gazing off into the distance. In that instant, I gained my answer, because the king’s soldiers would have continued to observe my interactions with the princess.
A sliver of guilt mingled with embarrassment. Rasmus had likely informed them that the princess and I were enamored and to allow us privacy to be together if we so desired. Now, if I didn’t take advantage of this moment, Rasmus would learn of my negligence.
Elinor jerked and freed her arm from my grasp, starting forward again.
“Wait, Elinor.”
She continued on.
“I’m sorry.” I followed on her heels, reviewing what I’d said or done to cause her grievance, but even with my extensive education, I was lacking when it came to interpreting the ways of women.
She halted and swung to face me. “Exactly what are you sorry for, Maxim?”
I studied her face, trying to find the answer therein. But her eyes regarded me coolly, and her delicate features were taut with frustration. Even so, she was beautiful beyond my imagination, and I couldn’t keep from lifting a hand to her cheek and brushing off a smattering of sand crusted there.
At the touch of my fingers, she drew in a quick breath.
I needed to end the contact, but at her equally rapid exhalation, my attention shifted to her mouth, to her lips. I’d never once thought about what it would be like to kiss her. But suddenly I could think of nothing else. What would happen if I bent in and stole just one kiss?
“Your apology?” came her whisper.
I glanced up to see that she was also staring at my mouth. Was she wondering what it would be like to kiss me? With the interest she was exhibiting, I had the feeling she wouldn’t push me away, that she might even welcome the kiss. No doubt the kiss would be sweet and gentle.
It would be the perfect way to facilitate more between us and give the guards something to report to Rasmus to keep him content.
But did I dare?
Her long lashes fluttered lower, shielding her eyes. “Are you insinuating I have affection for you but denying the same for yourself?”
“No.” Was that why she was upset? Because I’d placed the weight of affection upon her instead of taking it upon myself?
