Page 40 of Revelations of A Secret Princess

The suggestion defied royal protocol and good manners. She was here with her family to greet their guests.

‘I’m sorry.’ She made to pull her hand free but found it trapped. ‘But I—’

‘An excellent idea,’ the familiar voice boomed from nearby.

Caro’s face jerked around to find her father, resplendent in a scarlet uniform almost a perfect match for his colouring, beaming at them. Beaming! Her father!

Caro had a powerful moment of disbelief. So strong she wondered for a second if she’d strayed into a dream. Even her stepmother beside him wore a slight smile.

‘You two young people go ahead. Enjoy yourselves. We’re almost finished here.’

Inadvertently Caro caught the eye of a long-term diplomat in the queue, waiting to be greeted. In his eyes she saw a reflection of her own astonishment. Her father was a stickler for the rules, especially those promoting formality at court.

‘Thank you, Your Majesty.’ Jake inclined his head then, before Caro had time to catch her breath, he led her smoothly towards the ballroom.

As they stepped into the glittering room with its ornate ceiling paintings, crystal chandeliers and scores of massive mirrors, his breath whispered across her cheek.

‘I’m sure tonight will be memorable.’

He spoke softly but the look in his eyes, and the feel of those long fingers manacling her wrist, sent a chill of deep foreboding straight to her marrow.

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