Page 78 of Most Unusual Duke

“In law, it lay within my power to prevent the knowledge of his incapability to become common currency.” The prince’s inherent majesty drew down around him like one of his extravagant cloaks. “How I longed to resolve this issue. As I am not King, there was only so much I could do. Arrange a marriage, for example. One that would reestablish thesentioin these lands so strongly, it would inspire this rogue to show itself and thus bring about the resolution I desired. A thriving sleuth, lead by a vibrant Alpha pair, with no chance of disbanding as the cubs will soon follow.”

The creature roused. “Thus are we resolved?” Madam’s tone betrayed her desire to see this travesty concluded.

“The rules of engagement have been forsworn,” Arthur said. “Hallbjorn’s fate is neither my concern nor my responsibility.”

“As the Alpha of all Alphas present here,” Georgie intoned portentously—he did not get nearly enough opportunities to do so—“I shall shoulder this burden. I take responsibility for this blight upon our kind. While I regret he has not found salvation, he cannot be allowed even the slightest hold on Arcadia from this day forward.” His Highness gestured expansively. “Ask what you will of me, Osborn, and I shall make it so.”

“I cede this ill-begotten rogue to you,” Arthur said, “and ask that you remove him from my lands.”

“You may have apprehended the gravity with which I approached this situation.” His Highness gestured to his frame. “I appear before you, dressed drably as I am so the ensuing sacrifice will not be so great.” Hallbjorn, sensing his impending fate, began to retreat. In the blink of an eye, His Highness Changed into his bear, great in size and presence but, it was true, that bit smaller than the Alpha of the Osborn sleuth.

Regardless, he was fearsome as he rose on his back legs and roared like to rend the moon from its heavens. He landed on his fours, bunched, and leapt for Hallbjorn.

And as written by the great man himself:exeunt, pursued by a bear.

Twenty

A fire blazed in the den’s hearth, as much for comfort as for heat, and its smoke curled unimpeded up the chimney. Warm baths, delicious biscuits, and innumerable cuddles later, the children were ready to retire despite the sun having only set, and they demanded a story from their Aunt Beezy. If that was what was wanted, then that was what they would receive, along with her signature ending to the tale. “…and they lived—come, children, as one.”

“In cordial affiliation from that day forward.” The chorus was ragged and lacking in enthusiasm.

“What’s a corjul fillishun?” Tarben asked.

“A question for the ages, Master Humphries.” Georgie stood at the threshold and paused so all within might comprehend his magnificence before he came into the room.

The children looked at Beatrice, who nodded. In impeccable harmony, they bowed and curtsied to their regent.

The royal sigh was windy indeed. Some class of princely edict trembled on his tongue when Charlotte rose from the sofa.

“Georgie.”

“Charlie.” If Beatrice did not know better, she’d think the prince swallowed in trepidation. “Worked out in the end, eh?” he said, and did he attempt a chuckle? If he thought to dare, it died in his throat as Charlotte prowled toward him. While one of his status would never tremble, his fist did convulse around the elaborate hankie in his grasp.

“To what do you refer?” she asked. Her children, who knew well what that tone entailed, were caught between horror and glee and took refuge behind their footmaid nursemen. “To the marriage you forced dear Beezy and darling Artie to undertake, with threats to the well-being of my family?” She stood before him, and his placid expression twitched. “Or do you refer to the abduction of my child, our Omega? The abduction that did work out in the end, very little thanks to you, in your failure to inform us the usurper was a threat. Or is it regarding the usurper himself, whose fate I shall not inquire after as it was very, very nearly too little too late?”

“I believe you have spoiled His Highness for choice, Charlie.” Against protocol, Beatrice took the prince’s arm. “Your Highness, shall we be hosting you this evening?”Let us hope not, she thought. The staterooms were in no way prepared to accept a royal personage, and she had become quite attached to the notion of making them hers and Arthur’s, sooner rather than later.

“I shall abide at Lowell Hall until the ceremony, though it is mere hours away.” He sniffed. “Lowell and his duchess will remain, as Her Grace wishes to visit with you and the duke will not be parted from his wife. Miss Tabitha Barrington will be your guest as well.”

“What a competent butler you make, Georgie,” Charlotte spat.

“Charlie, if we may take our leave of you? Goodnight, children,” she began and was hugged thoroughly by the cubs, Ursella no worse for her harrowing adventure. Indeed, she was very much herself as she wandered off to drag an ottoman beneath a window. “Your Highness, we shall detain you no longer as Your Presence was undertaken in great haste and I am sure you wish to avail of time spent in relaxation and peace.”

She steered him out of the den, and they paused on the landing. A precision of royal footmen lined the stairs down both sides, one to every second tread. And Arthur thought Lowell was extravagant.

“Your timing was impeccable, Your Highness.” Her gratitude, she feared, would ever be seasoned with annoyance at his interference in her life.

“Your husband wasted no time in demanding my assistance.”

“I am cognizant of the sacrifice you made, sir.” Honestly, would this man accept thanks or not?

“As I said, the ensemble I wore was easily sacrificed.”

“Georgie.” His expression vacillated between indignation and one very like fond amusement. “If what Ben told me is anything to go by, making a stand was a delicate yet deliberate choice, and I insist upon expressing my gratitude.”

“What had Garben told you?”

“That the challenge would be forfeit did Hallbjorn not make it in his manskin. That should a member of the royal family choose to intervene, it sets a precedent onerous to sustain.”

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