Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 66298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“Thank you. If we’re done here, lunch is ready.”
“Good. I’m starving.”
When it was time to leave, I walked upstairs and to the royal quarters on the east side. I opened the door without knocking, seeing Frans standing with London in front of the full length mirror in the living room.
“You look beautiful.” Frans fluffed out the bottom of the gown, which jutted out around her hips. It was tight around her waist, shaping her curves and leading to a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her perfect breasts. The material was gold with an subtle shine, not sparkly with rhinestones or jewels. The fabric was different than anything I’d ever seen.
She hadn’t seen me yet because she was absorbed with her appearance in the mirror. With large curls that reminded me of a beautiful woman from the twenties, her curtain of hair was pulled over one shoulder and pinned with a diamond hairclip. Her cheekbones were highlighted with subtle blush, and her eyes were detailed and smoky, making them appear far greener than they really were. Her complexion was flawless, amplifying her already perfect skin. Everything about her was perfect, screaming royalty like she’d been born into it. I leaned against the frame of the doorway and took the opportunity to admire her, taking advantage of it for as long as I could.
I could stare at her all day.
“Wow.” She looked into the mirror with surprise. “Frans, I don’t know how you did it. I haven’t looked this good since my junior prom. And even then, I didn’t look all that great.” She was the only one who chuckled at her joke. Since she was obviously beautiful, I doubt Frans could believe that.
“I can’t make an ugly woman beautiful,” he said with his deep Scottish accent. “But I can make a beautiful woman radiant.” He gripped her shoulders gently and gave her a smile in the reflection of the mirror. “His Royal Highness will lose his breath when he looks at you.”
“I already have.”
London turned at the sound of my voice, obviously having no clue I’d been standing there. Her eyes locked on mine, and she suddenly seemed self-conscious even though she looked nothing short of beautiful.
Frans greeted me with a bow before he shook my hand. “The Duke of Rothesay, it’s such a pleasure to see you again.”
“The pleasure is mine, Frans. Thank you for making my date look divine.”
“I didn’t do anything,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s all her.” He gave London a hug before he walked out.
When we were alone together, I closed the gap between us and admired her. My hand moved to the crook of her arm, and I felt her utterly soft skin. My eyes trailed up her body until our eyes locked. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. I don’t think you’ve ever said that to me before.”
“I say it all the time.” I just said it yesterday.
“When we’re in bed, yes. Not outside of it.”
I never noticed before. My hands moved to her slender waistline, and I held her next to me, wanting to take off that dress and move deep inside her. But that would have to wait until later. “Are you ready to go?”
“I think so…Duke.” She smiled like she was teasing me. “You told me you didn’t have a title.”
“I told you I wasn’t a prince. Prince is a pussy word.”
She rolled her eyes. “Is not. But whatever.”
“Yes, I’m a duke. But it’s just a title. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“I think it means a lot.”
It didn’t mean as much as she thought, and she would never know why. “The car is waiting for us. Let’s get going. And remember.” I pulled the useless tracker out of my pocket. “Try anything stupid, and you know what happens.”
She was just glowing a moment before, but now her face fell in sadness. “You think I ever forget?”
The parade ended hours ago, so we pulled into the large roundabout that led to the amazing landmark known as the Holyrood Palace. The garden party would take place within the enclosure of the beautiful building.
When we pulled up to the front, London looked out the window and examined the wonderful arches on the ground floor that led to the inner depths of the palace. Bowls of flowers hung from every other arch, and the large windows on the second floor looked over the entryway and the courtyard on the other side. I’d been here countless times, but I still found the ancient landmark to be fascinating.
“Wow…” When the driver came to her side of the car and opened the door, she forgot to step out. “It’s beautiful.”
“I know.” I gave her a gentle pat on the thigh so she knew to exit.
London took Dunbar’s hand, even though she despised him, and stepped out. Other parliament officials mingled together outside the entrance, probably discussing the parade from the afternoon.