Her Highness, My Wife by Victoria Alexander Page A

horse —”
    “Oh, do leave the poor horse in peace.” She crossed the room, seated herself in a French-styled
    armchair and gestured for him to sit on a nearby sofa. “Have you come to give me your answer, or do you have no other purpose here this morning than to be annoying?”
    “Being annoying, Your Highness, is simply an unexpected pleasure.” He ignored her invitation and instead wandered casually around the perimeter of the room, forcing her to turn her head to follow him, his movement as deliberately irritating as his words. “I have, however, given your proposition the consideration it deserves. In truth, I have thought of little else since we spoke. It is quite intriguing.”
    “I thought so.” She nodded firmly. “I think uncovering the true story of the travels of the Princess Sophia will be most interesting, and something of an adventure as well.”
    “Adventure? Perhaps.” He slanted her a sharp glance. “However, that’s not the part that I find interesting.”
    “Really? Why on earth not?”
    “For one thing, I’m not sure that I believe this nonsense about writing a family history.”
    She widened her eyes and lied through her teeth. “You mentioned that yesterday, but I assure you it is quite true.”
    He studied her carefully and she returned his gaze with an unflinching calm. After all, there was a certain element of truth to her claim. She did need to know exactly where Sophia had gone and what she had done. Sophia’s flight from Avalonia coincided with the disappearance of the Heavens, and while it was possible there was no connection at all, it was more than likely the princess had taken the jewels. For their safety or hers.
    “You don’t lie well.”
    “Nonsense. I lie exceedingly well, but only for the very best reasons.” She smiled in an overly sweet manner. “Although I will admit, before meeting you, I had little experience with lying and no need to do so.”
    “It’s gratifying to know I bring out the best in you.”
    “I thought you would appreciate it,” she said primly.
    “Indeed I do.” He paused and stared thoughtfully. “Regardless of the true purpose of your presence here, I must confess to a great deal of curiosity.”
    “About what, exactly?” She forced a light laugh. “I have already told you, my lord, I want nothing more than to write—”
    “Not about that.” He waved away her comment. “I am willing to accept your claim, for the moment. What has piqued my curiosity is why you feel it necessary to pose as my wife.”
    “I have explained that as well. People are often quite intimidated by royalty and not at all inclined to be candid.” She sighed. “Goodness, my lord, did you not pay attention to anything I have said thus far?”
    His eyes narrowed in irritation and she bit back a satisfied smile. With scarcely any effort at all, she could be every bit as annoying as he. And enjoy it every bit as much.
    “I should think”—his words were measured—“given what has passed between us, the last person on the face of the earth you would wish to involve in a deception such as you propose would be me.” His gaze trapped hers and the fluttering in her midsection returned. “I should further think you would hesitate to so much as cross my path, let alone ask me to play husband—”
    “One would think so.”
    “—as you showed no reluctance in absolving me of that position. And did so without even the minor courtesy of informing me as to your intentions until such time as I could not raise a word in protest.” His voice was light, but his gaze hardened. “I gather procuring your annulment posed no particular problem?”
    “No, no problem at all.” She gathered her resolve and drew a steadying breath. “In point of fact, I—”
    “You needn’t explain further; I scarcely need a detailed account.” He continued his meandering, moving to a position somewhere behind her. She refused to give him the satisfaction of twisting in her chair,