How to Pursue a Princess by Karen Hawkins

sipped, her gaze drifting to the sun pouring in through the windows. She was sitting in the small salon on a settee, her legs stretched before her, a thick blanket tucked all around.Her ankle was already much better, now that her boot was off and a pillow rested beneath her foot.
    She watched the light stream into the room. It was a cozy location, especially as the guests who’d already arrived were off playing pall-mall upon the lawn and she had most of the castle to herself. Normally, she’d enjoy the peace and quiet and might even find a sewing project to busy her hands, but instead, she found herself staring morosely out the window.
    Despite the prince’s plans, she didn’t get the chance to see his cottage or meet his babushka , for they’d only walked for a few more moments in blissful silence when his men had met them on the road, a fresh horse ready. She had the impression that Wulf hadn’t been any more pleased at the intrusion than she was, though he hadn’t said much. He’d set her on her feet, climbed upon his horse, and then lifted her before him.
    The ride back had been lovely, his arm warmly resting about her waist, his broad back protecting her from the wind as they rode out of the forest. All too soon they were at Floors Castle, and he was carrying her through the huge doors and into the foyer. All bedlam had broken loose then, for the pugs had taken exception to the prince’s swinging cape, while the duchess and Lady Charlotte—called from the sitting room by the loud yapping—exclaimed in dismay and demanded that the prince immediately put Lily on the settee in the small salon.
    The duchess had sent the servants scurrying asshe rapidly ordered tea, a physician, a pillow for Lily’s foot, and then efficiently herded Wulf from the room.
    Lily had been sorry to see him go. Indeed, she felt sadly bereft, as if she’d left something behind . . . something important. She had to shake her head at her own silliness, even as she acknowledged that the prince was the first person she’d met since her arrival at Floors Castle who’d made her feel comfortable. But that doesn’t matter. You’re not here for comfort; you’re here to find a husband.
    She sighed and put her teacup back on the tray. “Mrs. Cairness, I think I’ve had enough now. It was delicious.”
    “Her grace said ye are to drink it all, miss. If’n I were ye, I’d do as she says. She’s a determined woman, and smart, too. If’n she tol’ me t’ dance, I’d dance. If’n she tol’ me t’ jump upon one foot and toss fairy dust, I’d do it wit’oot askin’ why.” The housekeeper glanced at the door and then bent lower. “Trust me, miss. The duchess ne’er suggests ye t’ do somethin’ wit’oot a reason.”
    Lily sighed as the housekeeper poured yet more tea into her cup. “I shall float away, but fine. I’ll drink more tea.”
    “Good,” came the duchess’s voice from the doorway. She entered with a rustle of blue silk overlaid with pink lace, her bright blue eyes twinkling. Behind her trotted the six Roxburghe pugs, wheezing and snorting as they tried to keep up. The duchess stopped atthe end of the settee, and one of the pugs jumped into Lily’s lap.
    She laughed and patted the little dog, who grinned, his tongue hanging out one side. “And who are you?” she asked the dog.
    Lady Charlotte, who’d followed the dogs into the room, her knitting basket at her side, smiled. “That’s Feenie. He’s a cuddler.”
    Lily patted the dog. “He’s certainly friendly.”
    The duchess sank into an empty chair opposite Lily, while Lady Charlotte followed suit, the remaining pugs dropping in various spots on the rug.
    “Poor Miss Balfour!” Lady Charlotte shook her head, her lace cap flopping over her ears. “How is your ankle?”
    “It’s fine. It barely aches, and I feel silly for taking up the entire settee. I’m sure that if I just walked around, it would feel better immediately.”
    “You may walk once