Once Upon a Romance 01 - Before the Midnight Bells by Jessica Woodard

but the king has finally retired, after spending the entire ball f irmly trouncing the rest of us at Baccarat. I thought I’d come see you before I sought out my own bed.”
    “ You’re lucky I’m having such difficulties with my cravat, or I would already be out the door.”
    Nathaniel Wellesley laughed, “You’d do better if you had more patience.”
    “ You’re right, as always, my lord. Perhaps you would demonstrate for me? I do so enjoy learning from your example.” Max’s eyes twinkled. His father chuckled and took the fresh cravat from his son.
    “ You’re going to make an excellent prince, my boy. You’ll have all the lords dancing to your tune and thinking it was their idea to begin with.” His hands moved with calm sureness, and Max viewed the result with satisfaction. “I’m proud of you, Max. Someday your firstborn will sit on the throne of Albion, and your second born will hold the Duchy of Yarrow. I had always hoped that you and Vivienne would make a match of it, but for years I thought you were only friends.” Max squirmed a bit on the inside, but his father wasn’t done yet. “Just remember to always treat her well. A lady deserves to be well treated by her lord, whether she’s a queen or a laundress.”
    “ I try to be everything that Vivienne needs, father.” That was true enough, although sneakily non-specific.
    “ That’s all any man can do, son. Keep it up and you two will get on just fine.”
    Another knock came at the door.
    “ I’m quite popular this morning, it would seem. Come!”
    This time it was Mayhew, the butler.
    “ Lord Max, her royal highness has come to call. I have put her in your personal salon. She asked that I also relay the following message verbatim.”
    “ Yes?”
    “ Max, get your lazy arse out of bed and attend me.”
    Max turned to his father and grinned. “If you’ll excuse me, sir, I’ve been summoned.”
    “ Go on, boy, it never does to keep royalty waiting.”
    ***
    Vivienne was pacing the salon with great energy, and no outward signs that she had been dancing until dawn. As she walked she periodically kicked the furniture in frustration. It was all right. The furniture —large, sturdy pieces that were comfortable, rather than stylish— could take it. Her impatient foot swings were more perilous to the stacks and stacks of books that littered all the available surfaces, including the floor. Max had specifically forbidden the household staff from moving anything in his salon, and the maids were getting rebellious about the way they had to tiptoe around to do his dusting.
    On hearing his footsteps, the Princess swung to face the door.
    “ At last!”
    “ Vivienne, be reasonable ; I came as soon as Mayhew told me you were here, it can’t have been more than five minutes.”
    “ I do not have to be reasonable, Max, I am a princess. It is specifically in my job description that I be petulant and demanding. ” Her attending guard made a sound suspiciously like a snort, and Vivienne glared at him. “Thank you, Rutgers. You may wait in the hall. With the door closed. ”
    Max waited until they were alone, and then looked at her with amusement. “Surely you didn’t come by just to exercise your royal privilege?”
    “ Where were you last night? I kept looking for you. I know it isn’t the done thing for us to be together during the balls, but I thought at least you might search me out to say hello.”
    “ I did my duty by you earlier in the day when I presented you with the first betrothal gift. I hope you like him, by the way.”
    “ Yes, the horse is magnificent, and I love the purple embroidery on the travel saddle. Well done.” Despite her praise she was tapping her toe with impatience. “But don’t think I haven’t noticed that you didn’t answer me. Where were you last night?”
    “ Obviously I was at the ball ; you heard me announced.”
    “ Max…” her tone of voice warned that she would not be put off again.
    “ Fine,