Estelle continued working with Johanna, fitting the rose dress over Hannah’s corset.Hannah hid her displeasure, waiting for the older woman to finish her lecture.
“You will be seated at the end of the table, along with the other unmarried ladies.”
A little pang squeezed at her heart.So, Michael had not told anyone that they were married.She should have expected it, for it gave her a means of leaving the Schloss without anyone noticing.
Lady Schmertach continued her long diatribe, explaining that she should not expect to dance with Fürst Karl or be introduced.“Royal marriages are not fairytales,” she insisted.“They are political alliances that benefit both countries.So you must not allow yourself to fall into the common belief that he will notice you.”
Johanna picked up a hairbrush and began to comb Hannah’s hair into a severe knot that pulled at her face.Hannah was beginning to feel like a doll, dressed up in ribbons and lace, unable to move without someone pushing her limbs into place.
“Do you understand all that I have instructed you?”Lady Schmertach asked.“Have you any questions about how to conduct yourself this evening?”
“No.”She understood perfectly well that she was to remain exactly in her chair and to keep a full distance from the royal family.
“Good.Graf von Reischor has informed me that your cousins will arrive shortly to escort you back to Germany.”With a prim smile, she rose from her chair.“I hope you enjoy the queen’s hospitality this evening.”
Hannah’s temples ached from the tight hairpins, and she ordered Johanna and Estelle to leave her alone.When they had gone, she stripped away every pin until her hair hung down below her shoulders.
What is the matter with me?she wondered.Why can’t I tell them what it is I really want?The words of protest seemed weighted down by years of obedience.
There was a soft knock on the door.Hannah called out for them to enter, expecting one of the maids to return.
Instead, Michael stepped inside.He closed the door behind him, seemingly surprised to find her alone.
Hannah stood, wondering if she was supposed to curtsy before him.He hadn’t changed his clothing from this morning, and his cravat hung crooked at his throat as if he’d tugged at it.She resisted the urge to correct it.“Was there something you needed?”
His dark gaze fixed upon her.“Yes.There’s something I needed.”
All the blood seemed to rush to her face, and prickles rose up on her skin.Whether it was nerves or simply the intense awareness of Michael, she didn’t know.She forced herself to sit down.
“The Graf gave you the chance to leave, earlier today,” he began.“But you didn’t take it.Why?”
She drew on one of her gloves.“Because I promised I would stay here for a few days longer.To help you grow accustomed to your new life here.”
“Is that the only reason?”
No.I didn’t want to leave you.“What other reason would there be?”
His gaze swept over her gown, but he made no comment.“I saw that Viscount Brentford and his family are here.”
“Yes, I spoke with him and Miss Nelson.”She grimaced.“Although they don’t know you’re the real prince.I suppose it doesn’t matter whether it’s you or Fürst Karl.And it won’t be the last time you’ll be pursued by eager fathers and daughters.”
“Does it bother you?”He folded his arms across his chest.
Of course it bothered her.But she couldn’t do anything about it.“What do you expect me to say?That I’m jealous?”Her shield of calm collapsed into pieces.It wasn’t women like Miss Nelson who bothered her.No, it was the soldier’s mask that never revealed a hint of Michael’s feelings.
“No.You wouldn’t be, would you?”he responded.“I can see that you’ve made your decision already.”
She crossed the room and stood in front of him.“What decision?What decision have I ever been allowed to make?You’ve already made up your mind about me and what you think I want.Just as Estelle and Johanna have decided what I’ll wear and how my hair should be arranged.And Graf von Reischor has decided that I’ll be returning home to my cousins.”
She rose from her chair and crossed the room toward him.With a not-so-gentle push, she said, “My decisions don’t seem to matter in the least, so why bother asking?”
He caught her in his arms.“Because I don’t believe what you told me this morning.”He tilted her face to his, their mouths the barest breath apart.“I don’t know which is worse...forcing you to live a life you don’t want...or letting you go.”
His hazel eyes were full of desire, his mouth achingly close to kissing hers.God help her, she needed him so much.Being without him was going to rip her heart apart.
“Make your decision, Hannah.”He pressed the ring into her palm.“Either become my princess in truth.Or leave.”
He withdrew from her embrace, walking away.When the door closed behind him, she stared down at her rose gown.She didn’t care for the color nor did she want to wear the pearls Estelle had chosen.
