She knelt behind the desk to retrieve a pile of paper and realised it was a stack of discarded newspapers. Not only from the past few days but also the most recent, from that very morning.
Pippa’s face brightened. “Eureka.”
This was a treasure beyond gold. If there was something Pippa lacked, it was political knowledge and information pertaining to current events.
She settled on the floor, unfolded the newspaper, and readDie Wiener Zeitung.
“Their Excellencies dined in theRedoutensäle. The Tsar was gracious. The Empress, despite her poor health, made an appearance. Bah.” She turned the page. Was there nothing more substantial, no political commentary that would help her understand the current situation? There was a list of visitors, musical performances, an entire page of empty praise for the emperor, and, aha, here was something: “A conference was held between representatives of England, Russia, and Austria in the State Chancellery.” She turned the page. “What. Nothing more? That is it?”
Her legs were beginning to fall asleep. She shifted and lifted her gaze. She shot up with a yelp.
In the armchair by the window sat the Archduke himself, legs crossed, watching her with an amused expression.
“It is no use reading those,” he said in a lazily amused voice, “if your intention is to learn about politics. Newspapers are heavily censored, my love.”
“When did you come in?” Pippa stammered, completely forgetting to add the required ‘Your Imperial Highness.’
Klemens seemed to notice, a spark of satisfaction crossing his face. “It was a good ten minutes or so ago. You cannot imagine how delighted I am, after a most tedious afternoon dealing with all sorts of crowned idiots, to find you sprawled across my study like this. I always found it charming that you had the ability to engross yourself in your activity to such an extent that you would remain oblivious to anything that goes on around you. I see that has not changed.”
Pippa folded the newspaper and smoothed her skirt with dignity. “I was trying to understand what is happening these days. It is frustrating to be so close to the events they report and not to understand any of their significance.”
He nodded. “You always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Come here.”
She took one, two steps towards him.
“Closer.”
Another step.
“Closer yet.”
If she took another step, she would tread on his boots. Nonetheless, she took a tiny step closer.
He patted his knee. “Sit here.”
Pippa scowled.
He laughed. “Very well. Then don’t. I only thought my knee might be more comfortable.”
“I do not intend to sit in your presence, Your Imperial Highness,” Pippa said in as pompous a voice as she could muster.
He ignored her protest. “Take the footstool and place it in front of me, and sit. And that is an order.”
Pippa did not move.
“You know that not following an archduke’s orders is tantamount to treason, my dove?” His voice was dulcet.
Pippa scrambled to fetch the footstool, while he laughed.
“I am sitting,” Pippa said hastily. “Your Imperial Highness.” She studied his face closely. “It appears you are feeling much better today.”
“I am, indeed, after all I was cared for most lovingly by my little lady love.”
She blushed fiercely. “You shouldn’t talk that way.”
“I’ll talk in whatever way I like. But now, ask away. What is it you want to know?”
She pursed her lips. “You will tell me?”
