“That’s true.” He frowned as he stepped into the room. “Is it hard? I can’t imagine trying to learn a new language now. I had the devil of a time with Latin and Greek, and I’ve forgotten most of it.”
“I have always been clever with languages. It was my best asset to my father.”
He nodded. “I imagine that’s true.”
He stood there a moment, long enough for her to be daring enough to lift her head. Only a wife could do such a thing, and she was thrilled that he seemed to like it. Then he pulled up the chair and sat near enough to kiss.
She didn’t lean forward, though. That would be too bold. But she felt his presence like the heat of the sun. So close. So attentive. A man in love with her.
For a woman used to being dismissed, the idea was like opium in her blood. She was dazed by the very possibility. Meanwhile, he continued to talk as if she weren’t reeling from the clash of hope and cynical experience inside her.
“I have been very busy lately trying to learn everything I can about your country. I’m afraid we don’t know much, and so I will listen closely to everything you say.”
She flushed, delighted that she had a purpose in his life. “What do you wish to know?” She touched the book. “I could teach you Chinese.”
“A worthy goal,” he admitted, but then shook his head. “But I have something else to discuss with you first.”
Their marriage, perhaps? She knew all the customs of a Chinese wedding, but nothing of his traditions. She would have to learn quickly if she was not to shame him.
“You heard what Prinny said,” he began. “You know he commanded us to marry.”
“I know.” Should she say how happy she was at the idea? That she would make a very good wife to him? In China, shehad been taught that a lady kept her expression opaque and her hopes hidden.
“The thought must terrify you,” he continued, oblivious to her thoughts. “You’ve left everything behind.”
“I am not afraid.”
His lips curved into a warm smile. “You amaze me. I don’t think I would fare half as well.”
“It would not have happened to you.” No Dragon King would be sold as she had been.
“There is always someone stronger. Or several someones who band together.” He shook his head. “But that’s not important. The thing is, I cannot contradict the prince. He has declared that we wed, and I must honor that.”
It was true then. She would be his. She would lay in his bed, bear his children, serve his people, she—
“At least,” he said slowly, “I must appear to honor that.”
It took a moment for his words to penetrate her fog of hope. But the lurch in her chest told her that she should have remained cynical. Hope was a painful trap.
“You look upset.”
“I do not understand, but I will learn. I swear I—”
“Don’t be so afraid of me, Yihui. I will find a way to make us both happy.”
“Yes, yes,” she said, trying to stall for time. “Happy is a good thing.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “In England, a man cannot cry off. Once engaged, he cannot refuse to wed.” He paused, his gaze steady. “But a woman can.”
“A woman can refuse to wed?” The idea shocked her.
“Yes. Exactly. She can refuse a man who is not suitable.”
“But you suit me. The king said so.”
“Prinny said we must marry, and so we will pretend to do so. The banns will be read. The invitations sent out. Everything will look like a wedding.”
“But we will not marry?”
