“It’s one of my favorites.”
He crosses the room, and I notice the way he moves, like he’s conserving energy for the things that matter. His face is thinner than it looks in the official portraits.
“Please, sit. I’ve asked for tea and those little sandwiches my wife pretends she doesn’t like, but always eats half of.”
“I love those,” I tell him. “With the tuna salad inside?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
I settle into one of the armchairs while he takes the other, sinking into the worn leather. It’s like he’s done that a thousand times before. I try not to let my disappointment show when I glance toward the door, but I hoped Louis would be here. I’ve been counting the hours since I last saw him, replaying our stolen moments in my head. The not knowing is the worst part. I don’t know how much more I can take.
“I’m afraid Louis won’t be joining us,” the king says, reading my expression with unsettling accuracy. “He had prior engagements that couldn’t be rescheduled. I’m sure he would’ve loved to speak with you more. I’m sure you’re aware, but he loves art. It’s not personal.”
“Of course.” I force a smile and fold my hands in my lap to keep from fidgeting. “I’m honored to have this time with you, Your Majesty.”
“Are you?” He tilts his head, studying me with Louis’s eyes. The same shade of blue, with the same intelligence behind them. “Most people find me rather boring compared to the others.”
“I doubt that very much.”
He chuckles, an inviting sound that fills the space between us. It settles me as the tea and sandwiches are delivered. The china is old and beautiful, hand-painted with tiny blue flowers, and I wrap my hands around the cup when it’s offered to me, letting the heat seep into my fingers. The tea smells like chai and something floral I can’t quite place.
We wait in comfortable silence while plates are arranged, and then we’re alone again. I look around the space, feeling like I’ve stepped into a painting.
“Your competition entries were incredible,” he says, selecting a sandwich from the tray. “The chess portrait in particular. It was quite remarkable.”
“Thank you.” I take a sip of tea to give myself something to do with my hands.
“The perspective was so real. First person, almost like I was sitting across from Louis, seeing him like when we play.” He pauses, the sandwich halfway to his mouth. “He always plays black though.”
I keep my expression neutral even though my pulse quickens. “We played a game together. You can’t tell anyone though.”
“Did you?” the king asks. “Who won?”
I laugh. “I did.”
“No,” he says. “How?”
I go through the moves, reliving it.
“You do realize he’s a master?” the king says. “If you can beat Louis, you can beat anyone in the world.”
“Really?” I ask. “Do you think he let me win?”
The king shakes his head. “No. He never gives anyone pity. Too proud.”
This makes me giggle. “Thank you. I needed the confidence boost.”
“Yes, well, the prince has been painted a thousand times, but most of those portraits show him from a distance. You showed him up close. That was brave. He never allows that.”
“Thank you. I have a way with people.”
“You do.” He takes a bite and chews thoughtfully. “My wife tells me you’re quite clever.”
My brows rise, and some of the tea sloshes in my cup. “Clever?”
“Her words, not mine. She said you held your own in conversation with her. That you didn’t back down.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I was being honest with her, not clever.” I set down my teacup harder than I intended, and it clatters against the saucer. “There’s a difference.”
