“It reads well.” I start a new sketch. “The diagonal line creates energy.”
“Actually, I think the two of you should kiss,” the queen suggests.
I swallow hard, smiling softly. “Great idea, Your Majesty.”
Tatiana smiles down at Louis, and she moves close until their lips slide together. She cups his face and deepens the kiss.
It’s not a quick peck. Tatiana kisses him like she means it, her mouth opening against his, her fingers sliding into his hair. The kiss goes on for five, seven, maybe twenty seconds, and I watch because looking away would be admitting this hurts.
Louis kisses her back, but his body stays rigid. Tatiana doesn’t seem to notice or care. She’s enjoying this.
“Whoa, whoa,” Louis whispers, pulling away.
My heart is racing; my adrenaline is spiked.
“We don’t need to give them a show,” he says.
When she looks down at him, she’s slightly breathless. Her lipstick is still perfect.
“Sorry.” She laughs, not sounding sorry at all. “Got carried away, per usual.”
For just a second, her eyes flick to me when she says it.
I smile. “Wow. The two of you are explosive. I’m sure kids will soon follow after the wedding.”
Louis’s nostrils flare.
“Oh, yes. Between you and me, I hope I get pregnant immediately.” Tatiana interlocks her fingers with Louis. “He can barely keep me off of him as it is.”
The queen clears her throat because this conversation is making every person in the room uncomfortable. “That’s enough.”
I keep my expression blank. “I wish the two of you many years of happiness.”
“Of course.” Tatiana settles back onto the arm of the chair, her hand still resting possessively on Louis’s shoulder. “I hope, over the years, we can learn to become friends.”
I study her, deciding if I want to give the appropriate answer or how I feel. I go with the nice one.
“I’d like that.”
Tatiana leans over and kisses Louis again. “I love you,” she whispers.
He just sits there.
The queen rises from her chair, smoothing her skirt. “I think that’s enough for today. Tatiana, we have lunch with the ambassador’s wife in thirty minutes. Miss Cross, you have what you need?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” I’m already packing my supplies. “Same time Wednesday?”
“That will be fine.” She crosses to the door and pauses, turning back. “I’m pleased with the progress. Thank you for doing as I’ve asked.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I tell her, knowing I will outsmart her in ways she’ll never understand.
Tatiana stands and looks down at Louis with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Don’t forget about our date tonight.”
“I won’t.” He gives her a smile.
“Bye, my love.” She says it loud enough to make sure I hear it.
The queen is already in the hallway, and Tatiana follows with one last glance over her shoulder. She looks at me and smirks like the fucking devil.
