She knows he’s guilty and lying. He knows she knows, but doesn’t care. And there’s absolutely nothing she can do about it without making a scene.
“Breakfast is harmless,” Tatiana finally says, trying to ease the tension, but it doesn’t work.
“A commission of what?” his mother asks.
“It’s something personal and not your business.”
He stares directly at her. She holds his gaze, and I watch something pass between them. It’s a battle of wills, and it seems like Louis has won this round. The war is still far from over.
“Of course not. Well, if everything is okay in here, then I’ll be going.” Her words come out clipped. “I want to ensure you haven’t forgotten your obligations tonight. The ball preparations require your attention, and you need to be ready for the announcement. I don’t want any issues.”
Louis glances at Tatiana and smiles before returning his focus to his mother. “I haven’t forgotten my role. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to finish my conversation in private. You’re both dismissed.”
The queen turns to leave but pauses at the door. “Miss Cross, I trust the commission is ready for the reveal tonight?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” I keep my voice steady. “I think you’ll be surprised. It might be my best work yet.”
“Thank you,” she says, then sweeps out of the room with Tatiana trailing behind her.
The door closes with a click, and Louis relocks it.
The silence stretches on.
“That was either very brave or stupid of you,” I say.
“Probably both.” He grins and leans over to kiss me. “I meant what I said.”
I shift in my seat again. We’re playing an impossible-to-win game, and for the first time, I think we might actually have a chance.
“Whose side is your father on?”
“He’s not aware that this is going on with Tatiana.” Louis reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine. “Delphine did some spy shit.”
“How?”
“Because he’s not well. This is the kind of stress he doesn’t need. Right now, he believes I’m ultimately choosing the person I want to be with. I guess, in a way, I am.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses the finger where an engagement ring would go. “Princess cut?”
I laugh. “So subtle.”
“Just want to know what to shop for when that time comes,” he says.
“You saidwhen.”
“I’d marry you tomorrow.” His smile turns wicked.
“Don’t get any ideas,” I say.
This makes him howl with laughter. “My true queen.”
I grin. We pick up our forks and continue eating. Everything I taste is delicious. Our conversation is easy and fun, full of flirting and random touches. Once our plates are empty, we move them out of our way.
His phone dings with a notification.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I have to go.”
“Of course. Duty calls,” I say. “I’ll see you tonight. Be on your best behavior, please.”
“Always,” he says, placing a kiss on the top of my head.
