Page 27 of Her Royal Houseguest

She folded her arms across her chest. It served to plump her breasts but a moment’s consideration told him that she did not do it for seduction.

‘There is your problem, Prince Deva,’ she said in an acidic tone. ‘You assume I want more status.’

Why did she deny herself?

‘You want marriage and children. I will give you powerful children. Handsome and strong.’ Then, because he wanted to soften her attitude, he explained her most obvious assets. ‘You are smart and beautiful. Your children will carry that, too.’

She blinked. ‘That’s… Thank you. But that’s not what I want!’

He shook his head. ‘You are confusing!’ Or confused. ‘What do you want?’

She closed her eyes as if weariness had overcome her. Then she looked about the room, seeing all her discarded interests. ‘That is the question, isn’t it? Obviously, I don’t know.’

‘Then why—’

‘But it’s not marriage to you!’ she snapped.

She was a confused woman. That was why she had not married yet. Because she had no direction and no one to teach her. Or protect her.

‘Why has no one come to your aid?’ he asked. ‘A virgin of status should have people to defend her.’ If she were in Siam, she would have been surrounded by attendants everywhere. She would not set her foot on the floor without someone coming to carry her.

An amused voice interrupted them. His brother, speaking in Siamese as he lounged in the doorway. ‘These people do not surround themselves with eyes or extra hands as we do. Have you not seen how independent they are?’

‘But she is a woman,’ he retorted.

‘And she has servants.’

‘They should be here now to beat me for the insult.’

His brother pushed himself away from the doorframe to saunter in. He bowed before Lady Anna, his expression contrite. ‘Forgive us, Lady Anna,’ he said in English. ‘Your ways are not our ways, your path is not ours. So my brother wonders why no one beats him for the insult to your most glorious honour.’

Lady Anna frowned. ‘I beg your pardon?’

His brother smiled warmly at the lady then shot out a fist to Deva’s face. He was quick and the blow landed hard.

‘You see,’ Vaji continued to her. ‘I shall beat him for you. Then he will understand his insult.’

The lady squeaked in alarm at the violence. Deva raised his fist in response but he held back his fury. He had offered her an insult. An offer of marriage, which had been duly refused. And yet he had persisted to push his worth upon her.

That was a double insult. He deserved this beating. One from her, one from Vaji, to match the two insults. But he would not tolerate another.

‘I thought our alliance would be of benefit to both our countries,’ he stated, his tone verging on petulant. ‘I apologise for my mistake.’

‘Insult,’ Vaji corrected in Siamese.

Damn it, his brother was being difficult. But he was also correct. As a monk, it was his duty to point out Deva’s immorality.

‘I apologise for my insult.’ Then he winced. ‘Insults.’ Plural.

Her brows were contracted, her gaze hopping between both brothers with clear confusion. But her anger had faded. ‘I believe…’ she said slowly, ‘…that our customs and yours are at odds.’

‘Not at odds,’ Vaji said smoothly. ‘Just different.’

‘Different. Yes. I hope that this one will not damage…’ She grimaced. ‘That it will not put our two countries at odds.’

Deva glanced around. There were still no servants or family members to defend her. In his mind that was unconscionable. Who abandoned a daughter of status when there were foreign men around?

They did, obviously, and he thought less of them for it.