Page 63 of Her Royal Houseguest

He snorted. ‘That cannot work well.’

It seemed to be working well with him. At least, if she gathered her courage enough to ask. ‘So, that is normal?’

He stroked a single finger across her cheek as if to trace the heat across her skin. ‘That is not the way to have children. And it is not normal, though many enjoy it.’ His expression grew wary. ‘Did you enjoy it?’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘And…well, it was…’ She shifted awkwardly on the bench, completely at a loss for words.

‘Are you in pain?’

‘What? No.’

‘You will tell me if—’

‘No pain. Just…’ She felt her insides soften at the memory. ‘I enjoyed it,’ she finally said. ‘It was exciting.’ She looked at him. Could they do it again?

Of course not. It was a miracle they hadn’t been discovered yesterday. And yet, she wanted it again. She wanted him again.

They were eye to eye, close enough that she could admire the golden flush of his skin, the handsome curve of his nose and the deep, enticing red of his lips.

Would he kiss her? Could she kiss him?

‘Anna! Where are you, you dratted girl? Anna!’

Mama! Calling from the hallway that headed towards this door.

She abruptly jolted her feet from the water, sloshing on her dress. Then she pulled on her slippers without drying her feet, tying the ribbons into a hasty knot. She’d have to cut them later to get them off but they were ruined anyway.

As soon as her fumbling fingers accomplished that, she hopped up to stand near the doorway. Behind her, the prince had done the same, though in a completely casual manner. This must be a common thing for him, to sit on benches with bare feet and discuss unusual sex.

Oh good God, her cheeks were flaming. Her mother would surely notice. She ducked her head, trying to think of something calm, something boring but he was right there, smoothing his clothing. And her mother was coming closer.

‘Anna!’

‘We are here, duchess,’ Prince Deva called.

Anna spun around to stare at the prince. He was standing now, looking as haughty as ever. She admired that he could so easily shift from one expression to another. Especially since she struggled to hide her loudly beating heart.

Unless she was being backwards again. Had she just imagined what they’d just shared? Of course not. But would her mother see and guess?

Chapter Twenty

‘Good morning, duchess,’ Deva said, struggling to keep his voice level. He was well practiced in hiding his emotions but hiding arousal was harder. His kway was thick and hungry, pulsing with need for Lady Anna. And even her mother’s annoyed expression did little to shrink the troublesome organ. ‘Your daughter and I have enjoyed a lovely morning’s stroll.’

‘A stroll?’ the lady challenged. ‘Your Royal Highness, I deeply apologise for the lack in our household. I promise you, we will make sure there is enough water. It’s abominable that you…that we… Well, Anna knows she’s erred.’

‘Me!’ Anna’s head shot up, annoyance and frustration in her voice.

‘Duchess,’ Deva interposed, ‘it was not your daughter’s fault. Indeed, I believe—’

‘It doesn’t matter,’ Anna cut in, her voice tight. ‘I will see that it never happens again.’

He arched a brow at her. ‘You cannot if they only listen to your mother.’ His gaze shifted to the duchess. ‘I believe the problem is that your servants love you too much to obey her.’

The duchess sniffed. ‘That is not appropriate.’

He couldn’t tell if she disapproved of her servants’ attitudes or of his interference. Either way, his path was the same. He smiled at Lady Anna. ‘Our arrival has overset your household. Pray, leave this with me. It was our imposition and, therefore, I shall be the one to repair it.’

‘Oh no, Your Royal Highness,’ Anna began at the same moment her mother sighed.