The Prince's Mistress Read online

  Thank you all for coming. He hesitated before admitting, It would seem Im in need of your help.

  His opening statement was greeted with murmurs of surprise and a few encouraging smiles. So far, so good. My fiancée, Juliana Arnaud, is under the mistaken impression that the people of Verdonia wont accept her as my wife. Id like to see what we can do to change that.

  We? one of the reporters asked.

  We Verdonians. You see, I believe she thinks her illegitimacy is an unacceptable stigma. Lander gave a what-can-you-do sort of shrug. Ive assured her on numerous occasions that this isnt true. That Verdonians judge people on their merits, not on their lineage. But shes having trouble accepting that fact. She feels that should we marry, itll cost me the election.

  Another of the reporters raised his hand and Lander pointed to him. Your Highness, you referred to Ms. Arnaud as your fiancée. Are you saying the engagement isnt off?

  So, it was Ms. now, was it? That wasnt what theyd called her when theyd been shouting questions the night before. As far as Im concerned, its not off. Ms. Arnaud has a different opinion. Lander offered a smile that encouraged them to join him on his side of the dilemmaand once joined, to help. Id like to try and change her mind.

  I dont understand, Your Highness, a man in front spoke up. What do you expect the Verdonian citizens to do?

  First, Id like to introduce all of you to the Juliana Arnaud I know. A woman whos kind and intelligent and compassionate, who puts honor before self-interest. If her press conference yesterday proved nothing else, it should have proved that she only wants the best for me and the people of this country. He leaned forward, speaking earnestly. Juliana is a woman who, at the tender age of eight, discovered her father was a crook masquerading as a respected businessman. Imagine discovering not only that, but that your father had two families, one legitimate, the other not. And then imagine spending the next thirteen years branded with that illegitimacy and judged by ithounded by somedespite the fact that youre the innocent byproduct of your parents affair.

  A woman in the middle of the pack raised her hand. I dont see that the circumstances of your fiancées birth have any importance. But other aspects of her background certainly do. According to my sources, she was suspected of helping her lover steal from her brother. That concerns me, as Im sure it does most Verdonians. Any comment?

  He used silence to his advantage, waiting until it had stretched to the breaking point before responding. First, Ms. Arnaud and the individual in question were never lovers. He paused to add impact to his statement. Secondly, she never helped this person, nor knew what he was up to until too late. She was thoroughly investigated and cleared by the authorities, but condemned by the jury of public opinion simply for being an Arnaud. The worst you can accuse her of was an unfortunate excess of naiveté. As soon as she discovered this mans duplicity, she reported him and resigned her position as a point of honor.

  Why is she in Verdonia? questioned another reporter.

  Im glad you asked. Hed hoped someone would. She works for Arnauds Angels, a charitable organization providing medical treatment to children in need. If you check, youll discover that Verdonia has benefited greatly from the generosity of Angels, and thats largely thanks to Juliana.

  What do you hope to gain by this press conference, Your Highness? came the final question.

  He answered with absolute sincerity. This is the woman I want to marry. Im hoping the people of Verdonia can do what Ive failed to do. Let Juliana know how you feel. Let her know that youd welcome her as your princess. He held up Soul Mate, allowing the lights from the cameras to flicker off the brilliant amethyst. Id like all of you to help me put this ring back on her finger.

  Juliana yanked the door open. The minute she saw who stood there, she started hyperventilating. YouI She flapped her hand toward her living room where the television was replaying Landers press conference for the umpteenth time that day. What were you thinking?

  He strolled past her. Oh, good. Youre watching it.

  She finally managed to wrap her tongue around the words clogging her brain. Have you lost your mind? she demanded. Have you any idea what youve done with that little performance you staged?

  He lifted an eyebrow in a regal fashion. If youre going to speak to me like that, perhaps you should address me as Your Highness.

  You think Im being rude? Too bad! I had it all fixed. I protected your honor. I fell on my damned sword for you. She pointed a shaking finger at the screen. Why would you dodo that after all I went through to put an end to a bogus engagement?

  Because I never considered it a bogus engagement, merely a premature one. He approached, and she realized shed caged herself with a lion, a lion in deadly pursuit. He backed her against the edge of her couch and pinned her there. I didnt want you to fall on your sword for me, Juliana. There was no need. I had everything under control.

  He was too close, muddling her thoughts and rousing emotions she had no business feeling. Not anymore. You consider that she gestured toward the television again under control?

  He tilted his head to one side. What do you think is going to happen as a result of what I did?

  I suspect everyone will erroneously believe were engaged again.

  A swift smile came and went. Besides that.

  Youll lose the election, she stated flatly.

  The fierceness of his frown had her catching her breath. She didnt know why, perhaps watching the respect and deference hed garnered during his talk with the press had affected her in some strange way. But more than anytime since theyd first met, Lander struck her as every inch the royal. Im going to tell you this one final time, and then Ill consider the topic closed. My relationship with you will not affect the outcome of this election. Are we clear?

  She nodded, wide-eyed.

  Topic finished?

  Not quite, she dared to say. I have one final question.

  One and only one. He folded his arms across his chest. Ask.

  Why wont it affect the outcome?

  Because within the next couple of weeks all of Verdonia will fall in love with you. I guarantee it. What you watched today is just the beginning.

  She wanted to believe him. More than anything she hoped it was true. But she didnt dare. Shed spent too many years hardening herself against the callous stares and objectionable assumptions people made about her. That sort of thing didnt change overnight, not even by royal command. How can you be so certain your people will accept me? she asked.

  His gaze held so much tenderness it brought tears to her eyes. Because everything I said was true. You are kind and intelligent and compassionate. Most of all, youre honorable. As soon as the country sees that for themselves, theyll realize that not only do you belong here, but we need you.

  She didnt know what to say to that, which was just as well since her throat had closed over. Taking her hand in his, he slipped Soul Mate back onto her finger. She started to stammer out a protest, one he stopped with a simple shake of his head.

  Dont refuse it. Not yet. Listen to me first.

  This is insane, Lander. We dont know each other all that well. Its happening too fast. The excuses flooded from her in a nervous rush, the one that concerned her the most, coming last. You cant want to marry me.

  Youre wrong. I do want to marry you. And I think you want to marry me, too. He gathered her up, fitting her into his embrace. They locked together as though they were missing puzzle pieces, finally made whole. His hand swept across her cheek in a light caress before his fingers forked into her curls and he tilted her face up to his. Theres no hurry, Juliana. We dont need to get married tomorrow or next week, or even next month. Wear the ring. If you decide our relationship is a mistake, you can always return it. In the meantime, well take it slow and easy.

  She moistened her lips, afraid to believe. Afraid to trust or hope. Those qualities had been lost to her so long ago, she barely remembered possessing them. Why dont we take it slow and easy, and then decide whether or not that ring b
elongs on my finger?

  He shook his head. Everyone will be looking to see if youre wearing it. So, its all or nothing, sweetheart. Right here and right now we either make a commitment or call it quits and go our separate ways. Your choice.

  But

  Thats my offer. I refuse to go back and forth with the media playing is she or isnt she. He held her with a demanding gaze, his eyes an intense greenish gold. Take a chance, Juliana. Trust me.

  Oh, God. Trust. He would use that particular word. She leaned into him, closing her eyes against the urge to throw caution to the winds and give in to sweet temptation. What happens if it doesnt work out?

  You walk away, and I let you. She opened her eyes to discover the hard lines bracketing his mouth had softened. Im hoping you wont walk, because Im not sure I can keep my side of that particular deal if you do.

  His admission filled her with joy, a joy she forced herself to curb. She had another concern that might end everything before it ever began. Theres something else I need to know. Not about the election, she hastened to add.

  Why do I have the feeling Im not going to like your next question?

  Maybe because it has to do with Joc.

  Ah. His voice soured. That might be it.

  She caught her lip between her teeth. You two dont like each other, do you?

  Lander shrugged. Weve had our differences.

  Thenwhats he doing here in Verdonia? If youre not friends, why is he here?

  Landers face lost all expression, filling her with apprehension. I assume he came here to see you.

  Not a chance. Joc adored her, shed never doubted that. But he adored business more. If hed come all this way, there was more drawing him to Verdonia than trying to talk her into resuming her old job at corporate headquarters. Her brother was a strong believer in the adage, killing two birds with one stone. Tell me, Lander. Do the two of you have some sort of business deal in the works?

  He shook his head. You should ask your brother about that.

  Her heart sank. Ill take that as a yes. When he danced with me at the ball, hehe warned me about you. He warned me to stay away from you. She grimaced. Now that I think about it, he pretty much warned me to stay away from you every time I saw him.

  A smile of satisfaction eased the grimness from Landers expression. You didnt take his advice.

  No, I didnt. She gripped his arm, the amethyst on her ring glittering with red-blue fire. I need you to tell me the truth. If we continue our relationship, will it hurt your business deal with him?

  He stared at her for an endless moment, his jaw tightening with growing tension. His eyes had darkened with some emotion she couldnt quite decipher, but it worried her. Throwing yourself on your sword again? When she stared at him in open dismay, he relented. It hasnt and it wont.

  Juliana couldnt disguise her relief. You promise?

  I promise.

  His reply was so short and abrupt she wondered if shed offended him again. But then he lowered his head and kissed her, putting an end to any further discussion, and she realized that he was far from offended. She tumbled back onto the couch with him and lost herself in his embrace. Somehow it would all work out. Somehow the people of Verdonia would accept her, maybe even love her. They had to.

  Because shed just realized that she was madly in love with their future king. And, though he hadnt said he loved her, toothe only dark cloud on the horizonfor the first time in years, shed begun to trust again.

  Lander flipped open his cell phone and placed a call. Its done, he announced as soon as Joc answered.

  Shes wearing your ring again?

  Thats what done means, Arnaud, Lander snapped. He fought for control, fought even harder to keep his voice pitched low, though his intensity still came ripping through. If your plan backfires, if shes hurt because of this, I will find a way to make you pay.

  You make sure she doesnt find out about our contract and she wont get hurt.

  This is wrong, Arnaud.

  There was a momentary silence that Lander took for agreement. I want her happy, Joc said gruffly. For some reason, you make her happy. Since youre what she wants, youre what she gets. As for the contracts, they should be ready to sign by the end of the month. We dont sign until you two are married, so I suggest you keep things moving at your end.

  Hell. I promised her time.

  Take all the time you wantso long as it doesnt go past the end of the month. Julianas not stupid. You take too long sealing the deal and shell figure out what were up to. Get her to the altar and fast.

  Lander snapped the cell phone shut, wanting nothing more than to hurl it at the nearest wall. So much for honor. He didnt know who he was more disgusted with, Joc or himself. The only part in all this that brought him any pleasure was Juliana. He didnt know what to call what they had. Not love. He wasnt the type to allow his heart to rule his head. But he wanted her. He cared about her. And he looked forward to having her for his wife. Whatever that was, it would have to do.

  He could only hope it would prove enough for Juliana.

  Eight

  Y our Highness, please. The dressmaker fluttered behind Lander as he entered the bedroom. You cant be here. Its bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony.

  Of course I can see her, Peri. My palace, my rules.

  Across the room sheer pandemonium broke out. He grinned as Peris assistants fell over each other to hold up lengths of fabric in an effort to hide Juliana from his view. From behind the makeshift barrier, he heard a crash, followed by a muffled oath, the sound of ripping silk and another louder curse. Then, Damn it, Lander! What the hell are you doing here?

  He laughed, in part at the exasperation in his darling bride-to-bes voice and in part at the shocked expressions of the dressmaker and her assistants. Why, I came to visit you, of course.

  I was with you not thirty minutes ago. You couldnt wait another thirty until Im through here?

  No, I cant. He settled cautiously onto a dainty davenport. When it proved sturdier than it appeared, he flung one leg over the armrest and settled back against the cushions. The latest newspapers just arrived and I wanted to share them with you.

  I try and avoid newspapers whenever possible. I usually find them depressing, if not downright unpleasant.

  He winced at the hint of vulnerability threaded through her comment. These are neither depressing nor unpleasant. In fact, in the few days since our press conferences, theyve all been rave reviews. For instance He selected a newspaper at random and turned to the appropriate page. May I be the first to inform you, you are officially the cats meow.

  The assistants dropped the fabric they held, revealing a hand-painted dressing screen. Lander could see Julianas silhouette on the far side as she was assisted in removing a billowing gown that one of the dressmakers whisked away for further alteration. Lord, she was gorgeous. All long, sweeping lines and soft, feminine curves. She poked her head around the side of the screen. In her haste to hide from him, her carefully knotted hair had become delightfully unknotted. For some reason, he found those bountiful curls fascinating.

  The cats meow? Her eyebrow winged upward. Should I assume youre the cat?

  You may so assume.

  Really? She pretended to be disappointed. I thought you were a lion.

  Cat. Lion. He shrugged. If you dont like that nickname, how does Angel Ana grab you? Its the most popular of the dozen or so choices, although Angel seems a little much to me. And not terribly accurate, based on the words I just heard come out of that angelic mouth of yours.

  Her eyes narrowed and he could see the warning flash of gold from clear across the room. Would you please tell me what youre talking about?

  He held up a stack of newspapers. I told you. Im talking about these news articles.

  She gripped the edge of the screen in alarm. All those? Theyre all articles about me? she asked in disbelief.

  Well, and me, too. His brows drew together. At least, I think Im in here somewhere. Probab
ly listed in one of the footnotes as Angel Anas bridegroom.

  She started to come around the screen, only to be shoved back in place by one of Peris assistants, who then bustled around the room, pretending not to listen as she straightened bolts of satin and tulle. Are you trying to tell me that the press is saying nice things about me? Disbelief underscored the question. The press never has anything nice to say. You must have read it wrong.

  Did not. He riffled through the papers. Heres one thats fairly illustrative. And I quote, Verdonias princess-to-be, AngelAnaArnaud, has the entire country at her feet. Standing before a crowd of reporters and local citizens, vibrant red hair tousled by the wind

  Darn clip.

  Angel Ana confirmed her engagement to Lucky Lander is back on Oh, there Im mentioned. See? Im also known asdamn, I hope Merrick and Miri dont read this, Ill never hear the end of itLander the Love-struck, and Lovelorn Lander.

  They actually had the nerve to call you that? Juliana asked faintly. And the reporters are still breathing?

  Breathing, just not functional. And youre interrupting. Let me read you the best part of the article. Where was I? Oh, yes. And I quote once again. All of Verdonia rallied in their efforts to encourage Ms. Arnaud to accept Prince Landers offer of marriage. Now that shes once again wearing his ring, the entire country is celebrating the good news. There, you see? Rave reviews.

  I dont understand. She sounded sincerely puzzled. Usually all they want to print about me is scandal.

  He tossed the papers aside and stood. People are coming forward from all over Verdonia, sweetheart. All in support of you and full of reports of your many good deeds and kindnesses.

  Youve helped so many of our children, one of the assistants offered.

  They even support you in Avernos, the dressmaker concurred. As well they should.

  Lander chuckled. Ill bet that has von Folkes tail in a twist. What I wouldnt give to see that.

  Now, Your Highness, the dressmaker scolded, making shooing motions toward the door. You need to go now so I can finish my job.