Page 11 of Always a Princess

Her brown eyes sparkled. “You overheard me say that.”

“It was intriguing. What kind of woman speaks such truth in a society obsessed with glitter and titles? I could not help but wonder. Then I saw you. And I realized only a gift from God himself would say such a thing.”

Her mouth opened, and shock swept across her countenance, but Thea said nothing.

“Let me know you, Thea. Get to know me. Perhaps it may lead somewhere beyond your wildest dreams.”

She sucked in a breath with a shake of her head. “You’re dangerous.”

He smiled. “To some. Not to you.”

“No, you are most dangerous to me.”

He had an idea of what she spoke, and as the music ended, he bowed over her hand.

“Then I shall take that as a compliment.”

He led her off the dance floor, equally impressed at the silent daggers being thrown his way and by how Thea held herself like a queen. She was intoxicating. If either of them was dangerous, it was she. He had never met another woman like her, and Alexander was beginning to realize there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her.

CHAPTER 7

As they returned to her customary seat by the chaperones, Thea finally released his hand and curtsied. “Thank you for the dance, Your Highness.”

He bowed low, and Thea loved the ease and elegance with which he did it. “It was my honor and my privilege. Until next time, Miss Templebourne.”

“There can’t be a next time.” The words came out of Thea’s mouth, unbidden.

“We shall see about that,” Prince Alexander said with a smile. “Ladies. Your Grace. Good evening.”

“Don’t listen to her,” said the dowager duchess.

“We shall see you next time, Your Highness,” the other older woman said.

Thankfully, before Thea could speak, a crowd of young men approached. She tore her gaze from the prince to focus on the suitors coming for Sophia and Louisa—the reason her uncle was paying for this season, and Thea would not forget it.

“Would you care to dance, Miss Templebourne?” This came from a young man at least five years her junior, and it wasn’t directed at Louisa or Sophia.

“Excuse me?” Thea said as she stilled in shock.

“Miss Templebourne, would you care to dance?” he asked again.

Oh, this will not do, Thea thought. “I cannot. I am fatigued. But either of my cousins would make excellent dance partners.”

“Of course.” He held out a hand to Sophia. “Would you do me the honor?”

“My pleasure, Mr. Kingston.”

Other young men gathered around, and their smiles were all directed at her, not Louisa.

No, this will not do at all.

“Louisa, please watch over your sister while you sit out this dance, if you would. I must repair my hem.”

Without waiting for Louisa to reply, Thea rushed toward the ladies’ retiring room.

Her whole world was upended in a single dance. She rushed away from the prying eyes in bewilderment, simply needing a moment to compose herself. As she turned the corner in a sharp movement, she ran face-first into a man.

“Oh, I am so sorry. How gauche. Please forgive me,” she said.