Page 16 of Always a Princess

Maybe they all feel the pull.

Tonight, he was dressed in slightly different uniform, but still with the heavy gold braid and medals. His departure from the stark black and white evening attire of so many others made him seem more regal.

He bowed before her.

“Miss Templebourne, if you would do me the great honor of waltzing with me, I would consider myself a lucky man indeed.”

She paused, wondering if she had completely departed from her sanity. But she couldn’t find it in herself to say no.

“I would be delighted, Your Highness.”

She held out her hand and felt a jolt course through her body when he touched her. He locked his gaze on her like he felt it too.

Time seemed to stop when he took her into his arms. Her movements happened automatically, as she let him lead her through the waltz.

“I was told I would save you from scandal if I danced with other respectable women as well. It is the only reason I have.”

His blunt admission charmed her.

“Thank you.”

“Have you made a decision?”

The question caught her by surprise. “A decision?”

“Whether you want to know me?” His blue gaze intently studied her, as if peering into her soul.

“You are very direct, Your Highness.”

“When I have limited time and very much want an answer, I have no choice. If I had more time, I would be much more elegant about it.”

“I appreciate honesty, so I will give you the same courtesy.” She paused as they turned and took a breath. “I should not. My uncle will not be pleased. My duty is to be a chaperone. And yet …”

“And yet, Thea?” he prompted her.

“I do want to know you.”

His smile was as dazzling as his blue eyes, and it lit his whole countenance, like the sun shone from within him.

“Thank you, Thea. You will not regret it.”

“Are you truly a prince?” Thea couldn’t help but ask. It had been on her mind.

“Entranced by the title?”

“No, just curious if it is genuine.”

“And if it were not?” He smiled.

“The truth matters to me more than the title.”

“Yes, it is genuine.” He turned her with the music. “The title is hereditary. My family has enjoyed noble status in Russia for centuries. Our lands and fortune are vast. But before you are truly impressed, you should also know princes are common in Russia. There are probably more Russian princes than your whole nobility combined.”

“Truly?”

“We are not a rarity among the aristocracy. Not like royalty is here. To introduce oneself as a prince sounds much more impressive in England than in Russia.”

Thea couldn’t help but smile at his direct reply. “Thank you for the context. Do you plan to return to Russia, or are you making your home here?” She hadn’t even considered the matter until this very moment, and now it seemed the most important question she could ask.