“Yes, Your Highness,” he replied before quickly bowing once more and heading for the door.
“Come, Erika. Let’s get you home before you cannot make it back up the grand staircase. You have been a shining light this evening. I would hate to have to carry you out.”
Christian’s words were such a relief. Erika yearned for the warmth and comfort of her bed. She would welcome sleep, her great friend, with open arms the moment her head touched the pillow. “Thank you, Christian. I am more than ready to go home.”
The trip back home to Duke Street was a short one, especially at this late hour. It left them little time to talk. There were few carriages and coaches still about to impede their progress. Out the window, Erika caught a glimpse of the street gas lamps reflected in the puddles from an earlier rain. There was an almost magical feel about the empty streets.
Once home, she bade a hasty farewell to Christian, informing him that she needed to consult with Mette about leaving breakfast until a later hour than usual. She waited until he had disappeared up the stairs and the click of his bedroom door confirmed he had retired before she silently followed in his wake.
Inside the cramped sitting room, she rested on top of one of the many boxes. She still had no idea what she was going to do with all the gifts once the betrothal was ended.
Tonight, had been lovely—everything a real engagement ball should have been. Dancing, laughter and the promise of a lifetime of love between the newly bound couple. Wonderful right up to the moment Christian had reminded her that it was all a ruse.
What had he said?
“Everyone was delighted with our performance,” she muttered.
She tucked a wayward curl behind her ear and let her head drop. When the hair escaped a second time, she let it hang.
You must develop a thicker skin. There is too much at stake to be in tears or looking miserable in front of the English.
The door opened. From the quiet of his footsteps, she knew it was Christian. Her father was not one for walking into a room without announcing his arrival.
He took a seat on the box next to hers but said nothing.
I thought you had gone to bed.
He was developing a keen set of diplomatic skills, one of those being the ability to wait her out, to let Erika be the first one to speak.
But what was she to say? That she was having second thoughts about this fake engagement? That she was falling in love with him? No. She had to hold the line, stay strong and detached.
Erika made a great study of an ornate blue and white patterned vase which sat on the sideboard a few feet away. It had been a gift from the Portuguese ambassador and she quite liked it. Perhaps when all was said and done, she might convince Magnus to allow her to keep it.
But then again, perhaps not. I expect all this will need to go back to the various gift givers. One would not wish to cause offense.
Christian cleared his throat. “I want to thank you for this evening. You were magnificent. I think we really won the crowd over.”
She focused her attention on another box. This one contained two pure wool blankets, a gift from . . . she couldn’t remember who. They were lovely as well. People were so generous. The thought that the gifts were more to curry favor than share the joy in their betrothal was, however, not lost on Erika. She expected that the value and quality of the engagement presents were directly correlated with how Sweden was viewed by the various countries. The obviously cheap and gawdy wall hanging from Russia was a not-so-subtle slight.
“Erika?”
She stirred from her thoughts of northern insults and turned to him. What had he said? Oh, yes. A kind remark about her performance this evening. “Everyone seemed to have a lovely time. The Prince Regent was most pleased with his party,” she replied.
It had been Prinny’s party. She and Christian had been tools for the Prince Regent to show off his wonderfully generous side and garner some praise for himself.
A hand reached and took hold of hers. She mustered a smile for him, something which was fast becoming a habit.
“You don’t sound happy. What is wrong?” he said.
“Nothing, just tired. It’s been a long night. Congratulations, Christian. You have managed to get a foot in the door. If we can work to capitalize on it, then we will be in a strong position when the negotiations take place.” She pulled her fingers out of his grasp and went to stand.
Christian shot to his feet. He reached for her, but she took a step back. Her heel hit the edge of a box and she winced.
“What is wrong, Erika? If I have said something to upset you, please, whatever it is let me fix it,” he said.
She fiddled with the tiger’s eye ring. “This is a wonderful piece of jewelry. You must make sure that I return it to you when things are done.” The quiver in her voice betrayed her. She had to leave the room before she fell to pieces. With a lightness of foot that surprised even herself, she rose up on her toes and placed a brief kiss on Christian’s cheek. “Good night.”
A firm hand gripped the sleeve of her gown and he hauled her against him. Their gazes met for a moment before his dropped to her lips. Christian placed his hands either side of her face and took her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss.
