So, she had made her decision in the early hours of the morning. She would be stronger and keep out of his way. And if necessary, she was going to go to great lengths to see to it that he got the message that she was not interested. She had rationalized that of course she was attracted. She was not dead, or blind, was she?
He was a very handsome man. What woman wouldn't be attracted? And his kisses were certainly potent because he was an expert. So, she had stopped blaming herself. It happened and she was moving on.
When it reached Wednesday and she hadn't seen or heard anything from him, she told herself that it was relief she felt. He had obviously gone off to somewhere with one of his many conquests. Well good for him, she thought savagely. He could very well stay there.
Fiercely determined not to think of him, she threw herself into her work, which wasn't very difficult. The new school the queen was having built was moving along nicely and the children's home was almost finished. Antoinette was kept busy and was practically run off her feet during the day.
By Friday, she was tempted to inquire in a very casual manner where the prince had gone off to but managed to resist the urge. She found herself looking for him in the morning when she knew he usually took his morning rides, but there was no sign of him. It was as if he had dropped off the face of the earth.
By Saturday morning, she decided she was too restless to stay in bed. She had the weekend off but was on call, because of the upcoming fall benefit dance. It was the first big event since her arrival. Even though the queen had hired people to do the planning, she had warned Antoinette that she might be calling on her to help out.
"I'm a stickler for details, my dear, and everything has to be perfect. People will be flying in from several different countries. Some will be staying here at the palace while others will occupy the cottages and hotels. It's a benefit that will do wonders for the country's infrastructure."
She had layered up. It was still shy of dawn and the air was nippy. She liked this time of the morning before the rest of the household was up and about. The jeans were tight-fitting, the boots of the best leather. She had wound her hair and jabbed pins in to keep it out of the way.
She had saddled Princess Mel herself, soothing the horse into a gentle whinny to stop her from disturbing the others and waking Raphael. She could hear the man in the back of the barn, his loud snores making her smile. She had asked him why he slept with the horses when she was told that he had a perfectly decent cottage that was assigned to him.
His answer had been simple. "What happens if one of those horses needs me in the night and I'm not around? Besides, I love sleeping on the hay."
Taking the reins, she led the animal out. Tightening the cinch, she gripped the saddle and eased her foot into the stirrup, before mounting effortlessly. The early morning breeze stirred her clothing and tugged at her hair as she nudged the animal with her knees. She wanted to clear her head. The week had been exhausting, her emotions veering from high to low.
Princess Mell broke into a canter, long legs eating up the distance. Within minutes, the wind was tugging her hair free from the pins. She reined in the horse as soon as they came to the slight incline that offered a stunning view of the city. She sat there for a few minutes before dismounting. Looping the reins over a low-hanging branch, she walked the rest of the way until she came to the clear, icy water of the stream. She had not been back here since that argument with Prince Tomas and decided that she was going to take at least one day out of the week to enjoy the outdoors. She knew he rode in the early mornings, so she could schedule her own ride for later in the day to avoid him.
Where was he, she wondered. Shaking her head, she hunkered down to trail her fingers in the water, gasping as the icy cold hit her flesh.
"You should know better than that. The temperature has been dropping significantly." The deep, slightly accented voice had her going still. She had not heard the sound of horses' hooves to announce his presence and fleetingly wondered if she had dreamed him up.
Rising slowly, she turned to face him.
"What are you doing here?"
He smiled at that, a slow, devastating smile that made her weak.
"Missed me?"
"Don't flatter yourself. I'm sure the woman you've been with has a lot to say about you leaving."
"Why, darling, you sound jealous."
"Oh please!" she turned as if to walk away, but he grabbed her arm. "Let go of me."
"I was in Madrid. We have some town houses there that needed my attention." He turned her to face him. "I wanted to take you with me."
"As if I would ever go anywhere with you. Please let go of me."
"Why the constant antagonism?" he mused, eyes searching her face. "Is it so hateful that we have feelings for each other?"
"I don't have feelings for you and I'm sure that's mutual."
His fingers dug into her flesh. The look on his handsome face had her slapping her hands on his chest. It was starting again. The heat, the longing to feel his lips on hers. She had promised herself that she would not let this happen again and she meant to keep that promise.
"Don't! I already told you I'm seeing someone. We're going on a date tonight."
"Is that right?" His voice was indulgent as if he did not believe a word she was saying.
"Yes!" She wanted to stamp her feet. "I already told you that I'm involved. Now will you please let go of me?"
"One kiss," he invited softly, his voice lowered.
