Page 25 of Her Royal Houseguest

‘Why? So their heads are higher than hers?’

‘Of course not! It is…’ She bit her lip. She didn’t really know why the custom had started. ‘It is simply what is done. When a respectable lady enters, all gentlemen stand.’

He thought about it, then pushed to his feet. ‘I think it is so their heads are higher than the woman’s.’ He stepped close to her, emphasising his height over her.

She tilted her head back to look at him. ‘What about very tall people? Must they never stand up if they are taller than the royalty?’

‘Their knees become very sturdy.’

She snorted. ‘That sounds very uncomfortable.’

He winced. ‘It is. I am taller than my father.’ Then he leaned forwards. ‘But there are often steps.’ Then he frowned, using his hands to suggest a raised platform. ‘His throne sits on it.’

‘Ah. A dais.’

‘A dais several steps high so that even when the king sits, I do not have to kneel.’

‘That’s very kind of him.’

The prince shook his head. ‘It’s practical. It slows things when people must crawl about the room.’

She burst out laughing. ‘I cannot believe it is true.’

‘It is!’

‘Members of your court crawl just so they will not stand taller than your king?’

He waved a hand in dismissal. ‘It is easy. They are already down on the floor in the salaam.’

‘Salaam?’

‘Flat position on the floor. It shows servitude to the king.’

‘Like a curtsey or a bow?’ At his confused look, she demonstrated. ‘A woman does this. And a man something like this.’

They were standing close enough together that the movements felt a little improper. But he did not step back. Indeed, he inched closer as he inspected her movements.

‘Hmm. Very close if done on the floor.’

She straightened up to stare at him. He appeared completely serious. ‘That seems…extraordinary,’ she said.

‘Yes,’ he agreed.

His gaze roved over her face. It was a heated perusal that should have set her back on her heels but she didn’t step back. He was too fascinating with his intense eyes and arched brows. He was thinking hard about something or challenging her or asking her a question that she couldn’t fathom. It drew her forwards when she ought to be backing away.

What did he want? His scent carried an exotic spice that made her thoughts swirl. She tried to taste it on the air, her mouth slightly open, her tongue wetting her lips. His gaze riveted there. And then he reached up and caught her chin.

She gasped, startled. And then his mouth was on hers.

Chapter Eight

Her lips were soft, her mouth sweet in feel and taste. Had she been eating something sweet or was that her nature? He extended his tongue to explore but she abruptly stiffened and drew back.

Her hand went to her mouth and her eyes were wide with shock. He frowned, seeing the reaction of an innocent. But what woman her age would be so sheltered? Especially one who had stood so boldly close to him with her mouth open with temptation? Only a courtesan.

‘Did you not enjoy that?’ he asked. When she continued to stare at him, he frowned. ‘Have you never been kissed before?’ Did the English not kiss?

She slapped him. Her movement was quick and forceful. Indeed, he was barely able to soften the blow by jerking backwards at the last moment. Even so, his cheek stung where he felt the imprint of her hand.