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Chapter Seventeen
“It is not for the people to give laws to the prince, but to obey his mandate.”
—Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor
The queen wants to see you today. She has a spot open at three thirty.”
Jameson curled his fingers into a fist on the desk. Why hadn’t he heeded his initial instinct and not answered his phone when he’d seen Louisa’s name flash on his caller ID?
Because she still would’ve found a way to get him. The Royal Household’s senior events coordinator had proven she was nothing if not tenacious.
He glanced at his watch. “That’s in two hours.”
“Then you’d better hurry, sir,” Louisa said, before disconnecting the call.
He sighed, looking down at his trousers and jumper.
After changing into a dark suit, he left the main house and headed over to the barn to find Dani. She was surrounded by dancers, as was usual lately, but he only had eyes for her. He was certain he wasn’t the only one.
Throwing her arms in the air and waving them from side to side, she dropped down into a squat and spread her thighs, bringing them back together and sensuously rolling to a standing position.
Moisture fled his mouth. Was anyone else suddenly sweltering?
Jameson was intimately aware that people weren’t always how they appeared. That there was a distinct difference between who or what people presented to the public and who they truly were. It was a way of life for royals and it was why he’d been happy to limit his time in the spotlight, so he wouldn’t have to take part in the farce.
And yet he’d fallen into that same trap by making assumptions about Dani. He’d assumed she was the same as Duchess. And he’d learned she was so much more. He’d known she was smart; one only had to have a conversation with her to glean that. But she was also enterprising. In addition to her music, she’d started a company that was doing so well, Genesis was interested in purchasing it.
He’d done some research on Mela-Skin after she told him about it. She’d recognized an area of the market that wasn’t being served and had stepped in to fill the void. The reviews for her product were stellar, and the business world appeared in awe of what she’d accomplished.
And these last few days had educated him on how much went into being Duchess. The rapper persona was a part of her, but an exaggerated version. It took a lot of work, and a substantial number of people were involved. He understood why she hadn’t taken a vacation in years. The success of two multimillion-dollar companies rested on her petite shoulders. His respect and esteem for her had grown. Dani was an exceptional woman.
Refocusing on the present, he met her eyes in the mirror and her slow knowing smile sent the blood racing directly to his cock.
Who was he kidding? His blood had set up residence down there the moment he’d first seen her.
Another few seconds and she was done.
“Everyone, can you take a moment and thank the prince for his hospitality,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes he could see from across the room.
He was suddenly the focus of applause as thank-yous rained in his direction. Going for stoicism, he nodded, although he couldn’t prevent the heat from settling on his cheeks or the tips of his ears.
“Duchess, can I speak with you for a moment?”
She said something to a woman standing near the front before moving toward him, shapely and lithe in the leggings and T-shirt that appeared to be the dancer’s uniform.
“You look great,” she said when they’d stepped outside. “Do you have another interview?”
“No. A summons from my grandmother.”
The teasing smile dropped from her face. “Does she have to summon you before you can go to the palace? I mean, can you just drop by and spend time with your grandmother?”
He hadn’t taken such informal liberties with his grandfather and he’d been much closer to Prince John.
“I can visit the palace whenever I choose, but to see the queen, it’s generally accepted that one must make an appointment.”
Dani stared at him. “Wow. I know it’s your family, but that’s crazy weird.”
He could see how it appeared that way. But—
