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“I didn’t know they would do all this!” she exclaimed. “I told them I didn’t need much. I swear!”
Tristan poked his head in and glanced around. “Heh. I have no doubt this is my mother’s doing. She’ll be your constant stylist.”
Stunned, June picked out a simple blue gown with a sweetheart neckline while Tristan finished dressing. When he saw her in it, he snatched her close and took her lips with his. “Stunning,” he muttered.
She gave him a look when she felt him grow stiff once again.
He offered a crooked smile. “Like I said, I am always hungry for you.”
It didn’t occur to her until they entered the living room how it would look; both of them freshly showered, her in a new gown. She blushed, even as she met the laser-hard gaze of Leanora, sitting stiffly on the couch, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Indignation marred her pretty features.
Why is she still here?
Belinda, too, appeared disdainful from her station near the balcony door.
“June, dearling,” said Edel, who had migrated to the opposite couch from Leanora with a slumbering Thaddeus. “I simply knew that color would look marvelous with your skin tone.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Tristan came to stand beside her. She blinked down at the shocking warmth of his fingers threading between hers. “Lady Leanora, I’m surprised you’re still here, but I guess it’s good you are because I have an announcement you should hear. I’ve asked June to marry me.”
All of their jaws dropped, even June’s. She hadn’t expected him to just blurt it out like that.
“I only await her response.” He smiled down at her.
Belinda looked a little green.
Leanora shot out of her seat. “Are you mental?” In turn, she settled an incredulous gaze on each of them before coming back to Tristan. “She’s a commoner.”
“There is no law in my kingdom that states a commoner must no’ marry royalty.”
“She’s a foreigner.”
“Again, there is no law—”
“Edel, you must have objections.”
“If I do, dear, they will be discussed between my son and I privately.”
June tensed and she thought Tristan might have too. Edel continued, “Lady Leanora, I believe it would be best if you returned to your bedchamber now.”
Leanora’s angry expression fell and was replaced by one of such hurt that June actually felt a spark of unwanted pity for her. She wondered if Leanora had ever been rejected before.
As quickly as it had disappeared, the anger was back, and she huffed out of the room without another word.
Belinda looked as though she wanted to follow her, but she didn’t. Instead, she challenged, “Is this wise, sire?”
“Only if June accepts my proposal,” he countered.
“I don’t know what’s more shocking,” Edel inserted. “That you proposed or that she is keeping you in suspense.”
They all looked at June expectantly, and she suddenly felt like her tongue had been tied in knots. “I…I…”
“Now, now,” said Edel, regally rising from the sofa. “Don’t let me rush your decision. I just find it ironically satisfying is all. Take your time. It’s good to make them wait.” She winked, shocking the hell out of June. Then she shot Tristan a censuring look. “And, I might add, it’s always a good idea to try for a little discretion and decorum when dealing with the feelings of others.”
Tristan scrubbed a hand down the back of his neck. “To be fair, June did ask Leanora to leave. If anything that occurred after that upset her, it’s her own fault.”
“The poor dear is probably crying her eyes out.”
