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“Can’t a guy give a girl a compliment?” I mimicked her. “It was completely innocent.”
That elicited a snort out of her, which was cute, but then she pointed at me and said, “Behave, Your Highness.”
“I will try my best, but it won’t be easy,” I said, as she lined up the next shot. “Especially since I am in the presence of the most breathtaking woman I have ever met in my entire life. I simply can’t take my eyes off you.”
Her second dart flew high and right, striking the painting again, this time hitting the dashing knight in his royal jewels.
I winced. “There goes his hope of having children.”
Grace sighed and turned to me. “This is not princely behavior. What if the queen found out you were being mischievous?”
“And you’re the one who is going to tell her?” I said. “Oh, yes, please. I would pay to see that.”
Grace thought about it. “Fair point, but I could send an anonymous letter.”
“One. Dart. Left,” I said. “Bull’s eye or you lose. Good luck.”
I didn’t think I'd ever had this much fun playing darts.
Grace lined up her last shot.
I moved closer, close enough that my breath was sure to touch her hair when I spoke, but then I caught the scent of her lovely floral perfume.
“Your fragrance is completely intoxicating,” I murmured, then inhaled loud enough to make sure she heard it.
Grace blinked twice, then turned toward me.
My eyes trailed from her graceful neck down along her shoulders, hoping to make her uncomfortable enough to miss her last shot. “I simply cannot place the flowers. It must be an exotic strain known only in heaven, since you are absolutely angelic.” I punctuated the fawning compliment with a roguish wink.
Grace stood there, stunned into silence.
I smiled in satisfaction at having flustered her so, but then her eyes flew wide, gaze fixed over my shoulder. I pivoted to see Dante standing frozen in the doorway, eyes as big as saucers.
“Oh! Uh, Your Highness, I apologize for the intrusion,” he stammered. “I simply came to confirm our meeting tomorrow, but I see you are otherwise engaged. Another time, perhaps.” With that, he spun on his heel and positively ran from the billiard room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Grace and I turned to each other and both dissolved into raucous laughter.
“Oh my word, did you see his face?” Grace said, fanning her still-flushed cheeks. “That was hilarious.”
I nodded. “I only wish we had it on video.”
“Imagine if it had been your mother—I wouldn’t be laughing at all,” she said. “Okay, back to business. Let’s get this over with.”
Grace stepped to the line, but this time I let her throw without a distraction. After lining up the shot, she let the dart fly and hit the double seven.
She snapped her fingers in disappointment. “Foiled again. Well, a bet’s a bet. I graciously accept my portrait fate.” She gave a dramatic sigh, eyes glinting playfully.
“Excellent,” I said. “Be prepared to don your finest dress and strike a pose tomorrow after lunch.”
Grace looked surprised. “Tomorrow? Already? Don’t you have princely matters to attend to? Dante mentioned a meeting.”
I waved dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait. And do wear something purple, by the way. I find the color truly captivating on women. The color inspires me.”
“Oh . . .” Grace was deep in thought. “I don’t think I brought anything purple with me.”
“Well then,” I said with a grin. “It looks like you’ll need to go shopping tomorrow.”
Chapter Eleven
