Alanna closed her eyes dreamily, enjoying the feel of his lips on hers. He was a much better kisser than Ralon. Not that the comparison meant anything. A fish was probably superior to Ralon. Unfortunately, she spoke from experience. The memories made her shudder, jogging the Prince.
Then she began thinking. Why was he doing this, in front of everyone? A hot flush spread across her cheeks. She broke away from him, breathing in deeply. Violet eyes flashed; her hand flew into the air and slapped him. She stepped on his foot with as much force as she could gather.
She left the room, running to her own.
Humiliation filled her as she thought about the kiss. She licked her lips, the taste of his not yet gone. What was she thinking? Urgh, she was turning into a soppy court lady after all those attempts to the contrary. Damn. She banged her head against the wall behind the bed in frustration.
"Ouch," a dry voice said from the doorway. Thayet stood there, hazel eyes amused.
"You took your time," the blushing Alanna snapped.
"Oh, actually I was busy. Had to find out where you were from a leering pervert and stop your stalker from joining us."
"How?" Alanna asked curiously.
"Let's just say he won't be sharing his bed for a while," Thayet grinned impishly. "Who was he?"
"The Prince. Not just any prince. That was Crown Prince of Tortall, Jonathan of Conte who you kneed in the crotch."
"Oh. Right. Oh dear. What a shame. I suppose I just committed social suicide? He's a handsome one, admittedly."
"Not if you've just spent the last seven years curtsying to a large, full size portrait of him. Well, six and a half. It somehow got mysteriously defaced." Alanna smiled at the memory of the moustache and the penned on glasses. "Now, what's exactly is in your personal history? We have enough time now."
"Orphan. Father dead, mother before him. Personal guard, no siblings. No further details needed."
"Not married?" Thayet shook her head. "WHAT? I get the obnoxious sibling and the ugly husband? Something's really messed up here."
Thayet threw her head back and laughed. " Poor you. You must feel so deprived. Now, tell me about your art work on the face of the Prince." Someone knocked on the door; rolling her eyes, Thayet went to answer it.
Alanna could clearly hear their conversation.
"Something I can assist you with, your Highness?" Thayet's deep curtsy was incredibly graceful.
"Depends whether you'll kick me again or not, Lady Rosabella."
"Not."
"Then yes. Would I be allowed to see your cousin privately for a moment?"
"Of course." She let Jon in, and added, "I said absolutely nothing about her not hurting you, and I sincerely hope she does serious damage," before closing the door on her way out.
Awkwardly, he sat on the edge of the bed. She scrambled away from him, perching on the other side. He caught her hand, preventing her from moving any further.
"Why did you mind so much when I kissed you?" She hadn't expected him to be this direct with her.
"Because." She wished he would let go of her hand. She transferred her stare from the floor to meet his eyes, and he locked their gaze together. She cursed him silently, not being able to look away from those hypnotic sapphire blue eyes.
"Because what?" he croaked, sounding exactly like she felt at that moment.
"Because I'm married. Because it was difficult to breathe. Because you'll get married to some air headed princess. Because it was in public." She thanked the Goddess that her tone was even.
"We're not in public now," he pointed out.
"No, we're not." What a great conversationalist she was (!) No wonder she was a court lady!
"Would you mind very much if I kissed you again?"
Her eyes fell onto his mouth. "Yes. Very much."
"What would you do, if I did?"
"Kick you all the way to Scanra. Laughing the entire way." She faltered on the humour part.
He cupped her cheek with his free hand, sending butterflies through her stomach. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear it of confusion. What was she thinking? Did she want to be kissed again?
A movement outside startled both; Alanna flew to the floor, into a curtsy, Jon stood, as if he was just about to leave, or had entered the room only a moment ago.
The door opened.
Ralon's cold eyes flicked over the pair.
"Kindly leave us, your Highness, if you have no objections. My wife and I have some⦠business to attend to."
--
Heehee. Got to go; 'My family' is on the telly! Hope you enjoyed.
