PART 5

"Shall we dance, my dear?" Michael asked through gritted teeth.

"Of course." Elizabeth took his arm and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. At that moment, a slow waltz started, and she felt herself being drawn up against the hard muscles of Michael's chest.

"How difficult is this week going to be?" Michael hissed against her ear.

"We only have to avoid my father and you don't even need to see me except for official dealings, and on the wedding day, of course."

"What, I don't have to sing my love to you beneath your balcony every night?" His sarcastic tone cut right through her, making her feel guilty for what she would be putting him through.

"No, sir. I don't think that would be necessary, unless you wanted to." She said, feeling more daring, wrapped in the safety of his powerful arms.

Michael chuckled quietly. This girl was definitely not afraid to say what she thought. "I don't believe you'd want to hear me sing. However," he had the strangest urge to be in her presence as often as possible, "if you want the entire kingdom to believe you're really to be married, don't you think it wise for us to spend time together around your people? Only so that nobody would doubt your story, of course." He rushed to assure her.

"Of course," she purred, her smile beguiling, as if she knew the true workings of his mind.

Breaking those thoughts, he pulled her closer, enjoying the feel of her curves melting into his.

"Oh, no," he heard her gasp.

Michael pulled back to look into her face, now drained of all colour. "What is it? He asked. "Are you unwell?"

"Duke Evans is coming this way. I don't want to dance with him." Elizabeth cried, the terror in her voice ripping his heart to shreds.

"I'll deal with this," Michael whispered firmly when a hand tapped his shoulder. Michael felt his hackles rise.

"May I cut in?" A voice dripping in malice hissed in Michael's ear. "I wish to dance with the lovely princess."

"I am afraid not, Duke. My fiance and I would like to finish this dance together," he said, making sure to emphasise their relationship.

"Well, then, perhaps the next dance? Unless my dear friend is otherwise engaged?"

"She is," Michael spoke for her. " I do not plan to let her out of my sight for the entire evening. Now, if you will excuse us, you are disturbing the dance." With that he twirled her away from the stunned and angry Duke.

"Oh, thank you so much, kind sir. However will I repay you?" She smiled broadly up at him and Michael could only think of one thing that he wanted from the beautiful princess right at that moment.

"I think a kiss would be suitable payment."

END PART 5