She flashed Melissa a conspiratorial smile. “I can see that you think so, too.”
“He’s an intriguing man.”
“He’s a lot like his father,” she said. “The strong, silent type. And he does have something of a stubborn streak. All the Alexander men do.”
“I think all men do,” Melissa said.
“Chris is very loyal. His family means everything to him. He’ll be a good husband and father some day. And a strong leader.”
“I don’t doubt that he would be.” If the queen thought she had to sell Chris to Melissa, she couldn’t be farther off the mark. She could already feel herself falling hard and fast.
The queen smiled and patted Melissa’s hand. “I’m so glad you feel that way.”
“How long have you and the king been married?”
“It will be thirty-seven years this Christmas,” she said, but the smile she wore didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was probably thinking of how little time they might have left with each other.
Melissa wished she could talk to her about the king’s condition, tell her how terribly sorry she was, but she’d promised not to say anything. She just hoped that if he chose to try the heart pump, it would be effective.
“Life is fleeting,” the queen told her, “you have to seize the moment. Live life to the fullest.”
Amen to that. “That’s always been my motto.”
“And it’s served you well?”
“So far.”
“Oh, speak of the devil.”
Melissa looked up and saw Chris walking down the path toward them. The pride in his mother’s eyes was genuine and intense. It was clear that she truly adored all of her children.
“The king is requesting your presence,” he told his mother, and though her smile didn’t waver, there was worry in her eyes.
“I’ll go right in.” She took both of Melissa’s hands and gave them a squeeze. “I’m so glad we could talk. Let’s do this again.”
Melissa smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
She watched the queen hurry off, asking Chris, “Is anything wrong?”
“No more so than usual.” He offered his hand and asked, “Can I walk you back to the castle, Your Highness?”
She smiled and took it, threading her fingers through his. His hand felt so big and warm and sturdy.
“What did you and my mother talk about?”
“Lots of things. You, mostly.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask what she said.”
“She told me how loyal you are, and what an exceptional leader you’ll be. And that you’ll be a good husband and father.”
He winced. “Not very subtle, is she? I’m sorry if she embarrassed you, or put you on the spot.”
“Actually, I thought it was kind of sweet.”
“I almost forgot to mention, tomorrow I’ve arranged a tour of the village.”
“And maybe afterward we can see the east fields?”
“I doubt there will be time. Another day.” He looked up at the darkening sky and said, “We should get inside.”
“Wouldn’t you like to walk for a while? Maybe let me take another shot at the maze?”
“It’s nearly dark.”
“I think we already determined I’m not afraid of the dark.”
“Maybe tomorrow,” he said.
She wondered what the rush was. And maybe it was her imagination, but there seemed to be an unusually large number of security officers patrolling the grounds. She wondered if it might have something to do with the rogue e-mail. Maybe there was more to it than he’d led her to believe. An element of danger. Or maybe it was just a precaution.
She didn’t question him as he led her inside the castle. It was barely nine-thirty and already it was quiet and dark.
“Are you ready to retire for the night?” he asked.
“Are you forgetting I took an afternoon nap? I’m wide awake.”
“What would you like to do?”
“Something fun.”
He flashed her a sizzling, suggestive grin. “What did you have in mind?”
“Do you play cards?”
She could see from his disappointed expression that he had something altogether different in mind. But he asked, “What sort of cards?”
“I was thinking along the lines of poker. I used to be quite the card shark back in college.”
“Were you really?” he said, looking intrigued. “I’m sure I could scrounge up cards and chips around here somewhere.”
“Great. Although…”
“What?”
“Instead of chips, why don’t we wager something a bit more…interesting?”
One brow rose a fraction higher than the other. It made him look young and mischievous. “Such as…?”
“I don’t know. How about…our clothes?”
A wicked grin curled the corners of his lips. “Strip poker?”
“Have you ever played?”
“I can’t say I have, but that does sound interesting.”
“I have to warn you, I’m pretty good. But I’ll go easy on you,” she said, even though she had no intention of doing any such thing.
“I appreciate that.”
“So, that’s a yes?” she asked, not that she thought he would say no. Since they both knew exactly where it would lead.
He took her hand in his and asked, “Your room or mine?”
Chris found them a deck of cards, and they decided on his room to play. Unlike the full suites at the palace on Morgan Isle, Chris’s room consisted of only a bedroom and full bath, but both were spacious and modern, decorated in a masculine theme of blues and grays, with a splash of red here and there, and dark cherrywood furnishings. The room was dim, lit only by a lamp beside the bed, and smelled of his aftershave. She couldn’t help but think how well it suited his personality.
