Prince of Scandal

Prince of Scandal by Annie West Page B

Book: Prince of Scandal by Annie West Read Free Book Online
Authors: Annie West
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be
her?
A woman who till recently had spent her days in jeans and gumboots?
    ‘You look like a fairy princess.’ Tamsin shook a fold of embossed silk so the flaring skirt draped perfectly.
    ‘I don’t feel like it.’ Nausea churned in Luisa’s stomach. It was only through sheer willpower that she’d nibbled at a fruit platter for lunch. She whose appetite was always healthy!
    ‘Believe me.’ Tamsin clasped her hand briefly and smiled. ‘You’ll take everyone’s breath away. Especially Raul. He won’t be able to take his eyes off you.’
    Luisa saw the other woman’s secret smile and wondered if she was thinking of her recent marriage to Prince Alaric, Raul’s distant cousin. It was clear that the big man with the steely jaw and face almost as handsome as Raul’s was deeply in love with his new English wife.
    For a moment Luisa let herself imagine what it would be like to marry for love. Burnt so badly years ago, she’d buried herself on the farm, shunning any hint of male interest. She’d longed to experience true love but had she been too craven to open herself to the possibility?
    The day Raul had saved her from falling and kissed her so tenderly she’d allowed herself to be swept along by his deep voice, his gentle hands and the unstoppable cravings that welled at his touch.
    For one fragile interlude she’d longed to believe something warm and special could grow from their union.
    Then there was his unexpected kindness, taking her to see her mother’s work.
    But the fantasy was too painful. It scraped too close to the bone for a woman who’d been chosen, not for love or respect. Not even for convenience. But because Raul had no other option!
    ‘It’s good of you to help me get ready.’ She sent a shaky smile in Tamsin’s direction. Though this wasn’t a romantic match it was her wedding day. The day women looked to their mother for support.
    Luisa had never missed her mum more.
    ‘It will be all right.’ Again Tamsin took her hand, chafing warmth into it. ‘I know how daunting it is marrying into a new world. Marrying royalty. But Raul will look after you. He’s like my Alaric. Strong and protective.’ She sent a speculative glance at Luisa. ‘And I suspect behind that well bred calm, very passionate.’
    Heat roared through Luisa’s cheeks, banishing the chill that had frozen her all day.
    Tamsin giggled, blushing herself. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean toembarrass you. It’s just sometimes I feel like pinching myself. It all seems so unreal!’
    ‘I know what you mean.’ Tamsin was an outsider too—a commoner and a foreigner who’d married her prince in a love match that had intrigued everyone. But Tamsin had fallen in love. Luisa would face her royal marriage and the weight of public expectation without love to cushion the shock. Their circumstances were so different.
    ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ she added, grateful to this initially reserved but warm-hearted woman.
    ‘So am I! And when you settle in, after your honeymoon, I hope we can spend more time together.’
    Luisa nodded, not bothering to disabuse her. Raul was a workaholic. That was why the trip to the gallery had been such a lovely surprise. He wouldn’t take time off for a honeymoon. Not with a wife he didn’t really want.
    A wife who was simply a solution to a problem.
    A cold lump of lead settled in the pit of her belly as a soft knock sounded on the door.
    ‘It’s time, Your Highness.’
    The music swelled and the massive doors swung open and Luisa stepped over the threshold into the castle chapel.
    Multicoloured streams of light shone through ancient windows. A cloying wave of fragrance hit. Hothouse flowers and incense and a multitude of perfumes. Hundreds of faces turned to stare. She didn’t know a single one.
    A rising tide of panic clawed at her, urging her to turn tail and run, as fast and as far as she could. Her heart slammed against her ribs and her knees shook.
    She faltered, her hand curling into

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