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“Are you now a yacht aficionado?” He leaned back, his body posture spreading out over the couch with his arm looping over its back.
“No, but I am sure I could learn a thing or two from you,” I said, realising suddenly that I had leanedtoohard into being charming.
He gave me a cheeky grin. “Yes, I am sure I could teach you a thing or two. As you are… new.”
His gaze was unwavering. My palms sweated. I suddenly wanted to flee. It wasn’t worth the risk of a one-on-one. He was reading this wrong. I had no interest in pursuing him in a genuine sense. This was about an agreement—a business transaction of sorts.
“I think it was nice to meet you,” I said. “I look forward to speaking to you again at dinner.”
“Alexandra, that is all you wish to ask the Prince. To speak to him about?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I wish to get to know you more.”
He still had this expansive posture as if he were looming there. Heleered. I was sure that was the word to describe it.
“I think perhaps we can best chat at dinner.”
“Well, why wait?” Celeste asked.
I glared at them both. “I think this is about all we have to say right now. We do not know one another yet. And having people right here… is awkward if we are to speak on a personal level. I would prefer to have a conversation with the prince inprivaterather than with you here, no offence Grand-Mama.”
“No offence taken. But it is… improper.” She shook her head.
“I promise to be on my best behaviour as will His Royal Highness. Won’t you, Prince Rikard?”
“Yes, yes, of course. I wouldn’tdreamof getting into trouble,” the Prince said.
He had the same smarmy look on his face.
Celeste looked at us both. “Alexandra, you may take Prince Rikard on a tour of the palace followed by your detail. Be on your best behaviour!”
I nodded, grateful for her to leave. We started our tour, going by each of the staterooms. He stared at me as if expecting me to fall into his arms and… well, I wasn’t sure what. I suspected he thought I would throw myself at him. I was no fool.
“And this is where the ballroom is!” I declared loudly.
We stopped in front of the ballroom. Rikard broke the silence.
“Yes, I see that. I am interested in a quieter room,” Rikard said.
“And that would be… inappropriate.”
His tone changed. I’d again annoyed him.
“I am sorry I wasn’t the one you expected, clearly, but I gather neither of us planned for this. Can we just.. wrap the tour up and say we did our best?”
“No, that is… what were you told about this?”
“That you were someone my parents wanted me to meet and try to get to know, but this was a mistake.”
“Indeed. It was a joke. I am confused. You’re supposed to be a prince!”
He joked. “My father said the same.”
“What?”
“It was a joke, Your Majesty. Call me Rick.”
“Oh.” I was unamused. I crossed my arms.
