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A painting of the Archangel Michael hung in the Winter Palace, and somehow, this man looked more gorgeous than that. More beautiful than an angel!

His lips, however, were nothing if not sinful. They were full and plump, and Victoria had an undeniable urge to walk toward him and plant her lips on his.

Her cheeks heated, and she was thankful for the dark alcove, and that the light from the house was behind her, shading her features.

The stranger smirked as if interpreting her silence correctly as one of awe and admiration.

Victoria cleared her throat. “Have we met before?”

A light smile softened his features, a mischievous fire playing in his deep, dark eyes. “Not officially.” He paused and bowed gracefully at his waist. “Princess Victoria.”

Victoria blinked. “And yet you know my name.”

His smirk turned into a genuine smile, and Victoria couldn’t help but catch her breath once more. Had she even been breathing since he had stepped into the light?

“I make it my business to know everyone, especially as beautiful a flower as you. After all, it is your official debut,” he said.

Victoria’s cheeks burned in earnest now, and she fully expected them to burst into actual flames. How silly of her. Of course, he knew who she was. She had been announced to the ballroom full of people just a few hours ago.

“I am at a disadvantage then.” She cleared her throat. “I do not know who you are.”

“You can call me William,” the stranger said in his silky voice that made her heart skip a beat. William. The name rolled silkily off his tongue.

“No.” Victoria shook her head. “I can’t call you that.”

“Why not?” He stepped closer, his presence crowding her even though he was still at a respectable distance. Her skin hummed with anticipation, and his voice enveloped her like a gentle caress.

“It is not at all proper, my lord.”

One side of his mouth kicked up in a half-smile, while his eyes glinted with mischief. God, he was gorgeous. “Then… My Lord will have to do.”

Victoria was too flustered to form a coherent reply.

“What are you doing here all alone with the ball raging inside?” he asked.

Victoria had to tear her gaze from the stranger to collect her thoughts. She looked down at her entwined fingers and heaved a sigh. “I had to get away. My uncle, though he means well, has chased me into a corner with a bevy of lords.”

William let out a hoarse chuckle, making shivers break out on Victoria’s flesh.

“This is not amusing.” She frowned at him, the conversation finally pulling her out of her thrall.

“My apologies,” he said with a smile and bowed again. “I cannot imagine it being pleasant.”

“It isn’t. They are all strange and speak to me of their horses and lands, but they do not wish to hear what I have to say. As if I do not have horses and land too. As if I do not understand how to run the lands or contribute to society, while my sister—” She abruptly broke off.

“Your sister?” William cocked his head.

“That is of no importance.” She waved a dismissive hand. She was rambling. Nobody liked it when she rambled. She was supposed to answer with one-syllable words and coo about how fascinated she was about whatever a gentleman was talking about. However, she felt free in the company of this handsome stranger. So, she decided to speak her mind, if only a little. “I know more about running a country than most of them know about running an estate. They think I’m a fool and won’t accept any claim to the contrary.”

William scratched his jaw, a thoughtful expression on his features, his rings glinting in the light. He wasn’t wearing any gloves.

“I apologize,” Victoria hastened to add. She had committed yet another faux pas, and no doubt made this gentleman realize she was trouble. “I did not mean to offend.”

“You did not,” he answered good-naturedly. “I am not easily offended, believe me. May I sit?” He gestured toward the empty space by her side.

Victoria looked down at the place beside her, and butterflies started raging inside her stomach. His presence in this alcove was already muddying her mind and fogging her thoughts. Her skin shivered from the sound of his voice, and she blushed fiercely from one look at him. What would such proximity to him do to her?

This wasn’t her only concern either. If somebody caught her out here sitting next to a handsome stranger, the scandal would be imminent.