smelled of bees

s private study. He was wearing his dress uniform, the medal

him, his hand resting o

ing is generous, but he is a mercha

djusting his glasses. He was nervous. His palm

vy door

rge enough to land a plane on. He didn't

" the K

shed Juli

id, bowing his head as be

had cold blue eyes that asses

. "Or should I say, the man

ny soldier wo

a hand. "You took a poisoned blade for a sup

deep breath.

sion to marry Lad

d back in his leather cha

sgraced by her father's gambling debts. Why her? You could have

ulian said. He looked the King in th

the monarch slipped, revealing a man who remem

d. "But the Duke is right

t," Jul

t her... rattled. Her paranoia attracts parasites. I need a medical advisor in her wing. Someo

someone to watch the Queen Mother, to ensure no more "Levine inc

serve as the Royal Ph

my blessing. Do it tonight. At the Gala. G

Elliot left

Elliot chuckled. "You just sold y

The ring box was there. The real one this time

d Ballroom. The doors were open, spil

ight blue gown that hugged her curves. She looke

ce lit up. It was like the

y?" she asked,

e reached out an

," he said. "Read

hed. "With