6. James

James

I want Anna.

She's infuriatingly beautiful, and I can't tear my eyes away from hers… or keep myself from touching her. The need to have her consumes me. I'll have her, it's just a matter of how. "Luckily for you, my future wife, I don't require dancing from anyone accompanying me. But if you are to make demands, I shall be afforded the same courtesy."

"Name your price."

Her hands press firmly against my chest, and I pull one away, kissing her palm. "You allow me to kiss you again, whenever I please, wherever I please."

Lips parted, her breath hitches, and I desperately want to steal hers as my own. "Probably not the best idea, since you only need a fake wife to become King."

I can't help my smile as I reply, "It's by far the best idea I've had all day. "

As I lean in, the faint sound of a door clicking behind me has me adjusting my posture and releasing Anna. One of the help scurries past us, and Anna whispers, "Want to get out of here?"

"Do we have a deal?"

Her eyes alight, she nods, and I swear she briefly licks her lip. "Sure, James. Oh, um, what shall I call you when we're married?"

" Your James."

"In no world will I ever call you that."

"What if a fountain is involved?" I counter.

" Especially if a fountain is involved."

I brush a soft kiss to her cheek, tucking a curled tendril behind her ear, and whisper, "I'll see you tonight, Miss Anna."

Stepping away from her, I know she's watching as I walk away, feeling her gaze burning into me. I take my time making the short walk to the parlour, and the moment I enter, her father stands and offers, "Was my Anna any trouble?"

"Not at all. In fact, she's elated about joining me after the ball. Reginald will ensure her room is prepared and her belongings are sent over."

"This evening?" He begins wringing his hands. "So soon?"

With a curt nod, I turn on my heel and leave, afraid that his daughter coming to stay with me may be met with protest if I stay any longer. There's a chance he's just as mad as she is .

As I return to my carriage, Reginald is there to greet me. "How was the meeting with Miss Eliza? Will she be an adequate choice?"

I pause before stepping in. "Miss Eliza?"

"Was she not satisfactory? There are a few other families we can?—"

"No," I laugh. "There is no Miss Eliza. Miss Anna will be joining us after the ball."

"Who is Miss Anna?"

I clap him on the shoulder. "She's extraordinary. The most beautiful woman I've ever met."

I absolutely detest balls; I can see why Anna wants nothing to do with dancing. The music is lively, but I want no part in the formality or the necessary evil that comes with my title. Though, it's a means to an end until I take the crown from my brother.

While I'm aching to touch her, I take solace in the fact that no other man here will. Watching from across the room, I've witnessed a few who have dared to ask her to dance. Each time, she politely declined, her eyes never leaving mine

The current dance ends, the dancers bow, and before the musicians begin the next one, I stand and announce, "There's exciting news to share with all of you. I hope you'll join me in celebrating my engagement to Miss Anna Thompson. "

Gasps fill the room, and I make my way to her, not daring to look away as I approach. The moment I reach her, I offer a small bow and my arm.

"I thought I told you, no dancing," she hisses.

"There will be no dancing, my love," I assure her. "But surely you must know I will present you as my future wife."

"How? Toss me over your shoulder and run away, hoping they catch the hint?"

We walk towards the musicians preparing for their next dance. "Don't tempt me. I'd be happy to oblige." Anna sucks in a breath, and when we reach the musicians, I turn and address the crowd, "My dearest Anna has returned to us recently after her time travelling and studying under Mrs. Green. While we will not be partaking in a dance this evening, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my future wife and your future Queen."

The crowd's polite applause has pride filling my chest, further confirming that she's the perfect choice to help me steal the crown from my brother. As I'm about to request a specific piece of music, the room shakes, just as it did in the library. Anna holds onto me, and I selfishly pull her tighter until it passes.

Once the rumble settles, I assure everyone, "Everything is all right. To be safe, I ask that everyone return to their homes. While tonight's celebration is over, Miss Anna and I are to be married tomorrow in a small ceremony prior to our public coronation. Announcements will be sent by post in the morning." The sooner she's my wife, the better.

"What's happening, James?"

"I thought I was clear before, it's your James."