Penelope and Prince Charming (Nvengaria #1)(18)

“The dukes in Nvengaria are evil men,” Damien said. “I will find you someone ten times better.”

Meagan rose on her elbows. “Ten times better than a duke? Oh, I’d like that.”

Damien had spoken in a teasing voice, but Penelope sensed he was not joking. Again she caught a flash of darkness that he quickly buried.

“You must marry him, Pen,” Meagan said. “So that I might have a husband who is better than a duke. You would not deprive your soon-to-be stepsister, would you?”

Damien laced his fingers through Penelope’s. The gesture was intimate and started the fluttering in her heart again.

“You see?” he said. “Your friend is on my side.”

Penelope tried to look severe. “Her head is easily turned by a handsome gentleman.”

“Ah.” Damien gave Meagan a significant look. “Penelope believes I am handsome. That is a point in my favor.”

“She likes kissing you too,” Meagan said. “Two points in your favor.”

Penelope pulled her hand from Damien’s. “Honestly, the pair of you.”

“Poor Penelope has been burned by love,” Meagan told him. “Twice. You must show her that true love is worth waiting for, Prince Damien.”

“Excellently said,” Damien agreed with his ready smile.

Penelope scrambled to her feet, and Damien let her go this time. He and Meagan looked up at her, not very alarmed. “I have not said I would marry him.” Penelope tried to sound firm. “And I will thank you, Meagan, to not take sides against me. You are my friend.”

Meagan remained on the floor, unabashed. “I know that. Friends do what’s best for their friends. And marrying Damien is best for you.”

Penelope put her hands to her hot cheeks. “He has cast a spell on you too.”

Damien rose. While Meagan sat up and watched with interest, Damien slid his arms around Penelope’s waist. “I know this is troubling to you. I know I have frightened you. I too was hesitant … until I saw you. Then I knew all would be well.” His hands were strong on her waist, resting lightly but supporting her. “You will have time to grow used to the idea. There are many preparations to make, many rituals to perform. I would rather simply get on with it, but the rituals must be done. Sasha will insist upon them.”

Penelope barely comprehended his words. She heard only his voice, low and smooth, became mesmerized by the blue of his eyes, the warmth of his body against hers.

Meagan, untroubled, burbled on. “What sorts of rituals?”

“All sorts,” Damien answered. “We must pass the ring to Penelope officially, and then there will be festivals, entertainments, and balls. We will have rituals for the betrothal and one for our first mating.”

Penelope’s eyes widened, but Meagan leapt to her feet. “Mating?” She gathered her skirts and spun about, grinning hugely. “Prince Damien, Did you just say mating?”



* * *



Damien wanted to laugh at Meagan’s delight, but the way Penelope watched him kept him somber.

If only Penelope would join her friend in rejoicing. They all should link hands and the three of them dance together. He and Penelope would not have much more time for joy—their journey would be difficult and deadly. They should partake of as much happiness as they could now.

Penelope was rigid under Damien’s touch. She’d softened to him when he’d kissed her; he’d felt that. But his progress had come to a sudden and painful halt.

He decided to play the fool, something he was very good at.

“This is the right word, is it not?” He tried a confused smile. “Mating? I know you English must have mating. There are so many of you.”

“Oh, we know all about mating,” Meagan said happily.

“Meagan,” Penelope admonished.

“You sound just like my papa. And you know that he and your mama know all about—”

“Meagan.”

Meagan stopped dancing and waved her hands. “Do not be such a prude, Penelope. You will be betrothed, my father will marry your mother, and it will be all in the family. Families are wonderful things. Do you not think so, Damien?”

Damien, who’d never had a real family, could not say. He’d had a father, of course—the previous Imperial Prince, a tyrant who’d imprisoned Damien and tried to kill him on several occasions. Damien could not within any stretch of imagination call that family.

“Yes,” he answered. “I would like to be in your family.”

He suddenly wanted it with all his strength. Selfish, perhaps, but so be it. If he must do this, he would drag as much pleasure as he could from it.

“You see?” Meagan spread her hands and looked guilelessly at Penelope.

Penelope’s bosom lifted with her breath. She was mussed from Damien’s kissing, and even with Meagan nearby, that fact was making Damien rock hard. He wanted her alone, where he could lay her down on one of these benches and muss her still more. He’d unfasten her bodice one hook at a time and press it open, maybe with his tongue.

Penelope firmly removed Damien’s hands from her waist. “We are not family.”

She looked as though she’d intended to say more, but her words faded. She remained so close to Damien, despite her retreat, that her breath touched his skin.