Deception

We had spent the entire day getting ready. Isabella insisted I be pampered right beside her that I would need all the help I could get to land my man. An attempt at a cheap shot at my appearance that didn't go unnoticed.

I looked beyond ridiculous in this frilly pink number. I suggested it may be a little too elaborate and might intimidate Christian's steward. I suggested we remove some of the layering and lace to make it a little plainer. Thank goodness she agreed. Without the lace, it wouldn't be a dress I would choose myself but I at least didn't look ridiculous.

Apparently one of the kingdoms had insisted that the masquerade component remains for this evening's ball as well as tomorrow. I suspected it was Christian, he was one of the few Princes that had enough authority to make a change like that.

What was he up to? The idea was that everyone would reveal themselves at midnight the final night. There was an additional surprise that was to be announced just before the reveal. Isabella thought all of the mystery and surprises were thrilling.

I am sure several others agreed. I couldn't help but fear what the mystery held in store. When we arrived at the gate I figured out exactly why he had insisted upon the masks.

As we approached we saw Christian and his steward were waiting at the gate, but something wasn't right. Had Christian gotten shorter? His eyes were supposed to be blue? The steward was slightly taller and I gasped audibly, his eyes were sapphire blue.

Isabella laughed and whispered, "He is cute, have fun I will see you later. We can talk about everything."

The fake Christian took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. Christian gave a bow and as he stood he moved close enough to whisper. "We meet again milady. I hope you approve of my deception. I had to see you again."

"She is not going to be fooled by your trick."

"But Milady, she already has been. Look at her dancing giddy on the floor. Completely unaware. It comes in handy having a steward that can serve as a double when I am threatened." The way he grinned and the expression in his eyes was both seductive and scary.

I was in trouble and I knew it. He was arrogant and selfish but he was also gorgeous and a smooth talker. I was struggling to remember how frustrated I was and how badly this was going to end for me. He was wealthy powerful and would suffer zero repercussions over this tryst. I on the other hand would be ruined.

"What is wrong with you? How could I have been more clear with my feelings? This simply can't go anywhere. Your family would never approve of my lowly station. When we are discovered it will only be me to deal with the consequences. Why must you toy with my life?"

"Milady, I have no intention of ruining your reputation. Quite the opposite, I have never felt this pull towards another. My parents are gone so there is no one to object. You are challenging and I am intrigued by your feisty attitude. I Intend to make you mine, all mine." His voice was low and seductive.

"No." I put a hand on my hip trying my best at an intimidating stare. "You are selfish, impetuous, and I am not interested in your juvenile games."

"Allow me to change your mind. Dance with me, talk with me. You are right I am selfish. Selfish enough to know I want you no matter the cost to myself."

"And when you grow bored I will be left in ruins it is not you that will pay the cost." I retort.

"If I wasn't the Prince of Saldonia would you think differently?

"Perhaps, but you are the Prince, and I am a lady-in-waiting. It simply cannot work."

"What about another bet? Although, you can't sneak out of this one early!" He suggested.

"You and your silly games." I huffed. "This is exactly what I mean, your life has zero consequences. I need to go now before you are discovered." I took off running towards the maze. I was very familiar and should easily be able to hide there.

I had barely made it around the first corner when he caught up to me. He grabbed my arm, "Where do you think you are going? I do enjoy chasing you but, do we have a deal?"

"I have told you I am not interested now unhand me or I will call out for the guards."

"I will unhand you if you agree to my deal." His lips turned upward, his eyes appeared sinister.

"I will not agree to a deal I don't even know the terms of. Last chance, let me go." I took a deep breath in watching him. His eyes seemed to be daring me to do it. "GU...."

He pressed his lips firmly on mine silencing my scream. Ugh, why were his lips so soft, why did they taste so sweet. He was right, had he not been the Prince of Saldonia and just ruled over a lesser-known kingdom this wouldn't be as scandalous.

Had he not been the Prince I might have been able to give in to the feelings surging through me right now. I knew my body was betraying my mind as I felt it relax under his touch. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to him. My arms moved around him pulling him closer.

"Agree, to my deal, please milady." He pulled back looking into my eyes. "Yes." Both his hands reached up cupping my face with his hands. He kissed me again, it was eager, needy. I could hear the moan escape my mouth as I felt him press his body closer to mine.

"Ahem," The noise sent me into a panic. "Your majesty, you will have company soon." A few seconds later a group of men and women stumbled past us. They had overindulged drinking and were unsteady on their feet. Boisterous and laughing heartily they passed by without even taking notice of us.

He took a step back, "Sorry, I should have mentioned we aren't exactly alone. This is one of my most trusted knights Sir Edward. He is here for your safety as much as mine. You know as well as I do what would happen if we were caught without a chaperone. Even as a steward and lady-in-waiting. While I do intend to make you mine forcing your hand isn't how I would like it to happen."

I can't help but stare at him confused. His words and his actions seem contradictory this man is an enigma. He isn't worried about the damage that would befall me if our difference in stations were discovered. But, he turns around and makes sure there is no speculation as to my virtue as a woman.

"Please, allow me to at least state the terms of the wager." I nod so he continues. "I would like to start over. For the next two evenings, I beg you to ignore our stations. Allow me to court you get to know each other. Tomorrow evening if you are not convinced of my intentions I will return home and leave you to your life."

"I am confused as to what my end of the wager is?"

"Milady isn't it obvious, I want you to wager your heart. If by midnight tomorrow you don't feel the way I do and I haven't convinced you that this can work I will leave you alone."

"I will agree with additional conditions," I stated.

"What are the terms milady would like to add?"

"First off, you need to stop calling me milady. My name is Emma."

"Emma, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman." He raised my hand and kissed it. "Nice to meet you, Emma."

I smiled, he really could be charming when he tried. "Secondly, I would like a guarantee that if this goes sour I won't be ruined. If I have to flee to escape persecution I feel like it is only fair that you provide financial assistance for me to start over."

"Done. I agree with your conditions. Now that that is settled, would you care to walk the maze with me?" He lifted his arm gesturing for me to take his arm.

Goodness, I was in trouble I didn't need to wait until tomorrow to know I would fall for him. I was amused realizing Isabella's arrogant self-centered attitude irritated me to no end. Yet, here I was being charmed by his.

I would have never been as blatantly dismissive of Isabella. I could have never even disagreed in the slightest. But with him, he just kept coming back for more. He wasn't angered by my honesty but rather it made him desire me even more. Hmmph, I suppose men are just funny that way.