Armand settled his hands on the arms of his chair. The ring of his office glinted in the lamplight. “My dear, are you any more clear on your feelings for him?”

She looked up. The dark eyes that watched her were kinder than they had been. Hard yes, he could be hard. But she could see now why his family and his country loved and trusted him. “Your confidence, sir?”

“You have it, of course.”

“I love him more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone. If I could change things, if I could go back and be what he thought I was, and only that, I swear to you I would.” There were no tears. She had shed them once and had sworn not to do so again. Instead she looked down at her hands. “Of course, I can’t.”

“No, we can’t change what we are. When we love, and love deeply, we can accept a great deal. Bennett’s heart is very generous.”

“I know. I promise you, I won’t hurt him again.”

His lips curved. She was so young, so valiant. “I have no fear of that. When this is done, I ask that you remain in Cordina for a few more days.”

“Your Highness, I think it would be best if I returned to England immediately.”

“We wish you to remain,” he said again, and he no longer spoke as a father. He rose then, extending a hand. “You may want to rest before dinner.”

Left without a choice, Hannah stood and curtsied. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

*   *   *

Dinner was long and formal. Hannah was introduced to the Minister of State and his wife, as well as a German businessman who had interests in shipping and an ancient Frenchwoman who was some vague connection of the Bissets’ and was visiting Cordina for the holidays. The Frenchwoman spoke in a husky grumble that kept Hannah straining to hear enough to make polite answers. The German spoke in short, loud blasts and was obviously delighted to have an invitation to the Royal Palace. Hannah was grateful that he was across the table so that she could avoid direct conversation with him.

Bennett wasn’t there at all. A late board meeting at the museum had edged into a dinner for the Equestrian Society. Hannah tried to remember that Claude had been joined by two more guards who would keep Bennett annoyed and protected throughout the evening.

As the Frenchwoman hissed in her ear again, Hannah could only think Bennett the fortunate one.