“Like Lady Penelope?” he shot back. “Whose parentage is disputable?”

“That is gossip. In the eyes of the ton, she is the catch of the season.”

He shook his head at the double standard. “Then the ton is bloody obtuse.” His mother’s mouth curled with displeasure at his crudeness, but Rhystan had had enough. “I will see the estates sorted out, and I will see Ravenna married. And when that is done, I will leave for good.”

“And your fiancée?”

“You will have your wish, Mother,” he said wearily. “Our agreement will be ended. Family bloodlines will be unsullied, and your precious reign will continue.”

* * *

Sarani watched from the ballroom floor, barely taking in the conversation of her partner. He had a delightful French accent, but beyond that, she hadn’t heard a word. She’d been much too interested, like most everyone else, in the discussion taking place between the dowager duchess and her son. While their faces were composed and their voices remained low, Sarani was so attuned to Rhystan that she could feel the tension rolling off him. It didn’t surprise her when he gave his mother a curt bow and strode off in the direction of the terraced gardens.

“Thank you for the dance, Lord Marchand,” she told the marquis when the polka ended and he escorted her toward the refreshments room.

“It was my pleasure…Princess Sarani,” he replied softly. Sarani’s feet rooted to the spot, her eyes darting to his. The marquis smiled. “I had the pleasure of visiting your father’s court some time ago. We were introduced, though I’m certain you do not remember me. I was sorry to hear of his death. He was a good man.”

“He was, thank you,” she stammered, at a loss. A stranger had recognized her, a member of French nobility no less, and he did not regard her any differently or look at her as though she were an interloper. Even knowing exactly who she was, he’d asked her to dance. Sarani cleared her throat. “I apologize for the deception of my name. It was necessary for my safety.”

“I understand,” he said with a courtly bow. “If I can ever be of service, please do not hesitate. It is good to see you again, Princess. Now I must go and claim my dance with the lovely Lady Ravenna.” He grinned. “Any suggestions?”

“Be yourself,” Sarani said and then almost laughed at the irony.

After the marquis left, she surveyed the ballroom, looking to see if Rhystan had returned, but the duke was nowhere to be seen. Following his footsteps, she made her way out to the terrace. He was not there either. She paused at the top of the stairs leading down to the lawns framed in thick hedgerows. The idea of walking alone into the shadowy gardens to find him was unnerving. But he needed her; she could feel it.