Page 96 of Duty and Desire

I thought back to the views of the city as we’d driven to the palace. “But where would you go to find such a dress? I don’t remember seeing many department stores.”

Nick interjected before Claudia could reply. “She’s addicted to the dress shops in Zurich.”

Claudia wagged her finger. “Correction—Iwasaddicted. Once you’ve shopped in NYC, you can never go back.”

I peered through the window at the darkening sky. “Would it be okay if I went outside?”

“Of course.” Nick frowned. “But why?”

I smiled. “I want to look at the stars.”

He flushed. “That sounds like a good idea. I may join you.” He glanced at Claudia. “How about you?”

She coughed. “No thanks. I’ll stay indoors.”

Translation—I’ll go find Franz.

I finished my coffee, and Nick led me through the quiet hallways to an ornate door, its dark wood covered in beautiful iron scroll work.

“Is this a tour? What’s behind this door? The throne room?”

He smiled. “The ballroom.” He opened the door, and I stepped into a very different space. The floor was heavily varnished wood, and on three walls there were paintings, mostly portraits. Three chandeliers hung in a row, illuminating every corner, and French doors filled the final wall. The light spilled through them, and I could see the gardens beyond. At one end was a high gallery when instruments sat.

The ceiling was a masterpiece of painted panels, each one edged in gold scroll work, creating a breathtaking feast for the eyes. The figures above our heads were reminiscent of Michaelangelo, Titian, and Renaissance painters whose works could be found in any museum in the world.

“Nick, this is awesome.” The colors were vibrant, the artwork exquisite.

“When I was a boy, I used to come in here and lie on my back on the floor, staring up at it.” He crossed the floor, heading for the middle French door. He opened it, and we went outside. The night air was cooler than I’d anticipated. I looked up to find the first stars of the evening twinkling in the dark velvet sky.

“The lack of light pollution here is on a par with that of Bora-Bora,” I observed. “All this place needs now is an observatory.”

He sighed. “I asked my father for that very thing when I was a teenager. He refused. He said my attention should focus not on the heavens, but on Earth. On my people.”

I gazed up at the stars, more of which had emerged. “This brings back memories.”

I didn’t need to say which ones.

Nick cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I need to go inside. I’m tired, and tomorrow is going to be a stressful day.”

My heart went out to him. “Of course. You should get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Nick didn’t move, however. “How long will you be staying in Eisenland?”

I bit my lip. “For as long as it takes to do some research for my fictional book on the country.”

He chuckled. “Franz’s idea of a good cover story.”

“But seriously?” I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe until I get the feeling I’ve outstayed my welcome.”

Or until I get you to change your mind and not marry a princess.

“I see.” Nick raised his hand, then lowered it, and I knew what he was resisting.

He wanted to touch me, the one thing neither of us had attempted since my arrival.

Maybe he has the right idea.

I watched him walk slowly back into the ballroom, his shoulders sagging. Except he wasn’t walking—he was running away again.

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