Page 46 of His Royal Matchmaker

My hands feel numb on the desk, but I feel a warmth in my chest, an uncomfortable heat that I recognize as guilt. I’ve been sabotaging her efforts, at first because I wish to avoid marriage… but now partly because no one compares to the woman sitting across from me.

“I have news,” I say, changing tactics. “I received an invitation this morning. The French foreign minister is hosting a gala inParis this weekend — very exclusive, very last-minute. Royalty, diplomats, industry leaders from across Europe will be there.”

“That sounds promising. Who will be attending?” Her response is robotic, her eyes guarded.

What does she really think of me? Is there any chance at all that somehow, some way, the two of us could turn into more than what we already are?

No. That’s insane. She hasn’t shown any interest in me, and I still do not wish for marriage. At least… I don’t think I do.

If I were to marry, though, it would be with a woman like her. No, it would have to be with her.

“Hugo?” she presses, and I realize that I haven’t answered.

I clear my throat, irrationally paranoid that she can read my thoughts. “The guest list includes several of the eligible women we’ve been trying to arrange meetings with.” I lean forward. “Three days of networking events, dinners, and parties. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet multiple prospects efficiently.”

“It is,” she agrees, tapping away on her tablet. “I’ll prepare briefing documents on each woman and arrange?—”

“I want you to come with me,” I interrupt.

She looks up, surprised. “To Paris?”

“Of course to Paris. I need you there to facilitate introductions, to observe my interactions, to guide me.” I’m talking too fast, giving too many excuses. The truth is simple but harder to admit: I just want her there.

“Your staff can handle the logistics,” Emily says carefully. “I can prepare everything in advance.”

“It’s not the same.” I stand, moving around the desk to sit on its edge, closer to her. “You’re the expert. You notice things others miss. You can tell within minutes if there’s potential.”

Emily studies me, her gaze penetrating in a way that makes me feel exposed. “After last night… is this appropriate?”

I wince. “About that. I was out of line, and I apologize. It won’t happen again. This trip will be strictly professional.”

“You promise not to flirt with me? Not to stand too close? Not to look at me the way you’re looking at me right now?” Her voice is teasing but her eyes are serious.

I hadn’t realized I was looking at her in any particular way, but I straighten up and step back. “I promise to behave like the crown prince I am, not the party boy I was.”

She taps her finger against her lips, considering. “And you’ll genuinely try with these women? Give them your full attention? Actually make an effort to connect?”

“Yes.” The word feels like a betrayal of whatever unnamed thing is growing between us, but I say it anyway.

“Because I’m starting to feel like Sisyphus,” she continues, “pushing this boulder uphill only to watch it roll back down every time we make progress.”

“Greek mythology? Really?” I force a chuckle.

She doesn’t smile. “I’m serious, Hugo. If you’re not going to take this seriously, I need to know. I could return to LA. There’s plenty of work I need to catch up on there. I can’t spend my career failing at an impossible task.”

The thought of her leaving — not just this office or this trip, but leaving Marzieu, leaving me — hits like a physical blow. My breath catches.

“You would quit?” I ask, hating the vulnerability in my voice.

“If I believe I can’t succeed here? Yes.” Her face is gentle but determined. “I’ve built my reputation on results. Each year of my career has been more successful than the last. Until I came here.”

I feel a flash of anger, irrational but sharp. “So, I’m bad for your professional record? Sorry to be such a disappointment.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” She stands and gazes up at me. “I want to help you find what you’re looking for. But I need to know what that is, and I need you to be honest — with me and with yourself. Are you really looking for a wife now, or are you just pulling everyone’s strings?”

The truth hovers between us, complicated and frightening.What am I looking for?

Someone who challenges me. Someone who sees past the crown to the man beneath. Someone who makes me want to be better. Someone like…

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