Page 92 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I’m sure they will. They know how to take care of themselves.”
He supposed she meant they would want to dance with her, but he ignored that possibility. They could dance with her while he was gone.
The music for a waltz began, and he closed his eyes in great happiness. “And now we see that the gods are smiling in my favor.”
“And mine.” She stepped into his arms, allowing for the suggested amount of space between them, but just barely.
The air between them drew them ever closer. He could barely breathe for the intensity.
“I still do not understand, but I’m trying to trust you,” she said.
“I’m trying to trust me too.” He spun them, and they danced for a moment in pure enjoyment. “You are such a beautiful dancer. I could do this all evening with you.”
“I wish we could.”
“You look stunning as always, but tonight especially. You seem born for the Oldenburg court; you were an excellent diplomat for our country with Prussia.” He nodded in deep respect.
“What is going on with them—the Congress and Europe, I mean?”
“The answer to that question might take all of this set, and I don’t want to use it discussing things that I must deal with every day and matter so little between us.”
“Oh, but they matter so much. They are what is keeping us apart.” She held her breath, and he knew he owed her more information.
“The Congress in Vienna is meant to govern the rebuild and restructure of Europe. After Napoleon’s exile, a few key allies are doing their best to ensure there is not one dominant force on this continent but rather a balance of powers.”
“It sounds wonderful.”
“But, naturally, those who wish to be dominant forces are opposed and work hard to limit communication between the allied powers that be. We are unable to meet all together as a full body, so these discussions are happening among smaller numbers of allies.”
“And you assist by helping these meetings happen?”
“Yes, and by participating. We have a vested interest in keeping Russia, for example, a smaller power.”
“Though, that is difficult.”
His eyebrow rose. “It is, indeed. What do you know of Russia?”
“I don’t know as much as you, but I’m aware.” Rhi laughed. “And growing more so.”
“We don’t talk about it too openly, even here in our palace. Spies are everywhere, unfortunately.” Marc pulled her closer “Which reminds me, please watch yourself. You are safe here; I’ve made sure of it. But be careful. Trust that there is danger and people who would do us harm.”
She nodded. “I will be careful.”
But he knew she wasn’t taking him completely seriously. At least he could be mostly at ease. He’d left strict instructions with his security team, his brothers, and the staff. Rhi would be safe.
The waltz seemed to go on forever, in the best possible way. He wondered if his parents had spoken with the orchestra. He and Rhi circled the room. She spun and returned to him, and he felt as if they were flying.
Despite all his efforts, every day he fell more in love with this incredible woman in his arms. His joke about being susceptible to her was a paltry representation of the real feelings that coursed through him.
He wished his most urgent problems would come to swift solutions, but it could very well take a lifetime before they enjoyed a peaceful Europe.
If he could keep her safe and help her be happy, then he would be content, even if they would not be together. At least she would always be close. For the rest of her life, he could help ensure her happiness, even if it must be from a distance. Tonight was their last night before he must let her go entirely, and he would cherish every moment.
“Tell me of your childhood. Were you a rascal then as you are now?” he teased.
“A rascal? When have I been a rascal?”
“When? Oh, since the moment I met you.”
