Page 61 of The Truth About Myths
Isabel cringed at the red mess that had been Portugal’s prettiest nose.
“I’m finished. If only the heavens opened and swallowed me whole.”
With a heavy sigh, Isabel settled by her side and twirled one of Dolly’s blond curls on her finger. “It’s just a bit swollen. A day or two, and it will be all right.”
“I don’t think I can go through with it.”
“Is this about the play?” Diomedes had given Dolly the leading part after her talent surprised everyone during rehearsals.
“What? Oh, yes. Silly me, of course, it is. What else could it be? It’s not like I plan to go to Paris for a glittering debut...” Flushed, Dolly traced the roses embroidered on the counterpane. “I’ll speak with Diomedes. I cannot perform like this.”
“That’s not true. Dear, you are so talented. Please don’t give up. You are more than your nose.”
Dolly tilted her head to the side, her gaze vulnerable. “You seem different. Is something wrong? You can talk to me. I’m your friend. Everyone needs a friend now and then.”
Isabel shut her eyes. She wanted to say so much about Henrique and her fears. But Dolly didn’t need her confusion. She gulped air and assumed expression number twenty-one, a confident smile and slightly condescending brows. “I am quite well, dear.”
“You were right all along.” Dolly sighed, cleaning her tears. “I’ll conform to a life of duty. It’s the only way to protect myself from hurt.”
“No!” What was she teaching her ladies? Isabel straightened, pasting her most royal expression on her face. “I was wrong. You will go ahead with your performance, and the audience’s applause will shake Canastra’s palace.”
“Oh, thank you so much.” Dolly hugged her fiercely. “Your courage inspires me.”
Heat climbed up her cheeks. Courage indeed. The thought of facing Henrique made her insides quiver like a cupboy serving the king for the first time.
Chapter 21
"To me there has never been a higher source of earthly honor or distinction than that connected with advances in science."- Isaac Newton
Henriquestaredfortheseventh time at the microscope. The bacteria colony had died again. Cursing, he rubbed his temples. How could he concentrate on typhus when his skull had been drained of brain tissue and replaced by an unresponsive slug? Henrique pushed away from the table with an oath. 'Thank you for the lesson,' Isabel had said prettily, perfectly polite. As if he had taught her a new tennis technique or a hairstyle. As if she had not milked his finger with her pleasure and made his cock painfully hard.
And then, after sprinting back to her room, she didn't appear for dinner. Henrique should find her. Teach her all sorts of pleasure. Let's see if she could stay detached then.
What the hell was he thinking? Pedro Daun would arrive tonight, expecting a slumbering Canastra so he could break into his chamber. He had no time to fantasize over Isabel's orgasms.
But he was her escort, damn it. What if she fell ill? Without giving himself a minute more to ponder the ridiculous excuse, he grabbed his coat and hat and sped to the door. When he placed his hand on the knob, a decisive knock came from the outside.
Dio. Had he come to fret about their night raid? Pedro Daun didn't become the most powerful man in the kingdom by blundering his missions. Henrique flung the door open.
He was greeted by a vision in white, crowned by diamonds. Isabel gasped and stepped back.
Henrique flashed an epic smile. "Couldn't stay away?"
"Don't flatter yourself. Come, Sophie." She jutted her chin to the French maid and strode inside his room.
So she brought a chaperone? "Coward."
"If you behave mulishly, I can return later."
Henrique affected a perfect bow. "I'm always willing to assist royalty."
"Liar," she said saucily, her gaze straying to his lips.
"If you came for another lesson, prepare to shock poor Sophie."
Isabel blushed. Nothing more than a response from her sympathetic nervous system caused by an emotional trigger, dilating the blood vessels in the skin. Yet, in her, it was art that set his heart into a frenzy. He must be falling ill.
"Diomedes sent me. Our resident playwright. He said you needed to take my measure. He was cryptic, so I hoped you could explain it better."
