Read Online The Royal Assassin by Kate Parker - Free Book Online

objects in her still life were realistically portrayed. The princess employed brighter shades and more impressionistic strokes to convey the rooflines of Mayfair spread out before her.
    â€œIt’s good the duke is pleased with your talent,” I said in my terrible French.
    â€œI’d have nothing to do with him otherwise,” the princess replied, studying the skyline.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    AFTER DINNER THAT night, Aunt Phyllida, Emma, and I were in the parlor when we heard a knock on the door. Exchanging surprised glances with my housemates, I rose to answer it and found Blackford on our doorstep.
    For a moment I stared, lost between joy and disbelief. When the duke began to smile at my frozen gaze, I hurriedly said, “Your Grace, please come in.”
    He set down his top hat, gloves, and cane on the side table and followed me into the parlor. Emma and Phyllida both rose and curtsied. He bowed in return and I asked him to sit while Phyllida, her knitting forgotten, hurried off to make tea.
    â€œYou’ve come to learn what Georgia’s discovered,” Emma said. “I’m dying to know myself. And what have you found out, Your Grace?”
    â€œWell, I—,” the duke began.
    Phyllida appeared in the doorway. “Emma, come give me a hand with the tea, please.”
    Emma raised her elegant, pale eyebrows and rose to join Phyllida in the kitchen.
    I felt my cheeks heat. Phyllida knew how much I enjoyed Blackford’s company and was giving us a chance to be alone for a moment. I wish she’d been a little more subtle.
    The duke kept a sober expression. “Your bookshop is doing well in your absence?”
    â€œYes. Emma and Frances have everything in hand, although it’s only been a matter of two days.” An uncomfortable silence dropped between us, something that didn’t often happen. “The Duke of Sussex is all right with you accompanying him to visit his fiancée?” I asked a little too quickly.
    â€œI suspect Sussex is a little afraid of the princess. He’s not very experienced with women and she is young and beautiful. For the first time in his life, he wants something and he’s not certain he’ll get it.”
    â€œYou think the princess will call off the wedding?”
    He looked at me as if he thought I were mad. “No. Both monarchs would make her life miserable if she tried to get out of the marriage at this point, and I don’t think she wants to. Arthur, Duke of Sussex, realizes how marvelous Princess Kira is and can’t believe his luck. And the lady knows how to keep him on pins and needles.”
    â€œWhy would she feel the need?”
    â€œPerhaps she’s not certain of him, either, and he represents the best deal for marriage she can get. Perhaps this was how she was taught to deal with suitors. Perhaps it’s just the pride and arrogance of a young woman certain of her worth.”
    â€œOnce they’re married, the power will all be on his side.” Perhaps Kira wanted to start married life on a more equal footing than most women managed.
    â€œNo. She’ll have the reins in that marriage. I know Sussex. He’ll always be her tame pet.” Blackford sounded disgusted.
    â€œI don’t know what your wife will be like, but I hope she doesn’t think you’ll be anyone’s tame anything,” I responded without thinking and then wanted to kick myself. We always tried to sidestep any mention of the duke’s need to marry and produce an heir. His fiancée had died under suspicious circumstances, and I didn’t want to think of the day when he’d settle down with another woman. Until then, I could have my daydreams.
    â€œWhoever she may be, she won’t be anything like Princess Kira. I like a woman with brains and fire and maturity. Kira may have the fire, but she lacks the rest. Ah,” he said, opening the door wider for Emma as she