The Prince & The Rogue

by Skyler Grey

  As Lavinia made herself comfortable on the chair Eric had recently vacated, she asked, “Catherine, tell me about yourself.”

  Catherine slowed her eating, the smile slipping away. The Princess’s question brought back the realization of her plight.

  Frowning, she leaned back, feeling defeated as she looked at her new friend. “I’m not sure where to start, so I guess I’ll simply start from the beginning. I moved in with Sir Henry and Lady Armstrong, my mother’s sister and husband, and their son Devan, after my mother died. I was only eight. My father went into a depression, we lost our home, and then he disappeared without a trace. My mother is the late Lady Christine Townsend, my father, Sir Richard. We were not a poor family; in fact, we were rather wealthy. But my father was never the same after my mother’s death. So after leaving me in the care of my mother’s family, I never heard from him again. My uncle became ill and died only a few years back. He was a good man and was more than generous to me.”

  Lavinia nodded, “Yes, it seems I did hear of Sir Armstrong’s death. I’m terribly sorry, Child. Losing someone we know, especially family is very hard indeed.”

  Catherine reached across the tray and plucked another grape from the bowl, staring at it in silence before placing it slowly into her mouth.

  The Princess shook her head, her face filling with sympathy. Tilting her head, Lavinia asked, “This cousin of yours, did he just return home last evening?”

  Catherine almost choked. Nodding, she sputtered as she reached for her juice.

  Lavinia gave a smug smile. “I thought so. It seems that your cousin and his mother have quite a reputation for propriety and are beside themselves that you did not return home last night.” Obviously seeing the look of dread on Catherine’s face, she quickly added, “But don’t fret, Child; I sent a note assuring them that you are safe and in good hands. They have asked to come visit you this afternoon and I’ve yet to respond, unsure if you’re up to visitors, even though they are family.”

  Catherine gave a faint smile. Lavinia seemed to know more about her family than she thought. “Actually, I’m afraid not to accept their request. You see, my aunt has threatened to ship me to America if I were to cause trouble of any kind. And with me leaving the party with your nephew unchaperoned makes it appear I’ve done just that.”

  Lavinia waved her hand impatiently. “Fear not, Catherine; I will not allow such a thing. I know of your aunt and personally have little care for her. She puts too much stock in her social status and her eagerness to be the centerpiece of all social events bores me terribly. If she tries to exile you, I will demand she be brought before me to justify her ridiculous decision. I promise you, she will not go against my advice, as I can be extremely persuasive.”

  Catherine could only grin. After a few more bites of food, she pushed the tray away. “Thank you for being kind to me. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a real friend.”

  Lavinia shook her head. “Nonsense. You have no need to thank me, and friends we are indeed, Catherine, for when I choose a friend, I choose wisely. Be assured that you will always have my protection, whenever you are in need of it.” With that, she gave Catherine a wink.

  Catherine gave her a grateful smile, but chewed on her bottom lip nervously. “Princess, may I ask a rather personal question?”

  Lavinia nodded as she raised a slender brow. “Of course you may. Although I cannot promise that I’ll answer.”

  Catherine rushed in understanding. “Of course, and I’m a bit embarrassed to even ask but… How is Eric a prince? I mean, he doesn’t behave as if he’s royalty.” Then realizing that she must certainly have offended the Princess with such a blunt statement, she quickly tried to apologize.

  Lavinia’s face was unreadable before she burst into laughter.

  “My dear girl, you certainly have been quite sheltered, whether it be by your own choosing or that of your aunt’s. My brother is King Fredrick of Dublin. He rarely comes to visit anymore, preferring his own lands to the busy city of London. But on occasion, he will surprise me. He adores me as I do him. It is no secret that I am much older than my baby brother. By almost twenty years. So it is much easier for him to travel than me. When his lovely wife Queen Jacqueline gave birth to their fourth son Eric, I surprised them with a visit. Unfortunately, the trip was not kind to me and I became ill. It took me almost four months before I could recover enough to return home. My brother worried and fussed over me constantly after that, visiting me often and bringing Eric with him once he turned four. Eric’s older brothers are much like their father, preferring their own homeland. But Eric is much like me.”

  Lavinia stopped for a moment and smiled at the fond memories. “Eric and I formed a bond quickly and eventually my brother began letting him come to stay with me during the summer. Then, after much begging and convincing on both Eric’s and my part, he allowed Eric to stay with me a full year on his twelfth birthday. Personally, I believe it gave my brother peace to know I was being watched over, trusting Eric who was very mature for his age to care for me.”

  Her laughter filled in the quiet room. “London’s Ton of uppity do-gooders fell all over themselves to impress me and my brother by catering to my every whim, in hopes of winning our favor.”

  A knock on the door caused both women to turn. It was Martha coming to collect the tray.

  Lavinia rose as she quickly reached across and gave Catherine’s hand a small squeeze. “I must go. I’ve things to do before the day gets away from me, but before I go, did you decide on whether you would like to receive visitors?”

  Catherine let out a deep sigh. “Actually, I am feeling a bit tired. If you could be so kind as to tell them that maybe its best they wait another day, as I tend to sleep most of the time due to the medicine given me?” Catherine’s eyes twinkled as she grinned.

  “So be it, my sweet girl. I’ll make sure they not bother you till you say. It should give you plenty of time to recover somewhat and explain your injury. Which by the way, you have yet to explain to me.” Then with a wink, she added. “It’s all right though. You can share your adventure with me later, over dinner.” Then, turning, the princess was gone.

  Catherine lay back in her fluffy bed of warm covers. For the first time, she felt at peace, comforted in a home she had never been before. A strange sadness filled her at the thought of never feeling this peace in her aunt’s home, even after nine years.

  Snuggling comfortably into Eric’s bed, she inhaled his manly scent. A soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips as sleep slowly claimed her.

  Chapter Five

  Catherine had never felt more rested. It had been three days, and somehow, Lavinia had managed to keep her cousin and aunt at bay. The princess had taken her meals with Catherine every day since she arrived, both sharing laughs and stories of their own past.

  Lavinia always encouraged Catherine to share her many escapades with Devan. She especially seemed to love the fact that Catherine stood her ground with him, and laughed intensely at the visuals she would get from Catherine’s detailed storytelling and use of colorful vocabulary.

  Finally, on the eve of her third day, Eric paid her a visit. She had half expected him sooner, but to her surprising disappointment, he had kept away. Now that he was there, standing and looking so devilishly handsome in the doorway, she felt her insides quiver. Just as she was about to give him a dazzling smile, her face fell.

  Bowing low, he moved aside and she watched in stunned silence as a young woman stepped through the door before him.

  Catherine felt her hands curl into small fists as her gaze coolly swept over the strange woman. Unsmiling, Catherine stared at the girl, then turning her attention back to Eric, she spoke heatedly through gritted teeth, “To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting a complete stranger in my bedchamber, without even so much as an invitation?”

  The young woman spoke up, a nervous smile playing on her lovely face. “Oh forgive me, Lady Catherine. I am completely at fault. Once I lear
ned you were staying on with the Prince and Princess, I begged him for an introduction.”

  Eric barely contained the grin that teased the corner of his mouth. He seemed to ignore the irritation in Catherine’s tone and crossed to the young woman, placing a hand on the small of her back. The act ignited a spark of jealousy in Catherine, an emotion that shocked and annoyed her at the same time.

  “This is the Lady Catherine. Is she not as beautiful as I said?” Then turning to Catherine he explained, “May I present Lady Wentworth. We ran into each other in the park this morning and I was telling Lady Miranda about your unfortunate accident at the Montgomery’s soiree’. She was there and looking forward to meeting you, but you had left sooner than expected. So as we strolled, a thought struck me – what better time to introduce the two of you? And, since she is friends with the Lady Hilary and the Lady Florence, I felt it might be good for her to see what a dear, sweet girl you really were and lay to rest all those terrible rumors that seem to constantly follow you.”

  Catherine didn’t know what to say. She was shocked at Eric’s stupidity. Lady Miranda didn’t want an introduction; she wanted gossip! A thought struck him as they strolled through the park, she repeated angrily in thought. She had something she’d like to strike him with, if only he were a bit closer.

  Turning her attention fully to the young woman, she had no choice but to give her a dazzling smile, deciding that two could play this game. What better way to tame a snake than to charm it?

  Holding her hand out to the girl, Catherine offered the seat next to her bed. “Well, then, please do come in and sit, Miranda. May I call you Miranda? I am so happy for the opportunity to make your acquaintance. There were many people that evening I truly longed to meet, but my dear cousin Devan – I’m sure you know of him – was expected home and I wanted so much to be there when he arrived. In my rush, I clumsily tripped over a glass someone had unthinkingly left along the steps near the carriages, cutting the bottom of my foot horribly.” Leaning over, she placed her hand on top of Miranda’s and squeezed gently. “I can’t begin to tell you how painful it was. If it weren’t for this dear man, I might have even bled to death.”

  Miranda gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as her face paled. “Oh, you poor thing. How terribly dreadful for you. I don’t blame you for fainting. Prince Eric told me how he had just barely caught you before you hit the ground. He is such a gentleman to be sure; a valiant man of honor, there’s no doubt. And the dear princess, she is such a lovely woman to have offered you her home during your convalescence.”

  Catherine nodded sweetly in agreement. “Oh yes, I am assuredly in their debt.”

  Eric grinned as he watched Catherine’s magnificent performance. She was a coy thing, and it amazed him at how fast she had Miranda eating out of the palm of her hand. Quietly, he slipped from the room and went in search of his aunt. She was all that was needed to end the sisters’ rumors once and for all.

  By the time Lavinia showed, both women were laughing like little girls. Giggling over something Catherine had said, judging by the look on Miranda’s face. Lavinia smiled as she entered the room. “Oh, do tell; by the looks on both your faces, it’s a story I refuse to be left out of.”

  Catherine laughed as she patted the side of the bed next to her. “Oh, please join us, Princess. We are having the most fun, aren’t we, Miranda?”

  Miranda gulped, trying to control her laughter. As she wiped the tears with her cotton hanky, she leaned back, sighing loudly. “My goodness, I don’t believe I’ve laughed this hard since I saw Hilary trip head-over-heels at her fourteenth birthday, causing her gown to wrap around her head.”

  The room burst into laughter as all three women howled. By the time Lady Miranda left, she had made Catherine promise to visit. And to Catherine’s surprise, she actually looked forward to it. After spending some time with Miranda, she found that the girl was nothing like the Montgomery sisters, and she had even confided in Catherine that they annoyed her repeatedly. She also seemed thrilled to have made a new friend in Catherine.

  After sharing their meal together, Lavinia stood to bid her goodnight. “Before I leave, Dear, I must prepare you. Your aunt has insisted that she come to collect you in the morning. She is beside herself with fear of what will be said if you don’t return home. Unfortunately, I cannot put her off any longer. And she is right. Tongues will wag even if you are staying under my roof.”

  Catherine nodded; heaviness filled her at the thought of having to leave.

  She tried to smile. “I will miss you, Princess. Please say you’ll visit, or at least promise to have luncheon with me sometime.” Catherine felt the sting of tears, but fought to keep them at bay.

  Lavinia rushed to Catherine’s side and hugged her tightly, taking Catherine’s hands in hers. “Sweet Catherine, most assuredly I will come. Did we not promise the dashing Duke of Newbury a visit?”

  Catherine couldn’t help but give into a soft laugh before she spoke. “Then once I return to my aunt’s home, I shall look forward to your visits. And Princess, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done for me.”

  Lavinia tucked the covers around Catherine gently. “Now you’re going to get me choked up, and that is something I do try to avoid. Get some rest, Child; I want you looking like a freshly-bloomed rose when your aunt comes to carry you home.”

  Catherine nodded.

  With that, she left Catherine to herself.

  She lay quietly for a long while, and then sighed loudly, slipped her legs over the edge of the bed and stood. Her foot was feeling much better, but was still extremely tender. Martha had said that it was healing beautifully and that she would barely have a scar. Limping carefully over to the window, she stepped out onto the balcony overlooking Lavinia’s private garden.

  Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the many scents from the blooms below, smiling. Even her aunt’s English garden couldn’t compare to the various types of flowers that filled this one. In the full moonlight, Catherine could clearly see the array of different colors: white, red, and yellow roses, and carnations of every kind. There were just too many different types of flowers to name.

  Turning away, she limped back into the room, only to be startled by a dark figure lurking in the doorway.

  Realizing it was Eric, she snapped, “Why the hell do you do that? You nearly gave me a fright.” She continued to the bed, dropping onto it as she watched him cross over to her, a grin splitting his much-too-handsome face.

  He reached down, gently lifting her legs back onto the bed, caressing her ankles lightly before letting go. She yanked the covers over them, grumbling.

  Eric gave her a devious grin. “I believe you’re trying to entice me, my curious little kitten.”

  Catherine hissed. “What?” Then quickly noting the boyish smirk on his face, she grunted, looking away and folding her arms beneath her chest.

  Reaching out, she caught her breath as Eric lifted the satin ribbon that hung down the opening of her gown, pulling it gently toward him, aware of the pleasure he took in watching her chest rise and fall beneath his gaze.

  Her gown was thin, barely concealing the pointed tips of her cream-colored nipples. He leaned closer, knowing by the chill bumps on her skin that she must feel his breath on her cheek, but still she refused to look at him. Softly, he ran a finger along her jaw and down her neck, caressing the outline of a bare shoulder, before slipping it beneath her top. She shivered beneath his touch.

  Catherine knew she should stop him. But the feelings he stirred within her were warm and pleasurable, and she liked it. And if the truth be told, she didn’t want him to stop.

  Sitting next to her, he bent closer, kissing her ear tenderly, slipping his tongue down her neck, then turning her face to him as he brushed his lips across hers, causing her to inhale sharply.

  Eric looked into her eyes, wide and innocent even as they clouded with desire. He watched as a pink tongue darted out between parted lips, licking them quickly
before disappearing. He easily recognized the innocence of unexplored territory and it caused his loins to heat. Unable to resist, he kissed her slowly then more demanding, searching out the tempting tongue that had teased him only seconds ago. As he pushed her gently back into the pillows, he captured her moan within his mouth, feeling her melt beneath him.

  Sliding her gown slowly off both shoulders, he pulled it low, exposing the fullness of her perfectly-shaped breasts. His shaft jumped to life as he cupped one silken globe, while taking the other into his mouth, all the while watching her expressions intently.

  Eric felt himself harden as her lips parted, a soft gasp escaping into the night air. Her eyes closed as she clutched the front of his shirt, arching her back as she thrust her breasts forward. Taking a tightened nipple between his finger and thumb, he rolled it gently as he tugged and teased it, causing the quickly stiffening nip to turn a lush red. He couldn’t prevent the groan of need rumbling in his chest in response to this delicious flower’s wanton response. Nor could he suppress his desire to devour the creamy tip hungrily, leaning over, he suckled each delicious peak in turn as he caressed the round firmness that filled his hands.

  Her moans of pleasure caused his loins to throb painfully, demanding release. But he fought to ignore his own discomfort and he reached down, slipping a hand beneath the covers, causing her to tense. He knew that she had never been touched and the thought of pleasuring her with his fingers heated his blood to near boiling.

  Tossing the covers aside, he smoothly ran his hand up the inside of her thighs. Her legs trembled beneath his touch as he continued to ease his fingers toward the golden treasure he knew lay beneath the triangle of blonde curls.

  He heard her quick intake of breath as she tried closing her legs. But he easily held them open, placing soft kisses over her slim hips, slipping his tongue lower across her flattened belly and toward the region he knew ached to be touch.