Totally inappropriate thoughts. This was his first public impersonation as Alexander. He needed to concentrate and to remind himself that failure wasn’t an option, since it could cost Tashya her life.
They entered the ballroom down a wide curving staircase. The ballroom, huge and lit by ornate chandeliers, was already crowded with well-dressed couples, a few elderly matrons and several bachelors and single ladies. The scent of flowers wafted to him in the air along with a multitude of languages—English, Arabic, Russian and Hebrew—spoken in cultured voices. An orchestra played a lively waltz, but no one danced. Apparently Vashmiran tradition called for the king and queen to enjoy the first dance before others could follow suit.
A waiter in livery joined them as they reached the bottom of the stairs and handed them drinks, Tashya a flute of champagne and Hunter the prince’s favorite Chivas Regal. He sipped, enjoying Alex’s fine taste in liquor.
Tashya sipped her bubbly, her red lips leaving behind just a touch of lipstick on her glass. She surveyed the crowd as if with the specific purpose of finding someone in particular. A lover? The thought made him cringe. He didn’t like the idea.
Tashya led him to several people he recognized as influential cabinet members. His tension immediately eased as he realized that this might be a ball, but the princess was using the social occasion to work the room.
“General,” Hunter nodded to General Levsky Vladimir, a man in his mid-fifties with cropped gray hair, a pot belly and sharp brown eyes, who nodded a greeting. He wore a brown military dress uniform with rows of ribbons and medals across his chest, and he was eyeing Tashya with a stern expression. Hunter was happy to be mostly ignored and took the time to size up the general and then his aide, Stephan Cheslav, who was busy gazing at Sophia with masculine approval as she stood talking to a few women in another group across the room. Did every man in the castle consider himself a Lothario?
Hunter greeted the major, then spoke carefully in Alex’s voice. “I heard my little brothers were found safe and sound with Nicholas and Ericka in the stable.”
“Yes, Highness. They wanted Nicholas to take them for a ride.”
Tashya released Hunter and slipped her hand onto the general’s forearm as if she feared he might try for a quick departure. “Just the man I wanted to talk to.”
Stephan’s eyes flickered, and Hunter suspected he wished the princess had targeted him instead. However, the general looked mighty uncomfortable, as if anticipating the direction Tashya’s conversation would take.
General Vladimir sought to put her off. “Highness, if this is about business—”
“Oh, it is,” Tashya told him with a bright smile. As far as Hunter could discern, the general didn’t soften at her attempt at charm. “You know several important laws regarding women in the military are coming up for a vote.”
“For a review. Not a vote,” the general insisted in his thick Russian accent. Apparently the man was highly trusted since he’d helped Tashya’s father stage the revolution that had won Vashmira’s independence from the former Soviet Union. While just last week General Vladimir’s mistress of thirty years had failed in her bizarre attempt to assassinate the new queen and to install her own daughter on the throne, the general hadn’t been implicated in the plot. The entire episode had been kept from the public, but the CIA had briefed Hunter about it. Since the general appeared to have been used by the woman, as had her husband, Vashmira’s distinguished Secretary of State, Anton Belosova, both men had kept their important positions on the cabinet and were here tonight to honor Vashmira’s new queen.
“Women make up half the population of our country, General,” Tashya told him with a bold earnestness.
Hunter thought Alexander might insert into the conversation a somewhat irrelevant and sexist comment to tease his sister and added, “Our men in uniform would surely appreciate working with the ladies. I certainly do so at every opportunity.”
Stephan chuckled. The general frowned.
Tashya ignored his improper comment. “Women are a valuable asset to this country and a resource we should be willing to employ.”
“I’m willing,” Hunter murmured.
From across the room, a beautiful blond woman winked at Hunter. He didn’t recognize her from any of the pictures Tashya had shown him. But something in her eyes made him believe she knew Alexander intimately.
Trouble. She could be big trouble, Hunter thought as he continued to monitor the conversation around him, inserting shallow comments meant to annoy Tashya and to stay in character. She’d told him Alex had taken particular delight in needling her in public while secretly working to help her cause.
However, only part of his mind remained on the conversation around him. At the first opportunity he intended to ask Tashya the blonde’s identity and her relationship to Alexander.
Stephan awkwardly injected his opinion into the conversation, probably trying to impress both his boss and the princess with a reasonable-sounding argument. “We might be willing to employ women secretaries and clerks, but we don’t have the funds to train women soldiers in separate facilities.”
“Who said anything about separate facilities? Why not train women pilots?” Tashya pressed him. “And medics and doctors and truck drivers—”
The general shook his head. “I don’t want women on the front. The Israelis tried it. And their enemies fought harder because they were ashamed to surrender to women.”
Tashya’s gaze shifted to a flurry of activity at the curving staircase. Doors opened. Security entered. Hunter figured that she knew the king and queen would soon make their grand entrance and sought to wind up matters quickly.
“I’d like to discuss this further next week, General. How about Monday? Say at ten o’clock?”
The general and the major exchanged discrete glances that Tashya couldn’t see from her position at the general’s side. Hunter suspected that when she showed up for the meeting, the general would be otherwise occupied and leave his aide to make explanations.
Hunter caught Tashya’s gaze and then looked at the blonde. The princess picked up on his signal perfectly. “Alexander, don’t you dare desert me for Madeline Leonid. Just because you enjoyed your frolic with her last month at the beach and are no doubt anxious to renew your acquaintance is no reason to leave me alone. Don’t forget, we haven’t caught the person who took potshots at us in our carriage. You promised Nicholas to stay by my side.”
Perfect. She’d handled his silent query like a professional, and just in time, as Madeline shouldered her way through the throng of people to join them. The general turned to speak to others, his aide went off to pursue Sophia, leaving Hunter with the two women.
Madeline curtsied when no one else had, showing more cleavage than necessary. She wore a little too much perfume and stunning pearls that were knotted in the spectacular cleavage revealed by a low-cut, emerald-and-gold gown. “How good to see you again. I heard you’ve been ill, but you look terrific as always.”
Her husky voice and eyes said more, promising him whatever he wanted.
With a too bright smile, Madeline turned to Tashya. “Highness, your gown is striking. Is your designer French?”
“Actually, she’s Vashmiran. I like to support our country’s economy whenever I can.”
“How noble. However, I cannot imagine Alex without his Versace and Armani clothes.”
Great. From the predatory gleam in Madeline’s eyes, he guessed she’d been close enough to read the labels. Probably had read them as she’d ripped them off Alex’s body. He had no doubts that she anticipated a repeat performance.
It wouldn’t be the first time he’d disappointed a woman. Hunter didn’t socialize with women while on the job—not ever. He may have turned down several terrific ladies but, on the other hand, he was still alive. And if he accomplished this mission with his usual efficiency, he could snare that Cobra assignment.
Hunter flashed Madeline Alex’s charming-the-lady-of-the-moment grin. “I
do so appreciate the finer things in life.” The way he said the words, he meant for her to believe she was one of the finer things in his life. If Tashya had drilled one thing into him, it was how Alex acted in public. Basically, he would compliment the ladies, smile and flirt. Unfortunately, Hunter found small talk very boring, but for his royal role, he would flirt if necessary.
Apparently the general had detained Stephan, who still eyed Sophia but who apparently couldn’t leave the general’s side without permission. Alone, Sophia, wearing a modest-cut, bronze-colored gown and a fortune in amber stones around her neck, joined Tashya, Madeline and Hunter. “Good evening.”
“Hi, Sophia.” Tashya greeted her stepmother with genuine affection. “Did you get a nap this afternoon?”
It always amazed him how Tashya seemed to know so much about the people in the palace when she’d spent so much time with him. Through their many discussions, the princess had revealed her love for her family. Since her biological mother had died during the revolution, Sophia, a mere ten years older than Tashya, was the only mother she’d ever known. Tashya worried about her older brothers and enjoyed playing with the little ones and holding the baby.
“I did catch a nap, but the boys evaded their guards and their nanny. They turned up in the stable. Again. Apparently, the guards found them after they watched a foal being born.”
Alex nodded his approval. “A fine way for them to learn about…life.”
“Easy for you to say. You didn’t have to answer their innumerable questions.”
Clearly, Madeline had no interest in children, but she wasn’t about to give up her spot beside Hunter. He wondered if she intended to cling to him all evening. But when a slender brunette with a come-hither expression caught his eye, Madeline leaned toward him, revealing her cleavage again.
If Tashya or Sophia were aware of Madeline’s overt move, they didn’t indicate it. Hunter yearned to slap her hand away or to at least change position and break the physical contact. But Alex would probably enjoy this kind of relentless pursuit.
Finally the king and queen made their appearance. Nicholas wore a tuxedo and a proud smile as he presented his new bride, who wore a stunning lace gown, to the approving crowd. The chatter in the ballroom ceased as all eyes turned to the loving couple.
When they reached the ballroom floor, the orchestra struck up a Hungarian melody. Nicholas took Ericka into his arms, his expression so tender that it brought tears to many a lady’s eyes. Guests moved back, clearing a space as he twirled her around the room.
Hunter could no longer stand Madeline’s questing hand. He broke contact and whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry, the next dance is promised to my sister.”
Madeline’s eyes narrowed in disappointment, but she kept her tone light. “And the dance after that?”
Hunter told himself Alex would not refuse this woman, but then he wouldn’t allow himself to remain with one lady for the evening when there were so many beautiful women waiting to dance with him. He disengaged from her with a simple, “Find me later.”
She made no effort to keep her voice low. “Count on it, darling.”
Her words made him feel as if he needed a shower. He had no intention of being available to Madeline. As the king and queen’s dance ended and another began, he took a surprised Tashya into his arms. She covered well, not even missing a step.
“I’ve never before felt like a piece of meat,” he admitted under the cover of the music.
She giggled. “Alex enjoys the game.”
She could at least sound the slightest bit jealous. Didn’t she notice that every single woman in the room between eighteen and eighty seemed to be trying to catch his eye? But then, there were plenty of men giving their princess that same kind of attention, too.
Tashya seemed oblivious to the admiration of the men. Now he understood the true meaning of the phrase “living in a fishbowl.”
It was a wonder Nicholas had managed to fall in love under such circumstances. For the king and queen, the pressures had to be even worse. Add the occasional assassination attempt to the mix, never mind constant scrutiny by the press, and Hunter realized they were doing well to avoid the need for therapy.
Tashya danced in his arms, adjusting to his steps with an ease that indicated she’d been partnered by many men. She looked up at him, her expression mischievous. “Madeline’s just waiting for this dance to end so that she can reclaim you.”
“It’s not funny.”
“Or if you prefer, there’s a redhead over there in a rhinestone dress trying to win your attention.”
Having spotted the overdressed schoolgirl earlier, he didn’t bother to look. “She can’t be of legal age. Surely, Alex didn’t—?”
“He rarely misses an opportunity to flirt. But he does seem to prefer them over twenty-one.”
The tune ended all too soon. Again Hunter felt a hand groping him. He looked down and spied the two little princes, who had evaded their nanny once more. Tashya’s and Alex’s half brothers weren’t dressed for the ball and had obviously sneaked in to watch the adult activities. Where were their guards? Where was the nanny?
Hunter recalled from an earlier conversation with Tashya that Sophia’s royal duties during the day required a nanny to watch the boys and the baby. At night, the nanny went home and Sophia took over, wanting to be a hands-on mom. Tonight, with Sophia at the ball, the nanny had agreed to spend the night with her charges and should have kept them under close supervision.
The music ended. Couples stopped dancing and broke apart. Before people resumed their conversations, there was a moment of silence.
Hunter leaned down toward the boys, but the bigger child took a suspicious step back. Dimitri frowned at him, his serious face puckered in distrust, his eyes full of wariness. Clearly the boy had suspicions about Hunter’s identity.
At the sight of Dimitri’s expression, Tashya paled and held out her arms to the child, who ignored her Dimitri continued to stare at Hunter with observant eyes.
Hunter scooped Nikita onto his hip, glad of the hours he’d spent with his nieces and nephews back home. “Dimitri. Niki. What are you boys doing here?”
Dimitri lifted his five-year-old head, pointed straight at Hunter’s heart and loudly proclaimed, “He’s not Alex. He’s a fake.”
Chapter Five
Oh…my…God. Stunned silence swept across the room. Necks craned in their direction.
Tashya felt the blood drain from her head. Never in her darkest nightmare had she dreamed that Dimitri would show up and accuse Hunter of being an imposter. He’d fooled security, old girlfriends, Sophia, General Vladimir and Major Cheslav; yet a five-year-old now accused him of impersonating Alex.
Hunter didn’t miss a beat. “Of course I’m an imposter, Dimitri. I’m really James Bond in disguise.”
Several people chuckled, and the tension eased as the music restarted. Most couples either returned to their dancing or their conversations and drinks. Obviously the guests believed Hunter was the real Prince Alexander and was playing games with Dimitri. With quick wit, Hunter had turned the situation from a disaster to a minor problem.
Still, Tashya found herself holding her breath, fascinated and waiting to see what outrageous thing Hunter would say next. Never had she expected him to admit the very thing he was trying to hide. The man was brilliant.
Hunter ignored the few people still paying attention to his conversation with Dimitri and held out his hand to her still suspicious but nevertheless fascinated little brother. “My mission is to guard the princess. You mustn’t give me away.”
Dimitri frowned. “I just did.”
“But we’re among friends, and they won’t tell.” Hunter glanced her way. “However, someone’s going to think Tashya is pretending to be the princess if she doesn’t relax. You gave our sister quite a scare.”
Sophia hurried over, Major Stephan Cheslav trailing her. Tashya had seen the them dancing together earlier and wondered if romance might be in the air.
Sophia had truly loved King Zared I and had mourned his loss deeply, but she was still young, full of life. Tashya approved of the new sparkle in her stepmother’s eyes—although Tashya couldn’t tell whether Stephan or her mischievous children had put it there.
“Alex, I’m so sorry,” Sophia apologized with a shake of her head. She glared at her naughty sons, but her expression lost some of the sting when her lips broke into a slight smile. “My children are supposed to be in bed.”
“But coming to the dance is so much more fun.” Hunter winked at Nikita on his hip and the three-year-old chuckled, probably relieved he wasn’t in bad trouble.
Sophia reached for Nikita, but Hunter didn’t hand him over. “I’ll put them to bed.”
Alex wouldn’t have made that offer. Her brother enjoyed flirting and dancing too much to miss a party—even for a few minutes. His offhand remark caused Sophia’s eyes to widen just a bit.
Tashya quickly leaned forward and lowered her voice so only Sophia and Hunter could hear, “Alex is doing his best to avoid a certain blonde. Especially since he’s made plans to meet with a redhead.”
Indeed, as they spoke, Madeline bore down on him like a heat-seeking missile, giving credence to Tashya’s lie.
Stephan held out his hand to Sophia. “How about another dance?”
“Give me a minute.” Sophia kissed Nikita, then Dimitri. “You boys go with Tashya and Alex.”
“James Bond,” Dimitri insisted.
Sophia ruffled her son’s dark hair and straightened his pajama top. “If you say so, dear.”
Tashya took Dimitri by the hand and followed Hunter as he carried Nikita through the crowd, narrowly avoiding Madeline. With unerring accuracy, Hunter strode through the hallways, talking with the children, fully aware that he and Tashya couldn’t speak freely until they reached Alex’s private apartments.
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