Prince of Scandal by Annie West

said. ‘Here’s a seat for you.’
    She sank into the chair and Raul swept the blotter aside, motioning for the accession document to be brought forward. Reaching in his jacket, he withdrew his own pen.
    Maritz needed to move with the times. There was absolutelyno need to continue the tradition of signing and witnessing important documents with old-fashioned ink pens.
    Lukas presented the document which, when signed, would confirm Luisa as Princess of Ardissia, inheritor of her grandfather’s wealth. And Raul’s wife-to-be.
    It was spread wide on the desk and the witnesses stepped forward. Raul handed her the pen.
    And waited.
    For Luisa didn’t sign. Instead, she read the English translation, slowly and methodically. Her finger marked a difficult clause and she lifted her head, turning to Lukas who hovered helpfully on her other side.
    ‘Would you mind explaining this reference?’ she murmured softly.
    ‘Of course, ma’am.’ After a quick look at Raul, Lukas bent over the parchment, explaining the clause. Then after a few moments, another.
    The audience grew restless. Raul noticed one or two raised brows among some of the more old-fashioned advisers. He could imagine what they whispered. That the woman should gratefully accept what was offered, without question.
    Luisa was aware of the buzz of comment. Her cheeks grew brighter and he saw her neck stiffen. Yet still she read each line.
    It should have annoyed him, this delay to his plans. Even now, on the edge of achieving what was so necessary, ripples of anxiety spread through his belly. He couldn’t be completely happy till this was settled.
    Yet his impatience was tempered by admiration. Luisa was naturally cautious.
    Like him. He’d never sign anything without careful consideration either.
    Raul recalled the advice he’d recently received. That on investigation Luisa’s farming co-op was found to be surprisingly well run. That the financial difficulties were due to the economic downturn, a massive drought and a series of unfortunate health problems, including the death of her father last year.
    According to the accountants, the business was poised to become very successful, once money was freed up for new equipment. Luisa had done an excellent job.
    Once more curiosity rose. She wasn’t like other women. He’d been so intent on achieving his ends he’d initially thought of her as a convenient bride, not a real woman. Now he pondered exactly what sort of woman he would wed.
    He looked at her bent head, how she bit her lush bottom lip in concentration. Fire arced through his gut.
    She fascinated him, he admitted now. Her obstinacy, pragmatism and quiet pride. Her unassuming ways and her disquieting sensuality.
How long since a woman had intrigued him so? Since a kiss had made him lose his head?
    Finally, with a swift movement, Luisa picked up his pen and signed. Only Raul, close beside her, saw the way her hand shook. It pained him to see what this cost her.
    Yet relief swamped him. It was almost done. Soon the crown would be his. His destiny was within his grasp. His country would be safe.
    He picked up the pen, still warm from her fingers, and with a flourish added his signature as first witness. ‘Thank you, Luisa,’ he murmured.
    At his words she tilted her head and their gazes meshed. Heat ricocheted through his belly and groin, the reverberations spreading even as she looked away, letting her lashes veil her eyes.
    Now she was bound to him, this intriguing woman so lacking in sophistication yet with an innate grace and integrity he couldn’t ignore.
    Theirs would be a convenient marriage. A marriage of state for the well-being of the nation.
    Yet, to his astonishment, Raul registered a purely personal satisfaction at the prospect.

CHAPTER SIX
    ‘I COULDN’T have done a better job of botching that if I’d tried.’ Luisa grimaced as she followed Lukas through a maze of corridors to her suite.
    She’d do better in future.
    Her skin crawled at