The Lord's Passionate Lover(4)

“I used to want to live here so badly,” Francesca said with a sigh.

“So what changed?”

“The palace is not this beautiful big house with handsome princes and beautiful dresses. It's a political playground where you have to watch your back all the time.”

Macee nodded as she knew that to be true. From the moment she moved into the palace, she felt the need to watch her back at all times. Ultimately, she was stabbed in the back anyway by Bridgette, the queen’s sister, who had manufactured rumours to break up Macee’s marriage. It only proved to Macee that no matter how careful you were, there were always going to be people that wanted to see your downfall.

“It's very sad isn't it?” Macee asked her sister.

“It is but I think you will be fine.”

“Why is that?”

“Your husband loves you so much and will do anything to protect you. The most powerful weapon you can have in the palace is the king's love.”

Macee frowned. “It's a double-edged sword,” she said. Of course, Prince Louis would protect her at all costs but because of that love, she could become an even bigger target.

“I agree,” Francesca said. She looked at Macee and smiled, “Well you have me now,” she added.

“Thank heavens for that,” Macee said and returned the smile.

* * *

“Stay for lunch,” Prince Louis said to Lord Jacques after their meeting. They had been discussing Jacques's duties as he was had officially started working for the prince as one of his advisors.

“Thank you, your highness, I would like that,” replied Jacques, as they adjourned to the dining room.

“So you are divorced?” the Prince asked.

“Yes, ten years ago,” he replied. He and his wife had divorced after he discovered her infidelities. He was glad that they had yet to have children, thereby avoiding that nightmare of having to maintain relations for the sake of the children and appearances. Since then he had stayed single. He was in no rush to get back into a relationship.

“Do you think you will marry again?”

“I do not think so.”

Lord Jacques had divorced at a young age. They had only been married for four years when his wife’s infidelity had surfaced. As a lord with a large estate just north of Monte Carlo, he had chosen a wife that he thought would be appropriate to the role of lady of the manor, but she had only married him for his money and status. Since then, he had lost trust in the idea of marriage.

“You have not met anyone that has changed your mind?” Prince Louis asked.

“I have not.”

“That's a shame. You are still young. There are many desirable women out there. Perhaps you will find someone who will change your mind.”

After lunch, the men returned to their respective offices to get some work done.





Chapter 3


Francesca took a walk in the palace garden. She had always dreamed about living in the palace as she fantasized about all the activities, the Balls and the elegantly dressed people. She had no idea how boring palace life really was. There were so many restrictions placed on activities and security was tight. While she was glad to spend time with Macee every day, there was nothing for her to do. She was close to completing her degree in finance, but it was not as if she could get a job. In their family, degrees were for show. Their mother did not want them to work; it was merely one more thing to add to their resume to make them suitable for marriage.

Francesca needed to find something to do. She sighed as she walked around the garden. “What is the matter?” a deep voice sounded from behind her.

“Nothing is the matter,” Francesca replied without turning to face the questioning voice. Lord Jacques approached and stood next to her.

“That sigh implied that there is something more.”

“You are mistaken,” she replied. She was not about to speak to Jacques about her jumbled thoughts.

“As you say,” Lord Jacques replied as he looked at her. There was something about her that intrigued him and while he had yet to put a finger on it, he wanted to find out more about her. Francesca stared into the distance, as he admired her. She was tall, slender and carried herself with grace. She had long eyelashes that cascaded over warm hazel eyes, great bone structure, which was accentuated by her light brown hair, which was tied up in a ponytail.

Francesca finally turned her head to see Lord Jacques staring at her. His green gaze was so intense that it made her uncomfortable. “What is it?” she asked him. She could not figure out why he was still standing next to her, as she had chosen not to engage with him in conversation.

“Francesca, right?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied and looked away. She wondered if she should ask his name as she had only ever heard him referred to as Lord Jacques.