To Kiss a King - NIcole Burnham Page 0,12
back of her mind, she wondered if her family would read about this tomorrow. They'd always been proud of her and knew she worked hard at her job, but this was the first time she'd been around the glitterati of southern Europe, let alone royalty, and she knew her parents would find the press coverage exciting.
Claire smiled to herself, amused at the track her mind had taken out of self-defense. Focusing on her family kept her attention off what she was actually doing: dancing with a king. A very handsome, technically eligible king. One with bright blue eyes, a warmer personality than she'd expected, and a smile that could enthrall an entire room—and would do so whether or not he was king.
But he was a king, one she'd have to negotiate with on a regular basis over the coming months and years. One who could stand between her and her goals…or give those goals wings.
He turned her gently, then rested one hand on her lower back and guided her around the floor. His steps were smooth and sure, and she wondered how much time he'd spent as a child learning to handle formal events—how to dance, what to say, how to eat—in a manner appropriate for a king.
“I’m now convinced the Out of Africa choice was entirely coincidental,” Eduardo said, slipping a look in the direction of the musicians. “This song has no deep meaning whatsoever. It’s a number. Composition number five or nine or some such. I’m certain I had to identify it for a music teacher when I was younger, but I’ve conveniently allowed that knowledge to drift away.”
“I can’t identify it at all, so you’re ahead of me.”
She expected him to continue engaging in pleasantries. Instead, a quick grimace flashed across his face. “You weren't going to ask me to dance, were you, Madam Ambassador?"
“No, I wasn’t.” She surprised herself by her candid answer, at the same time she was embarrassed by the fact he'd made that assumption, then invited her onto the dance floor himself to save her from making a faux pas. “And…I suspect I just made this awkward.”
His laugh was quick and genuine. “In addressing it, you just removed the awkwardness. Well done.”
“I’m a diplomat. It’s what I do. At least if I do my job correctly.”
“I see.” They took a few more steps around the center of the floor before he asked, “Then what were you planning to ask that you felt would be a breach of etiquette?”
She took a moment to consider her words as they spun closer to Antony and Jennifer, then away again, nearer to one of the king's security guards, who moved along the periphery of the dancing area, discreetly watching the crowd. “I know we're not here to talk specifics on politics and policy—”
“True.”
"But I wanted to ask you about something your advisor, Sergio Ribisi, mentioned to me earlier this evening.”
The soft lines of his forehead deepened a notch. “Did he say something to offend you?”
“No, but he did catch me off guard.” She met the king's curious gaze. “I wasn't expecting to be told which matters I should or should not speak to you about this evening.”
He took a moment to process that. “You're referring to the education program you worked on in Uganda?”
“Yes.”
They quieted momentarily as a palace photographer came close for a picture. When she retreated, Claire said, “Your Highness, I didn't intend to discuss the plan—or anything policy-related—in detail tonight. Tonight is about the ceremony itself and the opportunity for me to meet you and some of the key personnel on your staff and in parliament. It’s also a chance for your government officials to evaluate what kind of ambassador I'll be and how we might best work together.”
“Then I fear it is I who have offended you, rather than Sergio.”
“Not at all, Your Highness. Slighted, perhaps, but I’m not one to take offense when none was intended.”
She angled her head for a better look at him. The king was taller than she’d expected, and she was in heels. “However, when we have our first official meetings, I would like to discuss the education program, along with other social and economic policy initiatives that are relevant to San Rimini. Our countries have a long history of cooperation, and I believe that working together on these projects will only deepen the relationship between us.”
The relationship between our countries, she clarified in her head. Next time, she'd be more careful in her phrasing.
“I’m sure we will