Promised to the Swedish Prince - Sasha Cottman Page 0,21

Britain.

“My brother has other ambitions. He has recently been promoted to the rank of Överste, and everyone expects that he will eventually rise all the way to the top of the army. He has quite the analytical brain and a good sense of strategy.”

Count Jansson still didn’t appear completely sold on the idea of an inexperienced royal having anything to do with delicate matters of diplomacy. It was time to offer Magnus an olive branch and hope he took it. “I understand your reluctance to accept my role. And while I am on His Majesty’s business and my position is clear, I can see the benefit in gaining your approval. I intend to make connections in London society. If you and Erika accompany me, then you can see for yourself how I handle matters. Would that help to ease your concerns?”

A red flush appeared on Count Jansson’s cheeks—questioning the decision of the King was a dangerous thing. “Alright, I will give you my support. Baron von Rehausen has said that we need to do everything to make your time in England a success. I just hadn’t realized that you were going to be more than simply an understudy.”

Christian nodded his thanks. He had already given more ground than he would have liked. If his father could see him right now, Prince Stefan would be angry. As far as he was concerned, royal princes didn’t have to explain themselves to anyone apart from the King. Members of the royal family ruled by divine right.

“I do have one favor to ask.” Christian was determined that any concession to the count required a mutual one in return. Quid. Pro. Quo.

“How may I assist you, Prince Christian?”

“I want Erika to be my personal translator and English tutor. She knows London well, and I think she will be invaluable in getting me established within English society,” he replied.

He did want her to help him, but he also wanted to spend time with her. To be away from her father and be able to forge their relationship anew. If Erika could come to see him in a different light, she might also come to feel something more than mere camaraderie with him.

Fortune favored the bold, and he pressed his case once more. “I can tell her all the things that have been happening in Stockholm, and of my brother’s successes. I am certain Erika would love to hear it.”

“Yes, I am sure you will take great care to share many things with Erika,” replied Magnus. “Especially about your brother. Many, many things about him.”

Christian kept the soft, unthreatening smile on his face. Count Magnus could think all he wished about Gustav—Christian had other plans for himself and Erika.

I can promise you right here and now, that I intend to share everything with her—including my future.

Chapter Eleven

“This is a regular gathering between some of the richest and most powerful people in all of England. You will find dukes, earls, and quite a number of senior politicians here. Oh, and over there is Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Percy, Wellington’s aide-de-camp. You could introduce him to Prince Gustav, should your brother come to visit you in London. Do you think he might?” said Magnus.

Christian didn’t want to add further fuel to the flame that Magnus carried for Gustav, so he blatantly ignored the question. Instead he focused on the issue of him needing to forge new connections. “Excellent. I am keen to meet as many people of influence as I can,” replied Christian.

They moved up the receiving line, waiting for their turn to be announced. Christian, Magnus, and Erika were guests at a formal function at a large mansion in Grosvenor Square.

Within days of Magnus and Erika agreeing that she would assist Christian with his entrance to London society, word had quickly spread that a member of the Swedish royal family was in town. A flood of invitations soon began to arrive at the front door of the little house in Duke Street.

A war council of sorts had been held in the large dining room at the baron’s home. The three men, plus Countess Erika and Baroness von Rehausen, met to decide on exactly which events would serve both Christian and the Swedish cause the best. Erika had sent letters of acceptance for those functions they would attend, while the others were set to one side.

Christian pushed back his shoulders and stepped to the front of the receiving line. He held his head high as the majordomo announced him formally. “His