MEET PRINCE LUCAN... MEET PRINCE LUCAN...
The royal palace of the Western Kingdom:
Prince Lucan arrives in Princess Mallorie's court to seek her hand
from "The Dark Prince," Soulful Sex Volume I
When Prince Lucan approached, he found Mallorie seated on a stone bench beneath a blossoming cherry tree. She rose at his coming and waited for him to offer his arm, as was the custom. A lesser woman might have been terrified, but the Princess had acquired much experience and poise during her young life. She took Lucan's arm, trying to be undaunted by the size of him, his height and the breadth of his shoulders.
"You are no stranger to me," began Lucan, without hesitation. "It is my habit to travel to all the kingdoms, hunt their lands and study their courts, and many a time I have observed you."
The Princess kept her eyes on the passing fruit trees and flower beds. "So, it is your habit to play at being a spy, my Lord?"
She heard him utter a soft chuckle. "I do travel unannounced," he agreed. The two of them strode on in silence for a half a minute. Then Lucan said, "Surely you are afraid of me, Princess."
Mallorie turned to look up into his face. He was a swarthy man, with deep brown hair and a tanned face, and his eyes were an intense dark blue. "What reason would I have to fear you, Prince Lucan?" she replied coolly.
"I am widely feared; I just assumed others would have given you reasons."
"I never apply the reasons of others. I prefer my own counsel."
"Even above your father's?"
"So he has taught me, therefore yes."
It took all Mallorie's self-control to speak to Lucan in this calm manner. The look in the man's eyes truly did alarm her. She could sense from his demeanor that he was accustomed to striking fear in women and men alike, and in having his way in all things. He looked down at her with a faint smirk about his lips. And yet, he was not exactly arrogant. She had no patience for vain men and could recognize them quickly. Lucan, on the other hand, possessed no false bravado; his boldness seemed to be well-earned.
The Prince had turned his face away to gaze into the distance as they walked. Suddenly he said, "You are the strongest woman I have ever encountered. In fact, I have seen few men as strong." He stopped abruptly and turned to look her deep in the eyes. "Nevertheless, you're lying when you say you feel no fear of me."
To accuse the Princess of lying was a punishable crime, but Mallorie thought not of that but rather the fact that Lucan was right. She felt compelled to admit it, but that was against her better judgment. So she stood tongue-tied, with the Prince pinning her under his formidable gaze.
At last he broke the silence with a smile and a quiet laugh. "But you are as entitled to secrets as am I, Princess." He proceeded to walk again.
Mallorie recovered enough to pull her arm free of his. Now she was angry. In even tones she said to him, "Your technique for wooing a woman is interesting, Prince Lucan."
He allowed her to remain free and clasped his hands behind his back. "I cannot woo," he said. "I am a villain, a brigand, and a rogue, and my reputation always precedes me. I speak plainly to you because you are a woman who appreciates plain speech."
"You flatter me and threaten me by turns," she replied, losing a little control.
He looked at her, cocking his head. "Do I threaten you?"
The Princess realized at once that this had been unfair, and also too revealing. She backpedaled, "Not in so many words, and yet I am not accustomed to . . ."
Lucan's hand gripped her upper arm. "No, no . . . you are quite perceptive. As I always suspected. I do threaten you, Princess Mallorie, if my suit be considered a threat. For it will not be denied."
She began to tremble so hard she was certain it was visible. "What are you saying, sir?" she asked, too loudly in order to hide the quavering.
"I came here as a formality, knowing you and King Hearn could never choose to give the hand of Princess Mallorie to the Dark Prince." He lowered his voice and leaned down to her. "But I will have it nonetheless."