Her Highness, My Wife Read Online Free PDF

been a better man married to someone else. As it was, he was weaker in nature than even I.” She shook her head. “You see, while he was not my choice, I was silly enough to trust my heart to him.”
    “I did not know.”
    “Few did, and to my credit, such affection did not last long. Still, it is not easy to accept or forgive your own foolishness. And therein lies the anger.”
    “You were never foolish.”
    “Dear Dimitri, you have always been a poor liar, and I do appreciate it. I was extremely foolish.”
    He looked as if he were about to speak, then thought better of it.
    “Yes?”
    “A matter of curiosity, nothing more.”
    “Go on. What is it you wish to know now? I promise I will not have you shot.” She grinned. “Today.”
    “Then it is perhaps worth the risk.” He smiled dryly. “Still, as I have been chastised once already for my impertinence, I shall hold my tongue.”
    “And if you did not,” she said slowly, “what would you ask?”
    “Simply if you are still foolish enough to give your heart to a man who is not worthy of it.”
    “Your instincts are correct as always. It is a presumptuous question and you are wise to refrain from asking.”
    “I thought as much.” He touched his fingers to the rim of his hat, nodded and directed his horse to join the riders up ahead.
    It was an irony of their relationship. He was one of the few people in the world she counted as friend, yet that friendship could only go so far. Regardless of the frank nature of today’s discussion and so many in the past, there were boundaries between princess and subject he would never cross. Boundaries she would never push.
    Matthew had never treated her as royalty. He had treated her as a woman. A desirable woman. It had been a unique and thoroughly wonderful experience. Oh certainly she had usurped Katerina’s position, claiming to be nothing more than a companion to royalty when she and the dashing lord had first met. And loved. Even so, today, knowing her true identity, he treated her no differently than he had last year. Aside from the chill in his manner, of course, and the touch of disdain in his eye. It would be hard, if not impossible, to win his heart again. But in this too she was determined to succeed. Katerina edged her horse to Tatiana’s side. “My cousin does not look happy.”
    Tatiana uttered a short laugh. “I can scarce recall the last time he did look happy.”
    “His responsibilities weigh heavily on him. And he is concerned for you.”
    “I am well aware of that. And I do appreciate his concern. However—”
    “However, he does not know as much as he thinks he knows: the true purpose of your quest. That, no doubt, is for the best.” Katerina studied her. “And what of your Lord Weston? Was your reunion successful?”
    “My Lord Matthew, actually. I do like the way the my part of it sounds. However, I cannot say I could term our meeting successful.” Tatiana smiled ruefully. “He did not throw me out, but he has not agreed to my proposal.” She met her friend’s gaze with confidence. “But he will.”
    “Did you tell him about the Heavens?”
    “Not yet.”
    “Did you tell him—”
    “No.”
    “Perhaps you should simply tell him the truth.”
    “No.” Tatiana shook her head. “I suspect he is not entirely certain as to his feelings about me at the present, which I think is a very good beginning. But he is not ready, and, to be honest, neither am I. I would wager he has spent a great deal of time hating me and I dare not give him another reason to continue.”
    “Would he?”
    “I do not know.” Even as she said the words, she realized there was much about Matthew she did not know. Yet it did not matter. Somewhere, deep within her, she knew all she had to about this man she had loved once and never stopped loving.
    “I can scarce blame Dimitri for his concern.” Worry showed in Katerina’s eyes. “I too fear for you. It is a hazardous game you play with this man. Do