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"Only passably" This was true They hadn’t had a proper fencing master at Hesslewhite As a result, Harry’s sword skills were far more military than coo in for the kill

"Here is that extra cup," Olivia announced, taking it from the maid, who had just returned "Sir Harry, you take yours without sugar, do you not?"

"You remember," hethat floated across hi back, unbidden, unfeigned She looked at hi moment they were alone in the roo about tea She busied herself fixing his cup, and he found that he was transfixed by her hands, lovely and elegant, and yet sooddess needed iain and saw that he had been watching her She sain, and then he had to do the sao and open his s I Quite Like About Sir Harry Valentine

By Olivia Bevelstoke

Sh a

Vladi Olivia’s accounting one item short

Vladimir immediately crossed the room to Prince Alexei, who issued what certainly sounded like an order in Russian Vladirunted his assent and then added his own incomprehensible strea She supposed she probably was, too

Vladiruff sound and returned to his corner, and Harry, who had been watching the entire exchange, looked at the prince and said, "He’s very convenient"

Prince Alexei gave hi"

"He cooes, he does whatever you say…"

"That is his purpose"

"Well, of course" Harry let his head tilt very slightly to the side A shoulderless shrug is what it was, and just is careless in appearance "I did not say otherwise"

"It is necessary for those of royal status to travel with attendants"

"I fully agree," Harry replied, but his agreeable tone only seemed to needle the prince further

"Here is your tea," Olivia cut in, holding a cup out for Harry He took it, thanking her quietly before taking a sip

"I take mine the same way as Sir Harry," she said, to no one in particular "I used to take sugar, but I’ve found I’ve lost the taste for it"

Harry looked at her with a curious expression Olivia was not surprised; she could not recall the last time she’d made such dull conversation But surely he realized that she had no choice

She took a deep breath, trying to navigate the undercurrents of the conversation The two men detested each other, that much was clear, but she’d been in rooms with people who hated each other before It wasn’t usually quite this palpable

And while she’d like to think that it was all for jealousy over her, she could not help but feel there was so else afoot