Loving The Princess. A.C. Arthur

they’d previously discussed.

      He could have cursed himself for falling so easily into Landry’s trap, but his ego wouldn’t allow it. He’d prefer to think she hadn’t trapped him into revealing anything he hadn’t wanted to reveal. Yes, he’d paid close attention to Samantha at dinner. He’d also paid attention to the way Malayka had eyed her future husband’s daughter. Gary wanted to know why.

      * * *

      “Dance lessons begin promptly at ten-thirty tomorrow morning. Lunch is at noon. Then you will be leading us on a tour of the battle ruins from two to four-thirty.”

      Sam turned at the sound of her voice. She took a moment to resist saying the first response to run through her mind. Instead she clasped her hands in front of her and took a steadying breath. “I am aware of tomorrow’s schedule, Malayka.”

      With a nod of her head, the gold hoops at Malayka’s ears brushed over her cheeks. The black-and-white floral maxi dress she wore was the perfect blend of sexy but casual. Landry was no longer styling Malayka and Sam knew that no one new had been hired. Now Malayka’s private staff consisted only of one maid, Onyae, who had been part of the palace staff for years, and Cheryl, who was originally her makeup artist but now pulled double duty as her hair stylist, as well. Observing Malayka’s casual style had Sam wondering if the woman possessed a bit of style and class of her own.

      “I wanted to be sure you weren’t trying to change any of the arranged plans with your whispers to your father,” Malayka replied.

      “My conversations with my father are private. In the event that I have something to say regarding scheduling with you, you can be assured that I will come directly to you,” Sam stated evenly.

      Malayka gave another slow nod. “That would be preferable.”

      “You should go back in to bid your guests good-night,” Sam told her and began to turn away.

      “And we should further discuss relinquishing of duties around here. In the future, I will take care of directing the staff and planning the meals for events in the palace. Despite what you may have read in a magazine, not all Americans are in love with beef. Tonight’s dinner should have been more inclusive.”

      “Tonight’s dinner was a nod to my mother’s hometown and one of her great loves as an American. Beef and Texas often go hand in hand,” Sam countered.

      “I wasn’t raised in Texas,” Malayka snapped back. “If there is any woman residing in this palace that a dinner menu will honor, it will be me.”

      “Is that so? Well, tell me this, Malayka, where are you from? Where did you grow up? What are some of the things you liked doing in America? You see, it’s kind of hard to do things to honor someone you know so little about. How about you and I set aside some time to get to know each other better? That way, when I plan for palace events, I can be sure to include things that more closely represent the person you are.”

      “What I think will work better, Samantha,” Malayka said as she took a step toward Sam. “Is if you would stop acting like a spoiled brat and step aside like a good daughter should. I am going to be the princess of Grand Serenity and believe me when I say I do not need any assistance from you to do my job.”

      “She knows that, Malayka,” Roland said. “We all know that you’re going to be a damn fine princess. Isn’t that right, Sam?”