The Formidable King by Alyssa J. Montgomery

Author:Alyssa J. Montgomery
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd

Chapter 8

‘Your Majesty, may I have a word in private please?’ the ambassador asked that evening.

‘Of course.’ Gabriel stood up from where he sat opposite India. They’d spent their first afternoon in Bagazin absorbed in games of chess and he’d enjoyed every second of her company. ‘Excuse me, India. My move when I return.’

‘I can hardly wait,’ she returned with sarcasm. ‘You might just have saved me by breaking his concentration, Ambassador Rousseau. He’s beaten me the previous two games.’

Having taken a few steps away, Gabe spun back on his heel. ‘Fine. I’ll put you out of your misery.’ He moved his piece and pronounced, ‘Checkmate!’

India groaned and he laughed as he followed the ambassador from the room. Gabe hadn’t won easily. She’d sorely tested every strategy he’d put into play and he’d enjoyed the challenge of playing against such a worthy opponent. India’s skills had been honed as a child. She told him her father had played whenever he had the chance and had taught her the rules very early.

Gabe was in good spirits as he walked down the hallway towards the ambassador’s office. His pilots had confirmed it would be a minimum of two days before the aircraft could leave. Depending on what the mechanic found when he arrived in the morning, that time could stretch even longer. Despite India’s unease, Gabe was grateful he’d been given a few more days with her.

He must be a sucker for punishment.

Even though it was a strain to be with her and know he’d never have her as his lover, he still wanted her company. She was nothing like the party girl he’d thought her to be. It was obvious from the understated way she dressed that she didn’t splash her money about. Her clothes on this trip had been completely appropriate—sensible walking shoes, respectable tops that didn’t reveal too much flesh, and mostly long pants. It was just as well she covered herself up and dressed fairly neutrally. The floral dress she’d changed into when they’d arrived at the embassy had revealed her shapely calves and made it difficult for him to concentrate on his chess moves.

India was smart, witty, compassionate, gracious...

Hell! He couldn’t think of a single positive adjective that didn’t apply to her.

No, he was definitely in no great rush to leave Bagazin. The streets surrounding the embassy seemed peaceful enough, and his own team had assured him embassy security was tight. Besides, he hated the thought of saying goodbye to India once they reached Santaliana. It was almost unbearable to know that he’d return alone to the castle, and she’d catch a flight back to London—back to her future husband.

‘What can I do for you, Monsieur Rousseau?’ he asked once he and the ambassador had reached the timber-lined office.

‘Please have a seat, Your Majesty.’ The ambassador closed the door and walked around to the other side of his desk, but didn’t sit down. If anything, he looked ill at ease. ‘There are a number of military vehicles parked at the front of the embassy.

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