The king: His mail-order mate

Appriciating her

*Kingsley*

As I descend the stairs, I'm not at all surprised to see Pettifur standing in the foyer. She is never tardy, unlike my mother who always kept me waiting. Pettifur is a breath of fresh air, always meeting and exceeding markers and expectations. I can tell she has been waiting for several minutes already. The excitement emanating from her reminds me of my own youthful anticipation when I was about to enter my first gentlemen's club. Approaching her, I notice how her green attire brings out the shade of her eyes.

But it's more than that. The color enhances the radiance of her skin and makes her hair look like it's spun from moonbeams. The way her silky strands are pulled back, with a few wisps framing her face, makes her appear carefree and youthful. I have an urge to run my fingers through her hair, paying more attention to it than I did this morning.

"Pettifur," I acknowledge briskly, trying not to think of her as just my secretary. Keating, my butler, hands me my hat and walking stick.

"My Alpha," she responds.

"I like that dress. Green suits you." I tell her.

A blush tinges her cheeks, only the second time she has done so in front of me. I find myself oddly pleased by her reaction, even though it makes her more intriguing. The vibrant color seems out of place for someone as no-nonsense as her. It's also unusual for her to be at a loss for words. She always has an opinion and isn't afraid to express it.

"It's not a practical shade," she finally manages to say.

"Still," I keep my voice cool, trying to downplay the weight of my compliment. But in truth, I take much pleasure in seeing her in that dress, more than I should. "Shall we?"

Keating beats me to the door, opening it for us. I follow in Pettifur's wake, adjusting my gloves as we go.

"Are you certain you won't get into trouble, having me at the gentlemen's club?" She asks.

An image of the trouble we could get into together flashes in my mind.

I quickly dismiss those inappropriate thoughts. She is not someone I should pursue romantically. It would be foolish to jeopardize her position by indulging in any actions that might lead to her resignation. I doubt I could find anyone as capable as her in handling her duties. "I would like to see them try to take issue with anything I do."

Her chuckle is light and demure, and I can't help but wonder if she ever loses control and laughs wholeheartedly. Does she allow laughter to spill out freely?

Once we settle on the seats, next to each other, and the car starts moving, she speaks again. "I noticed your valet trimmed your hair."

"At your request, I believe. You mentioned I was starting to look a bit scruffy." I say.

She smiles. "Just a bit."

"What would I do without you, Pettifur?" I ask her.

"I hope you never have to find out." She mumbles.

I share the same sentiment, perhaps more than is wise. What if she has a suitor? What if she gets married and her husband doesn't want her to continue working? Could there be someone she fancies? Did she wear that dress for another occasion, with a different man? I can't imagine she hasn't caught someone's attention. "I don't recall seeing that gown before."

"I wore it at last year's ball." She says.

Did she? She has always been skilled at blending into the background, handling matters discreetly, and avoiding drawing attention to herself. It's easy to overlook her, especially when I'm preoccupied with other things. She seems to prefer not standing out, and yet tonight, I can't seem to take my eyes off her. "Ah, yes. Let's not discuss that one. But how are the plans for this year's soiree coming along?" It's scheduled for August, on the final night of the mating Season.

"Swimmingly. I believe it will be an even greater success. Will your mother be attending, coming in from the countryside?" She asks.

"Yes, but she will be leaving for the Continent a couple of days afterward with some friends." I tell.

She nods. "Your mother enjoys her travels."

"It brings her happiness. She deserves all the happiness she can find." I say.

"You spoil her." Her tone is soft, approving.

I try my best. "My father didn't love her. I believe he had no use for her once she provided him with an heir and a spare."

"Will the same be said about your future wife?" She asks.

"Unfortunately, I inherited my father's heart, or lack thereof. But I will strive to ensure she always feels appreciated." It's something my father never did for my mother.

"With flowers, trinkets, and baubles?" She asks.

I smile. "With expensive trinkets, diamonds, and pearls."

She glances out the window, and I get the sense that I have said something wrong. I have a peculiarly honest relationship with my secretary. I have never hesitated to share anything with her. "You disapprove."

Her attention shifts back to me. "I think she will be very fortunate to have you, but being fortunate doesn't always guarantee happiness."

A sadness seems to wash over her. "Are you happy, Pettifur?"

"I have no reason not to be." She says.

"That's hardly an answer." I point out.

She lets out a small sigh. "There are certainly times when I yearn for more... but I don't believe it's in my destiny to attain those things."

"I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to." I tell her.

She gives me a small, hesitant smile. "I appreciate your faith in me."

"It is well-deserved. I would be a poorer man if I hadn't hired you." And damn if I'm not referring to the coins in my coffers, but rather a part of my life that can't be measured, which includes her.

When I return from a trip, she has always there to reassure me that everything is under control. My burdens and worries are lighter with her at the helm, allowing me to focus on my obsession of rebuilding what my father had nearly destroyed. I surpassed my goals long ago, but I continue the pursuit because the accomplishment alone doesn't feel sufficient.

Then, as if by some unspoken agreement, we both glance out the window, as if we have suddenly stepped onto an unfamiliar path, uncertain of where it might lead or if it should even be traveled.