The Alpha and His Cursed Princess

Chapter 10

Amelia looked at her brother furiously as he was behaving rudely with Lady Louise. It was her nephew Harry’s banquet and they were just guests. He shouldn’t be creating a scene here.

She was about to refute him when Archie came up and stood in between her and Lady Louise looking at her sternly.

“Wow man she is looking so furious, I feel like kissing her angry face.” Caper groaned inside him and he was having difficulty controlling himself.

Smoothly, Archie said, “I'm sure you will excuse us, lady Louise. Harry and Kristine would like to speak to Amelia before they leave.”

Archie looked at Lucas and they spoke something in sign language and he took her away. While Archie stood glaring at Lady Louise.

As they walked away Amelia said stiffly “Archie I didn't need your help to rescue me from lady Louise, I can cope up with these silly matters.”

“I am sure you can princess,” he said, a sardonic smile tilting his hard, beautiful mouth, “but I dislike filthy animal’s on principle. They fowl the atmosphere. And personally, I never liked her, so I am rescuing you from an unwanted conversation.”

Amelia gave the shocked gasp, followed by a choke of laughter. “She is a horrible woman, but that's really too harsh.”

“It's not. You are too kind to others princess.” Archie whispered.

A raw note in the words made her look up sharply. After a second pause he went on, “I like that little gurgle of laughter. I don't think I have heard it before. Please laugh as often as you can, you look very radiant when you smile.”

“Are you actually flirting with her again? Boy you have really grown up today.” Caper chuckled. Archie warned him not to disturb him.

"Thank you Caper, now shut up !" 

“I won’t do it just because you ordered.” she retorted, furious because she was blushing. What was about this man that turned her into some witless i***t? She has been behaving like this since the first time she met him last year.

“Careful, “Archie warned, his voice amused. “Your mask is slipping.”

Amelia faltered. The hand beneath her elbow gripped hard enough to keep her upright and for a second she wondered if she would have bruises there tomorrow.

“What mask?” she inquired curiously.

“The one that you always wear, the perfect Princess mask that hides through your true self behind.” he returned slowly relaxing his grip.

Was that how he saw her as a lifeless thing hiding behind a disguise?

Suppressing the a stab of pain, she stated “I am not really a Princess now, after my father died, Halland was taken over by the government and we get allowances for us to survive. And surely you know that nobody is perfect.”

“So what's behind that utterly poised, totally collected exceedingly beautiful face?”

Her Startled glance clashed with assessing scrutiny that sent a shiver down her spine. “A very ordinary person.” she said , hoping she sounded more composed than she felt.

An ordinary person still fuming over the exchange with her father's  killer and secretly thrilled by Archie’s cool summary of attributes.

Thankfully they had reached the royal couple and Archie drawled “Harry tell Amelia she will love Denmark. I don't think I have entirely convinced her that it's worth crossing the borders and see a different side of the world.”

The new newly wedded grand Duchess smiled up at Amelia, her livid face alight. “ Amelia you will love it darling ,” she said her pride in her country obvious. “It’s the most beautiful country in the world apart from your hometown and you will love the sandy beaches. An as a woman who had been brought up there, I am convinced that mountain kingdom is the best part of it.”

“Everyone says it's a beautiful place to visit,” Amelia said very aware of Harry's speculative glance.

Enthusiastically, Rosie continued, “Copenhagen is beautiful during the night so I do suggest you visit it once you are there. There are beautiful buildings and architects to see. “ She and her new husband exchanged an intimate smile that indicated a shared experience.

And Amelia stifled another pang of envy.

Blandly Archie said. “Harry, perhaps you can reassure the Princess that she will be perfectly safe staying with me.”

“Aha, you are wicked Archie,” Casper commented.

Embarrassed by his bluntness, Amelia sent him a furious glance and buttered, “I don't think so”

She caught herself and finished more sedately. “‘Of course I know that!”

Harris brows lifted and the two men exchanged a look, masculine and Amelia wondered although Harry and Archie did not look alike, for a second the resemblance between them outweighed the differences.

Then Harry said enthusiastically.” Amelia trust me, you can trust Archie. I am giving you my word after all you are my best friend and I can’t send you off with anyone.”

“I will second that, “ Kristine said with conviction adding with a wry laugh. “Even when he's being a pain in the ass, he is a very caring person.”

Grabbing her composure Amelia said” I am quite sure he is.” she took in a swift breath and managed to smile. “I am just not accustomed to making such quick decisions.”

They spoke for a few more minutes then she wished them all happiness and Archie escorted her back. Halfway across the big banquet hall, he said “So are you coming to Denmark or not?”

Amelia looked at him carefully trying to read his expression and finally said. “Yes I am coming.” she had made up of mind all of a sudden. As Archie was somehow attracting her towards him and she needed a break.

Archie’s eyes held her for a tense moment before he nodded. “You will enjoy it and think of the places you will visit it will be helpful for your future endeavor. I'm leaving at nine tomorrow morning, so I will give you a wake-up call.”

“There's no need I am fine I'll put an alarm and wake up early, don't worry, I won’t make you wait. “Amelia assured him and after saying goodbye to him she left the banquet hall.