"Anna looked at William, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. For once, she allowed herself to forget duty—to let go of the weight of responsibility and put her own heart first. Her feelings, long buried beneath obligation, whispered louder than reason."
"Why did it seem as though Lord Tony did not want her to have anything to do with William?" Anna wondered, the thought lingering like an ache. Then, as if a veil had lifted, the answer struck her—his daughter, Tonia, was madly in love with the king as well.
She had seen it, the pain shadowing Tonia's eyes when she quietly excused herself from the ball last night. How she kept to herself, brushing off the attentions of other men with quiet dignity. It was such a pity they had both fallen for the same man, for Tonia was a kind girl, undeserving of heartache."
"Do not say anything, Anna. Today is for us," William whispered, his voice low and pleading. "Promise me you will not leave. Promise me now."
