Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“And if they are not husband and wife?”
“The vulgarity would come from the lack of love, not the action.”
I could not help myself, I turned back to her, but she was not looking at me.
“And if the man and wife were not in love?”
“Then it would be neither beautiful nor vulgar, but a tragedy,” she replied. When her honey-colored eyes met mine, it was as though the lightning in the sky had somehow struck my heart. “Do you not think so?”
“I am a villainous rake, remember?” I muttered, trying to shake my head free of the thoughts rising. “I do not think of beauty, vulgarity, or tragedy.”
“Liar.” She giggled, glancing back down. “There is not an artist alive who does not think of any of those things. And you, Your Highness, are a very talented artist. Were you taught much by masters? My father had a few teach me when I was younger, but they were always women, and oftentimes they lacked knowledge, or withheld it.”
“I was actually self-taught.”
“What?” She seemed shocked. “But…but you are a man. You are free to learn whatever you wish.”
“My father did not approve of my time being wasted on the arts. He much preferred I join the military and gain honors. So most of my lessons were of guns, swords, horses, and strategy. Whenever he found me painting, he had the work destroyed. He forbade anyone from teaching me…ah, ‘distracting me,’ he called it.” I was nearly overcome by those memories when I heard her curse.
“The bastard,” she muttered and then her eyes widened. “I mean…he…how awful!”
I laughed as she stumbled over her words. “No, you were right the first time. He is a bastard.”
“Is that why you attacked him?”
My teeth gritted together and my fists clenched…damn Lukas.
“I am sorry, you do not have to speak of it if you do not wish to.”
“The first time you apologize to me, it has nothing do with your own faults? How on the mark for you.”
“You do not have to talk about it, but you do not have to pick a fight to deflect, either,” she said and looked back down at the page.
I exhaled, releasing my hands. “Yes, my father is a bastard of a man, which is why I fought him, which is why I left my country. Is there anything else you would like to know, or would you prefer Lukas—”
“You were doing so well before you grew defensive and tried again to pick a fight. I am not judging, Your Highness, truly. I do not think ill of your situation. It actually makes me think I’ve been rather ignorant.”
“Ignorant? Of what?”
“The concerns of men.” She frowned. “It did not even cross my mind that a father could restrict his own son from learning something as worthy as art. I always believed you men were free to do whatever you pleased.”
“Maybe some are. I just have not been so fortunate,” I said as I took a seat beside her. “Though I must admit, I’ve enjoyed far more freedom than I ever thought possible.”
“Is that how you had time to draw these?” She flipped to the next page, where a sleeping woman lay curled up on the bed.
“This is nothing but a figment of my own imagination,” I lied.
She giggled. “Sure. I believe you.”
“You clearly do not and that is enough perusing for now,” I said, trying to take the book from her, but she held it away. Her eyes narrowed on me and mine back on her. We glowered at each other, effectively having a staring contest like children, when she sneezed.
“I win, give me the book.”
“Were we playing a game?” she prevaricated, now that she had lost.
“Lady Hathor.”
“Do not rush me, I am still looking. There is no point taking it back now. It is not as if the situation becomes more scandalous with each page turned.” Her nose flared, as I had to agree once more. I never thought I’d find such silliness to be so amusing.
“Did it ever occur to you I may not be comfortable with my art being viewed?”
“You have two options: We can sit and talk about your melancholy existence or I can look at your naked lady friends in this book. Which do you prefer?”
“Neither!”
“Unfortunately, that is not one of the choices.”
“Has anyone told you that you are a bit odd?”
“Yes.” She frowned. “Why are you trying to start a fight with me again?”
“I honestly don’t know. Though I must say your boldness and self-confidence are extraordinary. You speak your mind without trepidation.” It made talking to her so easy, as if we’d long known each other and she did not care about any of my faults.
She let out a deep sigh. “I am not all that confident. I am merely dedicated to doing things right.”
“What is the difference?”