Lord Adrian Beaumont was exactly as handsome as the book had described.
Brown hair that caught the sunlight just right. Hazel eyes that sparkled. A smile that probably made half the noble ladies at court swoon on command.
I hated him immediately.
He swept into the garden parlor in smooth steps, and when he reached me, he executed a perfect bow and caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
"Your Highness," he said, "You are even more radiant than the rumors suggested."
Ugh.
"Hmm," I said, forcing a smile that probably looked more like a grimace.
He straightened, still holding my hand a beat too long before releasing it. "I hope I'm not intruding. I simply had to meet the Emperor's newly discovered daughter."
"How... thoughtful of you, Lord Adrian."
We sat in chairs positioned near the garden windows, a servant appearing to pour tea that I absolutely did not want.
