Of Royal Blood. Carolyn Zane

waves, gooseflesh raced across her body and she gasped at the onslaught. She could hear the thunder of her pulse and wondered how long her heart could take such exertion.

      It felt so natural, standing here, being kissed by Sebastian LeMarc. It was as if they had some kind of history together that transcended time. And space. And logic. They were each one half of the other. Whole only when they were together.

      And they’d known it that night, five years ago.

      Sebastian held Marie-Claire’s face in both hands and pulled his mouth away from hers, a fraction. “What are we going to do?”

      “Marie-Claire!”

      “We’ve been found out.” Sebastian kissed her hard, then took a step back.

      Marie-Claire groaned. “My sister, Ariane. Do you think if we ignore her, she’ll go away?”

      “Likely not. She sounds upset.”

      Marie-Claire bristled. “I don’t know why. I’m old enough to take care of myself. No doubt she saw us and wants to remind me to appear disinterested.”

      Sebastian grinned. “She’s too late.”

      “We could run,” she suggested hopefully.

      “Your skirts are too heavy. I’d have to carry you on my back. It would slow me down, but we might stand a chance if we bolt for it now.”

      Marie-Claire giggled.

      “Marie-Claire! Marie-Claire! Come quickly! It’s Papa! He’s collapsed!”