Free Her Highness, My Wife by Victoria Alexander Page B

said wryly.
    “However, Captain, apologies are in order. Lord Matthew is not a fool, simply annoying. It is one of his finer qualities.”
    “I’ve no doubt of that, Your Highness.” Petrov stared at Matt with disdain. “Very well. I am sorry, my lord, that you are an annoying, astonishing fool.”
    “I too apologize for mistaking you for a mere servant when it’s obvious you are little more than”—Matt crossed his arms over his chest—“a glorified coachman.”
    “That is quite enough.” Tatiana shook her head. “I should have known you two would not get along. You are far too similar in nature to approve of one another.”
    “Yet another compliment, Your Highness? I’m not certain if I should be flattered.” Matt’s gaze locked with the other man’s and he knew full well the captain was assessing him with an eye toward combat.
    “Or insulted.”
    “The insult is mutual, my lord. Furthermore, you should understand I do not approve of Her Highness’s
    plan,” Petrov said slowly. “I think it is both foolhardy and dangerous.”
    “Dangerous?” Matt raised a brow. “I scarcely think gathering information for a family history is dangerous.”
    “The enemies of Avalonia are everywhere.” Petrov’s voice was grim. “As the commander of the guard charged with her safety, I would prefer she allow those trained for the position to accompany her rather than leave her protection to a single escort.”
    “She will have the protection of my name as well as my presence. She’ll come to no harm.” Matt studied the other man carefully. His reactions were overblown, even if understandable given the nature of his position, if indeed Tatiana had told the truth about her quest. The captain’s attitude confirmed Matt’s suspicion that her story was nothing but a fabrication. “I will see to that.”
    Petrov leaned closer, his voice hard and threatening. “See that you do. If she is harmed in any way I will track you to the ends of the earth and kill you with my bare hands.”
    Matt lowered his own voice. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see you attempt to do just that.”
    “Stop it at once.” Tatiana huffed. “You sound like small boys drawing lines in the dirt. My lord, you are being even more annoying than usual and, Captain, it is past time you were on your way.”
    Petrov stepped toward her. “Princess, I cannot—”
    “You can and you shall.” Tatiana’s voice was firm. “Now, Dimitri. This discussion is at an end.”
    Dimitri?
    “Very well, Your Highness,” the captain said stiffly, nodded in a curt manner then strode around the carriage to his horse. He untied the beast, mounted and walked the animal back toward Tatiana. “I shall await word from you in London.” Petrov cast Matt a last warning glance and rode off down the road. Matt’s gaze followed the officer’s retreat. “He doesn’t like me.”
    “I cannot imagine why. As always, you were most charming and thoroughly delightful. Furthermore, you made no effort to conceal your opinion of him.” She blew a disgusted breath. “You need not have been quite so rude.”
    “Do you call all the members of your guard by their given names?” he said without thinking, watching the mounted figure disappear down the road.
    “Certainly not. But I have known Captain Petrov all my life. I consider him to be a friend as well as a trusted advisor.” She studied him curiously. “Surely my familiarity with Dimitri does not bother you?”
    “I scarcely care one way or the other. I simply thought it was odd behavior for someone of your position.”
    She smiled smugly. “You needn’t be jealous of… Dimitri .”
    “I am not jealous. Merely curious.”
    “You sound jealous.”
    “Well, I’m not.” His voice was sharper than necessary for a man who was not jealous. “I don’t care in the least, although I daresay he might.”
    “Really?” Surprise crossed her face as if she’d never before considered such a