"Then why do you hesitate?" she asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Because this is not simple. The kingdom needs this treaty but..."
Madeleine reached for the loosened strings of her gown.
His eyes narrowed. "Princess."
"Let me show you that you are not merely doing this for the kingdom."
The last of the fabric loosened. Her gown slipped from her shoulders and pooled around her feet in a soft whisper of silk.
Henry went utterly still. Madeleine stood before him, proud despite the wildness of her heartbeat.
"Let me show you what it is to be with a French princess."
Henry's eyes moved over her slowly. Top to bottom. Madeleine was objectively stunning. Her curves were generous, her skin luminous.
It wasn't long ago that he'd prayed that the French Princess would be enough to stir his loins when she finally arrived.
