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No Queen ever looked as stately as Abigail Elizabeth Marsters did, looking at the men who had requested their presence at gunpoint. It was not a superior or boastful attitude. It was the attitude of a woman who knew exactly who she was, and that she was not without power. Even if she secretly...

And an underestimation from her companion. Although she supposed they had learned something by it. Well, she had survived Egypt, she would survive whatever awaited her in the carriage. Although if this Marcel tried to touch her, she wasn't sure he would.

She answered just as quietly, "Did a little too good job of being seen."

"It would certainly attract my attention," Abby said drily. "And that of any woman with eyes."

Marcel. That was a name to note. He did not underestimate her either. Underestimation was something that could be taken advantage of, but so was overestimation. She gave no outward hint of having noticed the man at all. But her grip on Cal's arm tightened slightly. Not from fear, but the effort...

Abby kept her stride casual, holding onto Cal's arm just as she had been, and moving as if absolutely nothing was wrong. It was just as likely that nothing WAS. They were probably about to have an unpleasant interview with someone who didn't like what they'd done, perhaps trying to get some...

Abigail’s mind immediately began calculating. What are my assets? Not armed. Still have a sharp pen in my pocket, hard-heeled shoes. Comb in hair sharp enough to scratch deeply but not seriously hurt someone. From the sound of his voice, where exactly is his nose? What’s the necessary angle to...

"I haven't the faintest idea, but I'm game. I've rarely met a plate of food I didn't like," she said, leading him away from the theater and toward the carriage.

"My Spanish is pretty poor. Its pretty commonly spoken back home, so I've picked up some, but it's rudimentary at best. Which should in no way put us off," she smiled.

"If you think you've satisfied the need to be seen, why don't we go somewhere more casual? My favorite part of a city is almost always just immersing myself in its every day places. But if you have another idea I'm willing to hear it. There is something to be said for hitting the highlights, too."

"We didn't eat before we left, so it's been since lunch since I ate, and I have no idea if you've had anything since breakfast. I'd say some food is in order."

"It's a good thing you're only going to be a Sir, then. Prince is an impressive enough title for most people," she laughed. "People will faun all over a Prince. Perhaps the advantage is that people keep their fauning a little more dignified with a Grand Duke."

"And he wears overalls. I can't bear a man in overalls," she teased. "Know anyone who wears a kilt and can fly a dirigible?" "So many of the original performers... No wonder it was so excellent," Abby said. "It was worth the long trip."

"Hmmm," she shrugged. "I've been a little busy for that kind of thing. But I do seem to have a soft spot for a man in a kilt."

"Bah, none of that had anything to do with my romance. At no point did someone interpose themselves and tell me who I could or could not love, nor did some arrogant upstart try to steal me away or buy me from my family for a sack of grain and a mule. When some random woman tries to drown me so...

"Ahh, l'amour. Always so much drama," Abby sighed. "Wonderful for a story, but not so much for real life. I prefer the course of my romances to run a bit more smoothly."

"And cold, I imagine," she finished drily, then sat back, ready for the final part of the night's performance.

"A wise woman," she said. "An estate by the sea sounds infinitely preferable to a cabin knee-deep in snow. Of course, I haven't actually experienced it... maybe I'd change my mind if I did."

"Yes, after a winter visit to Russia you could start a land war in Asia. That always goes well." Abby shivered comically. "Ugh, winter. I do not do winter. I love that my work keeps me away from winter."

"Well, as I like you just the way you are, I suppose I owe him a debt. It seems like your father's presence brings down a lot of things that would be fun otherwise. Your work won't be in a position to interfere now, or at least you're in a position to choose work that will let you get there...