Post by Clara Delamara on Nov 18, 2015 2:53:24 GMT -5
He did not have to believe her, yet Clara met the elder Prince's gaze easily and openly. The truth of her words was read in her eyes if he cared to examine the blue. She knew that as a Delamara and a mere cousin to the Count, she was not likely to be considered a suitable bride, even for a lower-ranked Prince. True, her family was a faithful vassal to the Deveraux line, but that did not necessarily recommend her. She brought little to the table beyond her looks, her intelligence and her wits; to some, that was nothing worth the while for marriage and Clara was unwilling to settle for merely becoming a mistress.
No, her ambitions were well-established, yet so too were her standards. Beauty faded and wits eventually dulled. Notoriety eventually became the usual. Clara was determined to secure her future in the appropriate manner, however unlikely the prospect of doing so with Emile appeared. If she presented sufficient enough threat to the Prince's plans for his son, Benoit might in turn be persuaded to obtain a lower but no less respectable marriage to distract her. Clara knew well how this game was played.
"His Highness has been the soul of courtesy and friendship, Your Highness," she replied easily. While Emile had a reputation for dallying with ladies, he had not attempted to lure Clara to his bed yet, if indeed he intended to do so at all. One never knew with royalty. The smile lingered on her lips as her chin rose a subtle notch at his assessment of her, the leading remark prompting her to speak once more.
"I am skilled in observation, Your Highness, with an ability to hear what should be spoken in discretion. Many perceive me to be younger than I am, little more than a silly girl with no more on her mind than gossip, gowns and the latest dance." Clara's tone was calm, almost dispassionate. "People tell me things, thinking I am a safe repository for their secrets. Forgive my boldness, but in such a court as this, information is a most valuable commodity."
Benoit Deveraux