“I suppose I should be afraid of you,” Angelique told Ian as they sat at a custom made, eight-foot-long table in the kitchen.

Tonga, the cook Ian hired for the home, had placed two mugs and a coffee pot in front of them, along with a plate of sugar biscuits before leaving to help sort out the supplies that were being delivered. Angelique lifted her cup to her lips as she glanced across to the very handsome man, hoping she didn’t appear as nervous as she felt.

“Why?” he asked her with a slight frown, biting into the biscuit he had lifted from the plate.

“You’re not exactly trustworthy, you know. You’re a lying, stealing, pillaging pirate, with a whore in every port. That’s not exactly the type of man you bring home to meet Mum and Dad.”

“True,” he smiled with an amused chuckle.

“So, if I was smart, I should try my hardest to avoid you,” she continued, remembering how it felt to be in his arms.

“Yes, but you can’t do it any more than I can.”

Angelique glanced up at him as she set her cup back on the table.

“Why?”

“Because we made the same promise to the same man,” he answered seriously, “and whether we like it or not, we’re in this mess together.”

“How do we get out of it?”

“We have to do what we promised, and hope to keep peace on your island until we can prove your father’s vision was more than the rantings of a crazy man. He really did have a great idea, Angelique, and if you would open your eyes, you’d see I’m right. You told Holladay you were going to support your father’s plan. Were you lying about that?”

“I never lie,” she told him with a very stern expression on her young face. “I gave my word, and regardless of how much I disapprove of his ideas, I will not break it.”

“Do you want to know more about this place? I can show you things that you could never imagine, even in your dreams.”

“I will not slacken my morals for the sake of curiosity. Not even for my father. I may have…strange dreams…but I will never lose myself in the debauchery of this depraved carnal lust.”

Ian exploded in a loud, cheerful laugh as he leaned back on the legs of the chair. Angelique’s hand paused in midair as she reached for a biscuit and stared at him with wide eyes. She wasn’t sure what had just happened, but the man was nearly crying with strange hysterics that made her smile.

“I’m sorry,” he gasped, wiping his eyes as he tried to pull air back into his lungs. “I wasn’t expecting such a flamboyant rejection. I’m not sure if I should be insulted or impressed…or maybe a bit of both.”

“I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to cause such mirth to your morning,” she told him, finishing her actions, and picking up a biscuit from the plate. She bit into it with as much dignity as one would expect a queen would have.

“Perhaps you should open your eyes and let me open your mind,” he chuckled, standing, and reaching his hand out for her to take.

Angelique slipped the rest of the biscuit into her mouth and looked up. His eyes were shining down at her like blue diamonds and his smile was an invitation she found hard to resist.

Hesitantly, she reached up and accepted his offer, placing her hand in his. Ian gently pulled her to her feet before kissing her fingers. A rush of heat began spreading throughout her body, from her fingertips to her toes. As if reading her mind, Ian offered her a wicked grin, winking a seductive eye to her.

“Allow me to show you around the rest of this home of carnal lust and depravity,” he told her in a very hushed tone.

“I’m not sure that would be proper,” she said as they walked through the doorway that led into the back hallway.

“You’re in a bordello, my love,” he smiled, leading the way back into the foyer, then slipped his arm around her waist again. “Proper is the furthest thing from what this place has to offer a person.”

“Then perhaps I should kindly refuse your offer. I wouldn’t want you to get any…ideas,” she said with a shy grin, fighting to keep the beating of her heart calm.

“You’re far too late for that. I’ve had nothing but ideas since I first laid eyes on you.”

“Should I be frightened?” she asked moving to the stairs that led to the upper floors.

“Absolutely,” he laughed. “If you were a smart woman, rather than a curious one, I wouldn’t blame you if you ran from this house and ordered an immediate exorcism.”

“Perhaps I’m not as curious as you might think.”

“Oh, yes you are,” he smiled, leading her up to the second floor. “Otherwise, you would have left after you looked at the box of phalluses.”

Angelique paused, her eyes wide as she audibly gasped. She was alone when she looked at that crate…she was sure of it. Ian smiled down at her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her lips hard, but brief then took her hand and pulled her gently down the hallway to the first room.

“Every room is set up exactly as the next,” he began, ignoring her embarrassment and the soft pink coloring her cheeks. “This is to prevent any deviation from the instructions. Every room has a bed, a single upholstered chair with a side table, a dresser, a bedside bench, a smaller dining table and chairs, a full-length mirror, washstand with pitcher and bowl, and a washtub.”

“That’s a lot of stuff for a small room,” Angelique added with a frown, stepping into the first room behind Ian.

“Your father has specific instructions for the use of every item,” he assured her and stood next to the threshold watching as she moved about the room.

The bed was large enough for four grown adults and had been set up with the headboard against the wall, the bench at the foot. Near the door was the upholstered chair and side table, and near the window was the dining table and chairs. The washstand and tub were next to the entrance and across the floor was a thick, decorative room size rug. The dresser was between the bed and upholstered chair, and a pile of pillows, blankets, towels, and sheets were stacked on the end of the mattress.

“What specifically is the purpose of the floor mirror?” she asked, walking over to the dusty item near the dining table and chairs.

“To watch your reflection, of course,” he smiled allowing her to continue her inspection of the room.

There was no wardrobe, so the idea that the room would be used for any length of time was out of the question. The room’s only window held a thick brown drape, like the one in the sitting room, and looked out onto the ocean. There was a fireplace, though the idea of using one was rare, if ever. The island was always warm, except for the rainy season, which happened barely five weeks in the fall, but even then, the use of a fireplace was unnecessary.

Ian noticed the confused look on her delicate features and fought hard not to explain what each object was for, and how it was used. She was innocent, so telling her everything about what happened in this place was going to be a shock to her virginal imagination.

“Your father said you knew how to read and write, so I have a book for you that belonged to him,” he told her and immediately wondered why the hell he said that.

It hadn’t been a conscious thought, and he wasn’t aware he had even considered telling her about the books.

“What type of book?” she asked turning back to him.

“It explains this place and his research. It describes what is entailed in the process of lovemaking.”

“You mean my father actually detailed what he expected to happen here?”

“Yes. In fact, he has a very specific itinerary that must be followed by everyone who visits here. It is a set of rules - if you will - that even the women must abide by. A signed contract is required for each of the ladies who work here. If the guest can’t read, it will be read to them, and a book of instructions detailed in picture form will be provided for their reference.”

“Why so specific? Isn’t sex just…sex?”

“That’s what I used to think, but your father opened my eyes and made me realize there was much more to the action than what I’ve always known. He spent many years searching, formulating, detailing every single movement in lovemaking, until he had perfected a routine, down to the very last breath.”

“That’s what you want me to read? His research notes on sex?”

“I want you to see why he left you alone all those years,” Ian told her stepping further into the room and closing the door behind him. “I want you to understand why he found it necessary to help other men and help them from losing the woman they loved because of a poor sexual habit.”

“Do you think that’s why my mother committed adultery? Do you think that’s why she killed herself? Because my father didn’t satisfy her sexually?” Angelique asked sadly.

“Your father thought it was,” he told her, reaching out and pulling her into his embrace. “He blamed himself for her need to find another man. I don’t know if that’s really what she found or not, but he attributed everything that happened to her as his fault.”

“My grandmother died when I was five,” Angelique said, moving out of his embrace. “I know she hated my father, but she would never say anything around me about what had happened. She was always telling my nanny what a horrible man he was, or how he should have been here dealing with Westerly’s problems instead of running around the world. My grandfather never really spoke much at all, even to me, and died a short time after my grandmother. I didn’t have anyone who would tell me what had happened. They were all trying to protect me from the truth. I used to lay awake at night wondering if it had anything to do with me. I blamed myself for their misery.”

“It wasn’t you, my love,” Ian told her in a hushed voice, stepping up behind her and wrapping her in his embrace once again. “They were both suffering from a guilty conscience and couldn’t think of a sane way out.”

“Please, Ian, tell me the truth,” she began, turning in his arms, staring deeply in his eyes. “Do you honestly think this place will save Westerly? Do you really think my father knew what he was talking about?”

“Yes, I do,” Ian answered without hesitation. “I volunteered to test out your father’s theory, mainly because I was curious to see what controlled sex was all about. I can tell you, without a doubt, once this style of intercourse becomes common knowledge, there won’t be a person on this island - visitor or resident - who will want to go back to the old way of having sex. Lust, passion, orgasm…it will all take on a new dimension, and everyone will have your father to thank for it.”

“Then I think maybe it’s time I understood what was happening to my island,” she told him. “I’ll read his book and I promise to keep an open mind.”

Angelique watched the smile that briefly caressed Ian’s lips before he lowered his mouth to hers.

“I’ll be here to answer your questions,” he whispered, a breath above her lips. “I’ll even demonstrate them for you if you wish.”

He lowered his mouth across hers before she had a chance to comment, trapping her rejection - or agreement - inside her throat. He knew, in time, she would need answers to her questions, just as he had, and he would be right here waiting to help her understand all of it.

Angelique stood and paced back to the window for the tenth time in the past two hours. She had taken the book of instructions Ian gave her and read them so many times over the past week, that she could detail every word by heart. Of course, she was intrigued and curious, she’d be a liar if she wasn’t, but she couldn’t help wondering if any of this was even possible.

Ian said he had learned first hand that this technique of her father’s worked but was that to mean that she was willing to explore it herself? Was that the reason Ian had given her the book in the first place? Was he counting on her becoming overwhelmed with curiosity, that she would go seek him out? It wasn’t likely that would ever happen. She was far too refined for such activities.

With a heavy sigh, Angelique returned to her seat and picked up the book again, flipping to the pages of illustrations. She had spent many long hours inspecting her father’s drawings and had to admit that they looked…fascinating, even if many of them looked impossible to accomplish. She had read everything her father wrote about the human body and had, in fact, learned more about her body, and that of a man’s, than she ever wanted to know.

Angelique discovered through the many pages of the book, that her father had a specific interest in bondage, as well as an interest in making use of every part of the human body. She blushed at what her father had written. She knew she would never be able to look at a man without thinking about where their fingers, or tongue for that matter, had been.

She knew she would never be able to deny others the right to discover their fantasies. The thought that her father’s years of study would help protect the innocent girls of the island was a logical one. There was a strong argument to support his ideas. She even began to wonder if it was possible for her to explore the benefits of the home, without losing her virginity, or looking like a hypocrite.

As she flipped through the many pages of instructions, Angelique found a strange recipe for what her father termed as, Westerly Aphrodisiac. It was a specific blend of powdered Kava-Kava root and coconut milk. At the very least, it explained a great deal about the staples her father had ordered for the bordello, though the reason for using it was something she couldn’t fathom in her limited-experienced mind.

Rupert had arrived a few hours before to inform her that the staff was retiring for the night. The house was so quiet that each tick of the clock in the foyer sounded like thunder among the marble floors and old paintings. She continued to read for another two hours until her eyelids could barely stay open.

As fatigue overtook her, Angelique found staying awake any longer impossible. She gathered the book, the lists of notes she had taken, and the candle, and walked the long staircase to her room. She undressed and washed her face and neck, then climbed into bed and blew out the candle. She was certain she would never be able to get those images from her father’s book out of her mind but found herself drifting peacefully into slumber.

The warm night, the cool sheets, the quiet house, all gave way to a restless slumber. Confusing thoughts of passion, perversion, and debauchery danced before her closed lids. She hoped to see her dream lover, to have him explain and guide her through the clouds of frustration, but she hadn’t seen him since the night of her coronation, and to be completely honest, she was missing his companionship.

The morning preceded much like any other. After she had bathed, Heidi came in to help her dress, and then she went downstairs and had breakfast alone in the large dining hall. Angelique tried to concentrate on the notes she had been making, but all she could think of was Ian. She knew he could answer her questions, but she wasn’t sure if she really wanted to ask him. He admitted to practicing her father’s instructions and the idea that he had participated in these acts with another woman, was far from being pleasing to her.

Angelique knew she was beginning to grow used to having the pirate around. She knew she was becoming obsessed with his presence, and she was growing concerned with her mounting desire to see him. He wasn’t going to be around for long, this much was for certain. Once the bordello was proving itself financially stable, she knew he would be gone. He may sail back from time to time, but she couldn’t allow herself to get overwhelmed by the old waiting game she’d played with her father.

As much as she wanted to be with Ian, as much as she looked forward to seeing him, she knew she had to step back and let him go before she lost what little of her sanity she had left. She was starting to think of those women at that home as her rivals, though Ian had never offered her any real encouragement. He found her fantasies interesting and amusing, and she knew that it was that reason he kept coming back.

Angelique looked up as the door to the dining room opened and Scarlet entered. She was the downstairs maid who often filled in with the cook during her slower times. Today, all the cooks were busy working on pies, cakes, loaves of bread, and puddings for the annual opening of The King’s Wharf. It was a time when all fishermen gathered together to show their talents with the nets and gave their bounty to the island inhabitants who celebrated the catch.

During this time, the citizens gathered at the seaside to picnic and frolic in the surf. Children would play, and women would bake foods that would be sampled and judged for prizes. There would be music and dancing until nightfall when a giant bonfire would be built to roast the catch of the day. Angelique would be expected to open the events with a speech and a toast and to welcome the outsiders who came to their island to visit.

Scarlet curtsied to Angelique and moved to the table to clear away the dishes from the queen’s breakfast. She poured a cup of coffee, then left the room, allowing Angelique to return to her private thoughts.

This year would be different. This year, she would be expected to welcome and introduce the bordello women. Perhaps, if she offered them her wishes for success, she would be able to ignore their existence from now on. She wasn’t eager to acknowledge them, especially after the many hours of visualizing Ian with them, but she had already made it clear that she was supporting them on Westerly. Going back on her word now would cause more problems than forcing them to leave.

As the day progressed, so did the heat and the sun. The event was well underway by noon, when Angelique joined the festivities with Rupert, Scarlet, Corrine - the palace cook - and Lily, the newest maid hired for the kitchen. The food had been placed within wooden structures made for the occasion. Judges were busy tasting them in turn, making notes of the best cakes, pies, and treats before moving to the next structure. An awards ceremony would embark later that afternoon, and Angelique would be on hand to congratulate the winners.

She passed by the citizens who bowed and curtsied to her with respect, offering words of greeting. She smiled and nodded, shook hands, and welcomed everyone she met, but the smile she wore was more forced than normal. She really didn’t want to be here but knew as the queen, she didn’t have much choice. She told herself she was going to elude Ian but secretly found herself looking for him. She had no idea if he would be there with his men, with the women of his beloved bordello, or if he would be there at all.

As she made her way through the crowds, flanked by her guards and Heidi, she could see several of the pirates who served on the Iron-Fist mingling among the people. They were enjoying the festivities as much as anyone, purchasing trinkets and gifts for women folk they knew, sampling the multitude of pies and home-baked sweets that were for sale, and laughing along with the rest of the crowd.

The whores of the bordello mingled among the citizens, answering questions about the home and inviting the men to visit. Angelique had been told that the training of the young men had already begun, and the response was impressive. Boys from the ages of fourteen to eighteen were attending their lessons eagerly, while the fathers were spending time investigating the lessons for their selves. In such a short time, the bordello had been opened, the place had become a normal topic of conversation, like the weather or the economy.

As she neared them, Angelique could hear the women discussing the training with some of the older women who were obviously curious about their sons. So far, there had not been any negative reaction to the women being on Westerly, apart from Lord Holladay. In fact, there seemed to be a sense of peace around the island. Women were happier with their men, girls were safer with the boys busy at the bordello. The sailors who docked at the pier didn’t seem to object to the new laws of alcohol consumption either. At least not as badly as Angelique had anticipated.

“Hello, Your Majesty,” a deep voice said behind her, causing Angelique to turn and her guards to halt.

She looked crestfallen momentarily as James Holladay bowed to her, his handsome young face alight with his smile.

“Lord Holladay,” Angelique replied with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. How have you been?”

“I have been well, thank you, Angelique. I was hoping to get a chance to speak with you today. I have not had the opportunity to apologize for the way my father behaved at your coronation celebration. I wanted to assure you, he did not speak for the rest of Westerly. My father is very old fashioned. He does not approve of the change, and your father’s ideas were far too advanced for some of the elderly residents to accept.”

“I can assure you, Lord Holladay, there was no harm done,” Angelique answered, walking again as he fell into step beside her. “I understand the frustration he felt. To be completely honest, I too felt it when my father first informed me of what he planned to do, yet I made a promise to him and I have to see it through.”

“Well, for myself and many of the younger men, I can assure you, we find the idea of harmony very intoxicating. If the best way to do it is through physical conduct, then so be it. Perhaps your father was more of a visionary than an idealist.”

“Perhaps,” Angelique answered.

“May I be so bold as to ask you a question?” the man asked when they neared the podium where Angelique was to make her speech.

“So long as it does not have to do with the bordello,” she told him impudently. “I’ve heard and said enough on the subject.”

“Nothing of the sort,” James said with a soft chuckle in his tone. “I was wondering if you had an escort to the festivities this afternoon.”

“Actually…” she began when another deep voice interrupted with a snort.

“She does,” Ian said as he stepped up behind them. “You’re too late, old man. The queen’s hand has already been spoken for.”

“Yes…well,” James said glancing from Ian to Angelique who looked speechless, then back again. “If you will excuse me, Your Majesty,” he continued with a slight bow then turned to Ian, nodded silently, and walked away.

“Why did you do that?” Angelique asked, finding her tongue again.

“Because you do have plans, and he’s not right for you.”

“And who are you to determine that?”

“I swore to your father that I would care for you,” Ian told her with a wicked smile. “Like you, my love, I never go back on my word.”

“Since my father was never around to dictate to me, I’d have to say that his request means little, and I would appreciate it if you would remember your place. I am queen here, and I will dictate to my own future. Not a filthy pirate, who is little more than a whoremonger.”

“My, aren’t we in a mood today,” Ian chuckled softly, glancing to her guard who sniffed their amusement. “Since Your Majesty is so grown up as to care for herself, might I suggest a simple warning in place of my assistance.”

Ian stepped close to her, and she momentarily felt dizzy with the soft aroma of witch hazel on his skin, a sign he had recently shaven, though his chin was still covered in a soft dusting of hair.

“That young pheasant you were speaking with, is not as innocent as he may claim,” he continued. “Your Lord Holladay has spent the past three weeks at the bordello, in the arms of a different wench each visit. A small fortune has been paid to the women of the bordello by that man. I would assume that you, of all people, would object to where your prospected mate chooses to spend his free time. Consider yourself warned, my love,” he whispered as he leaned into her. “I will not save you a second time, but I will be close enough to keep an eye on you. I never break a promise, regardless of whom it was given to.”

With those words echoed, Ian kissed her lips briefly, ignoring the gasp from Heidi and the few people close enough to witness his actions, then stepped back. He bowed politely and left without another word. Angelique stood where she was, staring at the man as he departed. She had no idea why his words seemed to rip at her heart, but she felt as if she had been laid open for the sharks to devour. As for James Holladay, she cared little where he spent his nights…so long as he didn’t expect to spend them with her.

“What happened to your bodyguard?” a voice asked as Angelique moved politely through the crowd.

She turned to see James walking up behind her, two glasses of red wine in his hands, and a cheerful smile on his handsome face.

“He’s not my bodyguard,” she assured him, moving out of the crowd making their way to the shore.

“But he is a pirate, isn’t he? They are notorious for their pillaging, plundering, and…”

“That’s more than enough, James,” Angelique frowned, accepting the glass he handed to her. “The man made a promise to my father, and he takes his vows seriously.”

“So, I should consider myself lucky that he isn’t around to run me off again?”

“He wouldn’t do such a thing unless he felt you were acting inappropriately.”

“Would asking the queen to dance be an inappropriate act?”

James smiled at her as he held his hand out to her. Angelique couldn’t resist smiling back as she set her glass aside. She slipped her hand in his and allowed him to escort her to the center of the wooden planks that had been arranged for dancing.

Angelique enjoyed the attention the young man was offering her, though she couldn’t stop looking for Ian among the many faces that watched her. It had been a very long time since she felt special to one person, and the devotion of a man was a unique and pleasurable experience.

She spent the rest of the afternoon talking with James and visiting the different tables and huts that had been set up with island gifts and crafts. They enjoyed a variety of fruits, pies, sweets, and pastries while walking through the crowds of guests. In the back of her mind, she was hoping Ian was watching them. Making him jealous was an idea that intrigued her and made her feel…wanton.

The festivities were alive with activity and music and Angelique couldn’t help but smile and laugh as James escorted her into twilight. By the time dusk fell upon the island, Angelique had forgotten all about Ian and his warnings, or his invasions of her privacy. She had even been able to greet and smile to the whores who mingled with the sailors and islanders without wanting to scratch their eyes out. She managed to discuss the success of the bordello with many curious spectators, and the prospect of building more.

James escorted Angelique to a blanket on the edge of the grassy knoll where they sat to watch the fireworks display. The sounds of children laughing echoed through the night as the music played on. Everyone who watched the pyrotechnic colors light up the skies seemed mesmerized by the artistry. For Angelique, the cost and detail spent on the event were well worth the effort it took to arrange. Everyone seemed to enjoy the time away from their chores and work and participated in the relaxed, happy atmosphere.

The palace cooks had received awards for their pies and treats, while Mariah was given awards for her unique shell jewelry and pineapple candies. In all, the day had proven to be much more pleasant than she originally anticipated, and she had James to thank for all of it. If he hadn’t sought her out and insisted on acting as her escort, she would have gone back to the palace alone, and most likely spent the evening reading or working on her needlepoint.

Still, as pleasant as it had been to be with James, Angelique found herself looking around the many faces for the one she secretly longed to be with. She didn’t know if Ian had left the festival, or if he had found another woman to occupy his time. Regardless, she felt a little depressed that he hadn’t tried to push his way between her and James, but then again, he said he wouldn’t rescue her a second time.

“Your Majesty,” a young woman said, stepping up beside the queen as the fireworks ended. She curtsied politely as she continued. “I was wondering if I might speak with you for a moment.”

“Of course, Miss…” Angelique began as James shuffled uncomfortably beside her.

“McCoy, Teresa McCoy.”

“What can I do for you, Miss McCoy?” Angelique asked with a warm smile, glancing beside her as James moved awkwardly aside until he had mingled in a small group of people standing near the road’s edge.

“Please, call me Teresa,” the dark-haired woman answered with a smile. “Your Majesty, I’m one of the women your father brought with him to Westerly.”

Angelique’s smile was replaced with a stern expression as the woman continued.

“I had the pleasure of knowing your father, but I haven’t had the opportunity to tell you how sorry I am that he passed away. He was a brilliant man, and a very kind one.”

“I can’t say whether I agree with your suppositions of my father or not since I never knew him, but you’re very kind to offer your sympathy.”

Angelique looked around to find James as Teresa reached out and touched her arm. She started as if she had been burned and narrowed her eyes on the woman sternly.

“Please, Your Majesty,” Teresa continued. “I knew your father in a business manner only. He was a good man and he loved you a great deal. You were the reason he wanted the bordello built in the first place.”

“I beg your pardon?” Angelique fought to keep the anger out of her voice as she listened to the other woman.

“Edward didn’t want you to suffer the disappointment that other women your age do. He wanted the young men of your island to learn how to love a woman, so they would be content and satisfied. I know you’re not happy that we’re here, but I hope we can come to some kind of agreement.”

“You’re here because my father made the decision to have that place built when he was still king. Whether it ever works will be for the showing, but for now, I will keep my judgment to myself.”

“I hope you keep an open mind, Your Majesty,” Teresa said politely. “I would never suggest that you come to the bordello to investigate it for yourself, but please ask others what they think of it. Even the wives are happy with the way their men are behaving at home. The girls of your island are safer with us here and I spoke with Constable Tanner a little while ago. He told me the crime level against women has decreased by forty percent in the past three weeks alone. That should speak for the work we’re doing, and your father’s research.”

“Ian…Bloody John, gave me my father’s research to read,” Angelique began, feeling slightly less annoyed. “I have to admit, it was…unique. I cannot be certain of or understand a great deal of what he wrote, but I do believe that there may be some logic in his philosophy of sex. I promised my father that I would give this idea a chance, and I shall. I will look into what you said Constable Tanner told you. If the crime rate really has decreased that much…well, we’ll see what the future brings.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Teresa said with an encouraging smile. “I understand that Edward’s notes and research are complicated, and I would be happy to help explain anything you may have questions about. Any time you wish to know more about the bordello, or what happens there, please don’t hesitate to ask. There are no secrets about anything we do.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind,” Angelique said sincerely.

Having a woman around would be more comfortable to ask about her father’s research - though perhaps not as gratifying as asking Ian. Still, a woman’s perspective would be more beneficial, and perhaps help her understand what is expected of a woman when she decided to marry.

“The captain said you were an intelligent woman,” Teresa added. “He assured all of us that you were open-minded and fair, though we were apprehensive. He truly does admire you, you know? I’ll admit there are quite a few of the girls a little jealous that he hasn’t returned since he met you, but we understand.”

“I beg your pardon?” Angelique asked with a slight frown.

“Bloody…your Ian. He’s very much in love with you.”

“What makes you think so?”

“Everyone can see it,” Teresa chuckled softly. “The way his eyes light up when he speaks of you, the way he compares the other girls to you, even the way he finds excuses to see you. I can’t say that I blame him. You are very beautiful.”

“The captain made a promise to my father to look after me,” Angelique told the woman in a tone of regret. “He’s fulfilling his promise, nothing more.”

She honestly wished he did love her. Perhaps that would make losing her dream version of him less frustrating.

“You don’t believe that’s the only reason he’s still here, do you?” Teresa laughed aloud at the expression of confusion on the queen’s face. “He has made several excuses why he’s not leaving, but it all comes back to one thing…you. He won’t leave you behind, I doubt he ever will.”

“Well…thank you for taking the time to explain things a little clearer to me,” Angelique said, feeling much lighter than she had a moment ago. “I will be in touch if I have any questions.”

“Please do,” Teresa said as she reached out and gently touched Angelique’s hand. “I would like to think we could become friends. I promise we don’t bite…unless we’re told to.”

Angelique couldn’t help smiling at the humor shining in the woman’s eyes. Perhaps these whores weren’t quite as bad as she had assumed they were.

Teresa turned and spotted James who had moved back within earshot of the conversation and smiled at him. Angelique frowned as she reached out and touched his arm, but it wasn’t the touch that had her concerned. It was the familiarity of the two and the blush that crept up James’ cheeks. The frown increased, and Angelique couldn’t help but remember what Ian had told her about James’ addiction to the bordello, especially when Teresa winked at him.

“James,” she said in a soft tone, almost like that of a purr. “It’s good to see you again, so soon.”

“Um…yes…well…” he stuttered softly, shifting his stance uncomfortably.

Teresa looked back across her shoulder to Angelique, smiling brightly at her.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” she said before she walked away toward the home in which she worked.

Angelique could do nothing more than watch her, remembering what she had said about Ian. Then she turned to James with a single thought in her confused mind. If what Teresa told her was true, it wasn’t Ian who was the whoremonger at all…but James Holladay.