“You are insulting me!” Tora asserted slowly.
She tried to speak with the pride and dignity that was hers by right of birth, but, because the Crown Prince was holding onto her hand and seemed very overpowering, her voice was rather weak and helpless.
“You entrance me!” he said. “Everything about you is exquisite and from the very first moment I saw you I was determined that you should be mine!”
Still holding onto her with one hand, he put his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to his.
“I will give you everything you desire,” he said in a hoarse voice, “jewels, gowns, horses, and I will adore you as I adore your music!”
As he spoke his face came nearer to hers and she realised that he was about to kiss her.
She felt almost mesmerised by what he was saying and now she gave a li
