Goodness. Things had been so rushed since they’d met that she didn’t know… and of course this had to play out in front of the camera. He took a deep breath, showed his arrogant smirk and said, "I've not explained anything to my bride. I was too busy trying to get her tosayyes."
She laughed, so comfortable with the camera crew that they smiled back. "I'mnoteasy."
He took both of her hands in his. "Right before our wedding, in three days, the nation decides if we are to return to the communist way that they lived under when my family was in exile or if we continue forward with capitalistic leanings, and our family, as a symbol for thepeople."
“It’s his family that led us all to a place where we were blessed by the holy family.” One reporter added, “Any true citizen of Avce wants your family to remain in the palace, YourHighness.”
Antonio felt his cheeks heat, but he glanced at Kristin. “No matter what happens with the vote, Kristin needs to know I choose to marry her and it’s not because ofancientlaws.”
The look of compassion in Kristin’s eyes while she spoke to the reporter made him think she was the prettiest woman ever. Then she tilted her head and stared at the camera. "So either I stay here as a princess, or just become your wife where we don’t have to rush into things. Either wayIwin."
Natural ability did not begin to describe her with their audience. He’d taken years of study and still his stomach felt like it was in knots. He tugged at hertogo.
She waved at the camera and the reporter she just spoke to waved back. Kristin's charm was intoxicating and soon everyone would see how wonderful she was. He guided her away from the balcony and he felt calmer having her tohimself.
On their way to her room, he placed his hand on her back. She turned toward him, and stared at his profile. As they reached a window where the full moon shined on them, she reached out and asked, "I was happy Babik saved me earlier, but I felt better the second you cametome."
“I was frantic that I didn’t have your location.” He decided to take her outside to the balcony. He opened the door so the cool, fresh air kept things between them easy and crossed his arms. "I called Babik but you never told me where in the castle you were. He found you first; my mother and I came here as soon as we knew where you were headed. She wanted a few minutes to talk to you, alone. Babik and I discussed the guards’ loyalty." She closed her eyes and nodded. Once she opened her eyes, he asked, "What I don’t know is what she saidtoyou."
"She said she loved you." Kristin went to the end of the balcony that overlooked the river and the forest beyond them. Everything sparkled from the moonlightandmist.
He followed her and asked his next question though he was mesmerized by how the moon caught gold in her brown hair. "What else did she talk to youabout?"
She turned toward him with both hands on the balcony rail. "She talkedaboutduty."
"Now that sounds about right. What else?" If he understood why she became more distant emotionally, then he couldfixit.
She let go of the railing and stared at him. "She told me what I needed to hear so that I'd stayinAvce."
He kept his voice low. She even made the night air smell better, with a hint of floral. "What did you needtohear?"
"I told you." She looked into his gaze. "It was about duty and if I wanted to stay with you then it was time to follow through with my part ofthedeal."
The sense she didn't want to be kissed hit him. He kept his distance, but offered her his hand. "Kristin, I should havetoldyou..."
"Why did Sophia have that ring on her finger?" She interrupted his apology; her palm brushed against his and then she tugged it away. "I would never presume to wear someone else'sthings."
The truth was he had no idea. He’d intended to buy Kristin a ring from him, but between hostage situations there’d been no time. His heartbeat raced. "Idon'tknow."
She covered her lips with her fingers as if she wanted to hide. He had no idea what to say, but then she lowered her hand, placed it at her side, which seemed unnaturally stiff and said, "I'm not asking because I'm jealous. She knows your world, she wants to marry you. Why can't you marry her? Why did you resort to a computersearch?"
He leaned against the balcony rails. If he had met Kristin organically, he'd have chased after her immediately—wanting to know more. Right now he felt the money he paid IT was all worth it because she was here. He had to convey the truth. "I met Sophia when I was thirteen. She was introduced as a potential bride when we lived in England, and then she never left. I don't remember holidays without her presence. I understand that my mother wants to ensure I continue the bloodline, but I felttrapped."
She took a deep breath and then mimicked his stance and leaned against the rails. "So you relied on computer technology andtrustedthat?"
The wind gently pushed Kristin's hair in his direction. He moved so she had less of a breeze in her face. "The last woman I was remotely interested in never spoke to me after meeting Sophia. I had to do something and she's always right behind me. I don't want to marry someone because all she sees is my title and a chance to beQueen."
She reached out and brushed her hand against his. "You hardlyknowme."
Her touch was like an electric rod. He scooted closer. "I know enough. Kristin, I want things back to where we were beforedinner."
She came closer and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere, but what's holding us back isn't the dinner orSophia."
"What's wrong?" Whatever it was, he'd fix it. Fast. Kristinwashis.
She swallowed as if nervous. "It's the contract. We agree that love isn't a factor. I'm in danger of violating thatclause."
Love. The word clung in the air. His parents married for love, and he only put that in the contract in case he wanted a way out of marrying a stranger. Everything was different now, but he didn't know the right words. He reached out and brushed the hair that stayed near her eyes off her cheek. "Kristin, tomorrow, after our day where you get fitted for adress..."
