Royal Heirs Required (The Sherdana 1)

She stepped off the boat, helped by Thasos and another man, who claimed her bag for the next part of her journey. Olivia followed him for about thirty steps before she spied a tall, familiar figure coming down the street toward her.

Gabriel.

His white pants, pale blue shirt and navy blazer gave him the look of casual elegance. Her heart jumped in her chest as the wind tousled his hair. He slid his sunglasses up on his head as he approached and gave her a gentle smile.

He wasn’t in Italy proposing to the daughter of an Italian count. He was here and from the expression on his face, he was very glad to see her.

Thirteen

The unguarded expression on Olivia’s face when she spotted him made Gabriel the happiest man on earth. He was her white knight come to rescue her from the dragons. The fact that he was towing a donkey instead of a black charger hadn’t made an impact on her yet.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded. “You’re supposed to be in Italy.”

He shook his head. “Italy? Where did you get that idea?”

“Stewart said you had gone to do something that would impact future generations of Alessandros. I assumed you meant to...propose to the daughter of Count Verreos.” She touched the corner of her eye where a trace of moisture had gathered and a ragged exhale escaped her.

“No. I came straight here.”

“Does Stewart know where you are?”

“No. I knew he wouldn’t approve of what I intended to do.”

“That’s why I don’t understand what are you doing here and why you dragged me all the way to Greece by plane, across an island by car and now here by boat.”

“I needed some time to prepare.” He grinned. “And I thought you might be less likely to argue with me if you were tired.”

“Argue about what?” she demanded, her gaze drawn toward the small donkey that stood beside him, ears flickering lazily forward and back. “And what are you doing with that?”

Gabriel patted the donkey’s neck. “It’s traditional for Greek brides to ride donkeys to their weddings.”

“Bride? What are you talking about...?” Her voice trailed off as she noticed the donkey came equipped with a riding pad covered with flowers. “You can’t be serious.”

She sounded aghast, but hope glowed in her blue eyes.

“I’m utterly serious. The church and the priest are waiting for us. All you need to do is hop on.” Seeing she wasn’t fully on board with his plan, he caught her around the waist and pulled her body flush with his, taking care to treat her gently. “Marry me.” He drew his knuckles down her cheek. “Please. I can’t live without you.”

Tears flooded her eyes. “You love me?”

“I love you. I adore you. You’re my world.” He peered down at her in surprise. “Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

She took his hand and drew it away from her skin. Her grip was tight enough to make him wince.

“What of your parents’ wishes? Have you considered the barrage of negative opinions you’ll face when we return home?”

“None of that matters. No one matters but us. I have two brothers, both of whom are capable of getting married and having children. There’s no reason why I have to be the one who fathers the next generation of Sherdana royalty. It was different when my father became king. He was the only direct male descendant. And besides, I think it’s time my brothers took on a little royal responsibility.”

A crowd of townspeople and tourists were gathering on the narrow street, drawn by the novelty of a decked out donkey and the argument between Gabriel and Olivia. The late-afternoon sun bathed the town in golden light, softening the scenery. The breeze off the harbor was gentle against Olivia’s skin, soothing her anxiety.

“Neither one of them is going to be happy.”

“I don’t care. It’s my turn to be a little selfish. We’re getting married. Now. Today. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

That he was ready to marry her despite her inability to give him children thrilled her, and she could no longer wait to share her news.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

“That you love me?”