How To Propose To A Princess (The Princess Brides 3)

“I’ll convey your decision to the queen.” Their visitor bowed to both of them and left the apartment.

“Bellissima—” He swung aro

und to embrace her, but she stood at a distance, all closed up. Nico knew that look. “The waiting is over, grazie a Dio. Our new life is ahead of us. Come to bed with me. I’m aching for you.”

She took another step back. “We have to talk first.”

He took a deep breath. “There’s nothing to talk about. We’re staying here in Domodossola for the rest of our lives.”

“Nico—you’ve just been told that Queen Liliane wants you to be the new ruler of your country and take over where your father left off. We know it’s what he would have wanted if he were still alive.”

“Except that she wasn’t honest with me and had her own secret agenda. I’m a married man now and that disqualifies me.”

“But we can get a divorce.”

His brows furrowed. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that.”

“You have to listen to me! You’ve been on a path your entire life to discover your identity. I believe with all my heart that you’re supposed to be the new king. There’ve been too many little miracles along the way that prove to me you’re the one who’s been destined to be the head of the country.”

Her words gutted him. “Does our love mean so little to you that one word from the queen and you’re willing to destroy everything between us so that I can be king?”

“No. I’m not saying this right. Please, darling, I—”

“I think you are,” he cut her off. “Is it possible that my becoming king at any cost is more important to you than I am? How many times have we talked about the class difference between us? I’m beginning to see that there truly is a gigantic gulf that separates our thinking.”

She shook her head. At this point tears were spilling down her pale cheeks. “I need to explain what I meant.”

“I heard you loud and clear. You’re from the aristocracy. You people really do march to a holy drum. Angelo was right. Queen Liliane has decreed what she deems necessary, and you fall on your sword. But where does that leave me? According to you, there is no us! Our wedding ceremony can be discarded for the greater good. Is that it?”

“Yes!” she cried. “Because you’re a magnificent man, one who’s destined for greater things than most men on this earth. It’s your birthright! You heard Basil. I saw the way he looked and spoke to you. He holds you in reverence and you can’t deny it.”

“I deny nothing. But I’m beginning to wonder how you can consider making such a sacrifice, unless our love pales in comparison to the love you had for Dego. Is that what this is about? This morning your father asked if you’d forgiven him for sending Dego away. I find it amazing that after all this time, his name was still brought up. Is he the one you’ll never be able to forget? Is that why you’re able to consider letting me go?”

“No, darling. You have this all wrong.”

He headed for the bedroom. “Nothing you could say is going to take away my pain. Drive safely when you go home.”

She followed him. “I’m not leaving. This is my home.”

“I don’t think so. We might not have signed papers yet, but I already feel divorced.”

“Don’t you know I only said these things because I don’t want to be the one who holds you back from your real purpose in life?”

He wheeled around. “I thought we were going to make all our decisions together! I’m not at all certain what my real purpose in life is except to be your husband and the father of our children! I thought that was what you wanted.”

“It is, or I wouldn’t be your wife right now. But, Nico, I was with you that day we drove to Biella and visited the orphanage. You revealed the secrets of your heart to me. I visited with those who loved you. You’re a unique man who has gifts the world needs.”

“Needs my own wife can give up for the whim of the queen?”

“How can you say it’s a whim?”

“She found a way to get back at my father by making a decision she knew would tear me apart. But the only person who has torn me apart is you. I’m going out for a while, but I’ll be back.”

“Please don’t leave—”

“Just give me a little time.”

He heard her call his name, but his pain was too deep, and he kept walking.