Their Christmas Royal Wedding

‘I know. I have been through it all in my head so many times. Luca, Antonio and Maria all believe I should take the throne.’

‘I too agree with this. Both countries must unite behind a position: the honourable one, the right one. Our marriage would represent that union.’

‘I am sure our countries would survive without our marriage,’ she said, her fingers tight round the back of her chair.

‘Of course, they would.’ The deep voice was full of reassurance. ‘Please, sit down. Let me explain. I am not trying to force you into a course of action you do not want. I cannot do that even if I wished it. But I believe this is an idea that would benefit both our countries.’

An insidious tendril of disappointment snuck through her; she’d thought...thought what? That Cesar liked her, was attracted to her, was interested in her. Well, the last at least was true, though not for the reasons she’d naively, foolishly hoped. She was royalty now, soon to be Queen, and she needed to get real. Cesar Asturias had been linked to numerous beautiful, sophisticated women in his time...he wouldn’t have given Gabi a second look if it weren’t for her crown.

But at least he had had the courtesy to be honest and in return royal manners dictated that she listen to him. Then she could tell him to shove it.

So she sat down, right on the edge of her seat. ‘OK. Explain.’

CHAPTER FIVE

WITH AN ABILITY born of years of top-level diplomacy Cesar didn’t let the relief show on his face, tried not to show the fact that he was rattled. This was not going according to plan at all. Perhaps his insist

ence that Queen Maria not interfere, not lay the groundwork had been a mistake, but he’d been convinced that this agreement had to be between himself and Gabriella. Her decision not tainted or influenced by either his family or hers.

‘First, I’m sorry—I thought that maybe given the fact that Luca was meant to marry Meribel, you would perhaps have considered an alliance through marriage between our countries.’

‘Given how that worked out it is hardly surprising I didn’t,’ she pointed out and he had to admit the point was valid. ‘If that marriage had never been considered it would have been way easier for everyone.’

‘Easier isn’t always right.’

‘Do you believe they should have gone through with it?’

‘No. I don’t. Foisting a fake heir onto Casavalle would have been a disaster. That scandal would have been even worse than the scandal of leaving Luca at the altar. I believe that Meribel should not have allowed herself to get into the situation she did.’

‘I don’t know exactly what happened. But perhaps Meribel fell in love—how could she have prevented herself from doing that?’

‘She could have closed it down as soon as she felt anything for Dana. People don’t just fall in love in an instant.’ And yet...he remembered the look on his sister’s face when she had spoken to Luca. Tears had slid down her cheeks as she’d admitted the guilt she felt over how she had treated him, brought shame to her house. But when Meribel had declared her love for the father of her baby, for Dana, her face had glowed with a belief and a certainty and he’d known that his sister had changed. Would go to the wall for this love. Stupidity. Though Luca seemed to have understood.

‘Yes, they do,’ Gabriella said. ‘Look at Luca and Imogen; they certainly didn’t mean to fall in love. Neither did Antonio and Tia. But they did. Antonio and Tia are getting married in a few days; their baby is due in a couple of months.’

‘And I wish them every happiness.’

‘But...?’ There was a challenge in her voice.

But their pursuit of happiness had resulted in Cesar having to take a forced march to the altar. As far as he was concerned Meribel... Luca... Antonio had all lost the royal plot, leaving him and Gabriella to put events back on track. It is as it is, Cesar. Make the best of it. The Cesar Asturias motto.

‘But I don’t believe that is the only way to find happiness, especially for royalty, especially for rulers.’ In truth he didn’t buy the whole love gig, the whole head over heels, giddy, goofy idiocy. ‘Royals don’t live normal lives and I don’t think love does conquer all. And I don’t think it can necessarily survive exposure to royal protocols and pressures.’

A shadow crossed her eyes again and he knew the words would have reminded her of her mother. ‘I am sorry to cause you pain but...’

‘But my parents’ love didn’t survive.’ Her voice was flat, her expression guarded. ‘My mother fled those protocols and pressures.’

‘Yes,’ he said simply. ‘I do not blame her or accuse her. I understand how hard it must have been for her at a court full of unfamiliarity, where emotions had to be hidden and stifled and masked. I do not judge her, but I think it sensible to learn from her, from your parents. That perhaps sometimes the way to happiness is not through love.’

‘But you don’t want to marry me for the sake of happiness,’ she said softly. ‘You want to marry me to forge an alliance between our countries.’

‘Yes. Yet I believe it could still be a happy alliance.’

‘Why? How?’

Now he smiled, wanting to make her frown disappear, wanting to chase away the memories that shadowed her brown eyes. ‘Well, for a start I’m part of the package and I am well known for my charm and wit and brilliance.’ Her gaze met his with a startled expression and his smile broadened as he nodded. ‘I am what is known as a catch.’

‘You forgot an attribute,’ she said.