Page 36 of Expecting Royal Twins!
Niko took a sip of his chilled eggplant soup. His father’s lessons usually lasted until the wee hours of the morning.
Dmitar continued. “You, Izzy, are the last of the royal Sachestian bloodline that ruled the northern region for years before joining with the southern portion of the country to form Vernonia. For centuries, the Separatists have asked that your bloodline rule the north again. But the Loyalists have wanted the Kresimir bloodline to rule over all the land. The two groups hotly disagreed and fights would break out.”
“A little like the Montagues and the Capulets?” Izzy asked.
“Only not so romantic,” Niko said.
“But still quite Shakespearean,” Beatrice said.
Julianna nodded. “History has shown a marriage between rival sides can ease strife and lead to peace.”
“Excellent point, Julianna.” Dmitar took a sip of water. “Over time, the arguments between the Separatists and the Loyalists intensified, Izzy. An official petition to separate the Northern portion of Vernonia circulated in the late 1980s. Civil war seemed imminent. Your father believed that a union between the two royal families would appease the Separatists and avoid war. His goal, our goal really, was to unite Vernonia once and for all with your marriage. But the civil unrest turned violent with terrorist acts. The people remained divided, and war broke out.”
Silence enveloped the room.
Isabel toyed with her napkin. She hadn’t tasted the soup yet. “It must have been a horrible time, Your Majesty.”
“Horrible does not begin to describe it, my dear. Our country has been at peace for the last five years,” Dmitar said. “But that was after the last of the Sachestian bloodline was killed during the conflict. The Separatists believed, they still believe, no Sachestian descendents remain. But now that you have returned like a Phoenix from the ashes—”
“So let’s not tell them I’m back. No one has to know about me,” Izzy interrupted. “I’m sorry for butting in, sir, but your country has been through enough. I don’t want to cause any problems here. The truth is I really don’t want to be a princess. Let’s get the marriage annulled. If you can’t transfer my father’s estate we can figure something else out so I can disappear from Vernonia forever.”
“That sounds like an excellent plan.” Niko was proud of her for speaking up and succinctly saying what needed to be said. That was one positive to Isabel’s lack of princess skills. Julianna would have never said anything.
“I wish it were that simple,” Dmitar said with regret. “We cannot pretend the Separatists do not exist or that their desire is not real.”
“Julianna’s father supported the Separatists during the war,” Niko countered. “They support my marriage to her?”
“Yes, but they do not know about Isabel.”
“Father—”
“Imagine you are a Separatist,” Dmitar interrupted. “You have agreed per the peace accord to be a part of a new united Vernonia. You believe all the members of your royal family are dead, but suddenly discover one young princess lives. Oh, the joy. But then you learn the crown prince of your country has annulled his marriage to your princess so he can wed a different princess from another country. How do you think that will go over in this so-called united land?”
“You make it sound like I’m being slighted or something, sir,” Isabel said. “I want the annulment. I don’t want to be married to Niko.”
Her firm tone left no doubt that she wanted out of the marriage as much as he did. She’d said that, but still the rejection surprisingly stung. Niko wasn’t used to women not wanting to be with him. “Our marriage was only to avoid a civil war, Father. The war is over. There is no reason for us to remain married.”
“Perception can be as strong a motivator as reality,” Dmitar said. “Vernonians have quick tempers. Our loyalty is our strength, but our biggest weakness. We will cling to our causes until the bitter end. Whether right or wrong.”
Niko stiffened in shock. “I hope you are not suggesting we remain married, sir.”
