Page 42 of Expecting Royal Twins!
Gratitude, he rationalized. That was what Niko felt for Isabel. Appreciation for the sacrifice she was willing to make. Nothing…more.
“You are satisfied with this alternative, Izzy,” Dmitar said finally.
“Satisfied is a relative term, Father,” Niko answered. “This marriage is being forced upon Isabel.”
Dmitar glared at him. “Your name is not Izzy.”
Niko pressed his lips together.
“I admit I’d rather not have to marry at all, sir,” Isabel answered honestly with her head held high. “But I will be more satisfied with this option than what was proposed at dinner.”
Dmitar rubbed his chin. He usually made up his mind quickly. The decision wasn’t that complicated yet was taking longer than it should.
That worried Niko. Isabel hadn’t eaten breakfast. She looked as if she hadn’t slept. She needed the situation to be resolved.
“Father,” Niko said. “This alternative is the best option for Isabel. The choice of a husband should be hers.”
“What’s best for Isabel may not be what’s best for Vernonia,” Dmitar countered.
“Like Niko said, I believe this is the best option for Vernonia,” Isabel said without any hesitation. “I’ve known Boyd for years. We like the same things. People we know won’t think it’s weird if we eloped. They will believe we’re married, not trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes.”
“That means the Separatists would believe it, too,” Dmitar said.
She nodded. “If they thought it was a ruse, we’d be right back where we started.”
“Plausibility is important,” his father agreed.
Finally, Niko thought. Progress. “So you agree, sir.”
“Are you in love with this Boyd fellow?” Dmitar asked.
“This is ridiculous.” Niko stood, irritated and frustrated. “Love has nothing to do with it, Father. Please do not make this any harder on Isabel than it already has been.”
Dmitar frowned. “I will not tolerate any more outbursts from you.”
“I will stop when you cease toying with Isabel.”
“Thanks, Niko.” She smiled up at him, and his pulse quickened. “I appreciate you standing up for me, but I don’t mind answering your father’s question.”
She sounded sincere. Niko sat.
“I love Boyd, sir.”
Isabel’s words hit Niko like a left jab. He felt an instant, squeezing pain. Something he’d never felt before. Surprise. That was what it must be. She had not mentioned this last night.
“Boyd is one of my closest friends,” she continued. “He’s like a brother. There are no, um, romantic feelings between us. The marriage would be in name only with the intention of divorcing when it was safe.”
The tightness in Niko’s chest eased with her clarification, but a small part of him envied Boyd for having such a relationship with Isabel. Niko had never had a close friendship with a man let alone a woman. At least not since the death of Stefan who had been big brother and best friend rolled into one. Now Niko’s duty to Vernonia always took precedence over everything and everyone else. Including long-term romantic relationships. Short-term ones, too.
“That is quite a sacrifice you are willing to make,” his father said.
Isabel shrugged. “Not really if you look at what my parents and Uncle Frank did. They gave their lives. I still get to be involved in car racing so I wouldn’t call what I’m doing a sacrifice, sir.”
Dmitar beamed. “You’ve thought this through, Izzy. Well done.”
Niko’s admiration for her grew. “I agree.”
She looked up at him.
Isabel’s hazel eyes appeared greener. It must be her jacket bringing out the color. He could still see the same gold flecks he noticed last night. Very pretty.
Dmitar cleared his throat.
Niko looked at his father.
“I accept this alternative,” Dmitar proclaimed. “Isabel may marry Boyd.”
“Yes!” Isabel pumped her fist. “Thanks, Dee. I mean, Your Highness. Majesty. Sir.”
Not quite the perfect princess, but she was the perfect Isabel. Niko smiled.
“We will delay your appointment with the High Court until Tuesday to give Boyd time to arrive,” Dmitar said. “Have Jovan prepare the necessary paperwork for the annulment, transfer of Aleksander’s estate and a marriage license.”
