Page 51 of Expecting Royal Twins!
“I didn’t betray you, Niko. I spoke to the press for one reason and one reason only. To protect Vernonia. The Separatists want Izzy to be the next queen. We can’t join the EU if we’re having another civil war.” Dmitar’s lips thinned. “One day you’ll understand the difficult decisions a ruler must make.”
“If I am to rule, you need to treat me like the crown prince, not a pawn.”
His father frowned, looking affronted. “I haven’t—”
“You could have been honest about what needed to be done and explained your reasons. Not manipulate the situation the way you have.” The words rushed out full of emotion and guilt at what his father’s actions had done to two innocent women. “You have forced Isabel into a corner and hurt Julianna. Vernonia desperately needs the alliance with Aliestle. It’s more than the dowry. The trade support and the influx of investment capital will enable us to modernize and join the European union .”
“Julianna is wealthy and beautiful, and even though her country has Separatist ties, she cannot unite the people the way Izzy will.”
“Unite the people?” Niko stared at his father in disgust. “Have you not seen the gathering this morning? The Separatists’ colors are already flying. It’s history repeating itself. Isabel should be taken from Vernonia immediately.”
“So you can marry Julianna.”
“So Isabel will be safe. I fear for her safety. As should you.”
Dmitar gave him a speculative look. “You like her.”
“Excuse me?”
“Izzy.” Amusement gleamed in his father’s eyes. “I saw the way you touched her yesterday. The way you stared into her eyes.”
Uncomfortable, Niko shifted his weight between his feet. He may like her, but that didn’t mean they should remain married. “I hardly know her. I appreciate her sacrifice. I’m concerned about her well-being due to your underhanded tactics. The protests—”
“Izzy is safe,” Dmitar interrupted. “These gatherings are different from the ones before. These are celebrations, my son. Unity. Finally.”
Satisfaction sang in his tone.
Something more was going on here. Niko could feel it in his bones. Going to the press had only been one part of this. “You never planned on allowing Isabel to marry Boyd.”
“I never planned on allowing you to annul the marriage in the first place.”
Niko took a step forward. “How dare you?”
“I am the king. I do what is necessary.”
“Necessary?”
“As soon as I saw the picture of the box and discovered Izzy was alive, I saw a real chance at lasting peace for Vernonia. A united country, all regions, all people. That is what Prince Aleksander and I hoped would happen twenty-three years ago with your marriage. I doubted you would go along so I used the annulment as bait to get your cooperation.”
Fury infused Niko. “You can’t play with lives this way.”
“You were fine marrying Julianna.”
“It was my choice. I’ve always been willing to marry without any preconceived notions of love,” Niko said through clenched teeth. “But you’ve dragged Isabel into this with your machinations and lies.”
His father shrugged. “The end is worth the means.”
“No, Father. It is not.” Niko squared his shoulders. “I have tried to fulfill Stefan’s role. I’ve tried to live up to being crown prince and sacrifice for Vernonia, but you cannot continue to scheme and coerce a young woman into marriage. This type of action must stop. Now.”
“A ruler must—”
Niko held up his hand, cutting off his father. “Be honorable in both thoughts and deeds. That is what you taught me. If Isabel refuses to remain married to me, I will support her decision, despite the dangers.”
Panic flashed in Dmitar’s eyes. “You must convince her. Vernonia needs an heir as soon as possible. A baby with both royal bloodlines.”
“A baby?” Niko nearly choked. “Isabel doesn’t want to be my wife. I doubt she will go willingly into my bed.”
“Your duty—”
“I know my duty, sir,” Niko said. “I’ve always known what is expected of me. I will talk with Isabel, but unlike you, Father, I will not manipulate her into marriage. The choice will be hers. And hers alone.”
