evening. I'd also like a contract drawn up, a prenuptial arrangement. It should also outline the expectations of his station."
She nodded, rapidly taking notes.
I turned to our head of security. "Tim, will that give you sufficient time to get the necessary screening checks completed? I should like to know if there are any skeletons in the closet, I should be aware of."
Tim nodded, his face flushing. "I'll do it myself, Your Majesty."
I nodded. "Thank you. Your discretion is appreciated."
"Victoria, Tim? Could you please give us the room?" Mother asked, her dark eyes focussed on me.
"Of course."
They both stood, bowing, then took their leave, hurrying from the room and leaving me with just my family.
Strong heart, Kit. Do not back down from this decision.
"What are you thinking?" Leo exploded, slapping a hand on the table. "Jonathan Tuhana? The man's a conservative! Worse, he's a fucking politician!"
I reached for my cup, waiting for them to get over their excitement.
"Do you love him, Kit?" Charlotte asked, reaching out to touch my arm. "I mean, you knew each other years ago. Have you reconnected?"
For a moment I wanted to lie to her.
"No," I admitted. "I'm sorry, Lottie."
"Is it love at first sight then?"
I shook my head. "You know I'm not built that way. And it's quite hard for me to love someone I hardly know. But he offered and I accepted. He seems like a good man. I expect that love will come with time."
A memory flashed, capturing my attention for a moment. Jonathan rearing back to punch the attacker, his giant bicep pulled back, his body strong and hard.
A little sparkle of desire shimmied down my body to pool deep in my abdomen. My thighs clenched together, my body tightening in response.
Lust and love are not mutually exclusive.
"Have you told anyone?" Leo asked urgently. "Anyone besides those in this room?"
"No, but don't try to talk me out of it, Leo. I've made my decision and I'm quite determined to see it through—pending any outcomes of the background check of course."
"Of course," echoed Mother, her eyebrows raised in amusement. "I should have known you'd go about this marriage business in much the same way as you do everything— efficiently and without grand circumstance."
Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Grand circumstance? Really, Mother?"
"You're the one who fell in love with a prince in a week in Morocco. Where is Frederick, by the way?" Leo asked.
"At his summer house, if you must know." Charlotte sniffed, glaring at him. "He's wining and dining some exporters."
Leo snorted. "Is that what they call it?"
"Do you have a problem with my fiancé?"
"Yeah, I do actually. He's nothing but a goddamned—"
"Children!" Mother snapped. "This is about Kit. Focus!" She twisted back to look at me. "Will you be happy, my darling?"
I paused, considering my answer. "I will," I said, swallowing a lump in my throat. "I may not have the love you and Father enjoyed, but I'll have a peaceful kingdom, a man who will be a sufficient prince consort, children, and you all."
I looked around the table, taking in my family – my sister's watery eyes, my brother's mutinous face, and Mother's calm acceptance.
"I know you all wished more for me but this is what I must do. I love you, and I have no doubts about this direction."
"I don't think you should be making rash decisions following a shock," Leo said, crossing his arms.
"And yet, if I had died you would be King. Are you ready for that, Leo?"
His face paled but his resolve hardened—I could tell by the stubborn set of his jaw.
"I'd do my duty."
"As must I."
This is my cross to bear, and bear it I will.
I pushed back from the table, smoothing hands down my thighs as I stood. "As wonderful as this has been, I'm afraid duty calls."
Mother rose, crossing to press a kiss to my cheek and offer a hug.
"I trust your judgement. But darling, just remember, no one is forcing you to choose between your heart and your head."
"The parliament may. The constitution demands I declare an heir." I pulled back, dipping to collect my phone from the table. "And after last night I expect they'll be calling for my nomination."
She watched me closely. "I knew his mother, Kit. I'm not sure if you remember that."
"I do."
She nodded, a strange expression crossing her face. "His mother spoke about him highly before her death. From all I have heard, he's a good man."
"I expect he is."
Leo slung an arm around me. "This conversation isn't over."
I elbowed