Harlequin Desire August 2016, Box Set 2 of 2 by Kat Cantrell

Author:Kat Cantrell
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488009211
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

NINE

Sonja Novak entered Rocco’s office door and drew to a halt in front of his desk. He raised one brow in query.

“Both the princesses are leaving and I understand you have made no effort to ask either of them to marry you.”

“That’s true,” Rocco said, leaning back in his leather-covered office chair. “It is probably because I don’t wish to marry either of them.”

Sonja’s finely plucked brows shot high on her forehead. “Your sense of humor is misplaced, Rocco.”

“I am not making a joke. Marriage is a serious business. If I felt I could make a successful union with either of those women, don’t you think I would do it for my country?”

“Then what are you going to do? Time is not your ally in this. Or perhaps you have given up?”

“I have an alternative idea that I wish to discuss with you. Take a seat.”

“I’m all ears,” Sonja said, smoothly settling her trim figure into a visitor chair.

Rocco studied the woman. In the early days after his ascension to the throne, he had turned to her frequently, relying on her cool, calm advice and her extensive knowledge of Erminia and the people within its borders. As he’d grown older he’d begun to trust his own judgment. So much so that in the past ten years or so, Sonja’s role had been more to provide information rather than advice. Still, it would be interesting to see what she thought of the scheme that had grown in strength in his mind since the reception a week ago.

“Obviously I have to marry, but there is no dictate on exactly who I must marry.”

Sonja nodded slowly in agreement but didn’t rush to comment.

Rocco continued. “I had always hoped that I could choose a bride who was Erminian. One who understands our nation, our people. One who I can rely on to stand by my side without conflict. One to whom I feel a strong attraction both physically and mentally.”

He could see Sonja’s mind was working flat out behind that apparently serene expression—noted the exact moment when it dawned on her where he might be heading with this conversation. She paled and he saw her hands grip the arms of her chair as if she had to physically hold herself there, or fall from it in shock.

“You are not talking about marrying that Romolo woman,” she said with loathing in every syllable.

“I am. It makes perfect sense. She’s here. I don’t have to waste time courting her. We can marry privately in the castle chapel.”

“You can’t possibly marry her!” Sonja expostulated. “She’s a pros—”

“She is a courtesan. There is a difference. I wouldn’t be the first monarch to marry his mistress,” Rocco reasoned. “Besides, weren’t you the one to tell me that all that was required was for me to marry and produce a legitimate issue?”

“You can’t be serious. The woman makes her living selling herself to men. Even Andrej—” Sonja’s voice abruptly cut off.

“Even Andrej, what?” Rocco asked, feeling an uncomfortable twist in his gut.

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