Princess For Sale by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-13T07:24:29+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

If it hadn't been so serious Jack would have burst out laughing. He wondered if he had heard Francesca correctly, or perhaps misunderstood what she had said. The last thing he expected was to be asked for money and to be offered a Princess in return.

Both Johann and Francesca were studying him intently waiting for his reply. He cleared his throat. "Your Majesties. Just so I have this straight, you are proposing that if I invest money into Challoner you will allow me to marry Lara?"

"And there will be a title to go with it, after you're married, don't forget. A dukedom, I would think," Francesca said in a matter-of-fact voice.

"What does Lara think of this?" Jack felt he already knew the answer to this one.

"She doesn't know yet. It was important to discuss this with you first." Francesca reached over and patted her husband's arm as if to calm him. "After all, Lara will need to marry soon. It is very important that either Carl or Lara produce an heir to ascend to the throne when the time comes and it would appear that at present Carl isn't too interested in finding a bride."

"So, as well as making an investment and marrying Lara, you would also like us to produce an heir." Jack couldn't believe he was having this extraordinary conversation. It was less than a week ago that he had been happily tinkering on his boat enjoying a few days break and now look at him!

Francesca smiled. "As far as the heir is concerned, it would seem you have already made a move in that direction."

There was silence as Jack contemplated whether to correct the Queen. No, it was up to Lara to do that, if she had any intention of ever doing so. "May I ask why you need the investment and for how much?"

Johann answered this time and Jack sensed he was a lot more comfortable discussing financial matters than babies. "We badly need an injection of funds, Jack. If you agree, our government advisors will go more thoroughly into the details but generally speaking, we haven't been competitive in the exports markets and our economy has taken a dramatic down turn. Our main source of revenue is from tourism. This has dropped considerably in the past two years because we have been unable to invest resources into advertising. Most of the tourists prefer to visit the major European countries because these are heavily promoted in such places as the United States and Great Britain.

Jack rubbed his jaw, his mind racing. "How much are you seeking?"

"Well, this can be negotiated but somewhere in the vicinity of half a billion US dollars."

Jack swore. He couldn't help it. "That's big money, Sir. Why don't you approach the major banks or blue chip investors?"

Francesca broke in. "Because, my dear Jack, you are our blue chip investor. Not only will your investment be used wisely but with a royal wedding, we can be assured that this will lift the status of Challoner to record heights within the tourism markets.

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