“The main sticking point, really, is that your parents can’t be trusted to keep a promise,” I pointed out to her. “Remove them and their shaky memories from the equation, and half the battle’s won already. I knew that and negotiated for them both to leave so they couldn’t meddle. I hoped it would be enough to convince James to take the throne, and thankfully, I was correct.”
“Don’t know why I didn’t think of getting Beatrice and Patrick out of the picture before,” James muttered. “I was too focused on not taking the throne at all, I guess. Anyway, once Edwin put itout there, we all agreed. I called for Galbraith, and he put his seal to the agreement. Your parents are to pack and be gone by the end of next week.”
“You don’t even want them here for your crowning ceremony?”
“Not for any reason do I want them to linger.”
Helena made a face. “I suppose that’s fair, considering their history. Why marry on the spot? To prevent people from arguing with you?”
“More or less. I’m past the point of taking chances. Especially where Edwin’s concerned.”
“Also fair.” Her eyes narrowed on her brother’s face. “You intend to make Edwin co-ruler, then?”
“I do.”
“Good. Really, Edwin, I’m of the opinion you’d do a better job than anyone else.”
Hearing her say that was highly flattering, especially since I knew she meant it. “Thank you, Helena.”
“You’re welcome. I will absolutely support your rule, both of you. Now, I do have two questions.”
James had his mouth full but waved her on.
“Nowcan I have your business?” Helena gave him an arch look. “You can’t run it and the country at the same time. And you know I’m getting good at it.”
James sighed, eyes on her for a long moment, then shrugged. “Fine. You’ll stay as an intern for the next year because there’s still a lot for you to learn. But when I feel you’ve got a good grasp on running it, I’ll make you co-owner.”
“Ha! Thank you, James.”
“In return, your future children are my potential heirs.”
“Oh, are you and Edwin not going to do a surrogate?”
“Absolutely not. I won’t bed anyone else, not for any reason.”
“I suppose that’s fair. And we’d like to keep the succession clear, I suppose. Alright, agreed. I have no issue with that.” She rubbed her hands together, gleeful. “Now, second question. Whatever are you going to do with Victor and Valentina?”
“We unfortunately can’t just send her home,” I said. “Too many diplomatic pitfalls if we try, and legally, we can’t interfere, as it’s Victor’s engagement. All that said, I don’t know if Victor even wants to marry her at this point. She’s already publicly thrown him over in favor of you several times, which is embarrassing, if nothing else. You’re now king, so once he hears you’re on the throne, he might choose to give up the whole idea altogether.”
James nodded. “I think you’re correct. I suppose we can offer him the same options as before. Either exile in one of Beatrice’s villas or an exile out of the country with a lump sum. Either way, I don’t care what his parents have promised him, he’s not getting reinstated.”
“I feel like you’re being very generous after all he’s done.”
“I agree, but I also think he’s not intelligent enough to take the deal. If he refuses, it’ll leave him to the tender mercies of Ascor for defiling their daughter. If they for some reason are lenient, he’ll be at the mercy of the world then, and honestly, I don’t think he’ll survive for long.”
Considering his own stupidity had gotten him killed in the first life? I had to agree. James’s offer might be to assuage his own conscience, but I was fine with that if it helped him sleep better at night. I personally didn’t care one way or another. Putting Victor in a safe place with a budget would be cheaper than constantly coming in behind him to clean up his messes. Not to mention less stressful.
Helena swallowed the bite in her mouth before tacking on, “I think you’re right, he won’t take it, but I’ll be there with you to try and talk him into it. I’d rather not see Victor again, honestly.”
“I don’t think anyone wants to. We will need Patrick to do one last thing before he leaves,” James mused. “Or perhaps I can do it. I’ll check with Galbraith to make sure I’m not tripping over any laws, but someone has to let Lenville know the situation has drastically changed. We must do that no matter what Victor decides, because the Ascorian monarchs need to understand there won’t be a formal royal engagement to anyone.”
“Make it a tomorrow problem,” I said. “We have too much to do now.”
“Speaking of”—Helena looked between us—“what can I do to help?”
“Help me,” I said. “I need to plan a crowning ceremony and joint wedding ceremony.”
“Oh, yes, that’s a tall order. When?”
