Page 53 of Falling for the King

He swallowed as unrelenting exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him as the pull of traditions, expectations, obligation pressed on him. Suddenly an image popped into his head from yesterday morning up on the tower with Kat. His grip eased on the wheel, a sense of calm settling over him.

He could do things differently.

He wasn’t tied to the past.

He’d made other changes to tradition that’d positively impacted others, why then couldn’t he do the same for himself. For a different type of marriage beyond what he thought a relationship could be like. And he wanted that with Kat, only with her. Because what he had with her was worth fighting for, she was worth fighting for.

Finally, he was able to recognise what had been in front of him all along. He’d fulfilled the treaty with Resleigh by marrying Monica. Technically he’d completed his and Maynet’s obligations and even if he hadn’t, he could change the treaty, would change it.

It hit him. He could marry her.

He gulped back a growl of relief. He could. She was already a great princess, she’d be a great queen, wife and mother. Although younger than those on his list, she already knew his views on love and would understand what he was offering. He had no doubts about their compatibility, he already wanted her with an intensity he’d never experienced before and after last night he’d realised she wanted him too. Marrying Kat was possible. It all made sense.

‘Yes,’ he yelled, banging a hand down on the steering wheel in a rush of adrenalin, relief.

‘Xavier, what is it? Do you want me to drive?’ Kat asked.

He looked over at her and a swell of tenderness flipped his heart and he had to forcefully stop himself from blurting out that they should marry. But a crumb of restraint remained. This was not the time nor the place, even without the two men in the back whose attention was fixed on what was happening in the front seat.

Clear turquoise eyes stared back at him in a face a little flushed despite her immaculate make-up. Like him, she was dressed ready for the day’s new schedule and yet he ached to see her like yesterday, carefree and casual. A look he planned on seeing a whole lot more of in the future.

He flicked her a rueful smile. ‘No no, all good.’

Resisting the urge to reach over and pull her closer, he turned back to the road and pushed aside the worry that she mightn’t want to marry him. She would. She had to. This was the best solution. For all of them. He’d announce their engagement which would trump the impact of the photos. The tour would continue without any unsavoury innuendo, Kat had endured enough of that in the past. Then they’d marry. He puffed out a long-loaded breath. She would share his life, his bed, have his children. It was the perfect plan. He’d never treat her like Max had, he’d be a faithful, respectful husband. Now all he needed was to find the right time to tell her and everything would be all right. Better than all right, it would be great.

Chapter 14

Katerina gawked at Xavier seriously doubting her hearing.

‘Would you say that again?’

‘I want us to get married.’

Joy threatened to knock her off her feet. Only Xavier standing in front of the bar on the train his face pale, eyes dark, stance rigid kept her grounded.

Yes. Yes. Yes. She wanted to yell but something was wrong, the tell-tale tic of his jaw an obvious clue as were his words—clipped, precise and lacking emotion.

‘You want to marry me?’

‘Yes.’

He didn’t elaborate just stood looking determined. Joy ebbed away replaced with an insidious dread that slithered down her spine.

‘What about Resleigh, the list of potential brides?’

‘I honoured the treaty with Monica. I am free to choose now, I’ve given no other promises.’

‘Everyone expects it,’ she reminded him as if he’d obviously lost his mind.

‘I’m not going to be bound by something that no longer makes any sense. I’m the king, I make my own choices and my choice is you.’

Despite her best attempt his words thrilled her, calling to her deepest longing buried under years of anguish and layers of self-protection. Then she remembered the other king.

‘What about Edgar?’

‘He’ll leave you alone … and recognise that I’ve honoured my obligations. If not, I’ll make changes to the treaty. Many elements are outdated, this is what’s best.’

‘Why me?’