Page 65 of Royal Salvation

“Come in.”

Reaper opened the door knowing the King was expecting him and hoping like hell this went the way he hoped because he was doing it anyway. Nerves worse than any pre-combat concern tightened his chest. He wondered if this was how he died, asking the father of the woman he loved for her hand in marriage.

“Justice, what can I do for you?”

The King motioned for the chair after Justice dropped a bow to the man who ruled this country.

He waited until the King sat and took the chair opposite him. They’d come to a grudging understanding since Lucía had made it clear Justice was in her life to stay.

“Firstly, I want to apologise for not protecting Lucía as well as I should have. It’s unforgivable and I understand why you hate me.”

“I do not hate you. I was angry. My baby girl had been kidnapped and endangered and I was worried sick and lashing out. That said, I believe you’ve beaten yourself up more than I’ve wanted to beat you.”

Justice acknowledged his words with a nod.

“It’s difficult for me to acknowledge that I made mistakes with Lucía. I never saw the way she was treated by certain members of my household and when I did see it, I didn’t react. I should have, and perhaps she wouldn’t have felt the need to escape as she did.”

“With all due respect, and I don’t disagree with all that you said, but I don’t think it would’ve changed the outcome. Lucía is stubborn and passionate about what she does, but she’s also the most wonderful, loving, kind person I know.”

The King cocked his head, a frown on his brow. “You want to marry my daughter?”

“Yes, I do. I love her more than anything in this world.”

“Even any children you may have?”

The question stunned Reaper, but he replied with honesty because he knew that was what the King deserved. “No, it isn’t the same. I’d always choose our children over anything, including Lucía because that’s what a parent should do. I’ve been lucky enough to have a parent that chose me time and time again over everything else and that’s what I’d want for my children. That said, I’d still die for her because she’s my world.”

Reaper didn’t feel comfortable being so open about his emotions, but he needed to be transparent if he was to achieve his goal.

“I respect your honesty.” The King stood and moved to the antique table where a crystal decanter was filled with amber liquid. He held the decanter up and Reaper nodded. Pouring them both a glass he handed Reaper his and took a sip as he walked to the window. “You are not the man I would have chosen for my daughter.”

Reaper felt his gut twist and took a sip of the smooth brandy to ease the ache. “I know. I’m nobody. I have no title, no long, elaborate family history, and although I’m reasonably well off due to my job, I’m not rich like Lucía.”

The King looked him over. “No you are not, but despite all that, my daughter loves you and you make her happy. I haven’t failed to see the way she smiles these days or the light that surrounds her when you are together. You shine the spotlight on her and make her the sole focus of any room you are in, and that’s what she deserves after so long in the shadow of her sister and I.”

He thought his heart might beat out of his chest as the King approached him. Reaper stood face to face and toe to toe with the most powerful man in the country, and one of the most powerful in the world.

“If I grant you permission to marry my daughter, I need your word that when the time comes for my Maria to lead this great country, that Lucía will be by her side. She’ll need her sister’s guidance and counsel. They’re close and I do not want that to change.”

“You have my word.”

“Then you have my blessing.”

“Thank you, sir.”

A slight dip of his head was the only response. “Now, what of your job?”

Reaper knew it had been too good to be true. “Lucía and I have discussed it and she wants to move to the UK and buy a property similar to what she has in Whitmore but near where I work. I know my job isn’t normal and if she wants me to give it up I will, but she says she doesn’t.” Reaper was being polite, but the details were only between the two of them.

“I should hope not. The world needs men like you, and despite what happened, you’re good at it. With Lucía wanting to pull back from her royal duties, will it remain safe for you to do what you do?”

“Yes, and we have measures in place to ensure our photo isn’t plastered around the world and any jobs we do won’t lead back to me. We’re careful.”

“You mean you don’t leave witnesses?”

Reaper remained silent, not willing to discuss the details of Shadow with even the King.

The man held up his hand. “Enough said. As long as she’s safe and you can both lead a life that will make you happy.”