Page 69

‘I will ask for your hand in marriage, to secure your empire and mine, but I will not force you to be my bride, just because our fathers made a promise long ago,’ he said.

Darius was… giving her the choice?

‘I believe in free will. That is what makes us human, what gives us wisdom, what excites our blood, our brains, our souls.’

He put one hand on his chest, signifying some spiritual belief.

‘Love is not something that can be stolen, only given freely.’

‘I agree,’ said Claudia. ‘Very much so.’

Perhaps the prince was more complex, less shallow, than he had initially appeared.

‘But there must be no lies, no secrets between us,’ he said.

‘I agree,’ said Claudia again, though she was keeping so many secrets they weighed on her like chains. ‘Let us get to know each other first. Let us meet as equals, as allies, even as friends, before we make decisions on such important matters.’

‘But it cannot be too long,’ he said.

‘You are in a rush?’

‘I need to be married as soon as possible, before next summer, at the latest,’ he said.

‘Why the hurry?’

For the first time, the prince looked uncomfortable, staring off into the distance, his dark brows furrowed.

‘My father demands it, as a criterion of becoming his heir. He believes that a king needs a queen if he is to command all of the people. Men, women and children. A man needs to know the value of family, if he is to rule them all. That is what he says.’

‘He is not wrong. A loving family is even more valuable than a crown,’ Claudia agreed.

‘Hmm,’ said the prince.

A crowd appeared, filtering through the columns and signalling that it was time to move on.

‘Shall we?’ said Claudia, standing up.

Darius mirrored her, rising to his feet.

‘As you wish, Empress.’

‘We’ll begin with a tour of the palace, starting with the gardens. I hope you’ll find it… more than adequate. A girl can dream, eh?’

She smiled at him, and he smiled back – genuinely.

Then Claudia looked to Gia, who was watching them intently, and her smile quickly faded.

What a strange situation.

Claudia looked uncertainly at the lynx.

‘I’ll take care of her, Empress,’ said Nadira. ‘I love cats! Aw, you’re just a fluffy little baby, aren’t you?’

The lynx didn’t seem to object, cocking her head to be petted by Claudia’s young handmaid.

The prince murmured with his advisor.

‘I shall meet you there shortly,’ said Darius. ‘There is something I must arrange first.’