He’d arrived with Izzy a day ago to Gwokon City, and he would bet his money and title his mother already heard the news, even though he’d chosen a different time to eat their meals and the castle had more rooms than a bed-and-breakfast. Word traveled quickly within the walls, and a lot of times he blamed the staff.
His mother, Kesia, strolled into his office, wearing a brown and orange gown, with her hair braided and plenty jewelry adorning her neck and wrists. A timeless beauty, she didn’t look a day older than thirty-five, shedding two decades from her real age. “We need to talk, son.”
“Of course. Have a seat.” He gestured.
Gracefully, she held both sides of the long hem and took a chair in front of him. Despite her good manners, a frown creased her forehead. “I know you brought an American woman with you.”
He toyed with telling his mother she was Brazilian by birth. What difference did it make? He rocked back in his chair, scratching his chin. “Yes.” With the coronation ceremony looming, he’d given himself a few days before breaking the news to his mother.
“That’s breaking protocol. As Queen Regent of the castle, I need to know when we’re receiving guests. I certainly shouldn’t find out by accident.”
“Mother, I’m not doing anything illegal. Izzy Lima is a good friend who will be here for the month. Then she’ll fly back to her home.”
His mother made a hand gesture, her bangles clanging against each other. “Who is she? You’ve never mentioned her before. Does she work in the American Embassy? I don’t want any diplomatic problems right now. We’ll have a lot to do after you’re crowned. Your uncle didn’t leave Gwokon in the best state. We don’t need any bad press.”
He ran his fingers down his face. Ah, how he preferred when his mother had been the rebel and not this polished version who tried to abide by impossible rules.
“Nassor, I’m serious. You’re from a different generation. People will be worried now your uncle won’t rule anymore—”
“Why? Because he’s done such a good job? The healthcare system sucks, and unemployment hit a new high last week. Uncle Feruzi trusted the wrong advisers, and I intend on replacing each one of them. So, yes, people will have to adapt.” But it’ll be for the better. A hot knot throbbed in his throat. The sweet face of his friend Jonah appeared in his mind. His childhood friend had died because of a routine tonsil removal surgery gone wrong. No one should have that kind of experience, and hopefully under his regime, no one would.
She lifted her eyebrow. “I don’t doubt you’ll make a great leader. I just want you to have a smooth transition.”
He picked a pen from his collection and clicked it. “Thank you.”
“How did you meet this woman? And when were you planning on telling me about her?”
He stopped clicking his pen and stared at her. “She’s not from the embassy, or a spy, or whatever you want to entertain. She’s a civilian I met by accident. I was going to tell you about her after we settled.” Even if I didn’t have to.
Kesia tilted her head, her shoulders sagging a notch. “Good. Per protocol, you have up to ninety days after coronation to pick your wives. I’ve been receiving calls and invitations to dinner parties.”
Nassor leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh. He’d forgotten about yet another rule, and one that’d impact his life forever. If his uncle hadn’t gotten ill and he’d had more time to prepare, he’d be already married or at least committed to new brides. “Forget it. I won’t go on dates or marriage matchmaking events while Izzy’s here.”
“And after she leaves?”
He rubbed his forehead. “You can schedule your events and we’ll pick the wives.”
A small smile formed on her lips. “You know, it’s always been the two of us—”
He leaned across the desk and held her hands. “Still is. I value your opinion and know you want what’s best for me,” he said, hoping those words would help get her off his back. She’d been particularly needy ever since his father left her again, a month prior—a subject Nassor avoided at all costs.
Her smile broadened, gratitude lighting her eyes. “Thank you.”
She stood and he did the same. Before leaving, she hugged him, warmth cloaking him for a moment. Insecurity must have gotten the best of his mother. He’d always shared a lot with her, but as king, he had to keep some business private—for the good of the nation. Hopefully, those wife-matching plans would keep her busy.
The image of Izzy flashed in his mind. The opposite of a wife—what would his mother say if she found out how they truly met? He surged to his feet and walked out of his office. He’d told Izzy he’d take her somewhere special tonight—and he had a plan.
After they’d kissed, two days prior, he wanted to bed her more than anything, but the discovery of his real identity drained the color from her face. Maybe his title intimidated her and had the opposite effect it did on most women. Could be—Izzy certainly wasn’t like anyone else he’d met.
So he’d been a complete gentleman and tried to engage her in fruitful conversation. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to get her naked and under him, but she had to come to terms with her desire for a man of his standing.
“Guban,” he said, walking by his assistant’s desk. “Have you heard from the pilot?”
Guban promptly stood, even though he could respond sitting. “Yes, Your Highness. He checked with maintenance, and the helicopter is good to go.”
“Good.”
Tonight, he’d show Izzy the stars—and maybe take her to them too.
