Chapter Twenty five

TOYIN's HEART WAS racing as they were summoned

into the throne room of the Antiochda palace. She

could hear her high heels clipping over the polished

marble floor, past all the beautiful oil paintings of her

ancestors towards the dais at the far end.

It felt like forever since she'd last been here and the

significance of the magnificent setting was never lost

on her. It was where her brother had been crowned

after the sudden death of their father and where their

grief-stricken mother had sat, keeping vigil over the

late King's coffin.

As she heard the heavy clang of the double doors

slamming shut behind them, Toyin thought about

everything she'd seen and done since she'd last seen

her brother.

California and an ocean crossing. The

heat and dust of the Australian Outback, the silent

snow of the Cotswolds and then the high-octane holi-

day glitter of New York. And now she was back on

her island home, feeling a bit like a stranger on her

home territory with the man beside her about to ask

the King for her hand in marriage.

As they took their seats she wondered if Massimo was

dazzled by the twin thrones before them where diamonds, rubies and emeralds as big as gulls' eggs

olittered in the winter sunshine. One throne sat

empty-waiting for the wife her brother seemed so

reluctant to find, for it was rumoured he had a mis-

tress who was preventing him from fulfilling his des-

tiny.

Not for the first time, Sophie acknowledged the

inequality of one rule for royal men and a different

one for women. Drake had been allowed to have as

much sex as he wanted, while she'd been supposed to

save her virginity until her wedding night. How unfair

was that? She moistened her lips with her tongue as

she stared at the imposing figure of her brother, his

dark face stern, his legs crossed with the careless-

ness of a man born to rule, as he leaned back against

his throne.

I understand that you have provided both sanc-

tuary and protection for my sister,' said the King,

without preamble. 'For which I owe you a great debt

as well as my thanks, and for which you will be re-

warded accordingly.

The Princess has behaved in a

way which was undoubtedly headstrong, but she is

home now and everything is as it should be. Whether

your desire is for land or capital, I shall endeavour to

grant you your wish, Carter.' He gave a wry smile.

Within reason, of course."

Massimo smiled back. I'm very honoured to receive

Your Majesty's offer he said diplomatically. But

it was no hardship to give your sister my protection

and, indeed, she fended for herself most admirably

for many months.

Months during which my men as-

sured me she was the best cook they've ever had on

the station.'

A glitter of irritation iced the King's blue eyes.

She has always been protected.

You need have no

fears about her future.

That is not the point, snapped Drake, uncross-

ing his legs and sitting up, ramrod-straight. I have

had you investigated."

'Of course you have,' put in Massimo calmly. I would

have done exactly the same in your position.

Drake's face darkened. And your family is...dis-

reputable, to say the least.

'We have a somewhat colourful history, that I

won't deny', said Massimo wryly. 'But I won't do wrong

by your sister and nothing you can say or do will

change my determination. Because I intend to marry

her, with or without your permission although it

would be better if we could do it with your blessing.

Obviously' His fingers tightened around Toyin's

as he gave her hand a squeeze.

'Back in New York, I

made a vow to the Princess that I would be faithful

and true and I am repeating that vow today, in your

presence. For I intend on being the best husband I

can possibly be.'

Toyin felt quite faint. Nobody ever talked to

Drake like that. Nobody. And nobody ever kept in-

terrupting him that way either.

She looked into her

brother's face, expecting to see the first hint of the

Simmering rage which his courtiers knew to beware

of, but to her astonishment there was nothing but a

flicker of frustration in his eyes, which gradually be-

came a gleam of reluctant acceptance.

'You are a strong man, Carter. 'And a woman needs a strong man. Very well.

You have your permission to marry my Sister. She

will come to you with a generous dowry.'

have no desire to imagine the Princess in a position

of such servitude. Let us discuss how best you will

be recompensed instead."

'But, Your Majesty.' said Massimo silkily, I have no

need or desire for any financial reward. I have no

desire to accept payment for what was my pleasure.'

Nervously Toyin resisted the invitation to chew

the inside of her mouth. Didn't Massimo realise that refus-

ing Drake's offer was the last thing he should do if

he wanted to keep him onside? That it was bad form

to refuse the King anything?

Nothing was said for a moment as both men en-

gaged in a silent battle of wills.

'As you wish, said Drake eventually, unable to

hide another flicker of irritation when it became clear, Massimo had no intention of backing down. But on the

other matter you brought to my attention when you

first arrived, I'm afraid I cannot be quite so reason-

able. You say you wish to marry my sister?" He raised

his eyebrows before shaking his head. I'm afraid this

will not be possible, for reasons I'm sure I don't need

to spell out for you.'