That the value of the Euro is expected to rise? Murat asked calmly, knowing it wasnt that.
No. The king flipped through the pages until he found the local editionthe one with the large picture of Daphne on the front page. Interesting solution.
Murat shrugged. I said I would have a Snowden bride, and so I shall.
Im surprised she agreed.
Murat thought of the message hed received from the guards outside the harem. Even though he suspected theyd edited the content, Daphnes demands made him smile.
She has not, he admitted. But she will. After all, the choice of fiancées was hers alone.
Oh?
I told her there would be a wedding, and she said Brittany would not be the bride. That left Daphne to fill the position.
I see. His father didnt react at all. Do you have a time line in place for this wedding?
Four months.
Not long to prepare for such an important occasion.
I think we will manage.
Perhaps I should go to her and offer my congratulations.
Murat raised his eyebrows. Im sure Daphne will welcome your visit, but may I suggest you wait a few days. Until she has had time to settle in to the idea of being my wife.
Perhaps you are right. The king stroked
the cat in his arms. You have chosen wisely.
Thank you. Im sure Daphne and I will be very happy together. After she got over wanting him dead.
By ten that morning Daphne was convinced shed worn a track in the marble tile floors. Shed showered, dressed and paced. So far shed been unable to make any phone calls because of the stupid time difference. But she would eventually get through to someone and then Murat would taste her fury. She might not be the favorite Snowden, but she was still a member of the family and her name meant something. She would call in every favor possible and make him pay for this.
Of all the arrogant, insensitive, chauvinistic, ridiculous ideas, she muttered as she walked to the French doors.
So much energy.
She spun and saw him moving toward her. I hate that you do that, she said. Appear and disappear. I swear, when I find that secret door, Im putting something in front of it so you cant use it anymore.
He seemed completely unruffled by her anger. As you wish.
Oh, sure. You say that now. Where were my wishes last night when you were sending your lies to the newspaper? She stalked over to the dining room table and picked up the pages in question.
How could you do this? she asked as she shook them at him. How dare you? Who gave you the right?
You did.
What? She hated that she practically shrieked, but the man was making her insane. I most certainly did not.
I told you there would be a Snowden bride and you declared it would not be your niece.
What? she repeated. Thats not making a choice. I never agreed with your original premise. Where do you get off saying youll have a Snowden bride? Were not ice cream flavors to be ordered interchangeably. Were people.
Yes, I know. Women. I have agreed not to marry Brittany. You should be pleased.
Pleased? Are you crazy? She dropped the papers and clutched at the back of the chair. Im furious. Youve trapped me here and told lies about me to the press. Ive already heard from my sister. Do you know how this is going to mess up my life? Both of our lives?
I agree that marriage will change things, but Im hoping for the better.
Were not getting married! she yelled.
Instead of answering, he simply stared at her. Calm certainty radiated from him in nearly palpable waves. It made her want to choke him.
She drew in a deep breath and tried to relax. When that didnt work, she attempted to loosen her grip on the chair.
Okay, she said. Lets start from the beginning. Youre not marrying Brittany, which is a good thing.
He had the gall to smile at her. Did you really think I would be interested in a teenager for my wife? Bringing Brittany here was entirely my fathers idea. I agreed to meet with her only to make him happy.
Spots appeared before her eyes. You what? No way. That couldnt be true. Tell me that again.
I never intended to marry Brittany.
But you She couldnt breathe. Her chest felt hot and tight and she couldnt think. But you said
I wanted to annoy you for assuming the worst about me. Then when you offered yourself in Brittanys place, I decided to consider the possibility.
Offer? I never offered.
Oh, but you did. And I accepted.
No. You cant. She pulled out the chair and sank onto the seat. I know youre used to getting your way, but this time it isnt going to happen. I need to be very clear about that. There isnt going to be a wedding. You cant make me, and if you try, youll be forced to tie me up and gag me as you drag me down the aisle. Wont that play well in the press.
I do not care about the press.
She grabbed the paper again. Then why did you bother telling them this?
He sat down across from her. Make no mistake. My mind is made up. We will be married. This announcement has forced you to see the truth. Now you will have time to accept it.
What I accept is that youve slipped into madness. This isnt the fifteenth century. You cant force me to do what you want. This is a free country. She remembered she wasnt in America anymore. Sort of.