by Eliza Ellis
And the more eager she would be.
Chapter 18
Deanna sat in the open-air coach, waiting patiently for Jelena to arrive. The queen was in her third trimester, and Deanna hoped she would cancel and blame the pregnancy. Then Deanna could do the tour herself. That would defeat the purpose of the trip, but Deanna was okay with that. She’d rather not spend time with the woman who looked down her nose at her. It wasn’t good for the baby to be stressed, and Jelena looked nothing if not stressed—except when she was gleefully smiling during the king’s upbraiding of herself or Maxim.
But this was my idea.
Creating unity in the royal family. Or, at least, the appearance of unity. Riding out with the queen and visiting exhibits at the royal museum would give the public the impression that both monarchs approved of Maxim throwing caution—and the Crown’s order—to the wind and marrying a love doctor from the United States.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Deanna had fallen asleep troubled after what Maxim had said about Novak. The king was understandably upset at Maxim, but Maxim thought it tunneled much deeper for reasons Novak hadn’t shared. Neither she nor Maxim could figure out the importance of him marrying Leonor. Right before she left her apartments, Deanna requested one of the aides to get her everything she could on Princess Leonor. Who was this woman, and why was she so important to the Crown?
Last night… She had said yes to Maxim joining her in bed. She wasn’t sure when he came back to the room, because soon after he had left to go to the kitchen, she’d fallen asleep. When she awoke the next morning, he was already working. Now he could tease her about not waiting up.
Truthfully, she had been grateful that he mentioned going to the kitchen. The thought of being amorous right after a difficult conversation had taxed her, but not more than the idea of finally being vulnerable with Maxim. The night at the farm had been the first she’d spent—clothed or not—with a man since leaving her husband. As always, Maxim had behaved the perfect gentleman. You just have to relax. He’s the right man for you. But did she truly know him well enough to give him her heart?
People hurrying about dragged her from her musings. Jelena had exited the castle and was stately waddling up to the carriage. So much for the pregnancy cop-out.
Deanna forced as genuine a smile as possible and greeted Jelena when she stepped into the carriage.
“I’m not feeling my best, so we may cut this short,” Jelena said, not acknowledging Deanna’s good morning.
Well, why didn’t you just cancel? “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“I don’t want the people to see we’ve lost all sense of decorum by having you in the palace, so I’d like you to address me as ‘Your Majesty.’”
Oh, brother. “Yes, Your Majesty,” Deanna repeated. She hadn’t dreamed of calling her sister-in-law by her given name.
“His Majesty the King wants to know when to expect your parents. Before they will be allowed into the country, they must receive a formal invitation from the palace.”
“What?” Deanna coughed. “Excuse me, Your Majesty. I was…startled. I’m not sure. My parents are medical doctors. They are often in areas without good cell reception. I haven’t been able to reach them for days.”
Jelena waved her hand. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll inform the head of our national security to keep them on the watchlist.”
Degonia had a watchlist? Did they have a problem with terrorists and other criminals crossing their borders? Deanna filed those questions away to ask Maxim later. She’d also ask her husband to pull some strings and get her parents off the watchlist. It was…insulting, to say the very least.
“I’m sure they wouldn’t dream of coming unannounced,” Deanna said dryly. “They don’t even know I’m married, unless my associates have been able to get in touch with them.” This was probably not a good time to tell Jelena that Deanna hoped to fly Grace and Rita over for a visit as soon as they were able to hop on a plane. Other than her aides and Maxim, Deanna felt isolated and alone in Degonia. Unless she made some friends quickly, staying here permanently was turning from a fairy tale into a nightmare.
“They would be stopped at the border.”
“Of course. But you don’t allow visitors into your country at all?”
Jelena gave Deanna a tired look. “I’m sure you’ve heard of other monarchies having issues with family members. We don’t want that here in Degonia.”
Deanna stiffened against the seat back. “I have a good relationship with my parents.”
“The Crown can’t take any chances. It was enough that you got in.”
Deanna stared at the side of Jelena’s granite face. She “got in”? Like she’d snuck in under the cover of darkness to embarrass the Crown?
Jelena delicately waved at the people on the street. Deanna followed suit, hoping her strained smile wouldn’t be snapped by paparazzi. “Are you looking forward to the baby?” What a stupid question. Of course she would be. Deanna suppressed a groan at her own awkwardness and tried to think of another subject that wouldn’t get her ridiculed.
Jelena laughed heartily like Deanna had said something truly funny. “Of course we are.” She grinned broadly. “Continuing the line is very important. The Malenkovs must retain power.”
“I don’t understand. The Malenkovs have the throne. Why wouldn’t you retain power?”
Fear flashed in Jelena’s eyes. “You don’t know anything.”
She knew if Jelena carried a girl, then she and Novak would have to try again for a boy. “Well, I’m trying to figure it all out,” Deanna said swiftly. “Both Your Majesties haven’t been very forthcoming.” Jelena snapped her gaze to Deanna, but Deanna didn’t shrink back. “Maxim understands he married against the King’s wishes, but he’s ready and willing to help with…whatever the issue is. He’s worked very hard to accumulate wealth that would make people’s lives easier. Why not work with him?”
Jelena scoffed. “Why can’t he work with us? He is just a prince. He’s in service to the Crown.”
Deanna swallowed, wetting her drying throat. Just a prince? The northern farm owners were rapidly seeing Maxim as an astute businessman whose wealth and connections could inject some life into the agricultural economy. After waving at a few people, she tried again. “What is it that you need him to do now?”
Jelena held her gaze evenly. “Divorce you and marry Leonor.”
“Not happening.”
Jelena sniffed and raised her chin. “We’ll see about that.”
“Your child will take the throne before that happens.”
Jelena laughed. “You think this is such a joke, don’t you? Our child might not take the throne,” she hissed, her nose inches from Deanna. “Understand now?”
No, but Deanna didn’t dare shake her head. Was it a girl? Was this the only child Jelena could have? Jelena leaned back, put on her queenly smile, and waved to more of her subjects.
Hours later, Deanna stood at the back of her chair in the dining room, as did all the other guests. Maxim still hadn’t shown for dinner and neither had Novak. Deanna hoped the two of them were talking things out. Deanna’s stomach growled. She wished they would hurry things up.
Across from her was the famed Leonor, in all her stately blond glory. The woman truly was stunning. Deanna couldn’t fault her for her five foot eleven or six foot frame. What’s an inch when you’re that tall? Her hair graced her head like a providential halo, and she had the most balanced and evenly toned skin Deanna had ever seen. Although Deanna’s skin was clear, she had to mix and match at least three different foundation colors, thanks to her patchy tone.
Leonor hadn’t taken her green eyes off Deanna since Deanna entered the room minutes before. No introductions, just her perfectly plump, wine-colored lips slightly curved at the ends in a way that said she had a secret and she wasn’t telling. Deanna tried not to shiver against the fear snaking its way from her belly up through her chest and arms and down to her outermost
extremities.
“What a lovely color, Leonor,” Jelena said of Leonor’s dress.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Oh”—Jelena chuckled—“You know you can call me Jelena. I abhor all that formality.”
Oh, really?
“I wasn’t sure if this color would look good on me.”
Gold. The color was freaking gold. It looks good on practically anyone.
“You always look so good in whatever you wear.”
“And you hardly look like you’re almost full term. You must be so pleased to still be the same size.”
Deanna snorted. Both women’s heads snapped in her direction. Deanna broke protocol and reached for her cup of water. “Dry throat, sorry.” She took a sip and looked away.
Jelena said, “I’ve only had a few things taken out. I do have a little bump.” She rubbed her belly.
Deanna looked somewhat longingly at Jelena’s belly. She wanted children. Were she and Maxim expected to have them, and if so, how many and when? Maxim wanted children as well. To have them, however, she’d need to…
Maxim touched her right hand and came around her left side. He kissed her cheek. “Sorry about that.”
“What was that about?” Deanna whispered back.
“I’ll tell you later.”
“Maxim! It’s so lovely to see you.”
Even the princess’s voice was a lovely pitch that almost sang to the heart.
Maxim nodded to Leonor. “Leonor. You look…incredible.”
Deanna watched Maxim’s gaze float down Leonor’s body, and she frowned. She’d worn a lime-green dress that she’d thought would’ve set off a striking contrast to her dark honey-toned skin. Maybe if she’d worn platinum, she would’ve garnered more attention from her husband. Deanna gripped the chair in front of her and firmly set her jaw.
“Thank you, Maxim.” She blushed rose. “America has been good for you. You look more distinguished with the beard.”
Maxim chuckled and rubbed his face. “It’s useful, especially when negotiating with older investors.”
Deanna stood mute, forgotten. She wouldn’t talk about how lovely Leonor looked, nor would she boost the vanity of her husband. Thankfully, the king entered then, and everyone followed suit and sat.
“How was your trip today, Deanna?” Leonor asked. “To the museum?”
Deanna nearly choked on the soup, not expecting to ever be addressed again. “It was—”
“I’m sure you understand the importance now of Maxim assisting the Crown wherever necessary.”
There was that vague reference again. Deanna glanced to Jelena and then back to Leonor. Had they been discussing her and Maxim?
“She understands,” Jelena offered.
“I’m actually sitting here,” Maxim said dryly. “And I’ll help, within reason.”
“I think it’s best to do whatever the king wishes,” Jelena said with a smile. “Even if you don’t want to.”
Maxim looked at her evenly. “Within reason.”
The two of them began a staring match. Deanna’s eyes found Novak, who was deep in conversation with a few men she’d been informed were from parliament. Deanna wondered if parliament was pressuring Novak somehow. Her aide did mention Leonor’s father, Velin, having considerable influence with the ruling party.
“You’re saying you won’t do what the king asks?” Jelena was speaking rather loudly.
“I think you should,” Deanna said, her hand on Maxim’s arm. Maxim swiftly looked at her, his eyes betraying shock and pain. Inwardly, she winced. “For the good of the Crown,” Deanna argued weakly.
“You see, Maxim,” Jelena began triumphantly, “Deanna understands what must be done.”
Yes, she did.
She and Maxim would divorce.
Chapter 19
“I can’t believe you took their side! Against me, in front of them!”
Deanna sat glumly on the bed. Maxim stood in front of the fire, gripping the mantle, wanting to tear it right off the wall. It was one thing to walk into the room and see Leonor looking even more beautiful than the last time they’d met, trying to remind him of what he’d given up. But it was quite another to have his wife meekly succumb to pressure from both Leonor and Jelena. To agree that maybe he had made a mistake and the only way to rectify it was to give in to the Crown’s demands. He had enough to deal with without having those women wage war on his wife—and win.
“Maxim, please try to understand—”
“No, Deanna. It was us against them, or don’t you remember? You are my wife. You are supposed to be on our side, not theirs.” He surged toward her. She didn’t retreat. Good. That meant she wasn’t scared of him. “I’m not going to help in whatever way they want if they’re not going to respect you—or me, for that matter. I don’t care what they want.” He squeezed his eyes shut, his hands going up in the air. “And what did they mean by you ‘understood’? Is that some sort of code? What happened today with Jelena? I thought you two were going to a museum.”
Deanna swallowed and fingered her floor-length fleece robe. It had his monogram on it, since she hadn’t been issued one by the king.
And wouldn’t be, if he couldn’t convince Novak to change his mind.
On that, he’d been unsuccessful. Today, he had tried several times to get an audience with his brother. After repeated rejections, Maxim decided to pay impromptu visits to members of parliament he figured would be open to his economic ideas. Surprisingly, members of the ruling party seemed disinterested. Then he remembered who their puppet master was: Velin.
He wondered how easy it would be to get him put on the country’s watchlist. Who he’d have to pay to get Velin tossed out. Him and his daughter.
Leonor. He’d felt her foot underneath the table and saw her subtle looks of invitation, but there wasn’t going to be a repeat of what happened the last time they were together. He’d been so drunk they nearly formed a spiritual bond. If she’d gotten pregnant, he wouldn’t be with Deanna today. No way he would’ve been able to leave the country and settle in America. He’d already be married to Leonor.
The only woman he wanted to have children with sat quietly on the bed, chewing her bottom lip and playing with her robe. Was it such a big secret?
“I’m waiting, Deanna,” Maxim snapped. “What were you talking about?”
“Jelena insinuated that the Malenkovs were losing power and somehow your marriage to Leonor would solidify it.”
Maxim snorted. “Is that all? Unless my brother plans on dying soon, our power is secure.”
“What about the baby?”
“If it’s a boy, then all is well.”
“And if it’s a girl?”
“Then Novak will need to convince parliament to pass a law allowing the firstborn females to rule as sovereign. I’m surprised he hasn’t done that already. Or produce a male heir. But what does any of that have to do with why you sided with Jelena and Leonor?”
Deanna rolled her eyes. “I’m not on their side, I just…”
“You’re convinced there’s no way out of this.” Maxim grasped her hands and pulled them fast against his chest. “Deanna, you and I can’t waver on this, or they will win. Do you understand?”
She snatched her hands back and shoved past him. “I’m so tired of everyone asking if I understand.” She whirled and faced him, her face dark with fury. “Yes! Yes, I understand I never should’ve married you because I wouldn’t be welcomed here. Yes, I understand that despite all your rebellious tendencies, you were born into this life and you’ll choose it over me. That’s one of the reasons why we’re matched so well. We conform when we must. And you must. You have to marry Leonor.”
Maxim stared at her like she had lost her mind. Marry Leonor? If he had wanted to do that, he wouldn’t have married her. Deanna’s frustrated look dropped into one of melancholy resignation. She offered no other explanation. “That’s it?”
Deanna nodded. “I don’t know anything more th
an that. You will…you need to marry Leonor, and…I have to go home.”
“You’re not going home. I’m not divorcing you. And I’m definitely not marrying Leonor.”
“I could get her information and put it into the database. You two are probably more well-matched than you think.”
He held up a hand to block the words he wouldn’t believe. “Stop. No.” Maybe the two of them would be compatible in bed, but that’s as far as it would go. There was just something…impish about Leonor. She was cut from her father’s devilish cloth.
“What did you and Novak discuss?” Deanna changed the subject.
Maxim fell onto the bed. “We didn’t. He refused to see me today. I went to parliament.”
“Parliament?”
“I wanted to present my proposals and get a few of them on my side. I need to convince Novak that all wasn’t lost when I moved to America.”
“And? Did you?”
Maxim held out his hand to her. She slowly crossed the room and climbed onto the bed. He brought her close to his side. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
She rubbed her hand across his chest, warming him. “I don’t want to fight with you either,” she whispered.
“Velin has a lot of influence.”
“Velin,” she said with an exasperated sigh.
“Yes. I was able to speak to a few of the minor members, who were encouraged by my ideas, but the leaders refused to speak to me,” he grumbled.
She wrapped her arm around his torso. “Maxim, this is bigger than you or me. Bigger than your bank account.”
He chuckled and rubbed her arm. “I still think we can overcome the pressure.”
“Your optimism is a credit. Are you sure you’re not doing it out of pride?” She propped herself up on her elbow. “The people—”
“You sound like my brother.”
“Well…” She shrugged. “Maybe he’s right.”
He slid off the bed. He shook his head as her words reverberated in his ears. “You’re against me,” he whispered.
“I’m against you losing more than just me,” she responded softly. “What am I compared to your status, your position?”