That was pure bluff. Or was it? Roderick did not tell her everything.
Sweat broke out on Lord Liverpool’s brow, but he said smoothly, “Napoleon is generous with things that do not belong to him. If you thinkit would mean true independence, I suggest you look towards what has happened in Europe. You would be a client-prince, no more.”
Roderick shrugged. “It is better than anything England has ever offered us.”
The king interrupted. “Before, perhaps. Now we are offering you true independence for Gwynedd.”
With a nod of acknowledgment, as if between equals, Roderick said, “It is an important difference, which is why I am even considering your offer.”
Lord Liverpool opened his mouth, but the king waved his hand to silence him and spoke in his place. “Let us discuss details, then. There is also one further matter. If you agree, we wish to demonstrate to the world that this is an alliance between Great Britain and the new principality of Gwynedd. As proof, we would ask you to embody this in the traditional manner by marrying an Englishwoman, one of rank.”
Good heavens, was Roderick curling his lip at that prospect? Frederica truly had underestimated him.
He said, “It is my duty to marry a Welshwoman. What would I receive in exchange for this sacrifice?”
It stung, because she knew it was true. Even if he loved her, he believed he should marry a local woman. No matter how wealthy and well-bred she might be, she was lacking that essential credential. But she would not let it stop her – or allow her reaction to show.
The king said, “Lady Frederica’s name has been mentioned, and I would agree to pay you a royal dowry of fifty thousand pounds on top of her own portion.”
Roderick appeared to consider this. “I could do worse. My dragon would be willing to accept her.” A good reminder of the power behind him, as if anyone could forget the currant-red creature looming over them.
“If I must,” Frederica said. “At least you are better than that horrid Mortimer Percy.” Was this truly going to work, this massive play-acting they were doing?
Lord Liverpool said, “All of this would, of course, be contingent upon a demonstration that Mr. Jack Darcy can in fact employ the King’s Bond.”
“Naturally,” Roderick said. “I will need to see all the details in writing first, so that I may present it for approval to my father.” In a low voice, that only Frederica could hear, he added, “Prince Rhodri ap Llewelyn of Gwynedd.”
“There is no time to send messengers all the way to Wales. Mr. Jack Darcy must begin his training at once.”
Roderick’s smile showed teeth. “If you wish me to act without the consent of my father, be prepared to make an even better offer.”
Frederica smirked as Roderick removed his topcoat and tossed it over the bedrail in their room in the modest London inn. She had debated trying to get a tailor to make him a more fashionable one for the occasion, but it would have taken too long, and it was better that the Prime Minister underestimate Roderick. If he had looked like a true threat, they would never have agreed to give him as much as they did.
And Roderick always looked particularly appealing in his shirtsleeves.
“Well, future Prince of Gwynedd? What do you think of the deal I negotiated for you?” she asked, feeling distinctly proud of herself.
He tugged her into his arms and nuzzled his face into her neck, making her insides melt. “I think I am out of my right mind,” he murmured. “I should never have agreed, were it not the only way you would be allowed to marry me.”
She pulled back. “What do you mean? Now your beloved Gwynedd will be free!”
“If they do not cheat us out of it - and I guarantee you they will try. And only if they manage to defeat Napoleon, for he will never honor this agreement, and in fact I likely could have made a better arrangement with him. But there was one thing he could not give me.” He grazed his lips over her forehead. “You. Being able to marry you is what makes this worth it to me.”
Why did she keep forgetting that he did not care if England was conquered? He only wanted to stop Napoleon for the sake of the dragons; otherwise one foreign overlord was the same as any other to him. “The dragons would not like you dealing with Napoleon,” she pointed out.
“True.” He nibbled on her earlobe. “I wish you were not Jack's cousin, though. I would rather our children not be tied to the holder of the English King's Bond.”
She tilted her head to give him better access to the sensitive skin there, tendrils of desire racing from his touch. “Only you could complain about getting everything you wished for - your independence, reduced taxes for Wales for a generation, fifty thousand pounds, and me!”
He stilled and was silent for a moment. “I suppose you are right. I simply cannot believe anything so good can be true. They cannot have meant it.”
“They are desperate.”
“True. Still, I will have to find a solicitor to go over whatever agreement they offer, to make sure they do not leave a way to weasel out of it. Though how I will pay for that I do not know.”
“I will foot the bill,” Frederica said firmly. “You need the finest solicitors on this.”
“It is my responsibility. I will not accept money from you!”
