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Halina looked up, all modesty gone as her eyes flashed. ‘Of all the people in this situation, Prince Zayed, you have the most choice of all.’
Surprised, he frowned. ‘How do you mean, Princess?’
‘You don’t have to marry me.’
‘I believe you are aware of the political incentive to do so.’
‘Political incentive?’ To both his shock and irritation Halina looked scornful. ‘Do you really think my father will support your claim to the throne?’
Zayed felt a chill spread through his body. ‘Do you know something I do not, Princess Halina?’
‘No, only that I have never trusted my father wholly. He isn’t a cruel man, but his own reputation and comfort comes above everyone else’s.’
‘I suppose it is a risk I am willing to take.’
‘And what of Olivia?’
Zayed tensed. ‘What of her?’
Halina cocked her head, her soft brown gaze moving over him slowly. ‘Does she not matter at all?’
Zayed said nothing, although everything in him wanted to protest. Shout.
She matters. Of course she matters.
‘We are not here to discuss Olivia,’ he answered, his tone repressive.
‘No,’ Halina said slowly. ‘We are not.’ She was still gazing at him, her expression hard and assessing. ‘We are here to discuss our possible marriage.’
‘Yes.’
‘And the truth is, Prince Zayed, I cannot marry you. I will not.’
Zayed stared at her in shock. ‘What?’
‘I’m not going to marry you,’ Halina stated again, shrugging. ‘I’m sorry if it is a disappointment.’
‘Your father...’
‘My father wants me to marry you. He wants to tidy away my mistake. But he cannot force me.’ She lifted her chin. ‘No matter what.’
Zayed paused for a moment, aware of what a risk she was taking. Hassan would be furious; he would likely send her away to a remote palace in the desert, never to be seen in society again. He felt a reluctant admiration for the Princess, and underneath another emotion, damning in its intensity. He felt relief.
He didn’t want to marry Halina. Whether she was pregnant or not, whether she was willing or not, he didn’t want her. He wanted Olivia.
‘May I ask why you have come to this decision?’ Zayed asked.
‘Yes, it is quite simple.’ Halina’s gaze met his with an unspoken challenge. ‘I will not marry a man who is in love with someone else.’
Zayed was too shocked to hide his reaction. In love...? ‘I don’t...’ he began, and then stopped. He couldn’t deny it. He’d been trying to for days, cutting himself off from Olivia and all that she meant to him because it was necessary for his country. For his rule.
Now Halina tilted her head and gave him a mocking look. ‘I’m glad you didn’t bother denying it. That does you credit.’
Her audacity surprised and somewhat amused him. ‘What I feel for Olivia has nothing to do with our potential alliance.’
‘I’m afraid it does. Because, like I said, I don’t wish to marry a man who is in love with someone else, especially when I am pregnant with another man’s child.’
‘Do you love him?’ Zayed asked. He felt nothing either way for Halina and her child—no jealousy, no anger, no interest.
