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Rafe knew that although his father was King in truth it was Rafe who held the power, for he could simply say no, he wouldnotabide by his father’s decision. And he would get his own way for his father would loathe the thought of the succession continuing with Rafe’s cousins rather than following his own line.
But marrying without the King’s permission, even if he remained Crown Prince, would prove a living hell for Antonietta. She would be frozen out by the courtiers and treated with derision by the aides. There would be division in the palace and ramifications that he would not wish on the girl with the saddest eyes, who had only ever wanted to belong.
‘Rafe?’ the King pushed. ‘Will you abide by my decision?’
‘Yes,’ Rafe said finally. ‘I will abide by your decision but I will never forgive you for it.’
‘Don’t threaten me, Rafe.’
‘It is not a threat—it is a fact. And one you should consider. Unlike you, I will do everything in my power to make my marriage work. My wife will never know that I did not wish to marry her. When she asks why I am cold with my father the King I will never tell her the true reason. And when she asks why I don’t stand by your side on the balcony I will tell her that it is to do with ancient history and not something she should trouble herself with. And when the heirs you seek are born, and they ask why they only see their grandparents on formal occasions, I will tell them to ask their grandfather to explain why relationships are strained.’
‘How dare you threaten me?’
The King stood, but Rafe did not flinch.
‘It is a mere glimpse into the future,’ Rafe said. ‘So think long and hard, Your Majesty, as to how you wish to proceed.’
