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‘I don’t need anyone’s blessing. But Clem does. She needs to know that you love her, that you care about her, that you want her in your life. And you should want her. She’s an amazing woman, kind and intelligent—and she tells it how it is, which is a really rare quality. She could be a real asset to you, and a real asset to Arrosa. But that’s not why you should acknowledge her. You should do it because it’s the right thing to do. Because she has nobody else, and you are her father.’
‘And you think it’s as easy as that, do you?’
Akil smiled at that. ‘You and I both know that in politics the easiest decision is rarely the right one. Of course it won’t be easy. There will be a lot of talk and a lot of speculation, and it will be unpleasant for a while.’
‘I have a wife who is innocent in all this.’
‘And a daughter who is also innocent. Clem deserves to hear you stand up for her, for you to say publicly that you’re proud of her. Whether you do so is up to you. It’s not up to me to spill your secrets. But it’s not for me to hide them either. I am going to do everything in my power to persuade Clem to make a life with me here whether you like it or not. And if I do then you will have to find a way to live with that that makes her happy—because if I see you snub her even once, if I ever see her look the way she looked after your visit today again, then this won’t be such a civilised conversation.’
‘You’ve made yourself very clear, d’Ortiz.’
‘Good.’
The King sighed. ‘Are you sure you don’t want a drink? I think I need one.’ He stood up and poured two generous measures of brandy, setting one before Akil. ‘I have to say, I am half hoping she turns you down. You would be an exhausting son-in-law. But maybe it would be better to have you close. You could also be an asset as Arrosa starts to take the reins. A brother-in-law like you on her side would be a formidable weapon.’
‘As would Clem, if she has a place here. You’ll consider it?’
‘I need to talk to Arrosa and I need to talk to my wife, but if Clem wants me to publicly recognise her, then maybe it’s time. Tell her I will think about it.’
Akil stood up, his brandy untouched. ‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Good luck, d’Ortiz.’
Akil grinned then. ‘I’ll need it. Your daughter can be very stubborn, sir.’
‘Don’t I know it. She’s very like her mother.’ The rather austere face softened. ‘I did what I thought was right at the time, what I thought was right for Asturia, and I don’t do regrets. Iara has been a good queen, maybe better than I deserve, and I love my daughter more than she’ll ever know. But I wish I could have been a father to Clem, shown her how proud I am of her.’
‘It’s not too late, sir.’ Akil just hoped it wasn’t too late for him as well. But he came from a long line of warriors. It was time to fight.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CLEMTURNEDAWAYfrom the lake and marched back up to the villa full of purpose. As she reached the terrace she saw a tall figure waiting for her. Her heart leapt, only to sink again when she realised it was Henri; his usually impassive face was full of sympathy.
‘The plane is waiting for you, Your Highness.’
‘Henri, you really don’t have toYour Highnessme. You never did. I’m just Clem,’ she said, and a smile crinkled the usually austere face.
‘No matter what, you’re the King’s daughter, and you deserve the title.’
‘Thank you. I’m glad Rosy has you to look out for her. Just let me get my things.’
Clem collected her bag and jacket then stood in the hallway looking around for a moment, picturing her sister working at the desk in the study, stirring something on the stovetop, relaxing in front of the TV. If things went the way Clem hoped, would she be here with her sometimes?
‘This isn’t goodbye,’ she said. ‘Butau revoir, I hope.’
She cast one look around and then followed Henri out to the car, waiting until he opened the door and ushered her inside. As he settled himself inside the driver’s seat she leaned forward.
‘Henri, will you do me a favour?’
‘You look just like your sister when you ask that,’ he said suspiciously. She smiled.
‘Can we go via the beach? You remember the beach I went to with Akil that first week? I just want to walk on the beach one last time, see the sea so I can remember it.’
She crossed her fingers, hoping that Henri wouldn’t point out that she lived by the beach and could see the sea any time she wanted, but simply nodded as he turned on the engine. Clem sat back and pulled her phone out of her bag, typing a brief message.
I’m on the beach. Can we talk?
It wasn’t a long drive, but Clem looked out and learnt every piece of it by heart as she pondered the conversation that awaited her—if Akil showed up. She knew one thing: she couldn’t allow her future to be decided by Akil. If for whatever reason he changed his mind, if he decided that he’d been right all along and that love was too messy and unpredictable, if he decided he wanted that diplomatic polite marriage after all, she couldn’t blame him, nor could she use that as an excuse to run home and hide from the consequences of her decisions.
