Royal Christmas: Royal Love-Child, Forbidden Marriage. Кейт Хьюит

Leo’s smile widened. ‘It’s really very simple.’

      ‘Is it?’ she asked incredulously, and Leo took another step towards her.

      ‘Of course. If you marry me, you can stay in Amarnes. More importantly, you can stay in Christian’s life. You’ll have a place, guaranteed.’

      ‘As Queen of Amarnes.’

      ‘I’m afraid not,’ Leo corrected softly. ‘It’ll be back to the Duchy of Larsvik, I’m afraid.’

      ‘Oh, well.’ Phoebe tried to laugh; the sound that emerged was something between a hiccup and a ragged sob. ‘I suppose I’d have to settle for being a duchess.’

      ‘Sorry to disappoint,’ Leo said, his mouth quirking, but she saw the darkness in his eyes. This was no joking matter.

      ‘Leo …’

      ‘Is there any reason why you should refuse?’

      She shook her head. There were too many reasons to name, and yet there was also a terrible desire to simply say yes. How could she do something so impractical, so insane? ‘What is this?’ she finally managed. ‘Some kind of pity proposal?’

      ‘Do I seem the kind of man to marry someone out of pity?’ Leo asked, arching one eyebrow.

      ‘You don’t seem the kind of man to marry at all.’

      Leo gave a small nod of acknowledgement. ‘Perhaps, but I have always accepted that I will have to settle down one day. It is expected.’

      ‘Is that supposed to make me feel better?’

      ‘It is simply the truth. Besides, our marriage will help stabilise the monarchy. A child king …’

      ‘Nicholas isn’t dead yet,’ Phoebe reminded him, and Leo gave a little shrug.

      ‘And Christian is only five. I would not want to see him at the mercy of a regent who did not have his best interests in mind.’

      ‘And you would?’ Phoebe asked. Leo regarded her levelly.