Page 80 of 2 Books in One Bundle

‘There is the annual polo match—or even a charity ball. Any of those would work well. Which should I arrange?’

Rage. That was what burned through Helia now. Andreas assumed that she would back down and listen. She wouldn’t.

Just as she was about to argue, Vasili spoke. His voice was calm, but no one would dare oppose his tone. It would be enough to silence Andreas.

‘That’s enough. We brought you here to inform you of our decision. Your queen has given her orders. We are going to the orphanage.’

‘My apologies, Your Majesty,’ he said rigidly. ‘It shall be arranged.’

‘Good.’

Andreas swiftly exited the office, leaving Helia alone with Vasili. He had been so opposed it concerned her that he wouldn’t plan the appearance.

‘Do you think he will follow through?’ Helia asked, feeling ashamed that she had reacted so strongly. She had let Andreas control her emotions instead of being the one in control. She had failed her very first test.

‘Yes. Andreas may not be happy with the situation, but serving the royal family is something for which he holds a great deal of pride. Regardless of his opinions, he will do as he is ordered.’

Helia hoped so, but she wasn’t given much time to brood over the matter when Vasili appeared at her side, offering her his hand.

‘Come, we have to leave.’

She placed her hand in his, ignoring the flutter in her belly, and allowed him to lead her through the palace and out to the expansive gardens at the rear, where a gleaming red helicopter waited. She was debating whether or not she should apologise.

The rotors swished as they approached, quickly gathering speed and creating an almighty wind. Goosebumps erupted on her skin when Vasili’s hand came up to her nape, forcing her thoughts away and making her bend slightly to see a man in a black suit with an earpiece standing at the door.

‘Why are we travelling by helicopter?’ she asked loudly, so he could hear her over the din.

She waited for an answer that only came after he had helped her inside, ushering her into one of four cream leather seats.

‘Because, Helia, only two of our security detail can travel with us,’ he said as he buckled her into the harness.

The touches made it hard for her to pay any attention to his words.

‘I figured you would be far more comfortable alone with me than an entire entourage.’ His eyes flicked to hers.

She was at a loss for words. Vasili hadn’t wanted to be married, or to be King, yet he continued to show her more consideration than anyone else. If she wasn’t meant to love him, his actions would make that very difficult. How was she supposed to keep her emotions out of a physical relationship if he was to treat her with such kindness?

She couldn’t trust herself to keep to that promise if she had to make it. Did it mean she would have to keep her distance? She couldn’t see another way to ensure that she would never fall in love with him. To mitigate the risk of that ever happening.

After all, her plans depended on her remaining as Queen, so she would have to agree to Vasili’s emotionless marriage.

Some honeymoon this would be.

‘You’re right. Thank you,’ she said now.

‘Are you nervous?’ Vasili asked as he strapped himself in.

‘A little. I’ve never flown before,’ she admitted.

More and more she was coming to realise how out of her depth she was in this life.

The flight took barely over an hour, and in that time she couldn’t tear her gaze away from the scenery around them.

It was Thalonia as she had never seen it before.

The turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea glittered as if it was covered in jewels. The city gave way to beaches and cliffs and dense green forests.

The only thing that challenged the view was Vasili’s presence. She kept stealing glances at the King, who had a faraway look in his eyes.