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In which case he should have done something about this much earlier. For a moment satisfaction flared, but she stifled it. This wasn’t about her but about keeping Edelforst safe.
He smoothed out his frown and spread his hands in an apparently open gesture. ‘I’m happy to take you through whatever aspect of the project concerns you. But as for stopping it… That’s impossible. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the country and will bring huge benefits long term.’
Annalena curled her hands over the arms of her chair. ‘Of course it’s possible to stop it. Work hasn’t begun.’
He shook his head, his lips curving in a half-smile, as if humouring her. But there was no smile in his eyes. ‘It’s not that simple. You may not be familiar with the ins and outs of commercial projects but commitments have been made. Contracts are in the final stages of negotiation.’
Patronising man! She might not have managed a hydroelectric project, but she knew about commercial negotiations, both on her grandmother’s behalf and in her own work. Botanical research that identified compounds with potential medical and other uses was highly prized.
‘If contracts are being negotiated they haven’t been signed.’
‘But statements of intent have, with penalty clauses if the project doesn’t proceed.’
‘You were so sure you could force this through, despite the opposition?’
‘Opposition? You’ve been misled. A thorough feasibility study was undertaken and no negative issues were found that outweighed the benefits of the scheme.’ He smiled, a charming smile that Annalena guessed would make a lot of women melt. Even she felt a tickle of appreciation low in her body. ‘I’m happy to explain the scheme and put your mind to rest.’
Put her mind to rest!
How dared he? He made her sound as if she were too ignorant to understand what the scheme involved. As if she’d come here on a whim. She’d guarantee she knew more about it than he did.
Now she knew how he worked. He used charm to cloak his ruthlessness instead of the aggressive bluster his father had employed. One had threatened people into compliance and this one showed friendly concern that was barely skin deep.
Contempt fired in her blood.
He intended to brush their concerns aside. To downplay them and carry on regardless. Because, like his father, he had the power.
Her heart thudded so hard and fast she almost put a hand to her breast to calm it. Instead she kept her hands where they were, a lifetime’s lessons in control and decorum coming to her aid.
She drew a slow breath. She’d come hoping they’d discuss this sensibly and he’d see reason. She’d hoped he wasn’t like his father.
Above all, she’d hoped he wouldn’t force her hand.
Instead he was fobbing her off.
‘There’s nothing I could say to dissuade you?’
His smile was sympathetic. Or was that pitying? ‘I’m afraid not. But—’
‘Please! No more weasel words about tremendous opportunities and the public good. We both know they’re false.’
She’d shocked him. He looked almost comically stunned, as if no one ever called him on his lies. If the situation weren’t so dire she might find it amusing.
But this wasn’t funny. They’d done everything they could. Submitted detailed reports and evidence. Experts had talked at length with royal administrators. From the moment the massive dam was mooted under his father’s reign, everyone from her grandmother to scientists, sociologists and farmers in Edelforst had pleaded to save a huge proportion of their land from being flooded.
No one had listened.
There was only one way to stop this disaster, but it meant doing something so drastic Annalena had desperately hoped to avoid it. The thought of inserting herself further into this awful place filled her with dread. But this wasn’t about her.
Shoring up her resolve, she drew some papers from her pocket and held them out, pleased her fingers didn’t tremble. Though from this moment, her life would never be the same.
Benedikt of Prinzenberg rose and took the papers. ‘What are these?’
‘The documents that will ensure the dam isn’t built.’ Annalena sucked air into constricting lungs. ‘Proof you’re not the legitimate ruler of Prinzenberg. I am.’
CHAPTER TWO
Shock ran throughBenedikt like an electric current through copper wire. His fingers twitched and he had to firm his hold on the papers.