Page 24 of Tragic Empire

“Iknowthat it will be with Dante,” Dmitri counters. “I’m not sure how things will progress with Cassio as I’m not especially close with him. I do know that he’s a good man. Eventually, his grief will lessen.”

I’m not so sure that it will.

And still, I think he’s right. Cassio might be the only logical choice.

“Jade would be livid if I didn’t also mention, a marriage isn’t youronlychoice. Though, she’s unaware we’re currently discussing this.”

So, they didn’t tell her their plan. I’m not surprised. Men typically try to keep non-inducted women out of “business” talks.

Confused, I scrunch my nose. “What do you mean?”

He sighs. “I mean, as annoying and dangerous as it would be, a hostile takeover is doable.”

My eyes must double in size, flaring open wide.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I didn’t say it was advisable,” he replies with a shrug. “But if you want the Kingdom to be yours while we wait for Killian, we can take it in a much less agreeable manner.”

Physically, he means.

War, he means.

Swallowing, I shake my head. “I don’t want people to die.”

And peoplewoulddie. Anyone opposing my position of power would need to be eliminated. Good men with families… no, I can’t.

His lips twitch on either side. “Spoken like a true mafia princess.”

“Princess,” I agree begrudgingly. “I don’t want to be a queen, Dmitri. I don’t want the responsibility of running a Kingdom of any kind. It’s not supposed to be mine.”

Maybe if I was born a Knight, I might feel differently. But I’m only in this family because my mother fell for a man with an Empire. An Empire I cherish and appreciate, but not one I want to rule over. That’s always been Killian and Cole’s job.

“So, Cassio,” Dmitri muses. “You’re sure?”

I’m notsureabout anything.

But this is what I’m going to do anyway.

“Yes,” I say with an exhale. “How does this work?”

“The contract is just a guideline,” he begins to explain easily. “Basic expectations, requirements, and such. It really isn’t difficult. Would it be easiest if I ask you direct questions?”

I nod eagerly at the suggestion. I don’t even care that he can tell how obviously nervous I am.

“Please.”

“Moretti marriages all come with a fidelity clause,” he prefaces, opening up a spare notebook and beginning to write. “Both you and Cassio will be bound by it after your vows. Neither of you are free to seek out lovers. Are you comfortable consenting to that?”

“Definitely,” I confirm immediately. If I’m going to be married, I’m not going to have my husband with other women—marriage of convenience or not.

He jots something down and nods. “Good. I assume you’ll be living together in New York until Killian is fit to rule again. Where you settle afterward can be negotiated. Do you have a preference I should note?”

I shrug. “I don’t think so. Should I?”

“It’s meant to be more of a deal-breaker thing,” Dmitri clarifies. “Essentially, could you only be happy living somewhere specific? Do you have a location in mind?”

I hum in understanding. “As long as we’re a short flight from our families, I’m okay with anywhere.”