Page 49 of Royal Caleva: Luis

“She can do that from prison?” Eve asked since Grace had gone quiet.

“We treat our prisoners humanely, whether they deserve it or not, which means she has some access to the world beyond the prison walls,” Luis said. “Except when she is in solitary confinement, but that requires an official justification after a few days.”

“When would be a good time for me to see her?” Grace asked, still focused on her father.

“After you have made some decisions about being part of the royal family,” Luis said. “You should not rush, because your choices will change your life in ways you can’t anticipate. I had hoped to give you time to know this country and all of my family before you decide.”

Because he wanted to sway Grace in his favor, of course.

“It sounds like the longer I wait, the more likely news of my existence is to become public,” Grace said.

“Yes.” Luis’s agreement was reluctant.

“You’ve said I have options when it comes to my position in your family. I’d like to know what they are,” Grace said.

Grace was unflinching, even when dealing with a king. Luis caught Eve’s gaze and nodded in acknowledgment of their daughter’s strength.

“Before you reach any conclusions, I would ask that you speak with Raul,” Luis said. “He will be joining us at the Casa en las Nubes tomorrow. He has been champing at the bit to meet you.”

“What will he tell me?” Grace asked.

“I can’t predict that,” Luis said. “I have asked only that he answer your questions with honesty.”

“That’s fair,” Grace said with a visible swallow. “But what are my options?”

Eve decided her daughter needed some support while Luis laid out her future, so she moved to sit beside Grace on the sofa. Grace reached for her hand and tucked hers inside it. Eve could feel a slight tremble in Grace’s fingers and gave her daughter’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

Luis straightened in his chair. “The first option is that you prefer not to have your relationship with me be acknowledged in any way.” His tone was dispassionate, but shadows haunted his eyes. “I would ask to still be a part of your life, if I could, perhaps as a friend of the family or an honorary uncle.”

Grace nodded.

“Second, I can acknowledge you as my daughter, but not as a member of the royal family.” He still looked discontented. “You would have no title, no claim on the throne, and no duties or responsibilities.”

“Got it,” Grace said as Luis paused.

He glanced at Eve. “If it will not be a problem for you and your mother, I can officially proclaim that you are my fully recognized daughter. You will become a princess and be part of the royal family, next in line for the Dragon Throne after Raul. That would be my preference, of course, but I understand that it would be a major upheaval in your life.”

“Would I have to live in Caleva if I chose that?” Grace asked, her face pale.

“There is no requirement for that, but it would be frowned upon if you didn’t,” Luis admitted. “Perhaps it could be arranged for you to live here only part of the time.”

Eve’s throat closed up in panic. This was what she had feared as soon as Luis had convinced her that he was Grace’s father, that Grace would be lured away from her and into this world of luxury and privilege, and Eve wouldn’t be a part of it.

Sensing Grace’s misgivings, Luis hurried to speak again. “There is one more possibility. I can adopt you as my daughter, which will make you a princess and a member of the royal family, but I can remove you from the succession to the throne. It would be unusual, but there is a precedent from the past.”

Grace’s grip tightened convulsively. “It’s a lot to think about.”

“You must take as much time as you need, regardless of the concerns about the media,” Luis said. “We have years of experience with handling reporters. We can weather any storm. Your mother will offer you her wisdom as well.” Luis’s eyes held a plea to Eve that he probably wasn’t aware of.

Whether to become a princess or not wasn’t a subject she had any experience with, so her “wisdom” would be fairly worthless.

Luis waited a moment before a look of regret shadowed his face. “I think I will say good night to give you time to absorb all this information.”

Eve and Grace stood as he did. Despite all the tension, Eve still noticed the ripple of muscles in his shoulders as he pushed himself out of the chair. It was hard not to focus on him when his presence seemed to permeate the air around them.

He leaned over the coffee table to give Eve the usual tantalizing air-kiss, leaving a stir of sensation even with that small brush of the cheek.

“Come with me to the door,” he said to Grace, holding out his arm.

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