Page 7 of Take My Place

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Romy replies, glaring at his parents.

“I’ll handle this son,” says Ben. “Ivy, I understand you’re having some problems at home.”

You could say that.

“I’m not interested in seeing my father, if that’s what you mean,” I say.

“Understandable,” Ben agrees. “Romy has told us a little about how he treated you.

Much as I would like to say I’m shocked, sadly I’m not. Little surprises me about Solomon Archaic. He always is… unscrupulous, shall we say? Romy asked us if we could offer you sanctuary, and of course we were willing to oblige. For a price.”

Here it comes. The catch.

“How much?” I sigh.

“Oh, we don’t want your money,” Ben laughs. “As you can see, we have no need for it. No, what we want from you is something that will benefit both our families and make sure your father can never hurt you again.”

“And that is?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You and Romy are getting married.”

I blink a few times. Of all the things Ben Navarre could have said, that was the last thing I expected. “We’rewhat?”

Romy blushes and looks down at his feet, refusing to look me in the eye.

“Romy…”

“It really is quite simple, Ivy,” Ben interjects. “We are willing to offer you the full protection of House Navarre. Our resources are extensive and we can make sure your father does nothing to hurt you. But you have to see there needs to be some quid pro quo. A union between our two Houses would be of significant benefit to both our empires.”

“I don’t have an empire!” I protest.

“You will when your father is no longer with us,” Ben points out with a smug grin that makes him look too much like Romy. “And that may well be sooner than you’d expect. A young woman like you needs to be careful, and combining our forces would mean that neither the Dauphins nor the Knights would ever dare take us on. Marry Romy and you will be safe for the rest of your life.”

“That’s a very kind offer, but I can take care of myself.”

“There seems to be a misunderstanding here.” Ben’s smile lost a little of its sparkle.

“I’m not asking if you agree with me. Youwillmarry my son. From all accounts the two of you are highly compatible, but even if you were not, this would not be the first marriage for political and financial reasons and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

“And what if I say no?”

“If you really insist on being so obstinate, you are of course perfectly free to refuse my son,” Ben replies. “However, should that be the case, I would be obliged to place you in the care of my guards who will deliver you to your father forthwith. Whatever he chooses to do with you after that will be entirely up to him. My understanding is that he is most displeased when you ran away. I suspect that any punishment he chooses to mete out will be harsh, albeit fair to ensure you do not leave again.

“So, it is your choice, my dear. Will we be welcoming you to the Navarre family or would you prefer to return to your ever-loving father?”

“When do we go wedding dress shopping?”

***

Ben insisted on toasting our engagement with champagne, and it is late by the time I finally manage to excuse myself. My head spinning, I stumble as I stand up.

Romy rushes over to help me. “Let me take you to your room,” he offers, and lowers his voice. “And let me explain. This isn’t what it seems.”

“No, I’m fine,” I say, wanting to get as far away from him as possible.

“Do you know how to get back to your apartment?”

“…No.”

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