Page 50 of Forbidden Lord
Antonio patted him on the back like they were old friends though they hardly ever talked, as the Aussas grew up in the Americas. “We’re all in shock about this. Marcus and Lucio are going over Charles’s entire history to ensure he’s not conspiring with others who wish to take over the kingdom.”
Stefano said, “We all support you, Prince Antonio.”
Antonio broke the circle and they all lined up according to rank. Antonio was first. Second, Stefano and his wife, and third was Cassidy. Him, Sheena, and behind them, Chelsea. Antonio waited for them to be ready and once they were all lined up, he told the servant in front of him, “It’s time.”
The servant made the announcement.
Half the kingdom had to be in attendance today, drawn to the drama of a royal bastard. Matteo nodded toward everyone and kept Sheena with him as they took their places on the edges of the court while Antonio strode up to the throne where his father and mother sat.
Charles stood beside the king, in serious conversation.
However, all gazes settled on him and his wife. Sheena trembled slightly as the king stood and waved for them. “Count and Lady Golchin. Please come up. My…sonhas pleaded his case that your marriage should be annulled.”
“No.” Sheena spoke loudly. Her face went red as she realized she’d broken protocol, but Matteo stayed at her side until the servant made it clear that Sheena was being singled out. Matteo tensed, ready to jump ahead if Sheena needed him.
With her hands to her heart, Sheena said, “I mean, Your Highness, my husband and I love each other.”
Charles took a step down from the dais and glared at Sheena. “Don’t lie, Sheena.”
In the old days, Matteo would have issued a challenge to a duel on horseback but this wasn’t the fourteenth century anymore.
And the smartest thing he could do was stay close to his wife to protect her from harm.
And if Charles so much as touched his wife, Matteo would defend her.
Sheena stood taller and faced Charles down. There was no mistaking her words. “You and I were a fling that ended long before I married Matteo.” She inched backward without turning her back to the throne and reached for his hand—he joined her as she lifted their clasped hands. “My husband and Iloveeach other. Even if the king forces our marriage to end, I won’t marry you. My heart belongs to Matteo Korbel.”
Charles shifted toward them. Matteo squared his shoulders and widened his stance to protect what was his.
Charles strode down the aisle, his face a mask of fury.
Matteo stood in front of Sheena. “I would rather be without title or money if I get to keep Sheena, Your Highness.”
Charles stopped—Matteo would not let him near his wife.
At last, the king stood. The queen joined him and took his hand. The king said, “There is no need for that. If you’re both happy together, then it seems my son must learn to recognize other people’s happiness above his own desires.”
Charles turned toward his father and argued, “But-”
The queen interrupted and stared directly at Sheena as she said, “Our apologies that you were both troubled to come to the castle today.”
Sheena blushed but asked, “So, we’re free to go on our honeymoon tonight as planned?”
The king didn’t move from his wife’s side. “Yes. Though all of you are invited to a royal ball in three months’ time, where we will announce Charles as a member of the royal family and find him a wife.”
If the man was married, then he’d stop salivating after his wife. Matteo tugged Sheena next to him. “We’ll happily be at your ball, Your Highness.”
Sheena came closer to Matteo and her brief touch sparked through him as she asked, “What does this mean for Avce? In school, all you Avceans claimed you had the longest ruling family in Europe, blessed by God, to rule.”
The king announced, “Charles is my son. My wife and I have decided he will be granted theDel Pescatoreduke title and the village and ducal property that accompanies the position, near the sea.”
The other end of the country as Matteo and Sheena were by the mountains.
The queen was a good woman to not punish Charles for something that hadn’t been his fault and had happened before she’d married the king.
Matteo didn’t dare leave Sheena’s side and she looped her arm closer to his, using her body language to let everyone know they were together. She gave a cold glare across the room and said, “Charles, I hope this will satisfy your rumblings about titles and nobles.”
Charles scowled. “Sheena, I would walk away from all of this if you came with me.”
