Page 2 of The Princess Sister Swap

And Arrosa hadn’t mentioned anything about a visit the last time they spoke just a few days ago.

‘Fess up, why are you here apart from coming to see me as Juliet? Don’t think I’m not pleased to see you, but I know you and impulsive isn’t in your schedule. Is everything okay?’

Arrosa took a swig of wine, a shadow passing over her face. ‘I’m not sure. I think I just asked someone to marry me.’

‘You think or you did? Are congratulations in order?’ Clem tried to keep the surprise off her face. She was sure there was no one special in Arrosa’s life. No onenotspecial either. Asturia was a small patriarchal society with old-fashioned values and their Crown Princess was supposed to embody those values. ‘Who is the lucky man?’

‘Akil. He’s the Vicomte d’Ortiz, a rising star of the opposition. His father, the Duc d’Ortiz, was one of Papa’s most vocal critics. Our families have been enemies for generations, you know how Asturians can be, but Akil and I are friends of a sort. We have a lot in common. Family honour and expectations and that kind of thing.’

‘Friends? You’re not even dating? Is this a friends-to-lovers thing? Rosy, marriage is a big first step. Why not start off with dinner and a film? Besides...’ Clem topped up their wine glasses before turning to face her sister ‘...what do you mean youthinkyou askedhim to marry you?’

Arrosa reddened. ‘Akil has been instrumental into getting the opposition parties to agree to the change in law that will allow me to inherit the throne. You know, it’s really important that there’s consensus, it’s such a change. Asturia is so traditional that any hint of controversy, even a politician voting against the change, could make it harder for the people to accept me.’

Arrosa had told Clem more than once how relieved she was that the Asturian primogeniture laws meant she would never have to become Queen, but when it had become clear that no son would succeed him, her father—their father—had thrown himself into changing the law. Now, eight years later they were just weeks away from the law being ratified and Arrosa becoming the official heir to the throne. Whatever Arrosa’s personal feelings about her new destiny, she had shouldered the change with her usual, intelligent grace.

‘Oh, now I get it, in return for his help he gets half the kingdom and the Princess’s hand in marriage. That still is the going rate?’

But Arrosa didn’t answer her teasing smile, taking another sip of her wine as she stared pensively into the empty fireplace. ‘Clem, everyone—my parents, my advisers, the newspapers—has been pushing me to marry. To start thinking about an heir of my own. And the country will see me as more settled, more mature, if I am married. I don’t like being rushed, but I see the sense in it. The problem is, not only am I single, but I don’t see that changing. On the rare occasion I meet someone I like the whole princess thing scares them off. Queen-to-be is going to make that a hundred times worse. I like Akil, and he understands the court and my world, and we have similar ambitions for Asturia... We were talking about what I wanted to achieve as the heir and realised how aligned our goals were, and I suddenly thought, well, he’s the right age, single, understands my world. I could do a lot worse.’

‘So you asked him if he’d do you the honour?’ She knew the situation wasn’t funny, but humour was all that Clem had right now. Pity wouldn’t help anyone, least of all her sister.

‘Not exactly. I just said maybe he’d achieve more as Prince Consort and then fled the scene in mortification. What if he says yes?’

‘Do youwanthim to say yes?’

‘It’s not what I dreamed of as a little girl. But itwouldmake things easier.’

‘The last of the true romantics. What’s he like? Is he good-looking?’ Other words hovered unsaid—is he kind, will he respect you, can you fall in love with him?

‘I think so. He’s pleasant enough to look at.’

Arrosa handed over her phone to Clem, who sucked in a breath.Pleasant enough to look at?Understatement of the century. With cheekbones sharp enough to slice through ice, a determined chin, sensuous mouth and a knowing glint in dark eyes, the Vicomte was film-star handsome. And if Arrosa couldn’t see that then she really shouldn’t marry him.

‘Yes, pleasant enough,’ she said wryly.

‘He’s a good man.’ Was Arrosa trying to convince Clem—or herself?

‘But?’

Arrosa rubbed her eyes. ‘Queens make sacrifices for the common good. I know that. But I’m giving up any last hope of privacy, of choosing my own path. Is marrying someone I don’t love one sacrifice too many? Being the monarch is lonely enough. It would be easier with a real partner by my side. Someone who wants to marry me because of me, not my title. But I’m not sure that person is out there. Akil is a sensible choice. Maybe that should be enough.’

‘Rosy, I think this is something you need to take some time and think about. Really think about.’ In fact, she shouldn’t be making any decisions while she was clearly overwhelmed. Clem had never seen her sister so pale, never seen such huge shadows under her eyes or her usually laughter-filled face so solemn. ‘You need a break.’

Arrosa sighed. ‘I know. It’s been intense. But don’t worry, I’m slowing down for the summer, I’ve cleared my diary for the next few weeks leading up to the ratification as things will get really busy once I’m confirmed. Papa wants me to take on some decision-making duties straight away. There’s a lot to learn. He’s still young, but of course he inherited the throne long before he thought he would. He wants me to be ready.’

‘A break? So you’ll go on holiday?’

Her smile was wan. ‘I wouldn’t go that far. There’s a lot to do, to organise, but at least I’ve got no engagements or formal meetings.’

‘Then organise it from here.’ Clem turned to her sister eagerly. ‘Stay here for a few weeks, Rosy. You know the Cornish air does you good.’ And then they could spend some real time together. Maybe for the last time.

‘I’d love to,’ Arrosa said wistfully. ‘But I’m heading back tonight.’

‘Tonight? Oh, Rosy.’ Disappointment hit Clem hard. She hadn’t realised how lonely she was until she had seen her sister sitting high up in the amphitheatre. She had friends, lots of them, but nobody who was hers alone.

How she wished she and Arrosa could actuallybesisters properly. Have more than a weekly phone call and a few snatched hours here and there.

‘I know, but I’ll be missed if I’m gone too long.’

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