Page 119 of Duty and Desire

“Thank you for coming to find me, for giving me the courage to see Nick again. But you have to promise me something—well, two things, actually.”

“Anything.”

I cupped her chin. “Stick with him, you hear me? Even if that means leaving the US and coming back to Eisenland for good. He has to have at least one person near him who has his best interests at heart.”

“I thought he already had that—in you.” She sighed. “What’s the second thing?”

“Franz. He’s a keeper. So don’t lose him.”

Claudia chuckled. “Don’t worry. He’s stuck with me.” She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight. “I still think this is a bad idea, but I can see you’ve made up your mind, and I don’t think whatever I say will change it.”

“No, it won’t.” I took a step back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an important letter to write.”

“Bring it to me in the morning. I’ll get Franz to take you to the station.”

“Thank you.” I headed for the door, pausing before I opened it. I glanced back at her. “This really is the only acceptable course of action.”

Any other outcomes—and there were a couple—were nothing but a fantasy.

We have to live in the real world.

Unfortunately.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

June 6

Nick

Iwas tired beyond description but a night of dozing fitfully hadn’t changed my mind. I knew what I had to do.

I also knew I’d wait until I’d accomplished my task before I saw Gio. Not that seeing him would make me question my decision.

I wanted to close and lock one door before I opened another.

Breakfast was little more than a couple of mouthfuls of fruit—my roiling stomach saw to that—and then I called Daniela Risch, asking that she convene a meeting of all my ministers.

“Now, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, now. I want them here as soon as possible.” After the way we’d left things hanging the previous night, they’d realize we needed to take action immediately.

It wasn’t going to be the action they expected.

“Very well, Your Majesty, but if I could speak with you beforethey?—”

“Not now. After I’ve spoken with them.” I hung up.

I needed a clear head, to assemble my thoughts into some semblance of logic. Whatever she had to say could wait.

An hour later, I was ready to face them.

I strode into the Council Chamber, my head held high, forcing myself to breathe evenly. Everyone waited until I’d taken my seat, and then the Prime Minster cleared his throat.

“Your Majesty, I’ve given a lot of thought to this horrendous situation, and?—”

“So have I,” I interjected. “And I’ve come to a decision.”

The silence was palpable.

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