Page 71 of Royal Pain
“Here’s to the power of love. No. The power of our love.”
The words settle in my heart.
“What’s going to happen, Zan? I mean to us.”
He takes a seat at the table and pushes out a chair for me. “This is a sitting down conversation.”
Bringing my wine to the table, I sit next to him.
“Which way do you lean, Belinda? I know it’s not the most romantic scene, but this is where we find ourselves. Could you live this kind of life?”
“I honestly don’t know. There’s so much I don’t understand about this life. Practically everything. Where are you with this?”
He twirls the glass and takes a sip. “It depends on one thing.”
“There’s only one way it could work. It’s about you. And I don’t want to suggest the fate of my country rests in your hands, but it kind of does.” He follows the statement with a chuckle, but I don’t buy it.
I bury my face in my hands and shake my head. “I’m telling you now, the fate of Mozia is way down on my list of things to consider.”
His hands tug at mine. “Look at me.”
“Does that sound horrible?”
“No. Truthful. I want you to look at every negative you can. If we go into this thing it can’t be half-hearted. And we’ll both be aware of the sacrifices required. I’ve lived this. You have no idea.”
“Tell me the worst of it. In your opinion.”
“You completely lose your anonymity. You can never just walk down a street, or go swimming at the beach, or shop, without bringing armed security. Without throngs of people wanting your picture. Think of that, Belinda. Because it will happen. It’s a given.”
I digest the words. But he has more to say.
“Look at Prince Harry and Meagan Markle. We’ve seen publicly how it wears on a person. We’re no England, but the same rules apply. Oh, and you have to weigh everything you say in public. It’s going to be taken apart word by word. Forget having any real social media account. It’s too risky. I have one for my charities, but’s that it. And it’s managed by someone who speaks as me.”
“Are you trying to talk me out of this?”
“No. I’m showing you how different your life will be. And that’s just the surface. Your career as a writer? That would radically change. The things you’d be privy to would now have to be kept secret.”
That’s a big one. I take in the idea and tuck it away for later when I’m alone.
“Tell me what’s great about your life.”
Now a smile lights his face.
“There’s so many things. Starting with the family. We love one another. Even Kwai, who pisses us off on a daily basis, is a good man. I know he’d die for any of us if push came to shove. And all the luxuries that are afforded royalty. We eat the best food, stay in the best hotels, get invited to the best parties.” He leans in. “But here’s the best thing for me. You can make a difference in the world. It’s at your disposal to choose how. Want to help children? You will. Want to help abused women? You can. Do you want to shine a light on the urgency of climate change? It’s your beacon. This is the biggest gift we are given as royals.”
We talk for the next hour, until the bottle of wine is empty and the hot dogs have gone cold. I’m so deep inside my mind hunger has gone missing. All I can think about is the fact I have to make this monumental decision. Not for public consumption, but only for Zan. I have to declare my intentions, because if I’m not in, he won’t be either.
“I need more time,” I say. “All the time you have to give me.”
His face softens and his beautiful emerald eyes speak volumes. “Baby, I don’t have much time. I’ve got to give my answer by next week. Thursday. And here’s the crux of the situation. Even what I’m about to ask you isn’t said like this ever. But I have to accept it because love it or not, like it or not, I may be king.”
“Just say it, Zan.”
“I know you deserve all the romance and bells and whistles that normally accompany this moment, but I can’t provide it. Because as is the norm for me, my position dictates. Here it is. I want to marry you, Belinda Banks. I have for a while now. I have no doubt I’ll love you every day of our lives. I’m going to be your husband whether it’s as king or commoner. It’s your choice. If you say yes, that is.”
The room started to tilt, then righted itself. I move to his lap and throw my arms around his neck.
“Yes. I’ll marry you. I’ll marry you, Zan. I love you so deeply.”
