Donetta was aghast. “That’s no marriage, Enrico. You’re not making sense.”
He leaned forward. “I need a queen who’ll be willing to rule while I do my own work. I believe the princess I want will feel the same way I do and is capable of fulfilling that role.”
She was so stunned by his remark she had trouble forming words. “But being the ruler is your work. I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I want a companion who can handle being queen.”
“But she will be when you marry her. My mother has been a great help to my father and I’m sure yours has been there for your father, too.”
Enrico shook his head. “It’s not the same thing. I expect her to reign equally with me so I can be left to do my work getting rid of the corruption while she runs the ordinary business of the kingdom.”
Donetta stirred restlessly because her heart was thudding too hard for her to remain still. “Will the laws of your country allow such a thing?”
“They will if I’m the king. On my wedding day I’ll be crowned and my word will be law.”
She was astounded. “Have you discussed this with your mother? How does she feel about this?”
“You already know the answer to that. Valentina and I were promised to each other years ago by our families. But I’m not in love with her, and for all her sweetness, Valentina isn’t up to the job of managing the kingdom at this delicate time. Since I know she has feelings for me, I don’t want to hurt her.”
“Your mother will be crushed, Enrico.”
“You’re right. Fortunately, the woman I want to marry would be able to deal with the grief my mother will give her. I’m afraid Mamma has very strict attitudes about everything and won’t approve. She believes the place of the king’s bride is at his side, in a wifely capacity.”
No one could relate better than Donetta to the hurt and offense caused by what some might say was a sexist remark. “She’s not alone in her thinking, Enrico. My own mother feels the same way.”
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you about this. No one would have more insight than you. The truth is, I never wanted to be king, but we don’t always get what we want in this life and I’ve had to accept it as my lot.”
Donetta had no idea he’d felt that way. The subject hadn’t come up during their many conversations or in their letter writing. “Never?”
He shook his head.
“You remind me of my brother-in-law, Stefano. He didn’t want the royal life, either. For ten years he was exempted by official decree, until his brother died. At that point Alberto had been engaged to my sister Lanza. In the end Stefano married her, but he had to be reinstated as crown prince first.”
“He must have loved your sister a great deal to be willing to become royal again.”
“Not in the beginning, but their marriage has turned into a loving one.”
“Then that should give you hope that your marriage to Arnaud will turn into a loving one, too, Donetta.”
“I’m going to try,” she whispered, but she was shaken after being taken into his confidence like this.
“Do you have advice for me on how to reach out to her before it’s too late? You and I have always been friends. More important, you’re the one person I feel the most comfortable with talking about this. Anything you could say would—”
But before he could finish, his phone broke the silence. A frown marred his features after he pulled it out of his shirt pocket and checked the caller ID.
“What’s wrong? Is it your father?”
“No, but I have to get back to the palace.”
By now they’d reached the part of the airport reserved for private planes. The limo drew up to the royal jet from Domodossola. Giovanni had already arrived with her staff, who were boarding.
The limo driver opened the door for them. Enrico helped her out and walked her to the bottom step. “I’m afraid it’s too late to continue our talk.”
She still hadn’t gotten over the shock. “Will you tell me something first?”
He eyed her through narrowed lids. “Ask me anything.”
“Is she a princess I may have met and known? It could make a difference in what I tell you. But if you don’t feel comfortable, I totally understand.”