“After I’m dismissed by my husband.”
Dad snickered. “The first time I dismiss the baroness you will learn of my demise.”
“This is an odd world,” I said, repeating the impostor’s words. “And a real world. Things are different in public.”
“Duchess,” Roman said with a scowl as I entered with my father.
“Your Highness.” I completed the customary curtsy. “I’m simply delivering my father. Thank you for allowing us time to see one another.”
Roman waved his hand. “My schedule is…” He shook his head before standing.
Dad bowed his head before going forward and shaking Roman’s hand. No one in Molave shook the prince’s hand. I supposed my father’s status as both Roman’s father-in-law and a representative of the United States called for different protocol.
“We have business, Lucille,” Roman said dismissively.
“And I will leave you to it.” My gaze met Roman’s as I nodded. “My meeting with the royal physician was a success. While it riled him, it was exactly as he’d said.”
Roman let out a breath. “We will talk later.”
I bowed my head before going to my father. “Tell Mother I love her and miss her.”
He reached for my hand. “Physician? Are you ill?”
“No, Dad. Routine.”
His expression morphed. “He was riled?”
Smiling my biggest smile, I squeezed his hand. “All is well. I promise. Tell Mom.”
“That you miss her cooking?” he asked with a weary smile.
“No. Her and you. Once I know more about the North American tour, I will let you know.”
“Take care, dear.”
“I will, Dad.” With that, I left a kiss on his cheek and a final glance at my husband.
Despite the performance, I saw a bit of relief in Roman’s expression, the way his chiseled jaw was no longer clenched and the easing of the worry lines near his eyes. Leaving Roman’s office, I had the undeniable sensation that I’d helped…in a minor way. I hoped I did.
My thoughts returned to who I could trust.
My father.
I could trust my father.
Oliver
“He thinks you’re a pompous ass.” Lucille’s assessment came back to me as I gestured for Edwin Sutton to take the seat opposite my desk.
“Your Highness,” the senator said. His eyes, the color of his daughter’s, were upon me. “My delegation is headed on to Sweden later today. I wish I’d been able to schedule more time.”
Inhaling, I sat back, undid the front buttons of my suitcoat and stared at my father-in-law. “The original agreement isn’t due to expire—”
“As I told you, Borinkia has asked for an audience.”
“It is against our treaty for the US to negotiate with Borinkia.”
“There are many members of the Senate who want to do away with the old treaty.”
Edwin Sutton and I went back and forth in an even exchange.
From the crumbs Lucille left, I believed the information Mrs. Drake had shared last evening was accurate. The senator wanted an agreement that would pay Molave the same amount as last time with a twenty-percent increase in exports each year for seven more years. As our negotiation continued, I released enough information to receive more.
The senator spoke of compromises and possible obstruction.
While I’d never concerned myself too much with American politics, I was certain I understood the subject better than the real Roman Godfrey. When I’d had enough, I stood. “It’s your concern when dealing with the necessary votes. However, keep in mind that Molave will consider any American negotiation with Borinkia an act of aggression.”
“And what of your negotiation with Prince Volkov?” Senator Sutton asked.
I knew of rumors, but as with this particular agreement, Roman hadn’t left anything in the way of notes or documentation. “That is not your concern.”
“It is, Your Highness, because of my daughter. My wife, Lucille’s mother, was born in Letanonia…”
I nodded dismissively. “As the princess of Molave, your daughter’s safety is an utmost concern.”
“I hope to God you’re telling me the truth.”
“What rumors have you heard?” I asked, trying not to sound as curious as I actually was.
“Volkov has a sister,” the senator said with a grimace. “Combining the two monarchies, increasing landmass, resources, citizens, and Borinkia has a stronger army.”
A sister.
I would need to investigate.
Surely, he wasn’t insinuating that I would take a new wife.
Ignoring my gut reaction, I said, “Molave is a peaceful state.”
“Their army is larger.”
And we had more financial resources.
“What you speak of,” I said, “is not within my power.”
“Once King Theodore is gone, it will be. And then what of Lucille?”
Looking him in the eye, I swore another oath. “Your daughter is safe with me.”
“You’ve told me that before.”
“Then there should be no reason to repeat myself,” I said, my volume raising. “I will take your proposal to my father; however, I will change twenty to ten. A ten-percent increase in exports each year and an increase from fifteen to twenty billion paid up front for our guarantee of exports.”
“I knew your earlier offer was too good to be true.”
“It was your proposal. Not my offer.” Buttoning my jacket, I smiled. “Take that offer to your colleagues and not only will our countries remain allies, but you have my solemn promise that Lucille will remain safe.”
“Word is that you’re not to be trusted.”
I stood tall and squared my shoulders. “You’re fortunate that I love your daughter. Otherwise, I would take that as an insult.”
“That is the first time I’ve heard those words from your lips.”
“I take insults seriously.”
“That you love Lucille,” he clarified, his expression softening.
“She is my wife.”
The senator nodded. “That I’ve heard many times.”
I pushed the button on the edge of my desk. “Goodbye, Senator. I look forward to hearing from you regarding our agreement.”
Before I was done speaking, the door to my office was opened and Lord Martin stood with his hands clasped behind his back. “Your Highness.”
“Lord Martin, the senator has an appointment. Please see him to his car.”
As the door shut, I let out a long breath and collapsed into my chair.
That went well.
I believe it went well.
My first instinct was to tell Lucille. Alas, she’d have to wait.
I lifted the telephone receiver. When my secretary answered, I said, “Alert the king that I’m available for counsel upon his request.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Later that afternoon, I was the person on the less impressive side of the desk, relaying most of the information I’d received as well as the deal I’d proposed. King Theodore seemed pleased, nodding his agreement as I spoke.