The Prince's Stolen Virgin. Maisey Yates

again, my support cannot endanger my people,” Adam added.

      “If the actual details of how I came in to possession of the princess were released, it might in fact cause you both trouble. But they won’t. First of all, her parents owe an astronomical amount of money to my country. As much as they might want to contest the marriage, they won’t be able to. And, once she is more familiar with the situation, she will feel the same way.”

      “So, you’re forcing her into marriage?” Adam asked.

      “Do I detect a hint of judgment in your voice?” Felipe returned. “Because if I remember correctly you came into possession of your wife when you took her prisoner.”

      “That was different.”

      “How?”

      “Because I did it,” Adam said. “Plus, I wouldn’t do it now.”

      “Because love has changed you and softened you. I understand. Sadly, I’m not looking for love.” The very idea almost made him laugh. “No chance of softening. But I do believe that in the end this is going to be the best thing for Santa Milagro. If it isn’t the best thing for one woman, when all of my people could be benefited, I have to say I’m going to side with my people.”

      “So,” Rafe said, slowly. “You are asking us to attend your engagement party, where you will announce your intention to marry a woman that you kidnapped, who doesn’t want to marry you, but who will have to pretend as though she does so that you don’t bring terrible consequences down on her mother and father, and her entire country.”

      “Yes,” Felipe said.

      “That sounds about right,” Rafe responded.

      “My wife will be...unhappy,” Adam said.

      “Then don’t tell her. Or, tell her that’s how all the girls meet their husbands these days. Stockholm syndrome.”

      Adam growled. “I’m not going to keep it from her.”

      “Fine. But I do expect that she fall in line,” Felipe said, having not considered that his friend’s potential loose cannon of a spouse might be an issue. Who knew what Belle might say to the press?

      “Belle does not fall in line,” Adam said. “It isn’t in her nature. However, I will explain the sensitive political situation. I know she would not wish to cause harm. And while I don’t trust that you won’t cause any harm, Felipe, I do trust you’re trying to prevent greater harm.”

      “Of course. Because I’m an altruist like that. Details will be forthcoming, but of course I had to call and give you the good news myself.”

      “Because you’re such a good friend,” Rafe said, the words rife with insincerity.

      No, the truth was, they were friends. True friends, the kind that Felipe had never expected to have. The kind that, he imagined, had prevented him from becoming something entirely soulless.

      They had some idea about his upbringing. About the way that he was. But mostly, he showed them the face he showed the world. Prince Charming, as he had just discussed with Talia.

      The dragon, he kept to himself.

      Usually.