Chapter 207 - Bk 2 (4)

"Many were not tricked into it."

"They would still love to be, though." he answered.

"You told me that you promised my brother you would take care of my family." she said, "Is this what you had in mind?"

"It would give the same effect, wouldn't it?"

She said nothing and sat under the shade of the umbreller tree. He followed suit and they both sat in silence for a while.

"Why?" she finaly asked.

"Why what?"

"Why would you marry me?" she asked.

"I..." he started to say.

"Protect me or not, your ridiculous claim may be, I still believe on thing. You want to marry me and I want to know why." she turned and stared into grey eyes.

Prince adrian was silent for a while, still, his eyes never left hers. He wondered if that look in her eyes was caution or anger. Either way, it siped into his bones colder than the freezing air.

"You assume too much." he said.

"Do I? I think myself rather sane."

"What better protection could one gain than when standing beside me?" he wished to smile, but could not bring himself to, under her steel gaze.

"Yet you stayed away so long, allowing me to wonder if and why all you said would not happen had happened. You let it go this far, waiting for me to come to you." she said softly, "I am here."

"I will be crowned in two days." He said.

"Congratulations"

"You will be there." he said.

"You order this of me?"

"I ask."

"What an odd question, then. Is this what you wanted me to come for? If I did not arrive today, what would you have done?" she asked.

"A carriage would have arrived at your door step with outfits for yourself and your family to dress and attend the coronation." he chuckled.

"Yet you say I assume too much. The way I see it, you very much want to marry me, if not need to. Still, one can not put a finger on your purpose."

"You will be protected, your family too. You will lack nothing, nor will they. Why do you hesitate?"

"I do not like being used, Prince Adrian. You have given me even more courage by your words to understand, I am my brother's sister. I can not be slighted as long as he lives." she said and got up.

"Marrying a king is considered slight?" Prince Adrian asked in amusement.

"You have claimed me your bride. Even if you change your mind, it would be hard for me to find a suitor. Since you have decided on me, I will accept that which is my fate. But..." she paused

"What?" he asked.

"You best be sure I am on your side when you need me for what ever it may be. This young miss will decide on that day, if you are worthy." she said and started strolling out.

"I do not intend to use you. But your marriage to me is to my benefit. You are right, Miss Krain. I wish to marry you and may even need to. In the entire kingdom, there is none more noble than you." he said, and she paused as he walked over to stand before her.

"A king must marry not for love, but for the kingdom and you are Walter Krain's blood sister. You will come to understand the weight that carries."

"Then you must also accept. This is the wife you want for her brother's name and prestige, without care for what lies in the package. When you unwrap that ribon, you must swallow what ever is inside." she said and walked past him.

"The Steinhouse properties belong to the Krain name. As your brother is not around, you should familiarize yourself with it." he said to her leaving back, "A seamstress will come over to meet you soon."