“A lot,” she confessed. “I don’t understand all of it, but it sounds like they’re steps away from a depression.”
Somehow Daxon’s public relations team had managed to cover the true reason for the country’s situation. The king liked to spend money, regardless of the state of the country’s finances. Rumors abounded, but few had proof.
Unlike Cass. Another incentive for Daxon to agree to his terms.
“They are. A marital alliance between Tulay and Linnaea will solidify their future.”
Briony cocked an eyebrow. “Why can’t you just give them the money?”
Cass chuckled. “It would certainly be easier if things worked that way. Have you heard of the term ‘marriage of state’?”
Briony shook her head.
“It refers to a diplomatic marriage or union. Yes, I could just lend money to your father. But would you lend money to someone with no agreement? Consider this the same, but multiplied by billions of dollars.”
“What do you get out of it?” She sat back and crossed her arms. “It sounds like other than marriage, you’re just lending a bunch of money for nothing.”
Your father loathes that I’m marrying into his family.
“Not nothing. My family and I are being reestablished into Linnaean society. While I’m being very generous with the terms of the loan, a five percent return on my investment over the next ten years will elevate my fortune even further. Trade agreements are being established between Linnaea and my adopted country, Tulay, agreements that would never happen without a union like ours.”
She stared at him for a long moment. Valid reasons, all. But would she accept them? Or would she sense something else lurking beneath the surface?
“This is truly a strategic move for you?”
Danger lurked in her tone, anger and possibly even hurt. But he had no time for such emotions.
“Yes.”
She blinked, then looked away. Tension settled between them. He continued to regard her with an unblinking gaze, waiting, biding his time. His patience was legendary.
“Stop staring.”
“Why would I stop staring? You’re beautiful.”
Her lips twitched, a gesture he marked as a point in his favor.
“Let’s not fight, Briony. You asked a question and I answered. We’re on one of the most exclusive, luxurious private planes in the world. You should enjoy yourself.”
Her fingers stroked up and down the leather armrest. His eyes followed the sensual movement for a heartbeat before he forced his gaze back to her face.
“I know I’m doing the right thing. For me. For them.” Her shoulders sagged. “But it’s hard not to have regrets. To wonder if I could have done something to prevent all this.”
“With your stepfamily?”
She looked back out the window, the sun falling across her skin and highlighting the freckles on her nose.
“I hate his drinking.”
Those words cost her, judging by the downward pull of her lips and the tensing of her shoulders. He already knew everything, from Trey’s six-figure gambling debt to how Briony had been the only person present at her stepsisters’ teacher conferences last month. From what he knew, Trey Smith was a failure. If the luxurious lifestyle he had to offer didn’t persuade Briony to leave, the chance to escape the role of servant would.
“He didn’t used to be like that.”
“They rarely start out that way,” he replied drily.
By Alecine’s account, Daxon had been a generous benefactor and adoring suitor. He’d kept up his pretense with her longer than his previous lovers.
But inevitably, the mask had slipped and the monster had appeared.