Read Online Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward - Free Book Online

Carnelian people is absolute. There is only one way forward for this country.”
    General Houlis lifted a shoulder. “Time will tell, won’t it?”
    Stella drew in a breath. The general turned to her. “You will certainly have a front-row seat to pursue your vision from your position on the executive council if the rumors are to be believed...”
    She opened her mouth to respond. Kostas tightened his fingers around her waist. “We still have elections to carry out,” the king said. “Many details to consider before the new council takes shape.”
    “But she will have a place on it?”
    The disdain in the general’s voice snapped her back straight.
    “Her Highness,” Kostas intoned, “will play a significant role in governing this country, yes.”
    “Don’t you think,” Stella interjected, “that it’s time the council reflected a woman’s perspective? The addition of some empathy, some compassion , to even out the testosterone-laden mistakes of the past? After all,” she said, tilting her head to the side, “we aren’t stuck in the Dark Ages anymore, are we?”
    “No,” said the general, “we aren’t. It’s when emotions get in the way of lawmaking that the mix gets murky.”
    Her gaze locked on his. “I promise you, General Houlis, my emotions will not obscure my clear thinking. I’ve found empathy, attempting to understand each other, communicating , has the power to solve some of the world’s greatest conflicts. It can only be a powerful force when it comes to ruling a nation.”
    “And you bring a great deal of popularity with you to spread that message. Your work around the world has brought you much acclaim.” He raised a brow. “The next Eva Perón, perhaps?”
    “I would hardly make that comparison.”
    “Ah, but it’s an intriguing one to consider. Some say that Eva, in fact, had all the power.”
    Kostas went dangerously still beside her. “Accumulating power is not the goal, General Houlis—putting it in the hands of the people is.”
    The other man lifted a shoulder. “I’m merely making the point that your future wife will be a force to be reckoned with.”
    A shiver went down her spine. Was there an underlying message there?
    Kostas announced the need to move on. His hand at her elbow, he bid General Houlis and his wife farewell and propelled Stella through the crowd. He was practically vibrating with fury.
    “When I ask you to refrain from adding fuel to the fire, you will do it. Your appointment to the council is a delicate move that requires much finessing. There is no point in making waves before the time comes.”
    “Perhaps you’ve changed your mind?”
    He set his furious gaze on her. “I never go back on a promise—that you will learn, as well. But you need to be patient. We must take this in baby steps.”
    “I get that, Kostas, but I will not be muzzled . You will not tell me what I can and cannot say.”
    His gaze turned incendiary. “I may be giving you power, but I am still the king of this country, Stella. You will listen to me when I give you a direct order. Obey me when I ask for your cooperation.”
    Her skin stung as if he’d slapped her. “I have not agreed to the obey part yet. You might take that into consideration as you throw your weight around or you might find yourself minus a wife.”
    “Stella—”
    “I need a break.”
    She shrugged her elbow free and stalked away, picking out Alex and Sofía in the crowd. Jaw clenched, she headed for them.
    Alex eyed her as she approached. “What happened? You look positively combustible.”
    “Three guesses.”
    “Kostas, Kostas and Kostas.” Her sister plucked a glass of champagne off a passing waiter’s tray. “You clearly haven’t had enough of this.”
    Clearly not. She took a sip of the bubbly. “I might kill him before this is over.”
    “What did he do now?”
    “He told me I have to obey him.”
    Alex’s mouth curved. “What did you say back?”
    “That I haven’t signed on to