The Runaway Princess

Chapter 16

“But what if Elena did not want to return to marry her betrothed?” Bess continued to press. “Might there be some sort of compromise we might reach? We are happy to continue having her here.”

Joaquín pursed his lips. “Our father does not compromise, Duchess,” replied Joaquín. “There is a contact. Elena is a significant part of that contract.”

“Do you mean to say she is listed as an object in this contract?” Emmett asked, sounding quite horrified. “Tell me your father’s price,” he instructed. “Name it and I shall pay it. What do I have to pay to have Elena released from this contract?”

Elena could see that Joaquín was growing agitated. He was unused to being challenged. “It is not about money,” he retorted, “it is about power and heirs. Elena’s sons will sit on the throne of Portugal. Her sons will bond Spain and Portugal for generations to come. No amount of money can pay for an alliance like blood!” He huffed. “I thank you for recovering Elena, but I think we shall take our leave. I passed an inn in the village so I think we shall rest there for the night.” Joaquín rose from the settee and motioned for Elena to follow him. “Come, Elena,” he instructed.

“Joaquín,” Elena said with her teeth clenched, “these people did not recover me.”

“¿Qué?” he prompted.

“They did not recover me!” she said with conviction. “I ran away! I ran away from Padre and from Portugal! I do not want to go back to Spain!” she exclaimed. Joaquín had always protected her. Why was he insisting on this marriage when he knew it was making her miserable?

Joaquín’s eyes softened. “I know you ran away, Elena,” he said calmly. “I know why you ran away, but this is why you must marry Carlos.”

“Why?”

“Because you will be safe with him, Elena!” sighed Joaquín in a frustrated manner. Joaquín suddenly became aware that they were having a very private argument in front of Emmett and Bess. “En español, por favour.”

“No,” snapped Elena. “Let them hear. Please, Joaquín, can you not see that this will make me miserable?”

“He will not make you miserable, Elena!” Joaquín exclaimed. “He is a good man. He will protect you just like I have always done. He will protect you from Padre. He does not deserve this from you, Elena. You are better than this.”

Elena’s lip trembled. She did not often think of what Carlos was thinking or feeling. Elena stopped herself. She never thought of her betrothed’s feelings. “How do you know this?”

“How do I know he is a good man?” His eyebrows rose. “Because he is still in Spain waiting for you, willing to marry you despite you very publically refusing him twice!”

Elena had embarrassed a man she did not even know. How had she never thought of it this way before?

“We may not like it, Elena, but it is what is right,” Joaquín said calmly.

Could it be true? Had Elena been fooling herself into thinking that she could have a life outside the palace? A life that was not royal? No matter who she pretended to be, her blood would always be royal. If Prince Carlos was as good a man as Joaquín believed him to be, then Elena knew she had to go back. She could not humiliate a man who had done her no wrong.

Elena took a deep breath and turned to face Emmett and Bess. “Thank you for your great kindness,” she said formally. “I will only impose upon you for one more night before Joaquín and I leave for Spain.”