Secrets of a Reckless Princess by Annabel Wolfe Read Free Book Online Page B

with brittle inflection in his tone. “We know how you feel about this. The entire Federation knows, thanks to your article.”
    “It caught my attention, and my father’s.” Marc stepped in smoothly. “Which means others listened also. If he was just a radical, he would be dismissed. But, in truth, his ideas make sense. A switch in agrarian policies, so each colony doesn’t produce whatever it wants but there is regulation for greater productivity and distribution. A universal military force, not hundreds of individual armies. An expansion of the Universal Council so there are representatives from every planet, and most importantly, a ruling body for the overview of economic health that has jurisdiction and power. I could go on, but I know for all your disapproval of his methods, you have taken stock of his ideas.”
    “So, apparently, have you.” The queen looked at him with a small ironic twitch of her lips. “I am starting to wonder if I just gained a new son-in-law or a champion for Damon’s revolution.”
    “A controlled one,” Marc answered in his best persuasive tone. “In place of the unrest that would inevitably happen as colonies start to fail, one by one. I happen to know my father agrees.”
    “You are that sure it will happen that way?” Raphael addressed his son, Marc noted, not him.
    “Change is needed.” Damon, still dressed in the loose clothes given him as a prisoner, nodded, his good-looking face set. “Gandsar is just the beginning.”
    The older Le Clerc and the queen glanced at each other and seemed to come to a silent agreement. She said, “Ambassador Kartel, if you are certain enough the Universal Council will withdraw its order of censure, we’ll propose the appointment. Though I know Damon doesn’t believe this, the Ruling Council of Anasta is not blind to upcoming problems. I think his voice there will be welcomed by some, but not all. It remains to be seen the ratio of one to the other, but my recommendations do not come without a lot of thought on my part, and the members know it. However, be aware I will not force this through. There has to be a majority vote.”
    The dismissal in her tone was a signal and the three of them left together, Jayla walking in front, her shimmering hair in a long fall down her back, the gentle feminine sway of her hips drawing Marc’s gaze.
    Not just his either, he noted, amused, as Damon also watched her walk with his lids slightly lowered. Marc said neutrally, “That went well.”
    “As well as can be expected,” Damon agreed, his smile half-hearted. “I think by now you see any fear my father might show favoritism is unfounded. He’s my greatest critic most of the time.”
    “You’re hardly alone there. My father also finds fault with me. I believe that’s what parents think they are supposed to do. My impression is that secretly he is very proud of you, but because of his position, he cannot openly show it.”
    “There are certain disadvantages to being the sons of powerful men.”
    To an extent, they did have that in common along with all the other similarities, though while Marc was more inclined to negotiate and play off the emotions of others, Damon was decidedly more passionate and rebellious in his opinions.
    Marc had the feeling they would make an exceptional team, and it was part of the reason he’d come to Anasta in the first place.
    The other reason walked just ahead down the elegant corridor, studiously preceding them because he had the feeling Jayla was reluctant to face her lover—not the one in a physical sense, not yet that is, but still, the male to whom she’d had a long-term attachment. Had it not been for Damon’s plight, would she have agreed to the alliance so easily? Marc thought not. He would definitely have had to work harder, even with the strong attraction between them, but offering to help Le Clerc had definitely brought her into his arms.
    They’d agreed, signed the papers, and there had been that