The King Takes A Bride (Royals Book 4) by Danielle Bourdon Read Free Book Online Page B

as they passed it for the archway to the dining hall. Here, the long table had been set using beautiful china and glittering crystal. Candles sat to the side near the walls in iron holders, adding a pleasant ambiance while large chandeliers threw down a soft glow over the whole room.
    Mattias and Gunnar, already present, looked to be discussing business with some of the Crown Prince's entourage. Sander traded greetings with the swarthy skinned guests while Chey dipped a polite nod. Waiters and waitresses brought trays of wine and other spirits around while they waited for Prince Bashir to arrive. Chey accepted a glass of chilled water for herself while Sander opted for a tumbler with a splash of amber liquid two fingers high.
    With little fanfare, the Crown Prince entered, four more companions at his flank. Dressed to the nines in a white on white suit with a white tie that matched the head cloth, Bashir smiled and headed straight to Sander to shake hands.
    “I hope you brought your appetite. We've got a surprise for you for dinner,” Sander said with a broad smile.
    “As long as it's not squid, we'll do just fine.” Bashir laughed a rakish laugh and stepped around Sander for his brothers. “Princes Mattias and Gunnar,” Bashir said next, exchanging hand shakes with both men after Sander. “Miss Sinclair.” He didn't touch her, only inclined his head before everyone took their seats around the table. Sander sat at the end, with Bashir directly to his right and Chey to his left. The Princes each took a side next followed by the entourage.
    “Prince Paavo won't be in attendance this evening,” Sander said. “He has pressing business elsewhere in Latvala.”
    “I see. What of the former Queen Helina?” Bashir asked.
    “She's residing at another location during her mourning period. You understand.” Sander had a drink from his glass.
    “Oh, certainly. Give her my condolences when next you speak, yes?”
    “I will.” Sander set his drink down.
    In moments, easy conversation resumed, centering around Mattias and Bashir since their meeting on Bashir's last visit.
    Chey, content to observe and learn, took a long sip from her water. Her throat felt parched. She understood better what Sander meant about a surprise when the staff delivered the plates of food a short time later. The King of Latvala, in a show of culture recognition, had traditional fare from Bashir's corner of the world on the menu. Roast lamb on a bed of rice and nuts, hummus, rice stuffed vine leaves were only a few of the many offerings. Intrigued by the different spices, Chey listened to the conversations while she ate and contemplated how to reach Sander's thigh under the table. It would have to be a diagonal reach, a risky venture with her arm extended enough for a guest to see.
    “Forgive me if this comes off as uncouth, your Majesty,” Bashir said between bites, “but since you have yet to broach the subject, I must mention it myself.”
    Chey glanced up from her plate to the Crown Prince across the table. Sander looked over at the same time.
    “What subject is that?” Sander asked.
    Bashir's dark brows arched. A murmur ran through his entourage. For a few moments, confusion touched the faces of Mattias and Gunnar.
    “Why...the contract, of course.” Bashir appeared mildly taken aback.
    “What contract?” Sander set his fork down, smeared the napkin across his mouth, and laid that on the table.
    Bashir chuckled in apparent disbelief. “The contract agreement for a wedding between myself and the Princess Natalia.”

Chapter Five
    Stunned silence met Crown Prince Bashir's declaration. Chey stared at their guest, then cut a look at Sander, thinking it must be a joke. Prince Bashir would bang a hand on the table and bark a laugh at getting one over on the King. Any second now.
    When it didn't come, Sander said, “Excuse me? I know of no contract about a wedding between yourself and my sister.”
    “Trust me, it exists. King Aksel and I