Expecting Royal Twins! by Melissa McClone Page B

what seemed like forever, the plane leveled.
    “We’ve reached cruising altitude.” Niko kept his hand on hers. “Not too bad.”
    It wasn’t a question.
    “No,” she admitted. “But we still have to land.”
    The corners of his mouth lifted. “Landing will be easier.”
    “Really?” she asked.
    He nodded. “You’ll be tired due to the time change. You may even be asleep when the wheels touch ground.”
    “I’m not sure I’ll be sleeping after everything that’s gone on. My mind’s a big jumble right now.”
    “You should try to sleep,” he encouraged her. “Tomorrow will be a big day.”
    “Are we going straight to the court?” she asked.
    “The High Court is not in session on Saturday. We will go to the castle.”
    “Castle?”
    “My parents want to meet you.”
    “I’ve never met a king or a queen.”
    “You have, but you don’t remember.”
    “What’s your father like?” Izzy asked. “He’s very…kingly.”
    “That’s intimidating,” she admitted. “I’m glad I don’t remember meeting him or I might be more nervous than I already am.”
    “He only wants to reassure himself you are alive and well.” Niko squeezed her hand. “You have nothing to worry about.”
    This time Izzy knew the prince was wrong. Dead wrong.
    She had lots to worry about, starting with the tingles shooting up her arm as he touched her. But even worse was the realization that she didn’t want him to let go of her hand.
    Not now.
    Not when they landed in Vernonia.
    Not…ever.

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    A S THE plane cruised at thirty-three thousand feet, the interior cabin lights dimmed. The engines droned, but unlike the white noise device Niko usually traveled with, the sound did not soothe him. He couldn’t sleep. Too many things weighed on his mind. But a busy day did lie ahead. He should at least try to rest.
    Niko pressed the button on the armrest. The leather seat reclined into a comfortable position. He closed his eyes but couldn’t stop the continuous stream of information flowing through his brain. Thoughts about Vernonia, Julianna, his father and most especially the woman sitting in the seat next to him.
    Isabel.
    Opening his eyes, he turned toward her.
    She sat with her seat reclined and her head resting against a pillow. She’d fallen asleep after struggling against her heavy, drooping eyelids and drawn-out yawns for almost an hour.
    Isabel’s unwillingness to give in to her tiredness without a fight made him wonder if she turned everything she did into a battle. Her actions today suggested as much. But the political peace that came with her lineage could be good for the country.
    Yes, Isabel seemed like a fighter. No doubt the Vernonian in her. Niko smiled at the thought that she would likely disagree with him. No matter, he would want her on his side. If he had a side. Thankfully those days were over. No one would be forced to choose who to support or who to fight again.
    Once he and Julianna said the words “I do,” Niko would have the financial resources and international support to bring his country into the modern age and, in time, the European Union.
    Nothing could stand in his way now.
    Not an antiquated custom. Not a childhood bride.
    Niko’s gaze focused on Isabel once again.
    He’d been married to her for the past twenty-three years, almost all of her entire life and over three-quarters of his. If not for the missing bride box, he would have never known she existed. Things would have been less complicated for him that way. But once she received her inheritance her circumstance would improve dramatically. A better life was waiting for Isabel. The life her parents would have wanted for her. That made what he was going through more acceptable.
    He worried what responsibilities would be thrust on Isabel’s shoulders once she arrived in Vernonia. People would judge her. She would need training to be a princess. Stylish clothes and makeup lessons would improve her appearance. A manicure