The Man's Outrageous Demands (4 page)

“Loving in your mind translates to slavery or subserviency? Not a pretty picture, Mr. Montrose.”

“Call me Sam. And what’s wrong with a woman taking care of her husband? If he’s willing to leave each day to provide for her and the family, I don’t see an issue.” Sam had to keep himself from laughing outright at her bristling anger. She was practically spitting with her rage.

“Mr. Montrose, you’re ideas of a marriage are positively antiquated. I didn’t know men like you still existed, except in my father’s mind. Well, good luck finding a wife who will fit all your needs. I already pity her even though she hasn’t had the displeasure of meeting you yet and being ground under your heel.”

Sam couldn’t hold it back any longer. She was so angry he threw back his head and laughed. She was overflowing with her fury.

His laughter only increased Marabeth’s anger. “I’m glad you think independent and free thinking women are humorous, Mr. Montrose. But let me assure you that every person who works in this palace and has children appreciates the flexibility that this center gives them. And we appreciate the dedication that flexibility gives us. We’re able to accomplish many things for the people of Cordova and that is partly due to this center and the peace of mind it gives to the men and women who entrust their children to its care.”

She was about to walk out on him but he caught her arms and held her still while he gained control of his laughter. He took a deep breath and looked down into her angry eyes. “I’m sorry, Marabeth. I honestly respect and appreciate all the women and men, who work in the palace and I understand the need for a place where they can know their children are safe and learning while they work.”

Marabeth felt her mouth hang open but she couldn’t seem to close it. She was too shocked at his words and the feeling of warmth that washed over her at his words of support. “Then, what was all that sexist gibberish a few minutes ago?” she finally got out.

Sam chuckled again, loving the way every emotion flew across her face. “I have to apologize. You’re just too beautiful when you’re angry. You’re eyes turn a dark blue and your cheeks become a soft pink. You’re eyebrows come down over your eyes and you just become very passionate about your cause.”

She wanted to punch him again. What was this tendency towards violence when she was around him? “You mean you were just baiting me?”

Sam nodded but knew better than to let his guard down around her. She was beautiful, but also full of emotion and he was wary of her next step, although also anticipating it with relish.

Instead of punching him, Marabeth just stormed away, mumbling under her breath about something that he couldn’t decipher but he heard the words “obnoxious” and “male” before the door closed behind her.

Sam stood up and walked to the door, eager to see her walking down the hallway. She had a very feminine walk. She held herself regally, but with a slight sway to her hips that enticed at the same time it set her apart from other women. He liked it. In fact, he realized that he liked pretty much everything about this woman except for the fact that she had to be married quickly for political purposes. Sam had discussed Marabeth’s situation for a short time with Max and he was now cognizant of the fact that King Stephan was actively searching for someone appropriate to marry his daughter.

Each time he thought of that, it irritated Sam. So he decided to stop thinking about it and come up with a way to get back into the lovely lady’s good graces. That was definitely going to be a challenge after the spurt of anger she’d shown just a few minutes ago.

Sam sighed as the woman turned the corner and was out of sight. He didn’t know how he was going to do it, but he’d never backed down from a challenge yet.

Sam presented himself in front of the king at the requested time. The king immediately called Sam into his office as soon as he was told that Sam was waiting.

“Good afternoon, your majesty,” Sam said, bowing slightly.

“I hope it is going to be. Have a seat,” King Stephan said and waived him over to the set of chairs placed in one area of his office. “Tell me you’re going to take over the position and show us all how it is done,” he said

Sam sat back and looked at the king. “Yes. If that is the area you feel I can help the most, I’ll be happy to do my best.”

“Fantastic,” King Stephan said, then stood up and went over to a bar that was inconspicuously kept in the corner. scotch, bringing one over to Sam. clinked Sam’s glass.
“Let’s celebrate,” he said and poured two glasses of “To an improved military,” King Stephan said and

Sam drank to the toast, then looked over his glass at his ruler and new boss. “I have some ideas for how to improve but they are a little unorthodox.”

“Well, let’s sit down and discuss them. I’m eager to hear your ideas,” the king said.

They sat and discussed several possibilities and how to get them funded. King Stephan agreed with most of Sam’s ideas and the others, he agreed with in principal but wasn’t sure how the rest of the military would take the changes. They talked for almost three hours, considering the different reactions and how to overcome the status quo, what funding would be needed, what the changes would entail and who would react positively and negatively. Although Cordova was a Monarchy, there was still a Parliament and individuals to convince. It was not a dictatorship.

After their discussions, King Stephan stood up and shook Sam’s hand. “I’ll have my wife organize a reception to introduce you to the rest of the members of my cabinet as well as the houses. They will all be eager to hear the news of your command, Sam. Thank you for taking on this challenge,” the king said.

“It is my honor, your majesty. I’m glad I can serve you in some capacity.”

“Can you stay for dinner? We usually dine less formally when it is just the family.”

“That would be wonderful,” Sam said and bowed politely.

King Stephan patted the younger man on the back. “You’re not married, are you, Sam?”

Sam was hesitant to answer, but had to be honest. “No, your majesty.”

“Are you seeing anyone seriously?”

“No, sire. I’m currently unattached. And I don’t imagine that changing as the military will occupy a great deal of my time in the near future.”

The king’s eager face fell slightly at the truth behind Sam’s words sunk in. “Yes, I suppose you’ll have your hands full,” he said, nodding his head. But he immediately brightened. “Well, then, when things calm down, we’ll have to see about getting you married and with children. I have some ideas in that area as well,” King Stephan said.

Sam smiled politely and knew where the king was heading. Why didn’t the idea of marrying his younger daughter throw him into a panic as other matrimonial minded friends of his did? Odd, but the idea of marrying Marabeth appealed to him more and more. Max had mentioned it earlier, but Sam had dismissed it, not having met the woman before. But now that he’d met her, he couldn’t deny he wasn’t interested. More than interested, in fact. But marriage? Sam wasn’t sure about that. It wasn’t abhorrent though, which was progress in a way.

Dinner was an elegant affair but Sam was disappointed that Marabeth wasn’t present. When he’d accepted the king’s invitation, Sam had been hoping he would be able to start repairing the damage he’d done earlier when he was teasing the lovely princess. But he had a nice evening dining with the queen who was gracious and a wonderful hostess.

Queen Natasha agreed to start preparing for a reception to introduce Sam as the new Minister of Defense immediately. “You’ll need to be formally introduced,” she was saying over dessert. “There will need to be a big turnout,” she said, tapping her finger on the side of her nose as she worked through the details in her mind. weeks? Will that give you enough time to solidify your announcement?”
“How about in three position before the

Sam considered all the ramifications and none of them were as high on his list as the fact that he might not be able to see the lovely Princess Marabeth until that night. He knew he couldn’t make it earlier though. He didn’t know the details but suspected that throwing together a formal reception was a large undertaking. He’d just have to find a way to see her sooner than that on his own. “Three weeks will work fine for me.” Chapter 3

“Good morning, dear,” Queen Natasha breezed into the breakfast room two weeks later. “How are you this morning?” she asked.

“I’m well,” Marabeth said, wiping her mouth delicately on the linen napkin. “How are you, Mother?”

“Having a hectic day and I need to ask you a favor,” she said, sitting down in her usual place and leaning back while a servant poured her coffee.

“Anything. What can I do?”

“I need your help during the reception this Saturday,” she said and stirred cream in her teacup.

Marabeth could feel her heartbeat speed up instantly. This Saturday night was the reception for Sam Montrose. He was being officially sworn into office on Friday with a lavish reception on Saturday as a welcome from the royal family. “Oh, well…do you really need me there?” Marabeth said awkwardly. “I mean, it is for Father’s new Minister of Defense, isn’t it?”

Her mother looked over at her beautiful daughter with amusement. “You know very well what it is for, Marabeth. And you also know that you need to be there. In fact, my request is that you attend with the new Minister.”

Marabeth didn’t like the sound of that at all. “’Attend with’ as in, accompany him?” Marabeth asked warily, not really wanting to hear the answer.

The queen looked up from her notes and frowned. “Of course, dear. He’ll need an escort and I need you to be that person for him.”

“Why me?” Marabeth asked, her mind quickly going into overdrive in an effort to find an excuse not to be Sam’s “date” for the evening.

“Why not? This is a political event and you of all people know how important the night will be for Sam. He can’t have some silly woman hanging on his arm and creating a scene. You know how easy it is for people to be misquoted. I need you to help Sam and be there to keep the other ladies at bay.”

“I don’t think I’m the right person for that job, Mother,” Marabeth said hesitantly.

“Nonsense,” King Stephan’s booming voice said as he walked into the room. He quickly kissed his wife, then sat down next to her. “I think it is a wonderful idea for you to attend with Sam. Wish I’d thought of it myself, but that’s why I have a brilliant woman by my side to think of these things,” he said and kissed his wife’s cheek, winking at her as he poured himself some tea, waiving the waiter away. He then turned back to Marabeth before saying, “He’ll need someone with your political skills to get through the evening.”

Marabeth put her now shaking hands under the table to keep her parents from seeing how nervous the idea of being around Sam made her. She knew she would have to think fast to find an alternative to her mother’s idea or at least put some doubt in their minds that this wasn’t the best plan of action. “Isn’t Sam versed enough in politics to do this himself? I mean, if he’s going to be the new Minister of Defense, shouldn’t he learn to stand on his own two feet, so to speak? There will be many functions like this one in the future. Wouldn’t it be better to see if he can handle himself on his own before formally announcing that he’s the man for the job?”

“It has already been announced and I don’t understand how you wouldn’t know that,” her father replied, looking curiously at his daughter. “Besides, there’s never been a better candidate for the position,” her father said with pride, brushing aside Marabeth’s comments about Sam’s abilities. “If there was anyone who could swim with the piranhas that are going to be at the function this weekend it would be Sam, I can assure you of that. But why should he have to go it alone when he can have your help?” her father said. “Natasha, what are we doing for the ambassador this afternoon?” he asked and Marabeth knew that was the end of the discussion.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Marabeth said, standing in an effort to flee the room.

“Yes, dear,” her mother said. “But don’t forget to pick out a new dress for the event. You’ll have to look your best. The press will be in attendance,” she explained.

Marabeth nodded glumly before turning to leave the breakfast room. She knew what was expected of her without all the details being told to her. She’d visit the palace designer and choose a new dress for the evening which would require several fittings. With less than a week to go, Marabeth knew that Tilly, the seamstress, would need hours of time with Marabeth in fittings. She sighed and mentally started revising her schedule for the week.

It was no use getting angry about it. Marabeth had known about this reception for the past ten days but had hid her head in the sand, so to speak. She hadn’t wanted to attend and so had ignored all the details about the event. But now she not only had to attend, but had to escort the man throughout the event.

Marabeth sighed and leaned against the hallway, closing her eyes in frustration. Why that man? Why couldn’t it have been some boring, old man who wouldn’t want to dance or irritate her?

“Feeling feint?” a deep, laughing voice said nearby.

Marabeth’s eyes popped open and she was staring into the amused eyes of the man recently discussed. She sighed heavily and pushed away from the wall. “I would be eternally grateful to you if you could please catch me at an unembarassing moment once in a while,” she said as she walked carefully down the hallway, praying she wouldn’t fall on her face or trip into his arms. That would be just her luck, she thought.

“I like it,” Sam said, easily falling into step beside her. “It makes you more approachable,” he said.

Marabeth eyed him out of the corner of her eye. “I didn’t know that approaching me was an issue in your mind,” she said dryly.

“Absolutely,” he nodded sagely. “Approaching a beautiful woman is always terrifying for a man.”