C.J. Miller - Guarding His Royal Bride

A king’s secret daughter is swept into romance and danger in this tale of royal intrigue.

The ruler of Icarus is cunning and ruthless, yet Iliana Kracos has seen another side of Demetrius DeSante. And after an explosive night of passion together, she agrees to marry him. Yet when he reveals her true parentage—she’s heir to the throne—it puts her bridegroom in a new light.

Iliana isn’t sure how she can trust Demetrius. Does he truly love her, or is she merely a pawn in his royal game? But Demetrius assures he’ll protect Iliana at all costs, and with a ruthless assassin targeting royal heirs, Iliana has no choice but to put her faith in the man she knows the least—her husband.

“Are you trying to antagonize me?”

Iliana smirked. “Yes.”

“At least you admit it,” Demetrius said.

“I want you to apologize.”

“If I say the words, will you stop being upset?”

“You have to mean them. Then I’ll see how I feel.”

“Iliana, I haven’t been more attracted to another woman than I am to you. What I know about the king of Valencia being related to you has nothing to do with that attraction.”

“But you married me because of it.”

“I would have married you one day. I moved up the timeline because of the king’s health problems.”

“You could have been honest with me.”

“I told you about the king when the time was right.”

“Do you think the man who tried to kill me was after me because of my connection to the king of Valencia?”

“I suspect someone else knows who you are and wants you dead because of it.”

“Going to Valencia seems like a patently bad idea, then, if someone wants to kill me.”

“No one will kill my wife.”

“You’re not invincible, Demetrius.”

“I would sooner die than let someone harm you.”

***

Be sure to check out the next books in this miniseries.

Conspiracy Against the Crown: Ally or foe? No one can tell in this fight for power…and love.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Extract Copyright ,

Welcome back to the Mediterranean! Demetrius DeSante and Iliana Kracos were introduced in The Secret King (Mills & Boon Romantic Suspense, September 2015). Both are spirited individuals, but Iliana is a dreamer and Demetrius is a realist. His every move is to further his personal and political goals. Iliana follows her heart.

Demetrius’s secrets are a necessary burden. Needing Iliana’s help means sharing those long-buried secrets and letting her inside his private thoughts. That’s hard for a man whose history is peppered with lies and betrayal. Iliana thinks her love will be the answer, except that word is far more difficult for Demetrius to accept—or to speak—than Iliana realized.

When Iliana learns that Demetrius has been keeping secrets about her past and a family she never knew existed, she has to decide whether to forgive him or walk away and destroy everything Demetrius has worked for.

I hope you enjoy the second book in the Conspiracy Against the Crown series.

Best,

C.J. Miller

Guarding His

Royal Bride

C.J. Miller

www.millsandboon.co.uk

C.J. MILLER loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her website: cj-miller.com. She lives in Maryland with her husband, son and daughter. C.J. believes in first loves, second chances and happily-ever-after.

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To my dear friends, Jen, the level-headed realist, and Christy, the daydreamer.

Here’s to 28 more years of secret keeping.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A king’s secret daughter is swept into romance and danger in this tale of royal intrigue. The ruler of Icarus is cunning and ruthless, yet Iliana Kracos has seen another side of Demetrius DeSante. And after an explosive night of passion together, she agrees to marry him. Yet when he reveals her true parentage—she’s heir to the throne—it puts her bridegroom in a new light. Iliana isn’t sure how she can trust Demetrius. Does he truly love her, or is she merely a pawn in his royal game? But Demetrius assures he’ll protect Iliana at all costs, and with a ruthless assassin targeting royal heirs, Iliana has no choice but to put her faith in the man she knows the least—her husband.

Introduction “Are you trying to antagonize me?” Iliana smirked. “Yes.” “At least you admit it,” Demetrius said. “I want you to apologize.” “If I say the words, will you stop being upset?” “You have to mean them. Then I’ll see how I feel.” “Iliana, I haven’t been more attracted to another woman than I am to you. What I know about the king of Valencia being related to you has nothing to do with that attraction.” “But you married me because of it.” “I would have married you one day. I moved up the timeline because of the king’s health problems.” “You could have been honest with me.” “I told you about the king when the time was right.” “Do you think the man who tried to kill me was after me because of my connection to the king of Valencia?” “I suspect someone else knows who you are and wants you dead because of it.” “Going to Valencia seems like a patently bad idea, then, if someone wants to kill me.” “No one will kill my wife.” “You’re not invincible, Demetrius.” “I would sooner die than let someone harm you.” *** Be sure to check out the next books in this miniseries. Conspiracy Against the Crown: Ally or foe? No one can tell in this fight for power…and love.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Extract Copyright , Welcome back to the Mediterranean! Demetrius DeSante and Iliana Kracos were introduced in The Secret King (Mills & Boon Romantic Suspense, September 2015). Both are spirited individuals, but Iliana is a dreamer and Demetrius is a realist. His every move is to further his personal and political goals. Iliana follows her heart. Demetrius’s secrets are a necessary burden. Needing Iliana’s help means sharing those long-buried secrets and letting her inside his private thoughts. That’s hard for a man whose history is peppered with lies and betrayal. Iliana thinks her love will be the answer, except that word is far more difficult for Demetrius to accept—or to speak—than Iliana realized. When Iliana learns that Demetrius has been keeping secrets about her past and a family she never knew existed, she has to decide whether to forgive him or walk away and destroy everything Demetrius has worked for. I hope you enjoy the second book in the Conspiracy Against the Crown series. Best, C.J. Miller

Title Page Guarding His Royal Bride C.J. Miller www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author C.J. MILLER loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her website: cj-miller.com . She lives in Maryland with her husband, son and daughter. C.J. believes in first loves, second chances and happily-ever-after.