Free The Carnelian Legacy by Cheryl Koevoet Page B

June and had hoped to get out and see the world. I just had no idea it would be a different world altogether.”
    Darian smiled.
    “In fact, I was all lined up to start med school this semester, but then life sort of got in the way.”
    “Med school?”
    “Medical school. I want to become a family practitioner—uh, doctor.”
    “Ah, a doctor. That’s quite impressive,” he said, giving her a sidelong glance. “Do you think you are well-suited for that kind of work?”
    “What do you mean? Because I’m a woman?” she asked archly.
    “No, no—I didn’t mean it that way.” He chuckled. “It’s just that I have fought in many battles and have seen terrible things I never wish to see again. You would see horrible things all the time if you became a doctor.”
    “Yeah, the blood and gore doesn’t bother me so much. Before my dad got sick, I had considered joining Doctors Without Borders. You know, travel around and see the world? Help third-world countries. That sorta stuff.”
    “Have you traveled much?”
    “Not really. I’ve been to California and Washington and skiing up at Whistler, Canada a few times, but I’ve never been further east than that. My dad took us to Hawaii one year and he was planning on taking us to Scotland for Christmas. But now that’ll never happen.”
    Darian led her downstream and motioned for her to sit next to him on a large rock. He picked up a few small stones and threw them into the water one at a time, watching each one as it splashed.
    Marisa huddled to keep warm under her cape and avoided his eyes. She was starting to fall for him but knew that wasn’t a good thing. He was completely out of her league. There was something so irresistible about him that made her wonder how many hearts the handsome young ambassador had already broken during his short life.
    “I brought you down here so that I could explain some things to you before we reach the castle tomorrow,” Darian said, interrupting her thoughts. “We must conduct our duties as soon as possible and then get out quickly again. I don’t plan on staying for more than a couple days.”
    When she realized that he’d brought her down to the river to discuss business, Marisa felt embarrassed and was relieved that he couldn’t see her flushed face in the darkness.
    “The man we are visiting is called Viscount Savino da Rocha. As I told you earlier, he is the real power behind the throne, and he also happens to be my cousin. However, he is not the rightful heir to the throne.”
    “He’s your cousin?”
    “ Distant cousin,” he corrected. “Savino’s father, Count Gregario da Rocha is currently the king, but not our legitimate monarch. Gregario was supposed to assume the throne only temporarily until the rightful successor could be crowned, but he actually has no desire to renounce the throne.”
    “And now you’re having trouble getting rid of him?”
    He nodded. “When Gregario’s illness worsened a few months ago, his son Savino stepped up to serve until his father passes. However, we are certain that Savino has no intention of yielding the throne once his father is dead.”
    “Can he do that?”
    “Politically speaking, it would be extremely difficult. Theoretically speaking, it would be nearly impossible. But that won’t stop him. Savino has hired some shrewd advocates who are investigating the issue of succession as we speak. Gregario does not belong to the Fiore bloodline and was never the true and rightful heir.”
    “Then I don’t understand Savino and the Fiore connection.”
    “After Queen Elyse perished in the shipwreck, her younger sister, Sophie, became queen. Sophie was Gregario’s wife and Savino’s mother. When Sophie passed away unexpectedly five years ago, her husband Gregario assumed the throne.”
    “Then why shouldn’t Savino inherit the throne?” she asked.
    “Because he does not carry the Fiore surname. Savino is a da Rocha, receiving his name from his father.”
    Marisa