This interview was originally posted in the Wild Women Author's blog on April 29, 2019.

Welcome, Your Highness. Tell us about yourself? Though my formal and official name is Artilio Jaime Arnaldo Otavio Eugenio Orula, I go by Prince Ari Orula. I am the eighth son of the Crown Prince of Portega, an island country off the shores of Portugal and Spain.

Tell us a bit about The Prince’s Son, book one in the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series. I moved to Mineral Springs, Colorado, in part to get over my wife’s tragic death and to start a horse breeding facility. I found it necessary to get away from the constraints of the palace and my father, and raise my son away from the restrictive atmosphere. I wish to prove to the people of my country that I am able to make a difference for the commerce of my country, raising and training Lusitanos horses. When my son’s nanny must nurse her mother back to health, I am forced to rely on the horrid American cowgirl who challenges my ability to be a good father. Add to the misery, her brothers and father have great distain for me. As you can imagine oil and water. But I won’t bore you with the details of our relationship, nor the strange turn of events that draw us together.

What did you think the first time you saw Carla Peters? Ms. Peters? Most certainly a know-it-all, interfering cowgirl who doesn’t know her place. Although, she does have luscious curves and fire in her eyes, but still, she has no right to question me about my son. I do learn she is passionate and caring. Still, we are not meant to be together…ever. My older brother and confidant strongly disagrees with my assessment. Additionally, I have neither patience for defiance nor need for passion. And I most certainly have no need for a woman who dares to betray my trust.
 
Interesting. And your second thought? That I must remove my son from this ski class that this, this, this…woman teaches. She has no understanding of my son.
 
Did you feel it was love at first sight? Absolutely not. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Granted, she is attractive. But she defies rules and defers to no one. That I cannot abide.

What do you like most about Carla? At first, Ms. Peters was the most aggravating woman I had ever come across, always having to have the last word, and digging into things that should have been of no concern to her. I suppose that now I must admit, I do honor Carla’s astuteness about my son. Her gentleness with and caring for my son. But still, she insists on pushing and pushing until she finds answers I do not wish to share.
 
How would you describe Carla? A fiery temper and passion for whatever she sets her mind to accomplish. Beautiful, with knowing hazel eyes that flash with sparks of emerald when she is mad or…well…never mind. She has curves in all the right places, not one of those painfully thin women who never eats. She does enjoy her steak and whisky. And she appears to believe she is right…always. I must now admit, she has a knack for getting most things right.

​How would Carla describe you? Arrogant. Stubborn. Also, one who knows he is always right. But I know for a fact she thinks me handsome and interesting, and I might add, a good father, now that I have allowed her to get close. But not close enough for her to know my secrets. I cannot allow anyone that close.
 
What made you choose a career in horse breeding? I have always loved and valued horses. My country, Portega, breeds and raises Lusitanos, the native horse of both Portugal and Spain. My goal is to make a name for myself by developing breeding practices that will help my country stand out as a premier provider of these beautiful creatures.
 
What is your biggest fear? Being betrayed, lied to. I will not tolerate dishonesty. Being able to trust someone is paramount. If they betray my trust, they are nothing to me.
 
How do you relax? I rarely relax. There is too much work to be done. I once loved photography. But I have been guided to believe aiming for a profession in photography is a trivial pursuit, so I no longer take photos. When I do relax, it is to play chess with my six-year old son. He is becoming a worthy adversary and determined to someday beat his father. And he will succeed…soon. I have no doubt.
 
Who is your favorite fictional character? I have little time for fiction or fantasy. However, I do enjoy watching my son’s eyes grow wide when I read him Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon. He has more imagination then I. I hope by living in Colorado, and not under the thumb of the Crown Prince, he will have more reason to seek out adventure than I did.
 
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? From my father, several pieces of advice that affect every action I take. Although at times, I know this advice has led me to not trust or be as open as I would wish.
Don’t let your enemy see anything they can use against you.
Vulnerability is a weakness.
You are royalty. You must take action. And you must be resolute in your decision and accept the consequences.
 All this advice has been the creed by which I live; since I was a boy.