"Sounds good." Nervous, Renee sat in the chair near the nurse, who immediately prepared a needle and rubber tie.
Renee stared ahead and told the doctor, "This might be too early."
"I understand." He shrugged. "And it's no trouble at all. And to assure you, Lara and I will keep this a secret from everyone, including the royal family."
Marco patted the doctor on the back. "Thanks."
Renee felt the pinch of the needle in her arm, but she ignored it. She could always pretend shots didn’t bother her if she didn't look.
The nurse placed cotton over the spot that had pinched. Renee glanced down at the white gauze.
"Hold there for thirty seconds."
Renee followed her instructions, feeling fine as the nurse held out the plastic cup for her.
Renee took it with as much grace as possible and hugged the cup to her chest while she met Marco's eyes. With how caring and attentive he was to her, she knew he'd be a good father. Her face felt hot but she walked away and headed to the bathroom.
When she was through she washed her hands and carried the cup back out and handed it to the nurse.
The doctor said, "Give us two minutes for this test. The blood test is more accurate but takes more time."
"What if one test says no but the other says yes?" Renee wanted everything clear.
The doctor’s caring green eyes showed empathy. "If the blood test comes back positive, you're pregnant, definitely. If the urine test comes back positive, you're pregnant."
Right. So either way the tests were going to spell this out for her.
The nurse said, "Doctor, can you confirm?"
He walked away. Marco came and sat beside her and placed his hand on the small of her back. He whispered, "We're getting married no matter what."
Part of her wasn't sure what her parents might do, but before she could think about it more, the doctor said, "Congratulations."
Renee could hardly think. "Thank you."
Marco stayed right next to her while the nurse and doctor cleaned up. He left her side to walk them out.
Renee watched him. She was pregnant? Seriously? She felt like she was lost in a cloud.
Marco closed the door and turned toward her. "We should get married as soon as possible to ensure the future prince or princess has no gossip attached to his birth."
She waited for him to return to her and once she took his hands, she said, "Okay, we can get married tomorrow, like you wanted."
"I’ll put my mother on it." He winked, teasing her, coaxing a smile but then someone knocked on the door.
Had the doctor forgotten something?
Her eyes widened when Marco opened the door and her mother strode inside. "Mom, you're here already?"
A few seconds to breathe would have been nice.
Her mother walked faster than his, and she might not wear a crown, but she acted like no one could mess with her as she closed the bedroom door behind her, put her pocketbook down on the table and stared at her.
"Seriously, Renee, you intend to marry Marco Aussa, the playboy prince of the West?"
"Renee has my complete loyalty." Marco joined her, an engaging smile for her mom.
"Mother." Renee stared at her, horrified.
Her mother took a seat on a stool by the chaise. "Your father is talking to the other princes right now, but I wanted to see you right away. What on earth are you thinking? Your brother, Neil, found his way to talk to the King and Queen." Her mom rolled her eyes. "This can’t end well."
Great. Renee felt waterworks starting in her eyes again. She used to never cry, ever. She walked over to the vanity and grabbed a tissue to dab her face. "Mom, can you at least try to be nice to the man I love? Do you think that's possible?"
Her mother motioned for her to sit on the edge of the bed next to her. Once Renee capitulated, her mother said, "I'm still in shock to be truthful. You never understood us and now you're about to become a princess. Are you sure it's the man and not the title you're marrying?"
Renee needed her mother to understand her, for once. She patted her mother's hand, "This wasn't how you and Dad started out, I know..."
"Renee, coming from the same world at least helps with communication." Her mother stared at her, her brown eyes softening. "While I'm sure you and Marco think this is love..." She reached over and hugged her. "I want you to understand we're your family and we're here for you."
Her face must be red because she was hot, everywhere. Her heartbeat grew fast. She stopped hugging her and said, "Mom, I know you love me, but I want you to accept that Marco and I are in love."
"Yes, Mrs. Brown. I promise to protect Renee with my life."
She reached for Marco’s hand with appreciation.
"Creating a life for yourself is finding people who can make you happy." Her mother's smile showed she was at least trying. "But I'm worried my daughter is making a bad choice."
Renee bowed her head. Marco was not a bad choice at all. It was time to set her mom straight and she needed privacy to do it in.
"Marco, will you please go and talk to my father? We will meet you downstairs."
Marco stared at her with concern. Yes, she knew this wasn't his plan, but she was improvising.
Everything about her life was about to change. Right now, her mother's opinions might jeopardize a relationship that was too important and she needed to ensure nothing happened to her baby's father. "Please trust me..."
"Okay." Marco hesitated, but then nodded. He paused at the door. "See you in a half an hour."
The door had hardly finished closing when her mother said, "Finally." She stood, her mouth tight. "You need to leave now before this all falls apart in your face and you'll be the laughing stock of the entire world—not just our little community."
"That doesn't have to happen." Renee told herself to stay calm. "In fact, it's not going to happen because Marco loves me."
"A fish can love a bird but where will they live?"
Her mother had used that line on her before. Renee felt stronger this time and said, "We'll live here. In fact, our home is a fishing village on the Mediterranean. The fish and the bird can both live happily on an island."
"You're not being serious." Her mother shook her head.
"But I am," Renee retorted. "I am finished with-"
Her bedroom door swung open. "Sorry to interrupt." Marco's deep voice reverberated on the walls. Her father stood next to Marco.
Marco's wide shoulders and added height made him seem larger than life. She wanted to bury her head against his shoulder and tell him to send her parents away. "Marco. Dad."
His brown eyes sent compassion. "I was speaking to your father, Ted, downstairs when my mother and Kristin approached—they would like you to meet them in the gold sitting room."
"Thanks." Renee joined him and squeezed his arm for support.
Marco massaged her back and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the wedding has been scheduled for tomorrow, so my mother will be excited to have your input."
The sooner, the less time her parents would have to stop her. Her heart pounded. They couldn't stop her. Her mother said in a solicitous tone, "We all want what's best for my daughter."
Her father acted like he didn't care, not even looking at her. "I was told you have a nice fishing pond in the back."
Marco stepped forward. "Ted, let me direct the staff to bring you whatever you need. Renee, I’ll show your father where to go." He turned back to face her. "Once you are done in here, I'll come and find you."
"Sounds perfect." She nodded and stared at him. He made no move toward her though her lips ached for a kiss that she shouldn't desire at the moment. She hugged her belly and watched him leave.
The moment the door closed, her mother asked, "Why didn't you kiss him?"
"Because you're watching." Renee sighed. "Let’s go." She escorted her mother from the bedroom, not wanting her sanctuary to be ruined with bad memories. The gold sitting room was next to the place Kristin had
met with her wedding designers. Renee walked in that general direction. The guards stood at attention and seemed in shape and ready to defend them from outside threats.
With her mother at her side, Renee’s ramrod stiff spine made it difficult to relax. They reached the room and went inside. "Remember Kristin, Mom? And this is Her Majesty, Queen Anna Camilla Aussa."
She bowed her head and waited.
"Greetings," the queen intoned.
Renee raised her head. Queen Anna Camilla, looking very royal in gray and blue, her gold crown nestled on top of her head, stared down her nose at them. "You're Renee's mother?"
"Yes." Mom still had her head down, so Renee elbowed her to look up. "Pleased to meet you."
The queen snapped her fingers. "We must discuss the banquet and expectations for tomorrow. Renee, your wedding will be more open to what you want rather than the strict formalities that Kristin had to endure."
"That sounds lovely."
"My daughter will want her mother's help in picking a dress." Her mother looked glum.
"Please say hello to Kristin, who has been my best friend these past few years." Renee gave a gentle prod.
Her mother took a deep breath. "Nice to see you again, Kristin."
"And Mom, I picked a dress myself already." Renee sat across from the queen, gesturing for her mom to take a seat next to her. "It's time we get to work on the little things, together."
The four of them opened the folders in front of their chairs. Renee read all about different flowers and meanings. "The peonies are rather pretty."
Kristin added, "They'd look lovely on their own or with calla lilies."
This was really happening. Her heart raced. "The florist will have some ideas on how to put it together."
"Good," Anna said. "Now, what about cake?"
"Chocolate of course." She and Kristin shared a smile. "With fresh strawberries."
"I don’t know, Renee. Strawberries?" Her mom questioned, her mouth turned down.
"Yes, Mom. Strawberries." She held her mother’s gaze until she shrugged and went on to the next item on the list.
"Where will the reception be held?"
The sooner they finished, the sooner she could find Marco. She hoped whatever her father said or did hadn't frightened him off. She needed to see him again because he was her life preserver when it came to her parents—though she gave herself a pat on the back for standing up to her mom just now.
Kristin pointed to her dossier. "Am I the only bridesmaid?"
"Yes. So, you can pick your own dress like I did for yours."
"I'll get one right away."
Her mom and the queen murmured in agreement on something. Renee turned her attention back toward the two of them as they pointed toward the flower garden. Her mother said, "This spot is quite lovely for a reception area. Outside will be nice."
Thank you. Renee said a silent prayer. If there could be one agreement, perhaps more might follow. "I can't wait to see what you both come up with."
"Go now. Kristin, you too." The queen said, "Your mother and I will continue the final details."
Renee met the queen’s loving gaze. Her mom had better behave, but she had no doubt Anna could take care of business. She took the hint and stood. "Come on Kristin, let’s take a stroll around the fountain."
23
Renee laughed with her best friend and for the first time that day felt light of heart. The sunshine calmed her frayed nerves. This might be the beginning of letting go, finally, to her parents and the pressure to be like them. She had confidence now that she’d stand up to them and tell them Marco was the one.
She and Kristin meandered through the garden maze and talked about Renee’s dream wedding. The light summer breeze kept it from being too warm or hot and sticky with humidity. Here the air was dry.
They turned the corner of the hedge maze and ice raced down her spine as two men in masks grabbed them. Renee screamed, but Kristin went into self-defense mode and knocked down the man holding her. If only she’d taken that class more seriously. Renee struggled but whoever held her arms had a firm grip.
She glanced to her side where Kristin and her attacker were, and she saw Henri's face under the mask. The man holding her squeezed tighter, but she tugged against him anyhow, though she was stuck.
In school, the best way to diffuse a situation was to talk. She swallowed and asked, "What's going on, Henri?"
Kristin kneed Henri in his man parts, stepped back out of reach and met her gaze. If she stayed, it would be Renee's fault. "Run Kristin. Get Marco."
Kristin gave a curt nod and ran full force toward the castle. Henri stood, grabbing his crotch. The man holding her yanked her arms back and she squealed. "How does she know you?"
Henri whipped off the black mask and stared at it and her before shoving it in his back pocket. "I served her and the prince at the South Castle. She must know I can't allow her to marry the prince."
Her heart beat wildly, but as a teacher, she remembered if you continued to humanize yourself, you found a way to crack even the hardened nuts. "Henri, I knew you didn't like me from the second we met, but you don't have to kidnap me. I don't mind agreeing to disagree with lots of people."
Her captor dragged her backward, her heels in the gravel path. "Your death will be the symbol that no foreign rulers should come to this land."
"I'm not a ruler." She stared at Henri again. "And Marco calls himself the spare of the spare, and the longer Antonio is married, the further down the line he goes."
Henri's pensive expression gave her hope. He opened his mouth to say something, but the man behind her squeezed her harder and said, "Don’t talk to our hostage, Henri."
Henri patted his stomach like he felt sick. He then stared above her head. "David, my sister said Renee was kind. You swore this demonstration wouldn't cause her pain during her death."
Her skin prickled. Her death? No. She tugged her arms again. "Marco will find me."
"He will try." David spoke menacingly.
A buzz whizzed past her ear. David released her and his hand went to his neck. "What the..."
She turned and saw blood spurting from his neck. She backed away, realizing David was shot, but she walked into the white-faced Henri who didn't at all try to touch her. David thumped to the ground. Her pulse felt like it went 100 MPH, but she tried to remain calm. She turned and said, "Henri, if you let me go, Marco will forgive you."
Again, Henri didn't touch her, but he clutched his stomach and said, "David..."
Right. She interrupted and stepped in his way so he stared in her eyes. "It's your decision now, Henri, and you're not a murderer."
He nodded and curled his shoulders inward while he ran in the opposite direction. "Fine. Go. Get out."
"Renee!" Marco's voice called in the distance. She ran toward his voice and didn't stop until she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders.
Her worst nightmare had played out and, somehow, she’d survived. Her body shivered, but she held Marco as tight as she could. "They were kidnapping me. Someone shot the one named David and Henri let me go."
"I shot him," Marco said while holding her.
All of her body went stiff. Part of her wanted to hug him and the other part was terrified. What if he’d missed? Then she pulled him in for another hug. "But I was standing right there."
"I had a clear shot." He cradled her head.
The second David let her arms go and went slack behind her replayed in her mind. As she backed out of the hug, she glanced up. "Marco, how did you know?"
He reached for her hand and she felt a jolt rush through her. "I've been investigating Henri and Anise since yesterday." She inhaled but wasn't quite sure the exhale came out while he said, "I knew he went to a few meetings of the anarchists, but I hoped he'd choose a different path."
"Anarchists?" No government. "They don't believe in any government power and David Sirov was one of their leaders. He intended to murder you, on video."
; Right. She patted her neckline and checked she was fine, everywhere. "I gathered it was going to be a show." Her arms might be bruised, but otherwise, she was fine. David was the one in the maze, dead. Her heartbeat began to normalize and she gained control. "Where are they now?"
"They move around so I’m not sure." Marco crossed his arms and stared ahead of him. She turned and saw that he paid attention to the news vans and reporters outside the black gate with gold trim. "Henri has hopefully gone to his group. I have my people tracking him."
She took a deep breath and realized this was it. If she was to be princess, she had to be strong and manage. Kristin was doing a phenomenal job and Renee needed to fully embrace her new role. She lifted her chin. "I'm thankful you are here."
Marco tried to take her hand and turn toward the castle, but she tugged it back without letting go. He said, "Let's get you inside, out of shot from the cameras that are surrounding the gate."
"No." She waved toward the news crew. "Let's go talk to the reporters."
His leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." She faced the direction of the gate.
He squeezed her hand and walked beside her. "Why?"
"I want to send a message that I'm not afraid." She met his gaze. Earlier she'd almost left him, and he shouldn't have to chase her to get her to stay. She'd have to learn to fight her battles and take those self-defense classes Kristin clearly practiced.
His walk became stiffer as they neared the gate. "You don't have to. We can go inside."
"I want to, Marco." She hugged his arm to her chest.
He motioned for the guards to open the gates. She stared ahead of them and into the video cameras and people with microphones in their hands. Marco's hold was like an anchor as she stepped into the limelight. "Hi. As you’ve probably heard, I just survived an attempted kidnapping from anarchists who intended to murder me."
The bright lights of cameras burned her eyes but she was conscious of keeping a confident expression on her face. One of the reporter’s voices was above the others. "Burn you alive or so the group said."
Forbidden Prince (Princes of Avce Book 2) Page 12
