“I know you can handle them. I’m not questioning that at all.”
“Really? Because you seemed upset about the reception.”
He shook his head. “I was, at first, I admit it. But when you told me why you wanted to cancel it, all I could think was how much I loved you.”
She melted against him. “Alex. I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you.”
“I know. I suppose I haven’t been honest, either.”
“What do you mean?”
Alex tilted his head to the door, then back to her. “My father. He’s been making decisions for me or, more accurately, he’s been making decisions that I should be making before I could make them. I feel as though he doesn’t trust me.”
“You know that’s not true. He’s been grooming you for his job your whole life.”
“Yes, but now I need to take over his job, and he’s having trouble letting go.”
“It can’t be easy for him. I’ve rarely seen him sit still except for dinner or Council meetings. Now he’s stuck in a bed for days on end, no politics or power struggles to keep his mind occupied. It doesn’t excuse his behavior, but it could explain it.”
He nodded. “I’d thought of that myself.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’ve been feeling the same way.”
“My mother.”
“Yes, but others, too. It’s a little different for you. You’re officially the acting-king. I’m not an official anything yet. Most of your mother’s duties have been assigned to your sisters; only a few have been assigned to me. You’ve been groomed for this, but I haven’t. What if I’m doing a terrible job and no one’s telling me? How can I help you when you’re officially the king, if I’m useless to you while you’re just the acting-king?”
He wrapped his arms tight around her. Where had all this come from? “Darling, you’re not useless. Not. At. All. Have I done something to make you feel that way?”
“No, but–”
“You’ll make an excellent queen. I told you when we first got together that I didn’t really think about the woman I was going to marry, the woman that would be queen one day. Remember?”
She nodded.
“What I didn’t tell you then, was the reason I didn’t think about it.” He touched his forehead to hers and leaned close. “I knew, deep down, that when I met the woman who was going to be my queen, be Valleria’s queen, I would know it. I wouldn’t have to question it, because she would be it for me.
“You know I thought about you from time-to-time growing up. You were Cat’s friend, you lived on the palace grounds, and our paths crossed more than once.
“I knew it was you, even all those years ago.”
She gasped. “Alex.”
“It’s true. I denied it for a long time and I was a fucking fool for doing so. We could have had so many more years together. We could have already been married. We could have–”
She kissed him, slow and sweet. “Don’t focus on the past, Alex. I think we were meant to be together now, not before. Everything happens for a reason.”
“I know. What I’m trying to say is that you’ve been a queen all along, darling. You just don’t have the official title, but you’re already there. And I don’t just mean my queen. I mean you’re Valleria’s queen. You don’t need to worry about doing that job, because you already are, and you’re doing it brilliantly.”
A single tear fell down her cheek; he kissed it away.
“Feel better?”
She nodded. “That’s the sweetest thing I think you’ve ever said to me.” Her arms wrapped his neck, and she lifted up onto her tiptoes so they were face-to-face. “You know, you’re pretty brilliant yourself.”
“I don’t feel like it.”
“You make me feel beautiful and loved.”
“That’s easy.”
“And you put your father’s mind at ease. If you weren’t doing such a great job, he’d probably be butting into things a lot more, wouldn’t he?”
Alex blinked. “You may have a point there.”
“And your mother would definitely interject more if she felt you weren’t doing your job.”
His shoulders relaxed. God, what did he ever do without her? “You’re right.”
“I know.”
He smiled, for the first time that day, then kissed her. “Thank you, darling.”
“You are very welcome, my almost husband.”
“Only two days left.”
“Thank God. Listen, as much as I love being in your arms, I should visit with your parents.”
“I know. And I’ve got to get ready for the meeting. Call you later?”
“You’d better.” They exchanged another kiss and she went inside the room.
On his way down the hall, he ran into Ethan and gave him a hug and kiss on each cheek, a traditional Vallerian greeting.
Ethan was still dressed in his Navy uniform and looked as though he’d gotten as much sleep as the rest of them, meaning none or little at all. His hair was disheveled, as though he’d run his hands through it several times, and his brows were creased in mild irritation. “Sorry I couldn’t come sooner.”
“You’re here now. That’s what matters.”
“Only for a while, though, isn’t that right? You want me to go to Brazenbourg? Don’t misunderstand me, I want to make sure Arianna and the baby are healthy, but I want to spend some time with Papa, too.”
“It’s your decision, though I do feel going to Arianna is the best thing right now.”
“For who? Is this some public perception crap again?”
Alex’s eyes narrowed and his shoulders stiffened. They all held a soft spot for Ethan, the youngest of all the siblings, but right now he didn’t have the time or patience to coddle him. “Get your head out of your ass, Ethan.”
“Excuse me?”
“No, I don’t think I will. Did you stop to consider the fact that, while Papa has all of us and more besides, Arianna and Finn are essentially alone? We’re their only family, both of them. You know Finn’s the last one in his family line.” Finn’s brother Henry had been a disturbed, calculating man. Henry’s actions had almost killed Finn and Arianna, and did kill him in the end, making Finn the last one in his family line so he ascended the throne.
“Alex–”
“Arianna’s scared. Not just because of the baby, but because Papa’s in the hospital and she can’t even visit him.
“Not to mention, I’m now your king.” It was the first time he’d said the words aloud, and they seemed to ring through the air like a resonant gong. “I’m the head of the family for the moment. It’s my preference that you go to Arianna, and I’d appreciate a little cooperation. However, you’re the doctor, so feel free to make up your own damn mind.”
“Alex–”
“Papa’s room is down the hall. Mama and Rebecca are in there with him. If you’ll excuse me, I have a Council meeting to get to.”
“Damn it, Alex,” Ethan called as Alex walked away.
The last thing Alex wanted to do was play politics while his father and sister weren’t well, and he was now fighting with his brother, but the Council had its own ideas as to how to run things.
They were about to find out that Alex was not a king to be trifled with, not even as an interim one.
Chapter Six
Arianna was on her side, watching the fetal heart rate monitor. She watched as her child’s heart rate remained steady and fast at over one hundred beats per minute.
Finn was beside her in bed, snuggled into her back, his arm protectively draped over her and their child. He had only left her when the doctor or nurses needed to examine her or check something. Otherwise, he was sticking to her like glue.
She didn’t mind it, not one bit.
Finn’s phone rang and he curled away to get it, then curled back as he answered. “Marcello. How’s Gabriel?” Arianna tensed. Last they’d heard, her father was doing okay, but you never knew.
You just n
ever knew when things would change for the worse.
Finn rubbed a hand over her arm, and whispered to her. “He’s doing okay, baby.” She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and he turned back to the call. “That’s good. We’re doing okay. The pains have finally stopped, at least for now, but the doctors are still monitoring her and the baby.” A pause, and Finn released a breath. “Thanks. That’s really going to help a lot. I know you need every–”
Another pause, and Arianna felt Finn nod at her back. “Like I said. Thanks. Oh, that’s great. Arianna will be thrilled. Anyone else? Great. No, I’m living at the hospital, but they don’t need to. I’ll get them set up at the palace. No, we haven’t shifted apartments yet. They finished the reconstruction to the damaged portions of the palace, but we’ll stay where we are for now. I don’t want to move the baby around until it’s a little older.”
Finn sat up. “Right. I’ll let her know and get the ball moving. Thanks. And tell your family thanks, too.”
Arianna peered at him over her shoulder while he said his goodbyes and hung up the phone. The doctor had told her to stay on her side for a while, so she didn’t want to move. “What’s going on?”
Finn rearranged himself on the bed, so that she didn’t have to twist to see him. “The wedding’s on.”
Arianna grinned, then frowned. “I’m happy they’re getting their day, but I am sad I won’t get to be there.”
“I know, baby. Lucky thing you’ve got so many brothers and sisters; plenty of other weddings to attend in the future.”
A smile lit her face. “That’s true. What else did Marcello say?”
Finn watched her lips and smiled back. “We’re getting some visitors.”
She gasped. “Really? Who?”
“Ethan, for one.”
Arianna blinked. “I thought for sure he’d stay with Papa.”
“Apparently, Ethan thinks it’s more important to be with you. He’s with Gabriel and your family today, but heading our way tonight. Carolina’s coming with him.”
“Oh, that’s great. Papa must really be doing okay, then.”
Finn brushed back a lock of her hair. “Did you think they’d been protecting us?”
“I think they would if they thought the extra stress would hurt the baby.”
“Well, Genevieve’s coming, too, though not until after the wedding.”
Arianna moved to sit up, then remembered she had to stay lying down. It must be said that she’d do anything to keep her baby safe and sound, but being stuck in a bed all day unmoving was not normal for her. “I was worried they wouldn’t go forward with the wedding, especially after we came here to the hospital.”
“Marcello said they’re shifting some things around. No reception, just the wedding breakfast afterwards.”
“I can’t help but be happy some of my family are coming here, even if they, too, miss the wedding. Is that selfish?”
He cupped her cheek. “No, baby, it’s not. I want them here, too. They want to be here as well. It’s not selfish to need your family.”
“Our family. They’re your family, too.”
He smiled, though a little sadly. “That they are, Princess.” He leaned down and pressed a soft, easy kiss to her lips, then moved down to press one to her belly. “Hear that, kid? Family’s coming to meet you, but that doesn’t mean you need to show early to the party.”
Arianna giggled. “Finn. The baby can’t control when it’s born.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I have a feeling this kid’s going to keep us on our toes.”
“Then it must be a boy, just like you.”
“Whereas I think it’s a girl, just like you.”
“Are you saying I keep you on your toes?”
He leaned up to her again, so they were face-to-face. “All the damn time, baby. And I love every fucking minute of it.”
This time he kissed her harder, pulling back only when her own heart rate started beating faster.
Finn rearranged himself behind her. “Since we’ve got some time, I think we should finally decide on names.”
Arianna rolled her eyes, though she did it with a grin on her face. “You mean decide on the names you like.”
“Exactly what I said.”
She laughed. She still felt worry about the baby and her father, but she knew she was safe, loved, and cared for. With Finn’s arm around her, she tried to relax as much as she could, and argued playfully with her husband over baby names.
Alex arrived at the royal palace to find several people waiting for him. Marcello, Nate, and Lorenzo stood off to one side. Tavin and Corrado stood huddled a few feet away, pouring over some documents.
He regretted not taking a few more moments alone with Rebecca at the hospital. Just a few more moments to take some of her strength, and center himself again. He had a feeling, with the assembly that now waited for him, it was going to be a rough Council meeting.
Alex went to his brothers first. “What’s going on?”
Nate pushed a hand through his chin-length hair. “Heard some rumblings about the meeting.”
“I figured they’d try to pull something. Papa thought so as well when I just spoke to him.”
“How’s he doing?” Lorenzo asked.
“As good as can be expected. Ethan’s arrived and is with him now.” Alex tried to keep his anger at Ethan out of his voice, but wasn’t sure he was successful.
Marcello gave him a curious look. “All right. Well, I’ve also got some news you’ll need to hear regarding security.”
“Wedding security, visiting dignitary security, or something else?”
“Family security,” Marcello said ominously. “But we’ll wait until we can speak in private.”
Holy hell. “Let’s go now. I’ll need to stop by the offices first, and speak with Tavin and Corrado on the way.”
Alex’s eyes flitted between his and his father’s chiefs of staff. “Gentlemen. You have something for me?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Corrado said, and Alex felt a jolt. He still wasn’t used to the title, and wondered if he ever would be.
“Let’s talk on the way.” With Tavin and Corrado flanking him on either side, and his brothers following, Alex led the way to the royal offices. Royal Protection agents – which had increased in number since Alex had become acting-king – surrounded them on all sides.
Alex felt boxed in.
Yes, he really wished he’d taken a few more moments with Rebecca.
Tavin handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s the agenda, Your Majesty. Very standard except for an item under ‘New Business’. Prince Nathaniel will speak to you about that separately.”
“Corrado? Your thoughts?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. There has been chatter between a few of the Council members for the last several months. Particularly since the Council meeting where your father and Prince Nathaniel were almost killed.”
Alex could never forget that. And, since the entire thing had played out on live television, the country would not soon forget it, either. “Rumblings about security?”
Corrado leaned in closer, his voice lowered. “Rumblings about the ability of your family to lead our country, Your Majesty.”
Shit. Those rumblings were nothing new, yet, now, with parts of his life upended and his father in the hospital, he felt the need to defend himself more acutely. “I see. Well, let’s discuss this more in the office. Anything else I need to be concerned about at the moment?”
“Just a few other things, Your Majesty,” Corrado said, and began speaking about stock markets, trade, and some upcoming meetings his father had scheduled, which would now fall to him.
Alex heard nothing from his brothers until they reached the offices, and Alex bypassed his usual office and led the way to his father’s. When his brothers didn’t follow him inside, Alex rounded to face them.
The trio stood unsure in the doorway, watching him. “This is Papa’s office,” Lorenzo said.
<
br /> Jesus. Didn’t they realize he knew that? Didn’t they realize how fucking hard this was for him, but that he had no other choice? Couldn’t they just walk inside the damn room and stop questioning everything he did, and just accept it? “Now, it’s mine,” Alex said coldly. “Come in if you want to talk, or leave me to take care of business.”
Rebecca’s words crossed his mind, reassuring him.
This situation had to be difficult for his brothers as well, for different reasons than they were for Alex. This likely wasn’t about Alex’s ability to lead Valleria. It was more likely about their need to process their father’s mortality, which had slapped them all in the face yesterday.
However, Alex didn’t have time to coddle them, to walk them through their feelings. He had a country to run, a woman to marry, a family to take care of, and now a bloody tedious Council meeting to sit through. He strode into his father’s office, then jerked to a stop as though he’d just hit a wall.
It was the first time he’d been in this office since he’d taken over as acting-king. He felt a crushing wave of grief at the sight of the empty chair behind the imposing desk.
It was his chair now.
He wasn’t ready to sit in it, not yet.
His father was alive and mending. He’d sit in that seat again one day; there was no need for Alex to use it, even if he was required to use the office.
It was politics again. If he used his own office, it’d look as though there wasn’t someone leading Valleria. Feelings were rarely considered when politics were at play.
Alex took a seat at the conference table in the office instead, tossing the papers Tavin had given him on top. He diverted to the small, concealed fridge in the room. He would have preferred a stiff drink, but went for some juice instead.
He was so fucking tired, but he needed to stay alert and on top of his game when it came to the Council.
Alex had just sat down when his brothers entered, looking slightly uncomfortable, but keeping silent about it. They took their own seats and outlined the situation.
“I’ve been hearing whispers,” Nate said. “Not sure who’s behind it, but I think someone’s planning something regarding the wedding.”
Royally Ever After (Royals of Valleria #7) Page 7
