“How many more months is your maternity leave exactly?” I asked.
“Two months.”
“Then come with me.”
“What?”
“Just for two months. I can house you in one of my properties in the city. You’ll have everything you’ll need to take care of both yourself and our son. All I ask is that you allow me to take Adam on the weekends.”
“Joint custody.”
“Exactly. You’ll have him for the majority of the week, and I’ll see him twice a week. If you’re comfortable with that.”
“And after the two months is over. What then?”
“Think of it as a buffer period. We’ll have more time to work things out. The fact of the matter is I can’t stay in Sunyata for very much longer. Patrick’s already running around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to keep everything under wraps while I’m here. If we were back in Wyvernbank, I’d have access to all kinds of resources. I’m limited in what I can do for you and Adam while I’m here.”
“I don’t know. This is a lot to take in.”
“I know it is. But please believe me when I say that keeping you and Adam safe is my top priority. I won’t let anyone get near you again. You can trust me, Alison. I just want what’s best for our son. He’ll want for nothing if he’s in Wyvernbank, of that I’m sure.”
Alison worried her bottom lip with her teeth. I had to glance away from the sight, the memory of her nibbling on my bottom lip during our heated nights spent together flashing across my mind. It was almost embarrassing how easily she could affect me, leave my mind spinning and heart racing at the simplest of motions. I mentally berated myself, forcing my feelings for her down into the pit of my stomach where they’d hopefully be forgotten. I couldn’t allow myself to fall for her like I had all those months ago. I’d been foolish then, naïve and all too trusting. I fell in love with her once, and that had clearly been a mistake. To do so again was just a disaster waiting to happen.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” she asked quietly.
“How long do you think you’ll need?”
“A couple of days, at most. There’s a lot I need to consider.”
I nodded slowly, swallowing hard at the anxious lump in my throat. “Of course,” I replied. “I’ll be here until Thursday. You’ll have three days.” I gestured with my hand. “Shall we continue?”
Behind us, Patrick and Klaus exchanged heated whispers.
“I know it’s difficult,” sighed Klaus, “I never said it wasn’t.”
“My point is, you’re not technically employed right now. You could … I don’t know.”
“What? Come with you? That’s a lot of paperwork to get through just to visit. I don’t know if my passport is even valid anymore.”
“Are you saying you don’t want to?”
“Pat, that’s not–”
“Am I not worth it?”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I thought maybe… If she agrees to it, maybe you could come with.”
I cleared my throat as my advisor and Alison’s assistant approached, unaware that we hadn’t continued walking. “Is everything okay?” I asked. Maybe if I interrupted, that would relieve some of the tension.
Klaus’ cheeks flushed red while Patrick glanced to the floor. They took a step away from one another, their hands falling to their sides. I wondered if they’d been holding hands or something.
“Everything’s fine,” my advisor mumbled.
“Yeah, it’s cool. We were just talking.”
I nodded slowly, not buying a word they said. It looked like Alison and I weren’t the only ones going through a bit of a rough patch.
21
Alison
Nobody told me how easy it was to lose my grip on the concept of time after having a child. Taking care of Adam took up most of my energy, so seconds easily slipped through my fingers like the wet wipes I’d been using to clean my son’s backside. I only had one day left to make up my mind about going with Sebastian back to Wyvernbank, but I was nowhere near ready to make a decision yet. Adam had broken out into a fever earlier that morning, and I hadn’t had the time to even consider our options. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get Adam’s temperature to come down, and I was honestly so frazzled and tired that I couldn’t think straight enough to find a solution.
“Please stop crying,” I said, exasperatedly as I slipped Adam into a new diaper. “It’s okay, honey. Everything’s going to be okay.”
I picked my son up and gingerly cradled him against me, pressing the back of my cool fingers against his forehead. He was burning up. I didn’t need a baby thermometer to know he was too hot. Adam hadn’t stopped crying since he woke up that morning, and I was genuinely concerned he was going to dehydrate himself if he didn’t stop soon.
Sebastian entered through the front door with Patrick close on his tail. There was a plastic bag in his hand, the familiar design of the local drug store printed across the front. He pulled out a small bottle of baby aspirin and immediately came to my side, sitting on the couch to inspect his son.
“Any better?” he asked.
I shook my head wearily. “No,” I mumbled. “I don’t know what to do. I’m really worried, Sebastian.”
“It’s all going to be fine. We’ll give him a dose of medicine and monitor his fever.”
“Do you think we should go to the hospital?”
Patrick cleared his throat. “I can call the royal doctor,” he offered. “He can be on a plane in under the hour, and be here within two.”
“Just call Klaus,” I said quickly. “He can get us in touch with a local doctor.”
“But there’s no telling if they’ll clear security. We run all of our staff through rigorous–”
Adam wailed with all his might. His cries were so loud I thought his little lungs would collapse on themselves. I worried my bottom lip with my teeth, cradling Adam close. “Can’t we take him to a local clinic? Aren’t we wasting time getting a doctor to come to us?”
Sebastian nodded slowly. “I’d be spotted immediately. And I heard wait times in your country can take forever.”
I sighed, shoulders slumping. “Okay. Okay, please call your doctor. I don’t want him to be in any more pain.”
“I’ll get right on it,” Patrick said as he pulled out his phone and slipped into the next room to hold the call. “I’ll ask him for some advice. Maybe a trip might not be necessary.”
Adam wailed, hot, angry tears streaking down his face. His cries were so loud that they were nearly piercing, leaving a ringing tone in my ears. I tried to shush him gently, did my best to get him to calm down, but nothing I did seemed to work.
I sighed in frustration. “My God, I’m a terrible mother.”
“Don’t say that,” whispered Sebastian. “You’re doing everything you can.”
“What kind of a mother can’t get her child to stop crying?”
“You’re tired,” he reasoned. “And you’re overworked. There’s no need to blame yourself.”
A terrible pressure behind my eyes began to throb and make my head feel heavy. I didn’t realize I’d started crying until I sniffled, a single tear dripping off my chin and soaking into Adam’s blanket. Sebastian placed a hand on my shoulder, a small comfort. His touch was warm and steady, like an anchor in warm seas. He eventually began to rub my upper back, drawing large circles with the flat of his palm between my shoulder blades.
“It’s okay, Alison,” he said calmly. “Why don’t you let me hold him for a little while?”
“I’m fine,” I insisted, though my voice betrayed me. It sounded thin and bitter and all-around frustrated. “What if he needs me?”
“Alison, that’s why I’m here. When it comes to our son, we’re a team. Remember? Let me take him for a little while so you can get some sleep?”
“But what if–”
“If Adam needs you, I will come get you im
mediately. Okay? Please, you’re starting to worry me.”
I let out a shaky breath. “Okay. Okay, I’m sorry. Here.” I passed Adam over to Sebastian, who easily scooped him up.
“Lie down. Get some rest. I’ll be right here.”
“Thank you,” I sighed.
Sebastian gave me a small, sweet smile. “Don’t mention it.”
I got up from the couch and slowly made my way across the living room, treading quietly over the creaky wooden floorboards. My head was pounding, and my arms and legs felt heavy like lead. I placed my hand on the doorknob to my bedroom and hesitated, turning just to catch one last glimpse of Sebastian and our son. My heart warmed at the sight. Sebastian looked down at Adam with nothing but patience and love. I realized I was wrong to mistrust him at first. It was clear to me in that moment that Sebastian only had Adam’s best interests at heart. Sebastian was an amazing father, and it saddened me that I’d probably ruined any chance of a relationship between us. Because I’d made the decision to run away, I didn’t think there was ever going to be a chance for Sebastian to love me the way he loved our boy.
I crawled into bed, unease keeping me wide awake. Staring at the blank ceiling, I willed my mind to still. Through the closed bedroom door, I could hear Sebastian whispering to Adam. He’d quieted down a bit, but I was still extremely aware of his soft sobbing. I told myself I just needed some sleep. If I closed my eyes and tuned everything out, maybe I could get some rest and be ready to help Adam the second I woke up. Sleep didn’t find me for another hour, made evident by the sad little clock staring at me on my bedside table. I lay there, too restless to drift off, but too exhausted to do much else.
22
Sebastian
I awoke with a start. At some point in the early hours of the morning, Adam’s fever finally broke. He’d fallen asleep directly on my chest, and I couldn’t find it in my heart to move him. As a compromise, I lay down on the couch and had him secure on top of me. But now, Adam was nowhere to be found. The bright morning light that pierced through the cracks in the curtains only added to my alarm, leaving me in a disoriented state. I jolted upright and quickly looked around, frantically patting at the cushions beside me as if to find Adam hidden away beneath the bulk. When I heard Adam coo, I instantly relaxed and turned to find Alison and our son eating in the small kitchen area.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked, a little harsher than I intended.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “You were out like a light. Adam was getting a little fussy for breakfast.”
I stood and stretched my arms and legs. I was pretty sure I heard my knees pop from the tension. “How is he? Doing better?”
Adam wolfed down his mashed carrots and peas, messily smearing the food across his plastic eating tray with his hands. He giggled, clearly amused.
“Yes,”—Alison giggled softly—“part of me wonders if he was just hamming it up. He’s perfectly fine now.”
I sighed in relief. “That’s good, I guess.”
Alison poured me a fresh cup of coffee and placed it in front of the empty seat at the kitchen island. The surface was covered in little knickknacks—several fruit bowls with no fruit, cute little salt and pepper shaker sets in the shape of people, a giant vase full of cutlery, and a stack of colorful red napkins. The mug she’d used had the Sunyata flag painted on it, with the slogan No Place Like Home written just beneath in golden cursive letters. I sat on the stool and held the coffee mug between my hands, breathing in the scent deeply as I focused on the heat radiating into my palms.
“I’ve been thinking,” said Alison, “about your offer.”
“Oh?”
“I think… You’re right. I think Adam should live with you in Wyvernbank.”
I raised my eyebrows, a little surprised. “What made you change your mind? I mean, not that I’m complaining.”
“I think you’re an excellent father,” she explained. “I want to know that Adam will live a comfortable life. I don’t think I can give that to him here.”
“And you’re okay with this? I know you were worried.”
Alison nodded slowly. “I think so. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
“What about your job? Your life here?”
“I go where my son goes,” she said firmly. “He’s all that matters to me. If I need to leave my job and my country, so be it. Adam is my sole priority. If he’s going to be raised as a Prince of Wyvernbank, I want to make sure I’m at his side whenever he needs me.”
I smiled wide, unable to contain my excitement. “This is great, Alison. I really think this is the best thing we can do for him. People are going to find out about him sooner or later. If he’s back home, we can at least control the narrative and protect him better.” I patted my son on the head. “You’re going to love it there. I’ll have everything ready for the two of you. If there’s anything you need from me to make the transition easier, all you have to do is ask.”
“Thank you, Sebastian,” she said in a small voice. “I really appreciate it.”
I frowned at the worry in her words. “What is it?”
“It’s nothing. Just nerves, I guess.”
“I completely understand. But I promise, you and Adam have nothing to worry about. I’ll personally make sure that you’re both safe. I’ll be just a car-ride away should you ever need anything. You’ll also have a full staff at your disposal to help out around the house so you can focus on raising Adam.”
“What about my family?”
“They can come and go as you wish. Just because you’re living in another country, doesn’t mean I’m going to dictate who you’re allowed to see. As long as they’re discreet, they’re more than welcome. There will be plenty of guest rooms available.”
“And what about work?” she questioned. “How am I supposed to earn a living?”
“Alison,” I said slowly, “you’re the mother of a Wyvernbank Prince. We may not be… Well, things might be complicated between us, but I assure you that I’ll have you covered on the financial front. If I’m being perfectly honest, you might be limited in what you can do once you get there. It’s a privacy concern. But I’m sure Patrick can help you pick up a hobby or two to keep you occupied.”
Alison pressed her lip into a thin line, eyes glazed over like she was deep in thought. “Okay,” she mumbled. “If it’s for Adam, then I’m okay with it. I’d rather be bored out of my mind than away from my child.”
“I’ll have Patrick arrange everything. Plane tickets, packing up your things. Everything. You won’t even have to lift a finger.”
I could see the conflict written all over her face. I could hardly imagine what she must have been thinking. If I were her, I’d be nervous to move to another country. I’d be frightened to leave behind my home for a world I didn’t really know. But I knew how strong Alison was, how fierce and brave she could be. There was conflict in her expression, sure, but there was also determination to do right by our son. She had already proven that she was a fine mother, and for that, I was incredibly grateful. Our son deserved nothing but the best, and I could guarantee that would be so back in Wyvernbank.
“I guess I’d better get packing,” she said softly.
Adam raised both his hands in the air and giggled, happy with the mess he’d made.
23
Alison
Six months later
Sebastian wound up giving me the keys to his villa in the Wyvernbank countryside, far outside the reach of the city. I supposed it was the smarter option. With more square acres than there were people, the chances that Adam and I would be discovered were incredibly slim. Sebastian had hired his most trusted employees to help with the cleaning, cooking, and so on. He’d even hired a nanny, one of those incredibly fancy ones whom had gone to school specifically to learn how to take care of royal children. I rarely let Adam out of my sight, however, my protective instincts settling into an overdrive state ever since we’d crossed the border. The woman seemed reliable
enough, but the last thing I wanted was for some stranger to place their hands on my child. The nanny would always be by my side to help when I needed it, but I made it a point that I was the only one to care for my baby.
Klaus didn’t end up coming with me, much to my disappointment. It was a lot to ask of him, so I honestly couldn’t say that I was surprised. Although things would have been a lot easier on me if I had a familiar face around. I didn’t know any of the house attendants, and it was tiring speaking in Wyvernian all the time. But Klaus had a life too, and he stayed in contact often.
The villa had more rooms than I could count. Sebastian had made it sound quaint, like a tiny little cottage in the middle of the woods. As it turned out, the place was massive. There was an east and a west wing, both of which had four different floors. There was a giant courtyard at the rear of the building. It had a perfectly manicured green lawn, several smaller gardens that hosted vibrant flowers, and there was even a working fountain that was large enough to serve as a swimming pool. The outer perimeter of the property was surrounded by a tall brick fence with spiky ironwork to deter trespassers, and a thick line of trees hid the home perfectly.
I had to admit I sort of liked it out here. There was no need to worry about the hustle and bustle of the city to wake Adam up in the middle of the night. There was no need to worry that Adam was sucking up the exhaust of city cars and the pollution from the industrial park a couple of blocks north of where we used to live. Out here, the air was always cool and crisp, perfect to help Adam’s lungs grow big and strong. Adam and I spent most days playing outside in the gardens. He was particularly fascinated with the little fish who lived in the fountain. One of the house attendants had actually placed them in there to give him something interesting to look at.
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