by Loraine, Kim
“Ryder, I need your help with something.”
He cocks a brow. “What can I do for you?”
“Who was the woman in the red dress last night? I think I might have tossed myself into the battlefield of love without realizing it.”
He laughs and drags a hand across his jaw. “Do you know how many women were dressed in red last night? The theme was fire and ice. The women were either in shades of red or white.”
I sigh. “Bugger.”
“This girl has really gotten to you.”
“I don’t even know her name, but I can’t stop thinking about her.”
“I can ask our event planner to get you the guest list. But if you don’t know her name that won’t do much good.”
“All I have is this,” I pull out the earring and show him. “She lost it…during the night.”
He inspects the teardrop shaped diamond. “Unless there’s a tracking device in them, you’re not going to have much luck.”
I shake my head. “I know. I need to just let her go. I…I can’t explain it, but our connection was more than sex.”
“I know exactly how you feel,” he says, fiddling with his wedding band. “You’ll find her. Probably when you least expect to.”
Ryder gets to his feet and George and I follow. “I think I’ll tend to my wife. She’s stubborn and likely won’t even tell me when she’s in labor. Please come visit us more often. The palace is always open to you.”
“So…you’re in love, are you?” George asks as the door shuts. “I fucking knew it.”
* * *
Mila
Three months later
“Oh, come on,” I plea with my skirt. The zipper won’t budge, and I have nothing else to wear to work today. I want to cry, but at least I still have a job after losing one of The Crown’s custom pieces of jewelry.
Gus bumps his head on my leg and I sigh, sitting on my couch and letting my emotions get the better of me. Today is the new prince’s christening. I have to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Standing, I shimmy out of my skirt and grab a pair of black trousers. It’s not the ideal outfit for an event such as this one, but my clothes have to fit. I run my palm over the small swell of my belly and my heart lurches. One time. It was one, bloody time, and we used protection. But there’s no denying I’m pregnant. I don’t even know the father’s real name.
Grabbing a hair tie, I loop it through the button hole at the top of my trousers and hook it on the button. With my tailored suit jacket closed I can hide the evidence of my condition…at least for now.
I run a brush through my hair and make my way to my car. I’ll have to tell the queen about my pregnancy soon. Especially since I’ve had it confirmed, seen my little peanut on a sonogram, and heard his or her strong heartbeat. I’m three months gone. Starting my second trimester. I close my eyes against the wave of mixed emotions.
Letting out a long, slow breath, I force myself to calm down and focus on today. One step at a time.
The palace is already bustling when I arrive. People preparing for the reception following the christening of the first prince we’ve had since Ryder was born. I have to see the queen before I begin the rest of my duties. She’s still got to give the final approval on a few details. I don’t expect to find her in her office, and when I arrive at the door, her assistant confirms my suspicions.
“Her Majesty is in her dressing room. She told me to relay the message as soon as you arrived.”
I offer her a smile and head to the Royal dressing room. I haven’t been back there since Princess Alina’s wedding ball. I didn’t want reminders of my night with James. As it is, the gown and shoes are shoved in the back of my closet and the earring I still had was returned the very next day. I ended up with a much more meaningful reminder of him though. I rest my palm on my belly for the briefest moment before catching myself.
The door to the dressing room is ajar and after knocking and hearing the queen call out for me to enter, I walk inside.
“Turn round and let me help you with that, Gem,” King Ryder says from farther inside the room. “Gemma?” His voice holds a hint of confusion and I almost turn and leave the room, not wanting to hear an intimate conversation.
“What?”
“Did you know you’re missing an earring?”
My blood runs cold.
“I do.” Gemma sighs and I can almost picture her reaching out to rest her palm on his chest in that way she has. “I forced Mila to join in on the wedding ball and gave her a gown. I let her borrow these but one fell out during the evening.”
He hums and says, “Are these custom?”
“Yes.”
“So there’s no possibility of someone else having a match?”
She sighs. “No. Ryder, what has gotten into you?”
He chuckles. “Nothing at all. I’m just curious. We’ll have another made to match.”
My heart is hammering in my chest as I sit and wait for the two of them to come into view. I stand, but as soon as King Ryder sees me he shakes his head. “Please, don’t stand on ceremony for us.”
Pulling out my iPad, I open the checklist for today and ready myself to get to work, but the king stops me. “Did you enjoy yourself at Alina’s wedding ball, Mila?”
My heart sinks. Here it is. He’s going to fire me. “I did. It was…an unexpected surprise to be included in the festivities.”
“And the other guests. Were they…attentive?”
Gemma frowns. “What are you on about, Ryder? Stop grilling the girl.”
He smirks, but turns his attention from me. “You’re right, my darling. I’ll just…I’ll go see if Nathaniel needs changing.”
He leaves before I can stand to offer a curtsey, and then Gemma and I get down to business.
An hour later, I’m mildly nauseated, I have to pee, and my pants are cutting into my belly as we watch the guests enter the church. It’s a crowd large enough for a wedding, but I understand the excitement. Prince Nathaniel is the first royal baby to be born to this generation. The people are thrilled.
From my position at the door to the sanctuary I see him before he sees me. James is standing on the steps, about to walk inside. My belly flips and I feel like I’m going to be sick. He’s not supposed to be here. But my stupid heart is begging to be in his arms again. What do I say to him? How do I explain…everything?
“Are you all right, Mila?” Natasha asks. “You’ve gone white as a sheet.”
I take a long, slow breath and steady myself. “I’m fine. Just a bit dizzy.”
“Why don’t you go get some air around back? I’ve got things under control here.”
At first I want to fight her, but her gaze lingers knowingly on my belly. I haven’t told anyone. Damn the woman for her observant nature. Nodding, I rest a hand on her forearm and say, “Any problems, just call. I’ll be in the courtyard.”
James’ gaze travels across the room and land on me, only for a moment, and…nothing. Not a spark of recognition flashes in his eyes. So, it wasn’t as memorable for him as it was me. Then, as though to add insult to injury, a lanky blonde runs her hand over his chest and snuggles up to him. My heart aches, and I fight the sob building in my chest. In the end, I got exactly what I wanted. A night with him, not forever.
Chapter Five
Alexander
The church is full of the hum of people, celebration in the air, and all I can do is scan the crowd for my missing princess. Fuck me, but I haven’t been able to get her off my mind these last three months. If I hadn’t been sent to tour South America as an ambassador for Darstel, I would have been back here in Corline, tracking her down.
A tap on my shoulder has me turning on my heels from where I stand surveying the crowd. I’m met with the face of a young man I’ve never seen before. He looks nervous, but proud all the same. “Can I help you?”
“Beg your pardon, Your Highness, but His Majesty, King Ryder requests an immediate audience,” he says, his voice break
ing with nerves.
I look around in question. “Where?”
“Oh, in the courtyard.” He blushes with embarrassment. “Round the back,” he says, pointing toward a hallway. “Through there.” His hand is shaking. Poor kid.
I place my hand on his shoulder and grin. “Relax. Take a breath. You did well.”
His eyes widen and he nods, backing away. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
I walk through the crowd and find my way to the back door. Pushing open the door, I step outside, expecting to see my cousin. Instead, I find her.
“Natalie?” I say, heart in my throat. Ryder set me up. He knew she’d be here. How?
She turns, beautiful eyes wide with shock. “James?”
“I never thought I’d see you again.”
She stands, running her hands over her suit jacket. “I…I tried to find you…”
“I did the same. I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I even thought about looking at the guest list for the wedding, but of course, there was no way I’d know where to start. We don’t even know each other’s names.” It’s then I realize she doesn’t look happy to see me. She looks…scared. “What’s going on?
“I…” she begins, but trails off, her lower lip trembling.
“Have you met someone else?” I ask, my heart clenching in ways I don’t expect. God, please let her be mine. I’m more certain now than I ever was before that she and I can have something…brilliant.
“No. I’m sorry, I can’t talk about this now. I have to get back inside.” She shakes her head and rushes past me, but I catch her by the hand.
“Nat, don’t.”
“My name isn’t Natalie. This isn’t a game.”
I tug her close and stare into her eyes. “I’m sorry. I know. It’s not a game to me either.”
“Mila,” she whispers.
Mila. I smile and lean closer. “Pleasure to meet you, Mila. I’m Alexander.”
She wrinkles her nose. “I might still call you James.”
“As long as you’re talking to me, I don’t care what you call me.” I link our fingers. “Come, sit with me for the christening. I don’t want to let you go again.”
“I thought you were a rebel. But you’re invited to this? Or are you stalking the Royal family?” There’s a hint of playfulness in Mila’s tone.
“Oh, I’m definitely a rebel, but I was invited.”
“What about your girlfriend?”
“I don’t have one.”
“In the church. I saw you with her. You looked right through me. It was the worst feeling in the world. Like I didn’t matter.”
My brows draw together. “What? No I didn’t. If I had seen you, I would have done exactly what I’m doing right now.” I certainly wasn’t with another woman, but George was. “Wait, did this woman have a slinky black dress, bleached hair, and an obnoxious hat?”
“Now you remember her. That says a lot.”
“No, no, you have it all wrong. That’s my brother, George. We’re twins. Identical.”
Her eyes widen. “Twins?” Then her hand falls to her lower belly and my entire world stops spinning.
“Mila?” My throat is dry and my body is humming with anticipation. I can’t tell if it’s excitement or terror—maybe a mixture of the two.
“I have something to tell you.”
I don’t need her to say the words. I rest my hand over hers. “We used protection.”
She nods.
“And it was only once.” I don’t add that I wish it had been so many more times.
She nods again.
“Are you sure?”
“I had a scan two weeks ago. I saw the heartbeat.”
Holy fuck. We made a baby together. This woman who, after one night together with fake names and no strings, ruined me for all others, is having my baby.
“We have to get married,” I blurt.
Her brows rise and she takes a step back. “Excuse me?”
I know immediately I’ve said the wrong thing. “I can’t let you do this alone.”
“I’m not going to be an obligation.”
“But you don’t understand. This…” I drag my hand through my hair. “My child can’t be a bastard.”
She scoffs and pulls away in disgust. “Wow. You’re a real piece of work. I never should’ve given in to your charms.”
She should understand this. She’s familiar with the way of things in Royal circles. I’m not the kind of man who’ll accept fatherhood in pieces. I will be this child’s father one-hundred percent of the time. “I want you. I want you both.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“Then let me get to know you.”
Mila rolls her eyes and pushes past me. “If you’ll excuse me, I have something to take care of.”
“Mila, don’t walk away from this.”
“I can’t walk away from something that isn’t there.” She faces me and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’ve figured it out. I can’t believe I was so stupid, but now that you’ve said your name it makes sense. You’re not just some party crasher. You’re Prince Alexander of Darstel.”
“I am.”
“And this will never work between us. We were both liars, but yours changes everything.”
My hands clench into fists. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m not royalty, not nobility. I’m a commoner. The Royal family’s event planner. The woman you met was nothing more than a girl playing dress up.” A tear trails down her cheek. “I know the rules in Darstel. Commoners and Royals can’t marry.”
I can’t respond. I don’t think my voice will work if I try. She’s right.
Her chin trembles. “Right. Don’t worry about me. I won’t tell anyone our little secret. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, we don’t know each other.” Turning, she yanks open the door and leaves me standing there, my brain still trying to work out all the implications of what she just said.
* * *
Mila
Alexander doesn’t come after me, and I’m thankful. He’s a prince. A bloody prince. I can’t be with him now. This isn’t a fairytale, and I’m not royalty. All I am is the idiot who got herself knocked up with a royal bastard.
I wipe the tears off my cheeks and take a long breath, hoping no one will see the redness of my eyes, then I run my hands over my jacket and walk into the sanctuary. Taking the stairs that lead into the balcony, I find my assistant waiting for me.
“All right?” she asks, her brows pulled together in concern.
“No.”
“Need a chat?”
“No.”
My breath catches when I see Alexander. He’s composed and calm, but there’s a wildness to his eyes and a muscle ticks in his clenched jaw. He takes a seat next to the man who must be George, his identical twin.
The ceremony begins and I watch as Corline’s new prince is christened and I can’t help but wonder whether my baby would’ve had the same ceremony if I was nobility. Would Alexander hold him like Ryder held Nathaniel? Pride shining in his eyes as he stares down at the little bundle in his arms?
“Are you going to tell me whose it is?” Natasha asks as the recessional plays and the Royal family leaves.
I shake my head. “I can’t.”
She rests her palm on my arm and gives me a sad smile. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
“I know.”
After the proud parents take their sweet little baby home, and I make my way down the stairs and into the crowd. I’m not going to spend my life hiding from Alexander. Natasha is right, I don’t have to be alone. My hand goes to my small bump and I sigh. We’ll figure this out one way or another. I don’t know Alexander, aside from our one night together, the man is a stranger to me. But after this little one is born, if he wants to be in the baby’s life, I won’t stop him.
I feel him before I see him. His presence makes my body warm all over as he stands behind me and whispers in my ear, “We’re not
finished with our conversation, Mila.”
My smile is forced and my body is on fire at the rumble of his voice. Then, his hand is linked with mine and I’m being pulled into a storage closet filled with mundane things like printer paper and spare candles.
“What are you doing?” I ask, filled with righteous indignation. “You can’t just yank me about like that. What if someone saw us?”
“You’re pregnant with my baby and you’re acting like that means nothing to me. We have to talk before I lose you again.”
“It was one night. One time. You can’t possibly think I owe you anything.”
His fingertips trail up my neck and over my jaw. “You owe me nothing, but can you honestly say you don’t want me? That you haven’t spent every night wishing I was in your bed?” He presses our foreheads together and his palm slides over the nape of my neck.
“I…” I begin, but trail off. I’ve been doing that very thing. Dreaming of his lips, his body rocking into mine, and the sounds of his groans of pleasure.
“I haven’t stopped wanting you.” His lips whisper over mine, tingles shooting through my body at the touch. “Baby or not, I would be chasing after you the same way. I don’t care that you’re not nobility. It doesn’t matter. I want you.”
But it does matter. He’s a prince with a duty to his country. “You can’t have me.” I want to tell him the opposite. I want to fall into his arms and let him make me remember everything we shared that night. But I don’t do that. Instead, I try to push away. “Let me go. Don’t make this harder than it already is.”
His lips are so close, and the warmth of his body makes mine respond. I want to feel him inside me again. Panic claws at my throat and I back away, grabbing the handle of the door and pulling it open before I cave. “Leave me be, Alexander. Sometimes, things don’t end with a happily ever after.”
Chapter Six
Mila
Three days after the christening, and damn it if my heart doesn’t still feel like there’s an Alexander shaped hole in it. But marry him? That’s crazy. Regardless of the fact that the laws of his country wouldn’t allow us to be married.
