Chapter 109
“It’s why I take Max with me everywhere. It also put him in the limelight. But by doing so in a way that has protected him, my movements are too watched by the councils, so are his. He is also too youn
young right now to take over my place so not a threat
to them.”
“But how would your wife be a threat?”
“A queen can rule without a king, just as I can without a Queen. If I die that title remains especially when if you’re carrying my heir.”
“We can discuss it more later. For now just think about what I‘ ve said, I’ll speak with my mother about postponing the wedding.”
“Good thing she hasn’t sent invites out yet.” I tell him.
He nods, but I know she is meant to this week though I wonder how upset she’ll be once she learns we are pushing the wedding back.
*****
I pull the last button of the crisp shirt Damian provided. through its hole, my fingers trembling slightly. The fabric feels itchy against my sensitive skin. Soren stands beside me. waiting, as I finish slipping my clothes on. As we step out of the observatory, I can’t shake this nagging feeling that I am doing the dirty walk of shame.
The grand castle looms ahead, its stone walls towering above
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Chapter 1019
1281 (Vouchers,
the turrets reaching for the lingering clouds from the storm last night. My heart pounds as we cross the threshold together, but the staff bustle around us, their eyes fixed on tasks rather than on us. No whispers, no raised eyebrows–just the soft rustle of feather dust brushes and the clink of metal as they go about their duties. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“Everything okay?” Soren’s voice breaks through my
thoughts, gently. I nod, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. Guilt tugs at my insides, heavy and suffocating. I think of my past–secrets lurking just beneath. the surface–and consider telling him about Rhett. But the moment slips away, tangled up in uncertainty and Damian yelling in the distance.
Suddenly, Max bursts through a side door by the grand staircase. Max barrels toward us, his dark hair bouncing with each enthusiastic stride. He leaps into Soren’s arms, wrapping his small legs around his father’s waist. “Daddy! Can Bree play with me? Please?” His bright blue eyes shine with hope, innocence radiating from him making my heart squeeze at the thought of being his stepmother.
Soren chuckles, the sound deep and warm. “Maybe after we shower, buddy.” He glances over at me and I nod, my cheeks heating.
“Okay,” Max whines, but I see the way he clings to his father, his need for playtime and attention swirling with the love he feels for his father. My heart twists again, caught between the joy of this moment and the weight of my secret, knowing I could lose more than just Soren, I would also lose Max if he chose to believe Rhett over me.
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Chapter 109
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“Sorry!” Damian rushes out from the same door, breathless and slightly disheveled. “He just took off from me.” Hist apologetic expression shifts to one of playful exasperation as he pries Max from his father kicking and squirming. Soren. laughs in amusement. “You have to finish your math first.” Damian tells him as tries to hold the squirming boy.
Max frowns, that youthful frustration palpable. “But I hate math!” he protests, crossing his arms defiantly and Damian sets him back on the ground.
“To be a king you must learn your numbers,” Damian says with a wink, coaxing a reluctant laugh from Max. He takes the boy’s hand, ushering him back down the hall. “You finish it and I will kick your ass in Mario Kart afterward.” Damian tells
him.
“Yes!” Max cheers, “And I will kick your ass, your gaming skills are just as horrible as your driving skills,” Max teases. His previous annoyance is forgotten as he races ahead, Damian trailing behind him while shaking his head.
With the chaos subsiding, Soren turns to me, his piercing blue eyes holding mine steady. “Let’s get cleaned up.” He holds out his hand, and I take it, the warmth of his palm igniting something within me.
We move upstairs, the marble steps cool beneath my bare feet, and I can’t help but steal glances at him. As we reach our room, he pulls open the door, stepping into the bathroom attached to our bedroom.
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Chapter 110
