Page 161 of Bride By Coronation

Willow buries her face in the curve of her neck, her cry turning into a soft whimper.

"Aw, it's okay, sweetie," Fiona says gently.

Watching her with the baby tugs on my heart.

She'd be a good mom.

I would be a horrible dad. But she would be a good mom.

It won't make up for my weaknesses.

"I'll go grab the book, and we can leave," I tell her.

"Okay." She graces me with a stunning smile.

I exit the room, find the Royal Doctrine, and return to the front room.

"Everybody ready?" I question.

"Yeah, I am," Fiona chirps, excited.

More warmth fills me. We leave the building, get into our SUVs, and meet at the private airport. We have fun on the way to Morocco, laughing often. When the flight lands, we get off the plane and step into the dark hallway.

Fiona states, "It's the same hallway as Pompeii."

"Yes. Anytime you attend an Underworld event, you will go through a hallway like this."

"Why?" she questions.

Sean interjects, "Because Dad wanted it this way."

Fiona scrunches her face. "But why?"

"Who knows why he wanted this or most of the rules," Sean answers.

We approach the door for the royal quarters. I open it and motion for everyone to go through, stating, "Karina will watch the babies."

Sean declares, "No one is watching the twins."

I spin to face him. "No children. It's the rules."

Zara insists, "There's a threat on Fiona's life. We're not leaving our babies with anyone."

My pulse pounds harder. I consider their worries, but I also know the rules.

"I won't harm your children," Karina says, then curtsies, adding, "Your Majesties."

"No offense, but no one is watching our babies," Sean reiterates.

"Thank you, Karina. Please go wait in the other room," I order.

She glances at the babies, then obeys.

The door shuts, and tense silence fills the air.

"Figure it out, Kirill. My kids aren't staying with her," Sean insists.

I sigh. "I understand your concern, but you know the rules. And you and Zara have to show up."

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