Page 34 of Purple Protector

“It’s not.”

Birch scowled at Marlin. “What do you know?”

“I have eyes.” Marlin gestured at Birch’s stomach. “There’s your explanation.”

Birch looked down at his stomach and swore. He didn’t need this right now, dammit.

“That explains everything,” Killian said from his desk. He’d been working, which meant that he’d been listening to the conversation between Birch and Marlin.

“Shut up, your Majesty.”

“You’re even grumpier than usual. I thought it was because of the whole Aaron thing, but maybe that’s not all there is to it.”

“It is because of the Aaron thing. I can’t believe we still haven’t found his attacker. Pearl has to be involved, but no one’s talking.”

“I know, and it’s frustrating for me, too, but you have to take care of yourself, Birch. Maybe you should go find Aaron and take the rest of the day off.”

Birch dragged his attention to his king. “What are you insinuating?”

“Well, now might be a good time for you to start a family if that’s what you want.”

Birch was already shaking his head. “No, it’s not. Aaron and I just got together, and I’m still worried about that dragon coming after him. Now would be the worst time to get pregnant. And what about you? I can’t abandon you.”

“What am I, chopped liver?” Marlin grumbled.

“Shut up. You know what I mean.”

“I know that you’re way too attached to the job. You need a personal life.”

“I have one. I just moved in with Aaron. We haven’t even talked about having kids.”

“Maybe you’re pregnant already. You didn’t even realize you were fertile.”

Birch glared at the dark line on his stomach. He supposed he should feel lucky that he knew what was up with him. “I can’t be pregnant, so stop worrying about that.”

“I’m not worrying. I’m just saying it could be a possibility.”

“I was too busy to keep track, but trust me, there’s no way I’m having kids anytime soon.” He pushed himself up. “But since you’re both annoying and Killian offered, I think I will go find Aaron.”

Marlin grinned. “I thought you just said you’re not ready for kids.”

Birch leaned over and slapped him on the back of the head. “Very funny. Maybe you want to have kids. You’re the one talking about them.”

Marlin shuddered in fake horror. “I’m not one for kids.”

Maybe it wasn’t fake horror. Maybe Marlin really didn’t want kids. Birch couldn’t help but think about his brother, but he’d decided he wouldn’t stick his nose in that situation, and he hadn’t changed his mind. Maybe Marlin and Curran would find their way to each other, or maybe they would both end up with someone else. Either way, it was none of Birch’s business. He’d support whatever they chose, and that was that.

“Take tomorrow off if you want, too,” Killian said. “I know how it is.”

They all did. Birch was a bit wary of leaving Killian alone with Marlin—not because Marlin couldn’t do his job but because it was easier to get past one guard than two—but he knew Killian would push until he agreed.

He narrowed his eyes at his friend because if he was going to leave, he needed a few promises from Killian. “You’ll stay in your office.”

“I will. I have nothing planned for the rest of the day except go home to be with my consort and my children.”

“Good. If you do leave the office, call another guard. Maybe the one who helped Aaron the other day. They were good.”

“Stop worrying about me and worry about yourself and your boyfriend. Go.”

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