Page 22 of Royal Love
She nods against my chest. “I liked the woman from Finland. The one with the background in early childhood development.”
“Ingrid,” I recall. “She seemed kind. Experienced too.”
“And she didn’t seem intimidated by the whole royal thing,” Lia adds with a small laugh.
“That’s definitely a point in her favor.” I smile, remembering how the woman had regarded us with respectful professionalism rather than the awkward deference that makes both of us uncomfortable.
The sun is halfway below the horizon now, painting the sky in deepening shades of purple and crimson. I’ll never tire of this view, especially with Lia beside me.
“I’ve made a decision,” I say after a moment of comfortable silence. “I’m going to continue with therapy.”
She turns to look at me, surprise and something else—pride, maybe—in her expression. “You are?”
“Yes.” I take a deep breath, still finding it difficult to articulate these things even with her. “Dr. Merrick has been helping me understand…everything I went through and how it affected me emotionally.”
Lia places her palm against my cheek, her touch grounding me. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Tristan.”
“You do?” Something in me still expects criticism for this choice, still hears my father’s voice dismissing therapy as weakness.
“Of course I do.” Her voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt. “Healing isn’t weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.”
I turn to kiss her palm, overwhelmed with gratitude for this woman who sees me—truly sees me—and loves me anyway. “I want to be better,” I whisper. “For you. For our child. For Haldonia.”
“You already are.” Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “But I’m proud of you for doing this.”
We fall silent again, watching as the last sliver of sun disappears beneath the waves, leaving behind a canvas of stars beginning to emerge in the darkening sky. The beach house hasbecome our refuge, but the castle is our home—complicated as it may be with all the responsibilities it represents.
“We should probably start packing,” Lia says eventually, though neither of us moves to get up.
“Five more minutes,” I bargain, pulling her closer.
She laughs softly. “You said that twenty minutes ago.”
“Time moves differently here,” I insist with a grin. “Royal decree.”
“Oh, is that how it works?” She raises an eyebrow, the teasing light in her eyes making me want to kiss her.
So, I do, capturing her lips with mine, slow and sweet and full of promise. She responds immediately, her hand coming up to curl around the nape of my neck, holding me to her as though I’d ever want to pull away.
When we finally part, both a little breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “I love you, Lia. More than I ever thought possible.”
“I love you too,” she whispers back, the simple words carrying the weight of everything between us.
Eventually, we do make our way inside to pack for the return journey tomorrow. Parker has already arranged the security detail, and Kate has managed to clear my schedule for the morning, so we don’t have to rush. These small mercies make the transition back to royal life a little easier.
Later, as we lie in bed, the sound of the ocean a constant companion through the open windows, Lia traces patterns on my chest with her fingertips.
“Are you nervous?” she asks. “About going back?”
I consider the question seriously. “Not nervous exactly. But I’m always aware of the weight of it all when we return. Here, I can almost pretend we’re just a normal couple expecting a baby. There…” I trail off, not needing to explain further.
“There, you’re the king who’s changing everything,” she finishes. “The reformer who’s shaking up centuries of tradition.”
“And you’re the commoner queen who stole the heart of a nation,” I add with a smile, running my hand along the curve of her hip.
She laughs. “Is that what they’re calling me now?”
“Among other things. All good, I promise. The people adore you, Lia. Even more than they tolerate me.”
