Page 28 of Royal Love
“I promise I’ll still be right here,” she adds with a knowing smile. “Go be king for ten minutes, then come back to being just my husband.”
With a sigh, I stand, straightening my jacket. “Ten minutes,” I agree, leaning down to kiss her. “Not a second more.”
In my office, Parker and Kate wait with the communications team. They’ve drafted a statement, but I barely glance at it before handing it back.
“I’ll speak from the heart,” I tell them, adjusting my tie as the camera is set up. “No script.”
Kate raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue. She’s learned when to push and when to let me have my way.
When the red light on the camera blinks on, I take a deep breath, thinking of Lia upstairs in our bed, safe and recovering.
“People of Haldonia,” I begin, looking directly into the camera. “As many of you know, Queen Amelia was taken to the hospital yesterday after falling ill. I want to personally thank you for your prayers and well wishes during this anxious time.”
I pause, allowing myself a small smile. “I am relieved and grateful to inform you that Her Majesty is now recovering at home. Both she and our unborn child are doing well, though the queen will be taking time to rest and recover over the coming days.”
My voice softens slightly. “Becoming parents is the greatest joy and responsibility that Queen Amelia and I have ever faced. It is a journey we share with many of you, and one that reminds me daily of what is truly important—family, health, and the future we are building together.”
I straighten, my resolve clear. “For the next few days, I will be stepping back from public duties to care for my wife. I trust you understand that my first duty must be to her, just as many of you would do for those you love.”
“The business of government continues, of course. My staff and the Royal Council will address any urgent matters, and I will return to my full duties once the queen is fully recovered. We are both deeply touched by your concern and support during this time.”
I nod once, signaling the end of the broadcast. The moment the camera light goes off, I’m already heading for the door.
“Sir,” Parker calls after me. “The ambassador from?—”
“Can wait,” I finish for him, not breaking stride. “I meant what I said. For the next few days, I’m not king. I’m just a man taking care of his wife.”
Back in our bedroom, I find Lia dozing against the pillows, one hand still resting protectively over her stomach. I quietly remove my jacket and tie, kick off my shoes, and slide into bed beside her, careful not to wake her.
She stirs anyway, eyes fluttering open. “How did it go?”
“Fine,” I murmur, pulling her gently against me. “I told them the truth—that nothing is more important to me than you and our baby.”
She smiles sleepily, nestling closer. “Not even Haldonia?”
“Not even Haldonia,” I confirm, placing my hand over hers on her stomach. “The country will survive without me for a few days. But I wouldn’t survive without you.”
“That’s treason, Your Majesty,” she teases softly.
“Then arrest me.” I press my lips to her forehead. “I’m guilty as charged.”
As she drifts back to sleep in my arms, I think about what Parker said to me days ago, about not showing how much she means to me. He was wrong. My strength doesn’t come from appearing invulnerable. It comes from knowing exactly what I’m fighting for.
And what I’m fighting for is right here in my arms.
CHAPTER 19
AMELIA
The sunlight slants through the windows, casting a warm glow across our bedroom. I roll over, my hand automatically reaching for Tristan, but his side of the bed is empty. A wave of nausea hits me, and I groan, pulling the covers over my head. This virus has been relentless, made worse by my pregnancy.
“Lia?” Tristan’s voice comes from the doorway. “Are you awake?”
I peek out from beneath the duvet. “Unfortunately.”
He strides across the room, a tray balanced carefully in his hands. The smell of tea wafts toward me, and for once, it doesn’t make my stomach lurch. He sets the tray on the nightstand and sits beside me, his weight dipping the mattress.
“Shannon cleared your schedule for the next three days,” he says, brushing hair from my forehead. “And I’ve postponed the summit with the Belgian delegates.”
