Page 60 of From London, With Love
“With you backing the sentimental choice?” she asked sweetly. “One year ago, you’d have never urged me to marry the man of my heart. You’d have been arguing about treaties and what is good for the country. You’d have been horrified I was even considering taking a human husband, when half the Echelon feels slighted following the revolution. You’ve changed, Malloryn.”
Malloryn shut his mouth.
The queen looked delighted. “You’ve turned into a fairy godmother from some story. You’re arranging marriages now. This is delightful.”
“The realmdoesneed an heir.”
“Don’t pretend to be so cynical. How many marriages have you arranged now?”
He shut his mouth again. Most of the Company of Rogues had managed to sort their own affairs, but Gemma had required a bit of convincing to accept Obsidian’s proposal, believing marriage wasn’t the sort of thing for a woman with her upbringing and skills. And there’d been the under-butler and one of the housemaids….
Dear God.
It was true.
Hehadturned into a fairy godmother.
Drawing himself up, he arched an icy brow. “Several. I arrange everything, including the dining table. And most importantly, the future heir of the kingdom.”
“Speaking of heirs, Malloryn…, whenisthe baby due?”
His eyes narrowed. “Adele and I haven’t discussed the possibility of such an event just yet.”
The queen’s eyes sparkled deviously. “I would suggest you discuss it, and soon, Malloryn. Your wife is positively glowing these days, and if she’s not keeping a happy secret from you, then I will marry Sir Gideon and turn over all major decisions that involve the realm directly to you.”
His heart skipped a beat. “With child? Adele with child?”
“Oh, I do enjoy knowing something you don’t.” The queen rolled her eyes. “I expect to be named godmother, Malloryn. Now go and find your wife. I’m sure you have some things to discuss.” She brushed off her skirts, lifting her chin high. “And I have a certain knight to compromise.”
* * *
Malloryn foundAdele in the midst of a whirlwind of silk in her bedchambers.
Dismissing the maids with a look, he curled his arms around her from behind, rubbing his cheek against the back of her neck.
“Is there something you need to tell me?” he murmured.
Adele stilled. “What do you mean?”
He slid his hand down her abdomen and cupped a handful of fabric. He couldn’t help capturing a breath. Hope had planted seeds in his heart, and he was half afraid he’d choke on them if she denied it.
Every inch of his wife went still, and then she punched him in the arm and escaped his grip.
“How?” she demanded.
It was true? A flutter of nerves overtook him. “Then you confirm it?”
“I was going to tell you. I just wanted… to be certain.” Her voice dropped. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but the midwives think I’m carrying well now.”
He opened his arms, and she stepped into them.
Malloryn squeezed her tight and rested his chin on her head. “And they think it’s safe now?”
“Yes,” she said, in a small voice. “There’s always a risk, but… They seemed very certain. And I’ve been so ill this time. It’s a good sign.”
They’d lost the first child they’d created, barely a week after Adele revealed the news to him. It had shattered her, and for the first time in his life, he hadn’t known what to do.
Except hold her. And kiss her. And let her sleep in his arms after she’d cried herself to sleep.
