MAID FOR A PRINCE: (Book 1) (Point St. Claire, where true love finds a way) (13 page)

“That was a while ago,” she muttered. “Aren’t you tired?”

He looked back over his shoulder. “Are you?”

She blew damp hair from her eyes. “Getting that way.” He closed the distance separating them then lifted her to sit on a waist-high grassed ledge.

“Do you want to go back?”

She didn’t want to spoil his fun. She ran a palm down his cheek. “Maybe soon.”

But he’d made up his mind. The exhaustion must have shown on her face.

“When you’ve got your breath, we’ll turn around,” he said.

A few feet away, Ajax barked. Darius moved over to check out the warren his dog had found while Helene relaxed and sat back. Everything was clean and bright…the sky’s vast dome, the deep breathing blue of the sea.

When Darius got back, he sat beside her. Nearby, boys played, yelling out and laughing as they kicked a ball. Hearing them, Darius pushed to his feet, shading his eyes while his smile flashed white in the sunshine.

“When I was a kid, I loved soccer.” His focus shifted from the level area of land where the boys played back to the slope. “But they’ll lose that ball if they’re not careful.”

Helene craned to peer over the long drop. Suddenly lightheaded, she slid off the ledge onto her feet.

“I’m ready to go back,” she said.

“Are you scared of heights?”

“I didn’t think so.”

He touched her cheek and frowned. “You look a little pasty.”

“You worry too much.”

The truth was she was the one who was worried.

Her period was due today but she hadn’t felt any of the telltale signs like tender breasts or feeling bloated or impatient.

He helped her off the ledge and they headed back down that path. They’d only taken a few steps when the boys let out an extra loud cry. She and Darius turned around.

The boys were distant streaks of color but something else was coming nearer, growing clearer—a ball hurtling straight toward Helene. Her arms flew across to wrap around and shield her belly at the same time she hunched over and waited for the
smack
.

But a blond blur—Ajax—leaped up and struck the ball, deflecting it off while another force wrenched her out of the way. Helene sagged against Darius as the ball continued past, bouncing three more times before flying off the edge. 

Shaking, she looked up into Darius’s eyes. He studied her face as if he suddenly had trouble recognizing her.

“For a minute,” she said, “I thought that ball was going to belt me.”

“And you covered your belly like your life depended on it.” His voice lowered. “Or someone else’s life.” His face hardened. “Helene, is there something I need to know?”

“I’m…not sure.”

He nodded. “Then we’d better find out. Find out now.”

Later, back in her private quarters, Helene felt Darius’s presence alongside of her. He was stiff, while she felt limp and spacey as if all her glue had come unstuck. She’d thought about the possibility too many times to count. Now she knew.

She’d been the girl who was determined to never put herself in this position. Who’d been focused on living her life to the fullest before thinking about starting a family of her own.

But medical tests didn’t lie.

The doctor collected his bag. “I’ll be back next week to put you in touch with experts on diet and supplements,” he said. “We’ll discuss then what to expect in the coming months.”

Darius escorted the doctor to the door. “I appreciate your time, doctor, and your discretion.”

When Darius crossed back, his expression drawn and serious, Helene’s mind went blank. She couldn’t think of a thing to say. She was stuck in a surreal “going to wake up any minute” feeling.

“Well, now we know,” he said, taking a seat in a nearby tub chair this time.

“What happens now?”

“You and I will have this child and he’ll have a wonderful life.”

Helene found a weak smile. “You make it sound so easy.”

“He’ll grow up safe and well taken care of. When he’s older he’ll attend boarding school as I did. He’ll have the best education—”

“Hey, hey. Slow down. You’re going too fast.”

“You don’t want all that for our child?”

“Of course I want a safe home. A good school. But it’s not as simple as that. We live thousands of miles apart.”

“But of course, you’ll stay too.” He angled toward her. “We’ll get married. The sooner the better.”

She coughed out a laugh. “Darius…we only found out ten minutes ago. We need to go through the options.”

He frowned. “You don’t want to marry me?”

Seriously? An amazing man had just asked her to be his wife. He wanted to give their child everything he could, including a fully present father. Except Darius didn’t look overly pleased about it all. In fact, he seemed almost resigned.

Like there was no way out.

“The announcement will be handled delicately,” he said. “I’ll speak to Yanni about whether the coronation or wedding should come first. I’m thinking the wedding.”

She and Yanni Kostas had met and exchanged pleasantries over these past days. He was unfailing polite. But she’d never forgotten his response to that misunderstanding during their carriage ride that first day. He’d chuckled with relief when she’d said there was no chance that she and Darius would stay together long term. Now…she felt as if she were caught in a whirlwind.

She held her stomach, sat back. “Darius, we need to slow down.”

“We need to do what’s right for the child.”

His father had married a woman out of duty. Now, Darius had proposed because he felt he had no choice. But she had no idea about how to live and behave like a royal. How many times would she disappoint him? Mess up? Drop the ball? Marriage was hard enough.

He softened his voice. “You’ll enjoy every luxury. Clothes, jewelry, travel—”

“I don’t care about any of that.” She got to her feet, rubbing her brow where a headache had started to kick in. “I need to work out some things.”

“What things?”

“Like when I’ll get to go home and explain.”

Her mom would
freak
.

“You can visit whenever you like. Although you should wait until after the birth.”

Guess he had this all worked out. Which really bothered her.

“I’m not sure what rights I’ll have as your wife. Will I have dual citizenship? Will our child? What if we disagree on schools?” Her chest tightened. “In fact, I don’t like the idea of sending a child away for other people to bring up.”

“We wouldn’t have to worry about that for years yet.”

“What about having more children?”

“We’re getting ahead of ourselves.”

“I mean, what if you want six and I’m happy with one?”

His head angled. “Only one?”

“What will the people say, Darius? Aren’t you worried how they’ll react?”

There was a rap on the door. A moment later, Tahlia poked her nose in through the crack.

“I saw the doctor leaving.” She edged forward. “Are you all right, Helene?”

Darius spoke for them both. “Helene had a scare this afternoon.”

He explained about the soccer ball incident but said nothing about the pregnancy. Tahlia would need to be told soon. Perhaps he worried about Tahlia’s reaction. If Darius could move forward so quickly with a relationship, why couldn’t she?

“As long as it’s nothing serious.” Tahlia moved to leave. “I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

“We were discussing just now,” Darius cut in, “whether you might like to join us for supper.”

Tahlia’s chin rose. “I’ve already made plans.”

With Otis, Helene presumed.

Understanding, too, Darius surrendered a small smile. “Bring him along.”

Tahlia’s expression froze. Then, eyes glistening, her smile grew until she was beaming. “I’ll go tell him now.”

Halfway out the door, she raced back, threw her arms around her brother’s waist, and then bounded out of the room.

“That was nice,” Helene said. “You’ve made her so happy.”

Darius drew Helene to her feet. His thumbs stroked the tops of her hands as his gaze roamed her face. “Guess you can’t fight a rising tide.” His expression sobered. “We have a lot of changes to get our heads around.”

She sighed. “Just a few.”

“We need to make one straight away.”

“What’s that?”

“The one about you moving into my private rooms.”

She blew out a shaky breath. “This is really happening, huh?”

“I think it suits you.”

“Being a nervous wreck?

“The title.” He grazed his lips over hers and murmured, “Princess Helene.”     

Darius accompanied Helene down the wide hall that led to his private quarters, which was a larger, grander version of her former accommodation. As soon as the main door was locked behind them, he gathered her close and took the kiss he ached for.

Deep inside, he’d already known what the doctor today had confirmed. As the days had gone by, he’d come to believe—and then accept— that their first night together had resulted in a new life. A baby. Their child.

And now, holding Helene again, recalling the doctor’s words announcing she was healthy and a mother-to-be, he felt remarkably calm.

This past year, since his father’s death, Darius had thought about finding a suitable wife. Now the choice was made. Yes, he wondered what the public reaction to their news would be. But in his heart he knew she would be loved. Helene might worry about taking up such a public role; it was only natural. But this past week when they’d dined at Alexio’s taverna and had stopped to speak with people on the street, he saw the approval in their eyes. Helene was articulate and witty and had a caring nature no one could ignore.

Now he eased down the zip at her back. She lowered her arms from around his neck long enough to let the dress fall past her hips to the floor. Then she released his buttons. Once he’d shucked off the shirt, he swept her up off her feet and headed for his private bedchamber.

His bed was made up with an array of black and silver-threaded cushions strewn over the heavy cover. Paperwork and novels lay spread over a desktop. A cabinet held sport trophies he’d garnered over the years. And to the left, in an alcove all her own, the goddess waited.

When Helene’s gaze landed on the figurine, Darius felt her shiver with excitement.

“I got used to having her around,” he explained.

“So she’s out in the open for good?”

“For now.”

He wanted to get back to what they’d been doing, but Helene’s attention was fixed on figurine now.

“How do you hide her from the staff?”

Setting Helene on her feet, he moved across to the alcove and flicked a hidden switch. A mini velvet curtain closed in front of the alcove and a wooden cabinet automatically whirred around to shut her in. He flicked the switch again and the curtain and doors slid back open. 

She clasped her hands under her chin. “
Genius
.”

He’d crossed back and picked up where they’d left off. His mouth took hers again while his palms sculpted over her curves, and she clung to his shirt and his kiss.

When they came up for air, her gaze was smoky. “Do you think that she had anything to do with what happened that first night?”

He nuzzled her neck. “I feel some kind of magic working on me right now.”

He kissed his future bride again, deep and slow, before he laid her on his bed.

“You and Helene are getting married?”

As Tahlia glanced between the two, Helene wasn’t sure if the tears rushing to her future sister-in-law’s eyes were about happiness or shock. Darius, on the other hand, was remarkably composed.

They stood in a formal drawing room. Otis was expected any minute. When Darius decided to tell Tahlia tonight about their decision to marry, Helene had said it wasn’t the time. This evening should be about the younger couple, about Otis being acknowledged and, in a way, invited into the fold.

But Darius had been firm.

“We’ll make the official announcement soon,” he said now. “In the next week or two. Three at the outside.”

Tahlia looked stunned. “But this is so fast. You’ve always told me to take time with important decisions…” Then she blinked and her dark-blue eyes shone with sudden understanding. She turned to Helene. “The doctor earlier…”

Darius cleared his throat. “That’s the other thing.”

“Helene, are you having a baby?”

With an arm around her waist, Darius brought Helene close. “We thought you should be the first to know.”

Tahlia threw her arms around Darius then gave Helene an equally big hug. “I’m so happy for you both. I’ll have to tell all my friends. Have you thought about names?”

“We haven’t discussed names,” he said. “And keep it under your hat for the time being. We need to make our other formal announcement first.”

“But I can tell Otis. I’ll burst if I don’t.”

Darius nodded. “You can tell Otis. I’m sure he’ll appreciate we need to keep this in the family.”

Tahlia’s face lit up even more and she gave him another hug. “This is a perfect night. Totally perfect.”

As Tahlia drew away, Darius’s smile was fond but also tight. “Just so you know, none that this means I condone you two doing anything silly.”

“What would you call silly?”

“There’s plenty of time for…other things.”

Tahlia’s gaze hardened. “Why don’t you just say it? You don’t want Otis and me to have sex.”

Darius’s jaw clenched. “It’s a big step.”

“Darius, I’m not the one who needs to get married.”

“And I’m not a teenager.”

“And Helene? She’s not that much older than me.”

“We didn’t plan this.” Darius explained, “These things… happen.”

“As long as they don’t happen to me.” Her face stony, Tahlia crossed her arms. “At least Otis and I love each other.”

Helene remained calm as the debate continued to heat up. She’d been about to step in a couple times. But how could she argue with Tahlia’s last shot? She and Darius had good reason to marry. They agreed their child deserved two devoted parents, and they cared for each other. But love? If she wasn’t pregnant with Darius’s child, she’d be on her way by now.

Darius was speaking again, telling Tahlia that a lot more than love went into the recipe to create a solid relationship. Tahlia wasn’t impressed. Helene was left a little cold, too.

Tahlia finally threw up her hands and strode out onto the balcony.

“She’s right, you know,” Helene said. “If we have a good enough reason to be together, she and Otis do, too.”

He looked at her as if she were crazy. “Are you talking about marriage or sex?”

“Darius, they’re
in love
. They want to be together. And you just made us sound like…
ingredients
.” A recipe of one part parenthood, two parts obligation.

“We’ve been through this.” He brought her close, searched her eyes. “You know how I feel about you.”

Right now, she wasn’t sure.

She glanced at the opened balcony doors. “I’ll go speak with her.”

“Remind her that Otis will be here soon.”

She headed off. “Just try not to say anything to upset him before we get back.”

Tahlia kept her steamed gaze on the view as Helene joined her on the balcony.

“You should leave,” Tahlia said. “I’m not the best company right now.”

“I don’t blame you.”

Tahlia grudgingly glanced across and, looking puzzled, slanted her head. “You understand?”

“More than you can imagine.”

“But you’re marrying my brother.” Her slim nostrils flared as she cast her gaze away again. “You have what you want.”

Helene bristled. She might feel bad for Tahlia’s situation, but she didn’t deserve that. Still, she kept her words low and calm. She wanted to help.

“I never set out to catch Darius and fling him down the nearest aisle. I liked my life just the way it was. I had things I wanted to do…that I
still
want to do. But we’re having a baby so I’m changing plans, staying on. I hope you and I can still be friends.”

Tahlia slumped against the rail. “Oh, Helene, I’m not angry with you. But I could strangle him. Darius shoves all these must-do’s down my throat then changes the rules for himself.”

“This is a big decision for us both. The
biggest
. And he’s getting used to the idea of you being with Otis.” She sent over a warm smile. “Give him a chance.”

“I’m a woman with feelings and desires. And options. I feel as if Otis is the only one who really knows who I am. What’s inside of me,
here
.”

When a small fist hit the left side of Tahlia’s beaded bodice, the oddest feeling swept over Helene. Reaching for the railing, she patted her flushed cheek. In a heartbeat, Tahlia was beside her, holding her free hand.

“Is it the baby? Should I get Darius?”

“I’m fine. It’s just I had the weirdest feeling. I always used to say my mother never understood me. Like you say Darius doesn’t understand you. My mom can be so overbearing. Micromanaging, trying to make my decisions for me. She thinks she knows best. I hate to admit, but sometimes she was right.”

“Well, I know what I will and will not accept.”

“Sometimes decisions are made for us. Decisions we have to accept.” Helene leaned in. “Can you keep a secret?”

Eyes growing wide, Tahlia nodded.

“I’m scared about the engagement announcement,” Helen said. “About a huge wedding. The guy I’m marrying isn’t exactly Joe Smith from next door. I didn’t think I’d be married for years yet.”

“Darius will make a good husband. He’s been a good brother.” Tahlia allowed a grin. “And don’t you dare tell him that.”

They talked for a few more minutes then moved back inside just as Otis arrived. He wore a dark suit and tie with black, mirror-polished shoes. His expression was somber until he saw Tahlia hurry over. Then his green eyes lit up. When Tahlia stood beside him, Otis remembered himself, found that mask again and bowed in greeting.

“Your Highness.”

“There’s no need to be so formal here, Otis.” Tahlia threaded an arm through his. “You can call my brother by his Christian name.”

Otis looked to Darius for permission. Helene let out her breath when he nodded and smiled.

A subdued whine drew everyone’s attention. In a far corner, beneath a splendid monster-sized mural, Ajax sat dutifully waiting. Helene sometimes saw Ajax walking alongside Otis, making their way to the stables or, perhaps, to meet Tahlia in a secret place the younger woman had confided to Helene about.

As Ajax asked permission to be included in the welcome, Darius denied the request with a look. He was willing to loosen his hold on his sister, but he couldn’t bear to share his dog.

“Would anyone care for wine?” Darius asked.

With his shoulders squared, Otis came forward. “Thank you… Darius.”

The men spoke about horses while the ladies threw in a comment or two. It seemed Otis had a favorite he was grooming for international dressage contests.

“She’s a beauty,” Tahlia said, sticking to Otis’s side. “Dark and gentle and smart. Bred from one of Father’s champions.”

“She has potential,” Otis added modestly. “She can be fidgety in the ring. At times, she can be easily spooked. She just needs a gentle hand to remind her she’s doing well.”

Darius sipped and nodded. “I remember when your father was in charge of the stables. His pet hobby was dressage. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

While interactions between the two males appeared to progress, tension rippled beneath the surface…Darius’s backhanded compliment about Otis’s “hobby”…Otis standing with his feet shoulder-width apart as if bracing for a conflict. Tahlia obviously felt the vibes, too. She stroked Otis’s arm in the way she must have seen him sooth and reassure his horses.

Finally dinner was announced. In an adjoining room, they each took a seat at the table. Darius, of course, sat at the head.

“Where do you plan to show this horse of ours, Otis?” he asked, reaching for the bread on his side plate.

“Germany has one of the finest circuits.”

“How long does the season run?”

“I’m a ways from confirming anything.”

“I suppose if you were away for any length of time you’d need to find a replacement here.”

“Every member of my team does an excellent job. But right now I’m not leaving my post,” Otis hesitated before adding, “not for any great length of time at least.”

“I’m only thinking,” Darius went on, “if we get this horse in shape quickly, a stint in Germany might fit in nicely with Tahlia making some headway with a degree.”

“If Otis goes to Germany,” Tahlia said, “I’ll be going with him.”

Darius’s eyes narrowed and heat in the room spiraled up a few degrees.

Helene chirped in. “Germany’s gorgeous. The castles are amazing.”

“London has some amazing architecture, too,” Darius replied.

“And one day, I’ll see London again,” Tahlia said. “When I’m ready.”

While Helene withered in her seat, Otis placed his napkin on the table and pinned his gaze on his host.

“I appreciate this invitation,” he said, “but in the best interests of everyone here, I should go.”

Tahlia gripped his hand and got to her feet. “If you go, I go.”

“You stay.” Cupping Tahlia’s cheek, Otis gave her a loving smile. “We’ll work this out. I promise.”

When she cupped his cheek, too, Otis slanted his head enough to brush a gentle kiss on her inside wrist. Then he bid everyone goodnight and crossed to the gold-trimmed door with an even gait. He was halfway out the door when Darius shot to his feet and called out Otis’s name. About to close the door behind him, the younger man angled stiffly around. Darius lifted his chin.

“I’d like you to stay,” he said, and then added, “Please.”

As Otis relented and returned to the table, Helene smiled and placed a palm on her belly. Darius might be practical but he could compromise. Two steps forward, one step back.

Eventually, this would all work out.