Page 57 of The Un-Apparent Heir

Unfortunately, after complications and failed treatments, we were unable to conceive. The family we envisioned for ourselves included children and a loud house. Unfortunately, that will not be the case for us. Many couples end their journey with a baby or two. However, many couples do not reach that milestone. That is the unfortunate end of our story. While it is painful and feels uncomfortable to talk about it, not acknowledging our loss feels wrong.

We are open on this topic, but we ask that people stop asking when the Princess will conceive. We will not be having children. Instead, we have been blessed with a nephew and two wonderful nieces. We have godsons. Our legacy will live on in our public service and the children who light up our lives—even if they are not our own.

As such, we will continue to do the work and provide service to Britons. The Princess will return to her job as a flight trainer at RAF Valley at the request of Air Marshall Staver due to the extreme training shortage. There, she will continue to help men and women learn to fly the F-35 alongside some American aviators. She will also continue to travel to engagements. The Duke will continue to work hard at engagements, staying with her in their cottage near the air station.

With the support and love of our families and our shared passion for service, we will find the meaning next year that we struggled with this year. There has been loss, but also light for the future. As we wrap up our year, we give thanks for new family members, like Prince Keir, and stay grateful that we have one another.

-Their Royal Highnesses The Princess of Wales and the Duke of Cornwall

14

UP TO NO GOOD

“Paul, what are we doing?”

Paul led her below deck, causing confusion. They were on a three-hour cruise around Oslo fjord on the royal yacht. It was another event in the run-up to tomorrow's long-awaited wedding. Today, was the celebration with other royals and close family friends. As Malcolm was in the wedding and Winston was Kiersten’s distant cousin, the Fergusons were aboard.

“Everything is going on upstairs?—”

“I don’t care about everything. We have childcare. Everyone is distracted. I haven’t had you to myself for fifteen minutes in how long?”

Sanne bit her lip. Paul kissed her, pushing her against a doorframe. It felt delicious. He was right. The last six months of their life were utter chaos. For some reason, they decided to throw in a second baby. It turned out Sanne and Paul were both a sucker for babies. One night, Sanne confessed she was desperate for another. Paul obliged. Two weeks later, they looked at two lines on a test wondering if they were ready. It was still early days, but Sanne started showing soon after they found out.

She was in good company, too. Despite the poor timing, Kiersten announced she and Olav expected a baby a few weeks after Sanne and Paul were due. Paul wasn’t here to talk about that. He was up to absolutely no good with his hand up Sanne’s dress—not even trying to hide his motives.

“Paul, we should find a room,” Sanne said.

“Fine.”

Paul pulled Sanne into a guest stateroom and shut the door. He pinned her back against the wall fumbling with her panties until pulling them aside.

“Paul, I am in no shape for you to fuck me against a wall. And I’m not sure you should do that in a boat?—”

“A ship, Sanne,” Paul joked. “And I wouldn’t dream of it.”

He dropped to his knees and got to work. It was fabulous. The last few months were punctuated by amazing sex all over their cottage and then over the country. Yes, the new workload was massive, and it remained stressful, but their renewed commitment and understanding that life was too short seemed to energise them. Sanne gave over to the feeling of love and admiration Paul gave her. It was risky. This wasn’t their boat, it wasn’t their day, and they were on borrowed time.

“Oh, fuck,” Sanne moaned. “God, just… fucking don’t stop, Paul.”

Paul’s tongue continued its work as his fingers slid in and out of her in perfect rhythm. Sanne pushed against the wall, enjoying every bit. She held his hair, pressing her hips towards him as she got closer. She felt the feeling of heat rise up her chest to her face. Like a wave crashing ashore, she came hard and fast, shouting his name.

Sanne was left panting. Paul stood and pulled her chin towards him.

“Good?”

“I should ask you,” Sanne said.

“Oh, I’m lovely. And tonight I will get my payback.”

He kissed her, then slapped her ass with a cheeky grin.

“Damn you,” she giggled. “God. I was trying to behave myself.”

“Nah. Don’t act like you don’t like to fuck me in public. Always have, always will.”

“Are you sure you don’t want more?”

“No. I don’t. I will get mine later.”

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