Page 73 of Royal Caleva: Luis

“Since his cousin Gabriel started traveling so much to book artists for DragonFest, I think Raul has been lonely.” Luis chose his words carefully. “Having a peer to talk with has been good for him. He feels comfortable sharing the life of a royal with her since he trusts her not to go to the media with any revelations.” He considered some of his recent thoughts about his son. “I hope knowing Grace may even encourage him to loosen up a bit and spend less time working. I worry that he doesn’t have enough fun for someone of his age.”

“Grace works too hard as well, so she may not be the best influence on that front,” Eve said.

He decided not to mention that he hoped Grace would share some of Raul’s tasks as a royal. She would be an excellent representative for the new generation of the crown…but that was for after she graduated from vet school.

“She has a more normal life than Raul,” Luis said. “I hope it will open his eyes to new possibilities.”

“Huh, I never thought of it from that perspective,” Eve said. “I’ve focused on the opening up of Grace’s life.”

“I am glad to hear you find it a positive.” Luis brushed his lips against her forehead.

“Mostly.” Eve sighed. “But back to Raul. For the first time, he’s going to have to share his father with another child. That could create tension, even resentment.”

“It will change the dynamic, and I don’t consider that a minor matter.” He had made an extra effort to show his love for Raul ever since Grace’s relationship had been confirmed. “To a certain extent, he has always shared me with my nephew, Gabriel, whom I consider a son. I believe Raul is secure in my feelings for him.”

“It’s not the same, though. Gabriel is not your child by blood.”

“Love has no limits,” Luis said. “I can love Grace without loving Raul any less.”

“Just be very sensitive to your son right now,” Eve said, cupping Luis’s cheek. “He may feel neglected with all the attention you’re lavishing on Grace.”

“You are right, and I will take your advice.” It touched him that she was as concerned for his child as she was for her own. “There is one more reason I think Raul is glad of Grace’s presence.”

“What’s that?”

“He wants me to be happy. He understands that Grace has been a gift to me at this stage of my life.”

“You raised a good man,” she said, her voice holding a slight quaver. “But that doesn’t surprise me.”

Her words sent a wave of pride and gratitude surging through him. To have Eve give him credit for that moved him deeply.

“I often think that Raul did more to raise himself than I did,” Luis confessed. “My life is filled with so many obligations that I have never been able to spend as much time with him as I wished.”

“I’ve watched you two together,” she said, stroking his shoulder in comfort. “You have a strong connection. Raul adores you.”

“I do not question his devotion. I question my part in it.” And whether Raul had embraced the family business so passionately as a way to spend more time with his father.

“You inspire devotion.” Her smile held a hint of sadness. “It’s why you’re such a great king.”

He grimaced inwardly. It was better when they were speaking as two parents and his position as king didn’t play into it.

“Let me go back to being a man who wants to make love to the beautiful woman in his arms, but in a bed this time.” He stroked his hand down her hip before sinking his fingers into the lush curve of her buttock. He pulled her against his chest again to kiss her with lascivious intent.

When she moaned into his mouth and tilted her pelvis against his hardening cock, he stood and scooped her up in his arms, leaving the crown behind.

CHAPTER 19

Luis woke up alone the next morning and didn’t like it. It had been much better during the night when he had surfaced into wakefulness with Eve’s warm, naked body curled against his side. Especially since she had been happy to be roused by his hands and mouth.

He stretched his body out fully, the sheets stroking his skin as he savored the relaxation of his muscles from a night of pleasure. The aches and pains brought on by the horseback ride had eased somewhat too.

It wasn’t just physical, though. Eve somehow lifted the weight of Caleva off his shoulders, allowing him to be a man, a father, a lover…all without being a king. When the weight resettled, it seemed lighter.

As usual, the chime of his cell phone impinged on his good mood. He ignored it until it chimed a second time.

Grabbing it off the nightstand, he swiped to the text message. It was from Mikel.

Su Majestad, my apologies for disturbing you. Bruno and I are on our way to you. There is an issue involving Eve that requires your immediate attention.

---