Page 58 of Regally Binding

Beatrice elbowed him as her laugh carried like a gentle song across the group. “Ignore him. He’s such a trickster. On our first date, he told me to dress in my most formal ball gown for the finest meal I’d known. Then he drove me to a drive-thru before taking me to the local park, where we sat on the bench in the dark.” Her Scottish accent was a beautiful lilt.

“Were you annoyed?” Liss asked, glancing at a twinkling-eyed Gable.

“It was the best date I’d ever had. As I sat on dirty swings in a beautiful navy gown, I knew I was already in love and must marry him.” Beatrice’s smile danced.

“Something I’d known from the moment I first saw her in the university corridors.” Gable took Beatrice’s hand and kissed the back of it. The love between them poured out and surrounded the group like the steam from a hot chocolate. Yet something wasn’t quite right about Beatrice. Her make-up was darker than her complexion required, and she repeatedly pressed a hand to her lips. Maybe she was pushing through sickness for duty too.

“Don’t forget we’re celebrating tonight,” the King chimed as a waiter holding a silver tray aloft paused beside them. He gifted them glasses of champagne. Gable’s gaze flickered repeatedly to Beatrice as she gripped the glass tightly.

Suddenly, a woman in a black suit whispered in the King’s ear. She wore an earpiece like Bear’s.

Liss’s eyebrows knitted in confusion.

“Nothing to worry about, darling Felicity. It’s just a bit of royal business,” he exclaimed. Yet he worried his hands, squeezing them together as he said it. “I’ll be back in a moment.And I shall bring you another glass of champagne. We’re celebrating tonight. Drink up. Drink up.”

Beatrice’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she nodded back. Gable rolled his shoulders as he watched the King leave. Liss glanced at Beatrice, who smoothed a hand over her stomach as if stroking her belly. Of course. All the signs were there. Pale faced, on the cusp of sickness, worried husband, and avoiding alcohol. Liss had served enough baby showers at the pub.

Liss whispered in her ear as Beatrice brushed a hand over her stomach again. “Are you?” Liss left the question hanging in the air in case Beatrice was sick rather than pregnant.

“Pregnant, yes, but only eleven weeks. I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks. But we can’t tell anyone. We don’t want to get them excited until the first scan. A royal baby is huge news. If the papers hear before the King…” Beatrice’s voice trembled.

“Your secret is safe with me,” Liss whispered and was gifted a hand squeeze from Beatrice. “Let me finish this and then we’ll swap glasses,”

Beatrice nodded.

She downed the champagne in two gulps. She’d regret it, but it was a necessity. Beatrice quickly swapped her full one for Liss’s empty flute.

“You’re a breath of fresh air.”

There was something endearing about Beatrice, but Liss shrugged, unused to compliments, especially from strangers. “I’ll have a breath of a brewery by the end of tonight.”

Beatrice giggled.

“Lissy,” Steve bellowed as he bounded up to the group. “I can’t wait to tell you about all the fancy people I’ve met.”

Her introductions were quick as she reached for her bag. She took a breath and gripped it so tightly that one of its sequins fell to the ground.

“I kept the bag safe for you.” Suddenly, Steve slipped a hand around her waist in a gesture too familiar for their friendship. “I hope you were okay after you fell earlier.”

She nodded and eased out of his hold. He wasn’t acting himself tonight, but then neither was she. She glanced at him as Gable and Beatrice politely listened to his stories about the guests he’d met.

A pale King rejoined the group. “Everything okay?” Gable asked.

“All is well.” But his eyes darted around the room, and he rocked slightly on his heels. “Drink up, Felicity. You too, Gable. Beatrice is setting a fine example for us all with her empty glass. My granddaughter is home, and I only want joy here tonight.”

Liss downed her drink and regretted it instantly. Her stomach lurched as Steve thrust another glass of champagne into her hand.

Gable expressed concern for the King’s health, but Liss only caught the odd word. The stress of the last days and the adrenaline from her speech combined to overwhelm her. She gripped the only thing close: Steve’s hand.

“Thank you for bringing me tonight,” Steve whispered. “Being here with you means everything.” Her stomach lurched again.

“Do you want to powder your nose?” Beatrice asked. “We can chat as we walk.”

Liss nodded quickly as her hunched shoulders eased.

The men smiled as Liss and Beatrice excused themselves.

“You don’t look well,” Beatrice said, standing close enough to keep Liss upright but without drawing suspicion. Beatrice sneaked their drinks onto a passing tray before they stepped out of the room. Security staff hurried past. Liss struggled on her heels, clutching the doorway to stop from falling. Her feet ached more than a night shift at the pub, but princesses didn’t ditch their heels.

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