Page 34 of The King's Secret Baby

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. “We spent the night together. In New York. It was… incredible.”

The memory washes over me, vivid and intoxicating. Her skin against mine, her breath hot in my ear…

I shake my head, forcing myself back to the present. “But it doesn’t matter. It can’t happen again.”

Simon frowns. “Why not?”

“Because I’m about to be king, Simon. I have a duty to my country, to my people. I can’t afford to be distracted by romance right now.”

The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I know they’re true. As much as I want Hailey, as much as I ache for her, I have to put my feelings aside. For the good of Werdenfeld.

Simon studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You know, Luca, sometimes I think you use your duty as an excuse to run away from your feelings.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand, cutting me off.

“I know you’re scared. I know you’re trying to do the right thing. But denying yourself happiness isn’t the answer. It’s okay to want something for yourself every once in a while.”

I stare at him, my heart hammering in my chest. Part of me knows he’s right. But the other part, the part that’s terrified of failing, of letting everyone down, won’t let me admit it.

“I can’t, Simon. I just… I can’t.”

He sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “I get it. I do. But you can’t keep running forever. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to face your feelings. About your dad. About Hailey. About all of it.”

I clench my jaw, my fingers tightening around the spoon. “I’m not running from anything. I’m doing what needs to be done. What’s expected of me.”

“And what about whatyouwant? What about your own happiness?”

I let out a harsh laugh, the sound echoing in the empty kitchen. “My happiness doesn’t matter. Not when there’s a whole country counting on me.”

He shakes his head, his eyes filled with sadness. “That’s not true, Luca. Your happiness matters just as much as anyone else’s. More, even. Because if you’re not happy, how can you expect to lead your people effectively?”

I stare at him, my throat tight with emotion. I want to argue, to tell him he’s wrong. But deep down, I know he’s right. I can’t keep running from my feelings forever. Eventually, I’ll have to face them.

But not tonight. And not anytime soon. There’s a time for falling apart, a time for following your dreams. And there’s a time for sucking it up and getting to work.

I’m currently in the latter phase.

I straighten my shoulders, pushing away from the counter. “I appreciate your concern, Simon. But I have to stay focused. The world is counting on me now. I can’t let myself get distracted.”

Simon looks like he wants to argue, but he nods, accepting my decision. “Okay, okay. But just remember, I’m here for you. Whenever you’re ready to talk.”

I manage a small smile, grateful for his support. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

But as I walk away, heading back to my room, I know I won’t take him up on his offer. Because no matter how much I might want to, I can’t afford to let myself be vulnerable. Not now. Not ever.

CHAPTER 18

HAILEY

The first thing I notice when I wake up is the roiling nausea in my stomach. I groan, curling into myself as a wave of it washes over me.

What is wrong with me? I never get sick.

Maybe it’s the decadent palace food. After years of existing on takeout — and, in between, home-cooked meals at my mom’s apartment — I’m not used to eating all the strange, fancy dishes the palace provides.

I force myself to sit up, rubbing a hand over my face. My head is pounding, and my mouth tastes like something died in it. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I curse. I’m late for breakfast.

I stumble out of bed, fighting back another surge of nausea. I can’t believe I overslept. I pride myself on my punctuality, on always being where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. And now, only a few days into my time in Werdenfeld, I’m already falling behind.

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