Page 47 of The King's Secret Baby

Quickly, I wipe at my teary face. Simon and I have only spoken a few times, and I know that he’s more than an employee of the royal family. He’s also Luca’s close friend. They took off on the Prague trip together, leaving me feeling like the odd one out. I also know that Luca divulged the situation about the pregnancy to his friend when they were on that trip.

He takes one look at my tear-stained face and sighs, his expression softening with sympathy. “How are you?”

“Oh.” I sniffle and force a smile. “Great. Thanks.”

He frowns. “Luca?—”

I shake my head. “It’s not Luca. Not really. I just…”

I trail off, uncertain how to put my tangled emotions into words. But Simon seems to understand anyway. He nods, guiding me gently toward the library.

“Come on,” he says. “Let’s sit and talk.”

The library is blessedly empty, the silence broken only by the crackle of the fire in the hearth. I sink onto one of the plush couches, hugging a throw pillow to my chest. Simon settles beside me, the kindness in his eyes a bit too much. I’m starting to feel like a charity case, like the puppy at the shelter that everyone stops to pet but that no one will take home.

“I’m trying to be patient,” I whisper. “I know Luca has responsibilities, obligations that I can’t even begin to comprehend. But I thought…” I bite my lip, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. “I thought maybe things would be different now that we’re going to be parents together.”

Simon is quiet for a long moment, his brow furrowed in thought. “Luca cares for you,” he says at last. “I know he does. But he’s always put duty first. It’s how he was raised, and now that his father is gone, it’s more extreme. He’s… single-focused.”

I nod, blinking hard. “I get that. I do. But I don’t want our baby to grow up feeling like they’re second best. Like they’ll always be an afterthought compared to the crown.”

He frowns. “I know that he’s crazy about you.”

My heart lifts, those few words breathing new life into my tired lungs.

“I’ve tried to talk to him about the situation,” Simon goes on, “but he shuts me down. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” I shake my head.

He leans back in his seat, letting out a heavy breath. “I don’t want you to waste your life waiting for him to come around.”

“I’m not.” I straighten up.

He eyes me. “So what will happen once the baby is born? Will you really be happy with this arrangement for the rest of your life?”

I bite my lip. “If he is a good father, yes.”

The words singe the end of my tongue. Days ago, I had myself convinced that they’re the truth. Now? Now I wonder if I’m lying to myself.

He considers that. “I see.” A smile graces his face, but it’s forced. “I’m here whenever you would like to talk, or if you would simply like to hang out. I know how isolating it can feel here, even with people all about.”

I take a deep, shuddering breath, trying to compose myself. “Thank you, Simon,” I say softly. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

He smiles, patting my hand before releasing it. “Anytime. And I mean that.” His eyes dance with a hint of mischief. “Now, what do you say we raid the kitchens for some ice cream? I’m pretty sure Chef made a fresh batch of mint chip this morning.”

My stomach rumbles at the mention of the decadent treat, and I grin. “I say lead the way.”

As I follow him out of the library, I feel a tiny spark of hope flicker to life in my chest. It’s fragile, delicate as a butterfly’s wings, but it’s there.

Maybe, just maybe, everything will work out in the end.

CHAPTER 23

LUCA

Istare at the list of names before me, the words blurring together as I try to focus. There are so many details to attend to before the coronation, and the guest list is just one more thing on an ever-growing pile of responsibilities.

A knock at the door startles me from my thoughts. “Enter,” I call out, massaging my temples.

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