Page 44 of Pregnant With His Majesty's Heir

Aurélie took a half step back. It felt as if she was being assessed for a job.

That was exactly what hewasdoing! For if she married him she’d take on the job of being royal, which was terrifying. Yet, at the same time, having Lucien break it down into a matter of learnable skills made it seem slightly less daunting. Slightly more...possible.

‘What languages do you speak?’

‘Other than French? I’m fluent in German and English.’ She’d loved learning them at school, for the insight it gave her into other places and people. When she’d started waitressing they were useful during the tourist season. ‘I have basic Spanish and a few words of Russian.’

He nodded, as if approving. ‘You’re better than me. I could never get my head around Russian.’

‘There’s more to being royal than talking with people.’

‘Actually, it’s a large part of the job. So is listening. I remember you being a good listener that night we spent together, even if you don’t want to listen to me now.’

‘What’s the point? It would never work.’

‘On the contrary.’ His jaw firmed and that trace of lazy amusement disappeared. ‘We’ll make it work. For our baby’s sake. You want the best possible future for our child, don’t you? We can give it a stable home, a loving family and a bright future. What more could it need?’

He was right.

The knowledge slammed into her, cutting off her protests. Everything he said was true. She was still adjusting to the idea of a baby, yet Aurélie knew what she wanted for it: love, security and a bright future.

There was just one problem. It might be the best for her child, but what about her?

She’d be the odd one out, accepted only because of her baby. She’d never fit in.

But you’re used to not belonging, aren’t you?

The memory of how disposable she’d been to her own family scoured deep, like sharp fingernails drawing blood.

She couldn’t expect to find love in such a marriage. Lucien only considered it for the sake of the baby.

Her mouth turned down and she wrapped her arms around herself, holding in the sadness welling up in her.

‘I won’t be railroaded.’

Lucien watched her with narrowed eyes. Aurélie had the feeling he read her fears and doubts. She prayed he had no idea how vulnerable she was to his arguments.

Of course he knows! You were about to have sex with him.

‘Did I mention you could still do your psychology degree here in Vallort?’

Aurélie’s eyes widened. ‘There’d be no time. Not with royal duties and a baby.’ Yet her heart beat faster at the idea.

‘We’ll carve out time since it’s important to you.’

Lucien made it sound so simple. Maybe, with his help, it could be, lots of work and challenging, but achievable.

Did he realise how he tempted her?

‘I need time to think.’

‘Of course. Your luggage has been brought in. You’ll stay as my guest till we agree.’

His tone made her shiver despite the room’s warmth. It was the way he saidagree, like a veiled threat, as if her one option was to change her mind and accept.

Aurélie told herself Lucien wasn’t a bully. But there was something in his stance, and the implacable glitter of his eyes, that made him look not like a modern man but a warrior of old. The sort who might have defended this castle wearing a suit of armour and wielding one of those long battle swords she’d seen downstairs.

‘And if I prefer to stay in the city?’

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