Page 56 of Pregnant With His Majesty's Heir

Aurélie drew in a slow breath. ‘What did you want to tell me?’

‘You’ll have two more visitors this afternoon.’ His tone was unreadable and for some reason that was worse than hearing anger or disappointment. ‘A stylist will visit straight after lunch with a selection of clothes for you to choose from. I want you to feel comfortable that you have something appropriate for any occasion.’

Aurélie was about to object, then stopped. He was right. She had only a handful of outfits here. Even if she had access to all her clothes she had nothing suitable to wear in royal circles.

‘No complaints?’

Her mouth twisted ruefully. ‘You know me too well.’

‘I know you’re independent and you don’t like being beholden, but—’

‘It’s okay, Lucien. I can see the wisdom of having the right clothes.’

Though accepting them felt a step closer to the future that felt so unreal. She’d already agreed, yet she baulked at the idea. Surely his people would never accept her. Aurélie bit her lip and dragged her gaze from the city in the distance to the calming green of the forest.

‘And the other thing you’ve arranged?’

If it was deportment classes she’d just have to grin and bear it.

‘You have a half hour lesson at five-thirty with a piano tutor.’

‘Sorry?’ She couldn’t have heard right.

‘You said you’d always wanted to learn the piano.’ He paused and when he spoke again his voice dragged low across her senses. ‘I thought it might make the crash course on being a royal easier if you had something fun to look forward to, like music lessons.’

Aurélie opened her mouth then closed it again. She blinked as the forest greens blurred.

‘I...’ She swallowed hard, a sharp knot of emotion scraping her throat then raking down into her chest. ‘Thank you, Lucien, that’s...’ Her throat closed again.

‘Aurélie?’ His voice sharpened. ‘I thought you’d be happy.’

She pressed a hand to her breastbone, trying to hold in the riot of feelings. Her heart hammered and her chest felt too full.

‘I am...happy. Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.’ She swallowed. ‘I need to go now. Sorry.’

Disconnecting the call, she leaned against the doorway, overwhelmed. Hadn’t she known from the first that Lucien made her feel too much?

This confirmed it. His gift of piano lessons was thoughtful and well meant. It was the nicest thing anyone had done for her in...well, as long as she could recall. Not since her mother had anyone taken time to do anything special for her.

The fact that Lucien remembered her desire to play the piano, that he’d thought about it in the midst of the pressures he faced and then acted on it, because he wanted to make her happy...

Beneath her palm her heart thundered.

Through the tall trees, beams of sunlight shone; she was transfixed by their brightness.

That was how she felt inside. Burning bright.

Because she couldn’t pretend any longer. She’d fallen in love with Lucien. His kindness as much as his passion undid her.

Somehow she had to work out a way to marry him, have his baby and live with him, play the part of his Queen, and never betray her feelings for him.

‘His Majesty said you like bright colours,’ the stylist said, smiling, as she wheeled in several racks of clothes.

Which proved again that Lucien paid attention. Aurélie’s heart gave a fluttery thump, like it had when he’d told her about the piano lessons. Ridiculous to feel wobbly inside. Simply because he’d noticedher, thought about her preferences.

It made her feelcared for. Something she wasn’t used to.

Aurélie loved colour, including some yellows and deep pinks that redheads were supposedly not meant to wear. Yet she was surprised he’d paid attention. Or surprised he’d remembered to mention the fact. She’d imagined him telling his secretary to make sure she had suitable clothes and then turning back to other business.

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