Page 102 of The English Queen

“Beth, a few assholes in your home country are being shitheads. They are questioning things because it is paying their rent,” Louis said. “People here are concerned about your health.”

“I ruined that trip.”

“Daniel isn’t upset. Brigette is worried about your health in the most maternal way. It’s fine. Life happens. And when they found out the why of it, they could only be happy for us. I am sorry it has to be so hard for you.”

“It will get better, I’m sure. There was no notice. That makes me so frightened. I am terrified to go out and embarrass everyone.”

“Beth, I will never be embarrassed by this. You shouldn’t, either. You are strong. The thing is… you are a public figure. People look up to you. People want to be you. Despite all of your challenges, you have never let it slow you down.”

“It’s not like that. There is a point where I won’t be able to—”

“Beth, your father told me when you were born, they told you all of the things you couldn’t do. How many times have people told you that you couldn’t do something?”

“A lot,” Beth sniffled.

“And has it really stopped you?”

Beth shrugged and shook her head.

“What? You give up now? No. That’s impossible, Bethany!”

“This is different. I now must think about how a fall would affect me and the baby. What if I am seriously pregnant and fall over? Worse still, what if I am standing with the baby and I have a seizure? Will I ever be able to parent—”

“Let’s talk to someone about these worries. This wasn’t your normal before the pregnancy. You had gone ages without a seizure, Beth. And never one you didn’t see coming. I don’t believe for a second you are incompatible with parenting. I think you are bound to be a wonderful mother. This didn’t stop you from living alone or travelling the world. Nothing has ever stopped you.”

Beth nodded. “This will not be my Waterloo. But, Louis, let’s be realistic here.”

“We have experts. We should engage with them. I know it is far too early to say something, but what if you have another seizure? I want to be ahead of this and make these shitheads feel guilty.”

“How?”

“To tell them the why. To let everyone here have a happy moment. You will make everyone lose their minds—in the best way. Oh, Saint Bethany is here to save the line of succession.”

Beth chuckled. “Robbie is about to be named King. Let’s hold off until after that happens, okay?”

Louis kissed her. “Alright, but you will make many people happy. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to force you to eat, and we’re going to call Mama and tell her to calm the fuck down because she’s about to be a grandmother again. I’m putting my foot down.”

“Okay,” Beth agreed. “Might as well calm her down.”

?????

“Well, this is taking up all the air in the room either way,” Maggie groaned.

“Mum, Beth had a seizure live, on camera, in front of a press pool,” Duncan said, voice sharp. “Her seizure is the concern. Not Robbie’s stupid announcement. No offence, Robert, but—”

“No, you’re right,” Robbie agreed with his brother. “Mum, I know you wanted Beth here and this feels big but… she’s struggling and it’s best she stays in Wallonia with Louis.”

“Maybe he is being too overprotective if only to distract—”

“Louis isn’t being malicious,” Keir said, curtly. “Magpie, that boy doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He wouldn’t do that to us.”

“Well, why not?”

“Because it’s cuttin’ off yer nose to spite yer face, hen! We’re Beth’s family. Robbie is Beth’s brother. He would never risk offending Beth’s parents and siblings. What good would it do? Offend his child’s grandparents and uncle? Cause and awkward geopolitical nightmare? Feckin’ hell!”

“Well, she’s only a bit pregnant—”

“Oh, my GOD mother!” Duncan groaned, stood, and paced from, annoyance.

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