Page 86 of The English Queen

She shook her head. “You’re terrible.”

“You love it.”

It was true.

“I have participated in what was technically an extramarital affair but still, your moral lapse surprises me.”

“Why?”

“Because you are usually such a good boy.”

“Not when it comes to you. Not with you.”

Beth shook her head as he leaned to kiss her.

Louis hopped up. “I’m going to grab another beer. You want one?”

“Yes, please,” Beth replied.

Her eyes fanned out onto the horizon as the yacht floated gently. Beth was happy. She and Louis were gone eleven days now, but Beth wanted to stay forever. It was magical. After weeks of little alone time, here they were. The wedding was credited new patriotism. Beth suspected this was merely talk but remained proud of Louis for his deliberate change in the house name. It also impressed Beth’s family who were chuffed to see their name on the Belgian house’s placard.

Louis returned with two beers and sat.

Beth took a beer. “Thank you, darling.”

“We should do this once a year,” Louis said.

“I am never going to say no. Yacht trip annually. Yes.”

“Do you still get to use it, though?”

“The Crown doesn’t own it. This is my mother’s private property. It will be Robbie’s.”

“It’s spectacular.”

Beth shook her head. “We’re not buying a yacht. We are buying a chateau.”

“We own Chateaus—multiple ones.”

“Louis, you love Paris. I love Paris. It is my favourite city. We will visit. And Marta deserves a nicer place than that town home.”

“I blame Vanora’s mother for all of this. Had you girls not seen her palatial lodgings, no one would have cared.”

“We grew up in castles. We realised how nice a place could look in Paris and not too far from where we were planted. God, I am spoiled. I know quite well I am.”

“You and Marta will be the death of me combined.” Louis chuckled.

“Why us?”

“You two are the most babied and spoiled children of both families. Father never found fault in a single thing Marta ever did. We all adored her. She was this little angel. And after speaking to your entire family at length for many months, I know you were raised the same way.”

“I am offended by this allegation, Louis!”

“Oh, stop it! You know I am right.”

“How so?”

“You are your father’s favourite,” Louis said.

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