interesting. I was actually wondering about that.”
“I’m glad to know the heir to the throne stays up at night wondering about baby’s pee while in utero.”
He shrugs. “What can I say? I’m a pretty complicated guy.”
“You’ve got that right.” I run my hand through his hair and muss it up. “What else did you learn?”
“That your uterus can press more weight than some bodybuilders.”
“Really?”
“Yup. Apparently, the force of your contractions can equal up to 180 kilograms per square foot.”
“And in U.S. terms, what’s 180 kilograms?”
He scrunches his brows, doing the math in his head. “A little less than 400 pounds.”
“Wow. My vagina deserves a medal.”
His lips lift in a playful smirk. “Damn straight it does. Or maybe an award in the shape of my cock.”
When he thrusts against me, I swat him, trying to fight my smile. It’s impossible, though, especially when he turns into the flirt he is now.
“Okay then. What else did you learn?”
His eyes darken as he brushes a finger against my nipple, then squeezes. It instantly hardens, sparks shooting through me. “In the third trimester, nipple stimulation can bring on labor.” He pushes me onto my back, covering a nipple with his mouth as he continues to tease the other one. “So, when you’re on the cusp of popping from carrying our baby for forty weeks, I’m your guy.” He circles my pert bud. “Hell, I’m your guy now.”
I close my eyes, basking in the sensation. That’s all it takes for my libido to put out her cigarette and jump back into the fray, ready for round two. Or is it three?
When he slips a finger back inside me, his mouth still on my chest, I murmur, “I think I can get on board with that.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Anderson
The scent of baby powder and lavender surrounds me as I approach the gardens near the edge of my estate. I could be blind and still know Nora’s out here. Thankfully I’m not. I may eventually need help walking, but at least I have my eyesight.
At least I’ll always be able to appreciate Nora’s beauty.
And right now, as she sits in a lounge chair, the sun warming her milky skin, a pile of letters stacked on the table beside her, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so beautiful. Because she’s also finally found her peace.
Found her place in this world.
Over the past few weeks, things have turned around quite a bit, especially for Nora. No longer is she kept out of the spotlight for fear she’ll do something wrong.
Since I informed the palace PR team that I planned to do things my way from now on, the country has finally gotten a chance to know their future queen. During our public appearances together, Nora absolutely shines.
Not only is she the picture of poise and grace, but she also takes time to talk to people. And not just about approved topics. Nora engages in meaningful conversations, a gift that continues to marvel me every day.
But what really endeared her to the people of this country, as well as across the world, was the day we visited a pediatric oncology wing. Despite having another engagement immediately after, she insisted on staying to play dress-up with a few of the younger patients. Suffice it to say, the media remained behind to cover that story instead of a photo op I had to attend with my father and a few foreign dignitaries. Now, the press is much more interested in the future crown princess’ public appearances than anyone else’s.
The royal household hates it.
I love it.
Once I stopped blindly following their advice simply because that was the way things had always been done, Nora began to soar, a caged bird no more.
The people adore her, as evidenced by the hundreds upon hundreds of letters she receives every day not only from people in Belmont, but around the world. Little girls who see a real-life fairytale coming true. School-aged children who wish her good luck on her upcoming wedding. Even some older women who have also suffered a pregnancy loss, thanking her for bringing light to miscarriage and stillbirth, something that continues to carry a stigma, as ridiculous as that sounds.
“I know you’re standing there watching me like a creeper,” she says, her eyes remaining focused on the palace stationary as she responds to another piece of fan mail, as I call it.
Although the royal household hates that term. Hates the idea that Nora was able to accumulate adoring fans, despite all their efforts to