“I don’t want to do it, Olivia.”
“I know you don’t, but this is the reality, Quincy. You’re a prince, I’m the soon-to-be-princess, and we’re going to be siblings. That’s how it is.”
He rubbed a hand over his face, and she could tell he wanted nothing more than to fight everything that was happening, but she was not going to let him do that. He had a duty to his country, and she couldn’t stand in the way of that. As hard as it was for her to let it go—let him go—she had to do it. Tears pricked her eyes, and she wiped them away, hoping he didn’t see them, but he’d already scooted over to her and picked her up to hold her on his lap.
Quincy held her as she cried against his shoulder. Why did it have to hurt this much to think of what her time left here was going to be like without him? Why had they gone through all of this in the first place if it just had to end?
When the tears finally stopped and she thought maybe she could face tomorrow without Quincy with her, she started to get to her feet. He got up with her and picked her up. She should’ve protested, but his arms were warm and protective around her, so she let him carry her to bed. Once she was tucked in, he kissed her one final time.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Princess Olivia,” he said quietly.
“Goodnight, Prince Quincy,” she replied and watched him leave her rooms. When the doors closed behind him and she was left in her cold, empty bed alone, the tears came again. She curled up in a ball and let them come, knowing that tomorrow, she had to put on a brave face. No one could know her heart was broken.
No one could know she had fallen in love with the prince.
***
Olivia spent the next few days recovering from her island bug and preparing to start courting Edric officially. Her mom stopped by every day to check on her and make sure she was okay. She was thrilled to find Olivia was interested in Edric.
“Can you imagine if you and he were to get married, too?” Melinda said that afternoon. “You could be here with me and we could really enjoy this new life together. Queen and princess, who would’ve thought?”
For her mom’s sake, she smiled. “Yeah, it’s pretty awesome, Mom, can’t lie about that.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling better? You seem down lately.”
Olivia put her feet up on the balcony railing and glanced at the paintings around her. She found the one to her left of the private cove and the couple making love. Her mother had seen it the day before and exclaimed how beautiful it was, so raw and natural and filled with love. If only her mom knew who that was supposed to be.
“Yeah, I guess I’m just missing home lately. We’ve been gone for over two months now.”
Melinda took Olivia’s hand and held it. “I thought that might be the reason, so I have a surprise for you.”
“What?”
“Just a second,” she said and got up, hurrying through Olivia’s rooms. “Come on in.”
Olivia turned around and squealed when she saw Helen standing in her room. “How did you get here? Oh my God!” She hugged her friend tightly to her as they laughed and nearly fell over. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Your mom said you’d been a little off lately,” she said. “I can’t wait to see this place. It looks incredible!”
“I’ll leave you two for now,” Melinda smiled. “See you both at dinner—and Olivia, Edric will be there.” Melinda hugged her daughter and Helen together, humming as she left, probably thinking about a future wedding involving Olivia and Edric.
“God, I’m so happy you’re here. You have no idea.”
“I’m happy to be here. Who’s this Edric your mom mentioned? Is he cute?”
“He has some good qualities,” she said as she walked Helen to the balcony. “Want some wine? I have a new favorite I gotta share with you.” She felt Helen staring at her intently and glanced up. “What?”
“Olivia, I’ve known you for a long-ass time, and I know when something’s bothering you.”
“I’m fine, living the dream out here as a future princess,” she said tightly. “Absolutely nothing wrong…” She trailed off as her stomach roiled again, and she frowned. A minute later, she was in the bathroom, hugging the toilet, when a horrible realization hit her and she broke down in tears.
Helen held her friend as she babbled through her tears. Helen’s eyes widened. “Wait, what did you just say?”
Olivia took a deep breath and let it out as she looked at her friend. “I think I’m pregnant.”
***