Page 101 of Scandal Queen

“So my question.”

“Yes?” My stomach knotted.

“You really are anti-babies. Why is that?”

I froze. “Why do you keep bringing it up?”

His hands started smoothing down my hair again. “I guess I’m just interested why the idea seems awful to you.”

“It’s not awful, Ollie. And believe me I’m one hundred percent enjoying the practising that’s taking place, but we haven’t been together long. I don’t want to rush things.”

“But you agreed to marry me. I can’t see the difference.”

I paused and tried to dig deep and find the right words; ones that wouldn’t offend, but would explain it just right—but this is me and the wrong words frequently came out first.

“I just want to do things right. For you, for me, for Daisy.”

“Hmm.”

He stared at the ceiling. “Hmm what?” I asked.

He turned but the anger I feared in his eyes didn’t exist. His gaze, the green shadowed dark in the dim light of the bedroom, burned bright. “For a while there I was worried it might be the pressure of having a royal baby putting you off.”

“I’m sorry, is there a difference between a royal baby and a normal screaming one that wants your attention twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week?”

“Ah, now I’ve heard royal babies are very easy. Too easy, they almost don’t cry. In fact, they are so easy, they come in pairs a lot of the time.” His smile grew dangerous.

“Twins?”

“Just thought I’d drop it in there. Mother’s side is rife with them.”

“Well now you’re really selling it.”

He chuckled and lifted me up to kiss me on the lips. “I just want everything with you, Leia. Everything. Every part of you and me, tied together always.”

“And you will. But let’s do it right. Ollie, I don’t want you to fight with your father. I might not agree with his ways, but there has got to be a better way to deal with the situation.”

He nodded and pecked another kiss on my mouth. “Okay. Let’s get through tomorrow and then we can try to mend some bridges.”

“Before they burn down?” I pushed.

“Who would have thought the person who doesn’t like poncy people would end up trying to keep the royals together?”

I snuggled into his side, laughing to myself.

“Maybe I didn’t expect poncy people to be like you.”

“They aren’t.” He kissed the top of my head. “Right, let’s sleep, Daisy will be up early.”

“I’m worried Father Christmas won’t know where to find her.” I nudged his side and pointed to where she fidgeted on the floor. Cheeky minx had been eavesdropping.

“I tried to put a call in, but the elf on the phone sounded like he’d had too much eggnog.”

I smothered my mouth with my hand as an audible gasp lifted from the Daisy shape under the duvet.

“It will be a Christmas miracle then.”

Ollie rocked with laughter under me. “Night, Princess Leia.”