Page 65 of Expecting Royal Twins!
That was his fault. His trying to distance himself from her was finally working. At first she wouldn’t let him push her away, but lately she no longer seemed to care if they talked or remained silent. Except when they were having sex. Then everything between them worked perfectly. If not for the security detail watching from shore, he would take her now. “You’re not very talkative today.”
Isabel shrugged. “We only have a couple of days left here.”
A bird flew overhead. Somewhere nearby a frog croaked.
The smell of freshly mowed grass from the lush lawns bordering the lake hung in the air, but Niko would rather inhale her vanilla and jasmine scent. “It’s too bad we can’t stay longer.”
She perked up. “Really?”
“Yes.” He wasn’t sure about marriage yet, but he liked being on a honeymoon and spending time with her. “I haven’t relaxed this much since…I can’t remember when.”
Her shoulders sagged again. “Me, either.”
He didn’t like seeing her this way. “You don’t look relaxed.”
“I’m worried about what things will be like after we leave.”
Niko could kiss away her worry, but he wanted to be honest with her. “Things will be different when we return home.”
She trailed the tips of fingers in the water. “No more great sex?”
“I promise the great sex will continue no matter where we are.” He shook the rowboat. “This seems sturdy enough.”
Isabel gave him a resigned smile, but he saw no invitation in her eyes.
“Once we are back, we won’t spend the same amount of time together as we have here.” An unexpected look of relief crossed her features. A look Niko didn’t understand nor like. “You’ll be expected to assume your role as a princess of Vernonia.”
“Right away?”
“How does tomorrow sound?” Perhaps if Isabel had something more to do she would be happier. “Regional officials have requested our presence at a village celebration. This will be a perfect introduction to the duties you’ll have when we return home.”
She shook her head. “We’re on…vacation.”
“Yes, but they only want us to participate in the parade. It shouldn’t take long.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
“All you have to do is smile and wave. The parade will be an excellent way for people who remember your parents to see you as their princess.”
She wrung her hands. “What if I fall on my face?”
“You’ll be sitting in a carriage.”
Isabel stuck out her tongue at him.
He grinned, relieved her playfulness had returned. “If you fall, I’ll catch you.”
She stared at him with an unreadable expression in her beautiful eyes. He wished they would twinkle the way they had earlier in the week. “I guess it would be okay.”
He’d hoped for more enthusiasm, but at least she was taking her place as a Vernonian princess seriously. That pleased him. “Thank you, Isabel.”
Her gaze grew serious. “Is this what my life will be like when we return? Parades and whatnot?”
“You will be expected to take a public role making appearances, going on outings, attending openings. You’ll get used to the routine after a few times.”
Her gaze cut away. “Sounds like a lot of fluff. Princess waving and cutting ribbons.”
She made the tasks sound so trivial. “There is some fluff involved, but participating in events is expected by the people and an important part of our duties.”
“Duty or not, I’m not a fluff person,” she said. “I prefer to do a task. Help people. Accomplish something. That’s one reason I like being a mechanic.”
“What’s another reason?”
“Cars are awesome.” She splashed him. “Which you would know if you ever drove one instead of being chauffeured around all the time.”
Niko splashed her back. He’d missed this side of their relationship. He might not want things too serious between them, but that didn’t have to take away all their fun. “You will be able to accomplish many things and help people with your solo agenda.”
