The Anti-Cinderella Conquers the World

by Tawdra Kandle

  Nicky grunted. “Makes me sound like an invalid. Won’t people wonder if there’s more going on than meets the eye?”

  “Sir, we think this is in the best interest of both you and the Duchess, as well as the continuing investigation.” It was clear that this verdict was final. “Now, if you have any concerns or questions about the increased security measures, please don’t hesitate to ask. And as always, if there is something that comes up, something that either of you remember or information that you receive, please let us know immediately. We want to end this threat. The sooner, the better.”

  “That felt like a colossal waste of time.” Nicky scowled as he pulled away from parking area at Kensington Palace. Normally, we would’ve walked to any meeting held here, but today’s weather was rainy and bitterly cold, so we’d opted to drive. It was a rare luxury to be in the car without our protection officers; the grounds of any royal palace were considered safe enough that we could be freer here.

  “I think they’re doing their best.” I sighed, slumping in my seat. “But it was exhausting, I’ll give you that.” I was quiet for a moment. “I didn’t even bring up the possibility of going to the states to see my family. I’d hoped to visit this spring, since we didn’t see them at the holidays at all. I suppose that’s out of the question.”

  “For now, yes.” Nicky’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. “Why don’t we invite them all over here, and you can have a little holiday at home? Play tourist.” He reached across for my hand. “As a matter of fact, I have a grand idea. We’ve been putting off visiting Cousin Anders to see about that estate.”

  “I haven’t been putting it off,” I interrupted archly. “I’m not the one who had to change plans every time we were supposed to go.”

  “I know. You’re right.” He raised my fingers to his lips and brushed a kiss over my knuckles. “But it was never intentional. Each time we were meant to go, I had to go work with Scotland Yard. They recommended that I should be taught basic defense maneuvers, given the nature of the threats they were receiving about me.” He gave a brief, humorless laugh. “As it turned out, they didn’t teach me how to outrun a bomb, and that was the one that nearly got me.”

  I shivered. “Let’s bring this discussion back to a more pleasant topic. You were talking about a grand idea that had to do with Cousin Anders and the house in East Anglia.”

  “Oh, yes.” Nicky smiled at me. “Why don’t we go this weekend? Since we’ve both been essentially grounded from duties further afield, this would be the perfect time to find a house and then get to work on it. If we’re able to figure out the details, then we could invite all of the Duncans over to help us settle in to our new digs—maybe in April or May. What do you think?”

  I waited until Nicky had stopped the car alongside our own cozy cottage, and then I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to face him, twining my arms around his neck.

  “I think your idea is brilliant, and you’re brilliant, and I’m brilliant for marrying you.” I kissed him once, hard on the mouth. “Let’s do it.”

  “By all means, yes, let’s do it.” Nicky’s eyes went dark with desire. “I don’t have any plans for the rest of the afternoon.”

  I swatted his shoulder. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Prince Nicholas. I meant, let’s arrange to go see Cousin Anders and then invite my clan over to help us christen the house.”

  “I was afraid that was what you meant, but then again, you can’t blame a guy for trying.” Nicky winked at me. “All right. Let’s go inside, and I’ll call Anders.”

  “Fabulous.” I climbed out of the car and waited until we’d both reached the front door before adding, “And then once you’ve made the call . . . maybe we can see about putting your mind back in the gutter.”

  He snickered and caught me by the hips, tugging me close against him. “I knew I could make you see things my way, Ky. I’m very persuasive, in case you haven’t noticed.”

  I snorted. “Oh, believe me, darling, I’ve noticed.” I pressed against him, giggling as I felt the evidence of his interest in my suggestion. “It’s hard not to notice.”

  “Then I’m doing something right.” He released me and opened our door, swatting me lightly on the backside as he added, “I’ll be about five minutes on the phone with Anders. If you’re in bed before I’m done, I’ll reward you.”

  With a breathless laugh, I took off for the steps, slowing only as I heard my husband call out the rest of his promise.

  “And if you’re naked in bed, extra points and extra reward.”

  I climbed the steps, answering him as I went.

  “Nicky, sweetheart, I do love your manner of motivation!”

  “MAMA, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE the house.” My phone in my hand as I curled on my side in the huge bed I shared with my husband, I smiled, eager to share about our new home with my mother. “It’s got acres of ground, and Nicky and I are already talking about what I can do with that—I’d like to use it for some really cutting-edge ideas when it comes to farming processes. It could eventually be a place where I could invite others in and demonstrate what we’re doing. The gardens nearer the house need some serious work, but again, that will be a labor of love.”

  “It sounds perfect for you both.” My mother’s pleasure was evident even over the phone. “But what about the actual house? Tell me about that.”

  “Oh, it’s lovely.” I rolled to my back. “Ten bedrooms, seven baths, a massive library and a very cozy reception room . . . and several sitting rooms, too. When you all come to stay, we’ll have tons of space.”

  “Well, the whole family is looking forward to it.” Mama sighed. “It feels like it’s been forever since we saw you, sweetie. And of course, we’ve been so worried about both you and Nicky.”

  “We’re okay, Mama, I promise.” A curious warmth spread over me, a mix of anticipation and excitement. “We’re more than just okay, actually. Things between us are better than ever . . . I mean, yeah, worrying about the stupid eco-terrorists isn’t exactly fun, but we’re together, and we’re dealing with it. I’ve never been happier in my life.”

  “That’s exactly what a mother wants to hear.” I heard a noise in the background, and then my mother spoke to someone else. “Sorry, Ky. Honey wants to speak with you briefly, and then we’ve got to go. We have a meeting in ten minutes, and we’re running late.”

  “No problem. Give Daddy and the girls my love . . . and email me as soon as you’ve worked out the travel arrangements, all right?”

  “Will do, sweetheart. Love to Nicky. Love you!”

  A moment later, my grandmother’s voice was on the other end of the phone. “Hello, sweetie! How’s everything in merry old England?”

  I laughed. “All is well, Honey. Mama will fill you in—she says you’re running late to a meeting. What can I do for you?”

  Honey adopted her business tone. “I wanted to ask you if Serena had any updates on that Rick Lester—the employee there in London the two of you had some misgivings about. We ran additional background checks on this end and didn’t come up with anything. His references and CV all checked out.”

  “Same here,” I admitted. “I spoke with Serena last week, and she said none of his subsequent work had given anyone cause to think he’s anything but a dedicated worker. I guess what happened was just coincidence—and maybe me being particularly paranoid.”

  “Your radar is usually spot on,” observed Honey. “And your father told me that it now seems that some of what seemed like random happenings may be linked to the terrorist group.”

  I sighed. “That’s true. Scotland Yard believes the vandalism at Lackett Nursery last year was the work of the eco-terrorists. These people seem to have a wider net of connections than any of us dreamed. It’s horrible to think about.”

  Honey made a noise of disgust in the back of her throat. “Horrid people. I’d like to have them in a room alone for about half an hour. I’d knock some sense into them.”

  I bit back a smi
le at the fierceness in my grandmother’s voice. “I know you would, Honey. I believe it.”

  “Well, if you don’t have any other news, I’d better go. Your mother keeps tapping her foot and raising her eyebrows at me. She reminds me of your grandfather.”

  “All right, Honey. I’ll definitely let you know if I hear anything else. Love you.”

  I dropped the phone onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. It was early evening, and the cottage was quiet. We’d both had engagements during the day, but we’d managed to make it home in time to share Chinese food from my favorite takeaway spot. While we’d eaten, Nicky had let me know that all the details had been finalized for our purchase of Chiswick Hall.

  After that, I had been so excited that Nicky had sent me upstairs to call my mother, knowing I’d never be able to settle down for the night without telling her. It was an exciting idea, that we’d be moving into our own home, a place that we could make into a private refuge of freedom and peace. I’d fallen head over heels in love with the estate when we’d gone to see it last weekend. I could envision living there with Nicky, both of us gardening, planting, entertaining on occasion . . . loving and laughing and raising those oodles of children we always joked about having.

  A smile curved my lips. Nicky was downstairs, catching up on email after he’d cleared away from our dinner. We had grand plans to snuggle in front of the fire and watch the next episode in the latest Dr. Who season, but it was possible that I had a little something else up my proverbial sleeve.

  Nicky’s eyes were glued to the screen of his laptop when I wandered down the steps into our small living room. I smiled a little as I noticed the fading tan on his neck, the last lingering reminder of our weeks on the island.

  Or maybe not.

  “Nicky.” I leaned against the newel post. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Mmmmm.” He didn’t look up, and his fingers continued to move over the keyboard.

  “You know how the papers write about all the quirky little things that the Queen doesn’t like to see or hear in her family?”

  He glanced at me, frowning. “Do they? Like what?”

  I flipped over one hand. “Oh, like that we should only wear light pink nail polish—”

  “Not true. Granny never says anything to me about my nail polish color choice.”

  “Very amusing.” I rolled my eyes. “I happen to know that one’s legit, because Alex told me. And stockings—the Queen feels the women in the Royal Family should wear pantyhose when dressed for engagements or social events.”

  My husband’s attention had returned to the computer. “Uh huh.”

  “Well, I wanted to ask you about one of her little idiosyncrasies in particular.” I tapped my fingers restlessly against my thigh.

  “Oh? Which one is that?” He reached for the mouse and moved it, his brow furrowing as he focused on the screen.

  “I read somewhere that the Queen doesn’t like the word pregnant. She prefers to say that women are in the family way.” I watched Nicky’s face closely.

  “Does she?” He lifted one shoulder. “Maybe. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed that. Not the sort of thing a grandson would pay attention to, I guess.”

  “Well, I’d like to know.” I pushed away from the steps and walked into the living room, pausing behind Nicky to rub a hand over his shoulder. “Because when we tell your grandmother that we’re having a baby, I want to make sure we do it in a way that won’t offend her.”

  For a moment, I wasn’t sure he’d heard me or understood the words I’d just spoken. He was so still, I thought perhaps he was tuning me out. And then his eyes widened as they lifted to meet mine, his lips parting slightly in shock.

  “Ky.” He breathed my name. “We—are we having a baby?”

  The moment was so fragile, so momentous, that I was nearly afraid to breathe. I nodded with the barest movement of my head.

  “Kyra.” Nicky swung around in his chair and gripped my hips, staring up at me. “Are you sure?”

  “As sure as I can be without seeing the doctor yet, but . . . yeah, three tests say I’m pretty damn certain.” I caught my bottom lip between my teeth. “Are you happy, Nicky?”

  He studied me. “Are you?”

  I nodded again, but this time, I was emphatic about it. “Oh, yeah. Yeah, I am.”

  The widest, most beautiful smile in the world spread over his face as he pulled me down onto his lap. “Then I am ecstatic. Ky . . . I can’t believe it. I mean, I know we weren’t actively not trying, but we never really talked about it. When did this happen?”

  “As far as I can figure, it was on our island trip. There must be something in the water down there.” I linked my fingers behind his neck. “Or maybe it was all the rest and relaxation and . . . I don’t know, just gratitude for second chances.”

  “Whatever did the trick, I’m not going to complain.” He swept my hair back away from my face. “I just can’t wrap my mind around it yet. When do you think—I mean, when should we expect it—her? Him?”

  “One or the other,” I laughed, nuzzling his neck. “I think in the fall, probably—maybe September? I’ll know more after I see the doctor. I figured I’d try to get there this week some time.”

  “Some time? How about tomorrow?” He leaned back to look at me, his face serious. “We need to make sure you’re all right. Healthy and all that. And the baby, too.” Wonderment lit his eyes. “Baby. It feels odd to say it.” His hand flattened on my middle. “Stranger still to think our little one is already right here, with us.”

  “I know. Odd for me, too. As for the doctor, if it will make you feel better, I’ll see if I can arrange to get in there tomorrow. Want to go with me?”

  “Damned right I do. We’ll change our schedule for tomorrow. I should call . . .” Nicky paused and gave his head a small shake. “Sorry. I’m jumping ahead of myself a bit, I guess.” He skimmed the back of his fingers over my cheek. “I guess we shouldn’t tell anyone until you’re a bit further along. And we won’t announce it until a little while after that.” A frown creased his brow.

  “What’s that about?” I trailed my fingertips over his forehead. “Why do you look worried now?”

  “Just thinking there’s now one more soul I have to think about protecting. It’s bad enough that every time you leave the house, I’m terrified. I don’t know what I’ll do when I have to think about another piece of my heart walking around out in the world.”

  Tears filled my eyes. “That’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard you say, Nicky, and you have left me speechless too many times to count.”

  “Hey, no crying.” Nicky swiped his thumbs under my eyes. “This is a happy time.”

  “Sorry.” I sniffled. “I think you might have to get used to this. From what I’ve read, pregnant women can be emotional. I’ll do my best not to become a weepy wimp, but I can’t make any promises.”

  “I’m not going to complain.” His fingers combed through my hair as he cradled my head. “I’m going to be the best, most supportive husband and father-to-be. Even if you have late-night cravings.”

  “Or months of morning sickness?” I grimaced. “I think my mom had that with me.”

  “For your sake, I hope it doesn’t happen that way. But yes, even if that’s the case.” He held me close, and for a few moments, we were both quiet. “I don’t want to make you anxious, sweetheart, but considering the people still out there who are targeting us, we should probably let our security officers know about this before anyone else. After all, you’ll need to make visits to the doctor’s office that aren’t on our normal schedule. They may need to run checks on the hospital and so on.”

  “All right.” I nodded, my head rubbing against Nicky’s shoulder. “I never dreamed that the first people I’d tell about my pregnancy would be Scotland Yard.”

  “You didn’t. You told me.” One of his hands slid down my back. “You know, Ky, you’re going to have to educate me about all of this process.
Pregnancy, childbirth—the whole thing.”

  “Ha!” I smiled. “You’re assuming I know anything. I mean, I sort of remember when my mother was pregnant with Bria, but I wasn’t old enough to know the details. And none of my friends have had babies. I’m feeling my way through new territory, too.”

  “Speaking of feeling our way . . .” He palmed my ass. “Are there any restrictions at this point in your pregnancy? Anything we shouldn’t do?”

  “Why, Prince Nicholas.” I tilted my head. “Whatever are you suggesting?”

  “I’m suggesting that there’s a particular appropriate way we could celebrate this news.” Nicky laid me back over his arm. “As long as it’s safe.”

  “I don’t think there’s any risk,” I murmured. “Unless you’re concerned that you’re not up to finishing the job.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Never. But now I guess I have something to prove.” He bent his head over mine and kissed me, his lips warm and persuasive as he got serious about that proving himself . . .

  Twice.

  “ARE YOU CERTAIN YOU’RE FEELING all right?”

  For the fourth time in the past hour, I turned to my husband, struggling to hold on to my patience. Outside the train window, the world rushed past. All I wanted to do was enjoy the scenery and a little bit of quiet during this trip to Wales with my husband, but he wasn’t getting the message, even though my responses were growing increasingly terse.

  “Yes, Nicky. I. Am. Fine.” I stared him in the eye now. “And if you don’t stop asking me that and hovering around me like I’m a grenade about to explode, I might scream. Or puke on your shoes.”

  His forehead knit together. “Are you feeling nauseated?”

  “No, Nicky. I’m not nauseated, I’m frustrated.” I glanced around us and lowered my voice. Her Majesty had kindly lent us the Royal Coach for this official trip, and so everyone in the car was either security or part of the Palace staff. Still, I didn’t think my condition was common knowledge even in the most inner royal circles, and I preferred to keep it that way for the time being. “I’ve been looking forward to this trip to Wales for weeks. May I remind you that it took us forever to get permission to go, even though everything has been calm and uneventful since last fall?”