The crowd cheered accordingly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted how Allan and Cillian shared a look. I sat a little straighter.
“I introduce the future king of Aldayne,” she said offering a toast to Auggie as he stood.
The room filled with applause, but all I could feel was the deadly hatred coming from the Byrnes.
“Thank you,” Auggie greeted the crowd. “It has been an amazing year for me personally. To count my blessings now would be impossible, as impossible as those blessings would be had it not been for my beautiful wife, Peaches.” He turned their attention towards me with a smile. I plastered a gracious smile on my face and offered nods to acknowledge their applause. “They call our romance a fairy tale, but my real life started the day I met you. I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together, with you standing at my side as my queen.”
“Hear, hear!” people in the audience called. “Speech! Speech!”
Though technically I was not on the royal clock in my royal duties, I had prepared to speak at the Gala.
I had to. It was being thrown in our honor.
I rose to my feet. I felt Cillian’s eyes on me, waiting for me to fail. I cleared my throat a little. “Her Majesty is right. There are many things for which I am grateful. I met and married the man of my dreams. I just gave birth to our beautiful, perfect son. My family was able to come with me to this beautiful country, so that we could all begin this amazing new chapter together, like family should.”
My eyes fell on my grandparents. “It’s a McPhee tradition to take care of each other. My whole life, my parents taught my siblings and me that it is our duty to take care of others. When you have blessings, you pay it forward. You serve. It is only fitting that my soul’s mate comes from a family where that is their solemn oath; in honor we serve. Because of this, it is our distinct pleasure to share this new holiday with all the people of Aldayne, especially those not in this room tonight. Thanks to your generosity attending this gala, we have raised over a quarter of a million ivories to share with our fellow countrymen and women, which will directly fund the aids and services to our most vulnerable Aldayneans as we head into this holiday season.”
They clapped and cheered accordingly.
I held up my glass. “To Jackson Roan,” I toasted. “And to Aldayne!”
The Aldaynean anthem began to play, which brought everyone to their feet to sing directly to their queen. When we were through, I sat next to Auggie, relieved my part was over. I spotted Cillian out of the corner of my eye, turning my head begrudgingly.
He nodded his head towards me and lifted his glass.
Auggie missed nothing. I could tell by the way he drained his own glass. This didn’t bode well for the rest of the evening.
Dinner began in earnest, another seven-course meal that left me stuffed and bloated by the time we were served the official Aldaynean plum pudding, covered in a hard brandy sauce and topped with sugared auberries. This signified the official start of Christmas in Aldayne.
After dinner, we headed for the ballroom, which was already set up in gold and purple Christmas decorations. A live band played Christmas standards. Auggie took me by the hand to lead me to the dance floor for I’ll Be Home for Christmas. He sang in my ear as we danced close.
“You did amazing,” he said against my ear.
I shook my head. “Mom, Fern and your royals did amazing. I just gave a speech.”
His eyes met mine. “You did more than that, my love.” He bent for a kiss, though I could feel the Queen’s disapproval from across the ballroom, particularly when he deepened the kiss.
I pulled away. “Auggie,” I started.
He just held me closer. “They can take many things away from me,” he swore softly, “but they will never take away my right to kiss my wife.”
“You’ve been drinking,” I pointed out.
“I’m drunk on you,” he growled into my ear as he spun me around.
My dance card was full after that, with plenty of requests I dared not deny, even if one came from Caz Bixby.
“You know it’s inappropriate your coming here,” I told him. “You’re a boy toy at best.”
He chuckled. “That sentence is in the wrong order, Highness. I’m the best boy toy. There’s a difference.”
I shook my head. “You’re shameless.”
“What’s the point of shame if you’re not doing anything wrong?”
“You have sex for money.”
“Is it a crime to bring women pleasure?” he countered.
“Last I checked, yes,” I quipped. “It’s still prostitution.”
Again, he chuckled. “Who says that’s what they’re paying for, Highness? Officially, all they are paying for is time. What we do in that time is completely off the record.”
“I just bet.”
“I used to be a trainer, you know.” He held me closer. “I could help you get your pre-baby body back in six weeks.”
“What if I don’t want it back?” I challenged. “My husband likes me exactly the way that I am.”
Those amber eyes twinkled. “Then we can find other ways to fill the time.”
“I’m married, you asshole.”
“My, my, Highness. Such a dirty mind. The House of Quinn might be even freakier than the House of Byrne. And I didn’t think that was possible.”
“Ah, that’s it,” I decided. “That’s your angle.”
“I don’t have an angle, Highness. I’m just here for show. Every time Her Majesty invites Viv to make a command performance, she punishes her by inviting completely inappropriate dates.”
“They don’t get more inappropriate than you,” I granted.
“True story,” he grinned.
“So, why pester me?”
He spun me around. “Because you’re a tasty American morsel on someone else’s plate. Can’t blame a guy for wanting a taste.”
“Too far,” I glared.
He laughed. “Fair enough, Highness. I won’t shit on your happily ever after. Too many in the Byrne camp are itching to do just that.”
My eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”
“It means you have an ally in an enemy camp. You might think twice about how mean you want to be to me. I am in the distinct position to help you if and when the need arises.”
I arched an eyebrow. “For what rate?”
He leaned forward. “First taste is always free, Highness.” He lifted my hand for another kiss before he left me high and dry on the dance floor. I turned around right to Allan, who held up his arms for a dance.
He was free because his wife was already dancing with Auggie across the room.
I practically growled to myself as I marched stiffly from the dance floor. I kept walking till I exited onto the somewhat secluded terrace outside. I didn’t stop till I reached the railing overlooking Queen’s Quay. It was there Dr. Hamish found me.
“How are you feeling, Pea?” she asked.
I covered any annoyances or frustrations with a royal smile. “Very well,” I told her. “Thank you. And thank you for coming to our gala,” I added. “Of all the things for which we are grateful, your help with Jack is tops on that list.”
She smiled. “It was my pleasure, Your Grace,” she said with due reverence. “And how’s our little prince doing?”
That brought forth a more genuine smile. “He’s perfect. Holding full conversations already. He might graduate college soon,” I added with a wink.
She chuckled. “I knew when I delivered him that he would be a special chap. I can’t wait to see the both of you at your next appointment in a couple of weeks.” She hesitated slightly. “There are some things we should probably discuss.”
My brow furrowed. “Is there something wrong?”
She shook her head. “Not wrong, exactly.” She waved her hand dismissively. “The rumor mill is abuzz with something the Duke said earlier, regarding more children. I just thought we should discuss timelines if that is what you are plan
ning.”
I nodded. “We do want a large family. The both of us,” I added, just so she could rest assured Auggie wasn’t pushing me to do something I wasn’t ready for, if that was her concern.
“Of course,” she likewise clarified. “But still, there are biological aspects to take into consideration.”
“What do you mean?”
“The current recommendations are to wait at least twelve to eighteen months between pregnancies. Your chance to deliver prematurely increases with any less.”
I hadn’t thought of that. My siblings and I were stacked on top of each other, but as I did the math, I realized that there was generally about a year and a half to two years in between our births. “I see,” I said at last, my spirit deflating somewhat. I wasn’t sure how I was going to break the news to Auggie, who was so eager and excited for Baby Number Two.
She patted my arm. “We can chat more at your appointment,” she assured. “You should get inside. You don’t want to invite a cold.”
I nodded but made no motion to move from my spot. Instead my gaze drifted back out over the water as I thought about her advice. Given she was my doctor, I knew it was best to follow it. I just had to figure out how to tell Auggie.
I held my arms to fend off the chill coming off the water. I stood there staring into the inky blackness of forever till my teeth chattered.
When a coat covered my shoulders, I assumed it was my husband.
I should have known better.
“You’ll catch your death out here,” Cillian said, his low voice both seductive and threatening.
I wanted to toss off his coat, but I could barely move, I was so chilled to the bone. In more ways than one. “Why can’t you leave me alone?”
“Because we’re family, Cuz,” he smirked. “And I couldn’t wait to speak to you alone.” His eyes fell to my exposed cleavage, which was even fuller now thanks to the breastfeeding. Unconsciously, I drew his coat over my bare flesh covered with goose pimples, though whether it was from the cold or his stare, I couldn’t be sure.
“You’ve made it clear you find me disgusting,” I sneered. “What’s the point of getting me alone?”
He shrugged. “Things have changed now that you’re no longer pregnant. Now those curves make sense.” He stepped forward. I stepped back. “I figure, the way Auggie is talking about baby number two, I better take whatever chance I can get to chat with a beautiful woman before her husband chains her to the palace, barefoot and pregnant for the foreseeable future.”
I scoffed. “Don’t act like you care.”
“Oh, I do care,” he corrected. “And you should, too. Quite a bit. Especially when it comes to Jack.”
I glared at him. “What does that mean?”
“Haven’t you asked yourself why he’s so anxious to get to baby number two?”
I turned away. “He wants a big family. As do I.”
He shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe the future king wants to make sure he has a legitimate heir.”
I swung back to face him. “Jack is legitimate!”
“So, you say,” he conceded. “But you know what they say when it comes to issue. An heir and a spare.”
He used that speechless moment to step closer.
“Take it from me. If anything happens to Jack, you’ll be glad to have some options.”
My hands curled into hard fists, ready to strike. “Is that a threat?”
His eyes hardened as he bent closer. “Just a word of warning. We live in a dangerous world. Anything can happen.” He stood so close I could feel his breath warm my frigid skin. “But do yourself a favor, Pea. Don’t let your new husband take him hunting.” The pain and anger in his eyes took my breath away. “See you at the christening, Your Grace.”
He shoved away from the railing and stalked back towards the palace.
Chapter Twenty-One
I was quick to head back inside after my encounter with Cillian. I needed to find Auggie and fast. I was relieved to find him likewise searching for me.
That lasted about ten seconds, long enough for me to say, “Thank God. We need to talk.”
His eyes narrowed as he studied me. “Fine idea. You first: Whose coat is that?”
I glanced down to find myself still wearing Cillian’s overcoat. My eyes met Auggie’s. “I can explain. Is there any place private in this infernal monstrosity?”
His mouth set in a tight line as he grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into the castle, winding down endless hallways until he finally opened the door to one of the many bedrooms. From the look of it, it appeared to be his own personal room, likely where he stayed before the wedding. He shut the door and turned to face me.
I ripped off the coat and tossed it on the floor. “It was Cillian. He cornered me again on the terrace.”
“Long enough to give you his coat to ward off any chill. What a gentleman,” Auggie sneered.
“Forget about that!” I snapped. “He’s threatened Jack.”
That stopped Auggie cold. “What?”
“He was fucking with me like always, making his little comments. He brought up how you were so anxious to have another baby. He said something about an heir and a spare.”
I watched rage slowly consume him as he digested the information. “What else did he say?”
I took a deep, trembling breath. “He said that I shouldn’t let you take Jack hunting.”
Auggie stumbled back a step. I kept going.
“We need to tell Maeve what’s going on. He can’t be allowed to the christening.”
Auggie walked over to the bed, plopping down. “You know that’s not how it works, Pea. They’re family.”
“They’re dangerous.”
“Any more dangerous than me?” he asked.
I went to his side. “You didn’t hurt anybody.”
“But I wanted to. The only thing that makes it okay is that another bullet found Benji first.” He placed his head in his hands. “And they know it.”
I made him look at me. “They don’t know anything, Auggie. If they did, you wouldn’t be in line for the throne. They’d use it against you. That’s what they do best.”
He lay back on the bed with a sigh. “I know you’re right.”
“But they can do harm, especially if they think that Jack poses a threat as your legitimate heir. Please. Let’s just talk to Maeve. See what she can do.”
He shook his head. “I’ve already had these conversations with her, Pea. Even before the wedding. In her mind, the protocol she must follow is tactical. Keep your enemies close and all that. Not to mention the Byrnes are one of the most influential families in Aldayne, one of the few who actually are on her side about keeping it sovereign.”
“Just because they think they’ll rule one day,” I clipped.
He sat up. “And one day they might.”
My breath caught. “What does that mean?”
“We can’t live like this, Pea. And we don’t have to. We can leave tomorrow. All of us. You. Me. Jack. All the McPhees. Go back to California. Go back to Ademar. Anywhere but here.” He took a ragged breath. “Why do you think my mother left, Pea? It’s a war we’ll never fully win.”
It was my turn to sigh. “We can’t just leave, Auggie. What about your grandmother? Your aunts? The Tremwells.” I thought about how high the stakes were. That was why I had said yes to all this in the first place.
Then, I remembered Caz’s offer. Keep your enemies close and all that, he had said.
“There might be another option.” His eyes met mine. “Caz Bixby.”
He launched off the bed like a missile. “No fucking way.” He grabbed Cillian’s coat off the floor and threw it across the room. “Why would you even suggest that?”
I stood. “He made it sound as though he could be an ally in enemy camp. In fact, those were his words exactly.”
“Whispered in your ear, no doubt,” he snapped.
I couldn’t deny it. “Then what do we do?”
He w
alked over to face me. “Cillian can never be alone with Jack. Or you.”
From his lips to God’s ears. “If you can guarantee that, it’d make me the happiest woman on the planet.”
He pulled me into his arms. “I thought I had already done that.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “In every way you possibly could,” I agreed. He kissed me. I let him.
He lifted me up and walked me towards the bed. “Then let’s have a dozen babies. Ensure a Quinn reign well into the next millennia.”
We fell together on the bed as he nuzzled my neck. As much as I wanted him, Dr. Hamish’s warning had given me pause. Plus, Cillian’s damnable voice echoed in my ear. “You know what they say when it comes to issue. An heir and a spare.” I pulled away.
“Don’t start something we can’t stop,” I advised. We still had three weeks to go. For once, I was glad.
He studied me for a long moment. “I guess we need to get back to the party,” he agreed in a strange, flat voice.
I was cold the minute he pulled away. He offered me his hand to help me up and we walked quietly back to the gala.
In my younger days I had toyed with the idea of becoming an actress. In Los Angeles, one of the entertainment capitals of the world, it was hard not to. I was in drama class from the time I was twelve, in more school plays than I could count. Eventually, though, my desire to play a part of anyone other than myself faded. Then I married a prince and had to play nice with duplicitous people waiting to cut me the minute my back was turned.
The Duke Takes a Bride (The Rocking Royal Trilogy Book 2) Page 21