by Nikki Steele
We’d collected Baxter and were now walking through the castle gardens. This was where Baxter had dug up the Star of Succession. When we’d found the hole he dug last night, we’d found the rest of the amulet too. It had been right at the base of the big old oak tree. A short distance from where his father had passed away.
“… after the fertility testing, of course.”
I turned sharply to him. “What?”
“Have you been paying attention to anything at all these last 15 minutes?”
I shook my head. “Sorry. My mind was on other things. What was that you were saying—about tests?”
He laughed. “It’s not as bad as it sounds. Before a couple are married, in a monarchy, it’s standard practice for the woman to undergo tests to see if she’s fertile—so the country can be assured she is capable of offspring to continue the royal line.”
“And if she isn’t?” I asked suspiciously.
He had a twinkle in his eye. “I’m allowed a concubine?”
“Don’t you even.”
He burst out laughing. “I wouldn’t. But to answer your question, if there were problems it would just mean we could get early access to help—In Vitro, that sort of thing.”
We were walking past a bench in the Japanese part of the garden. Baxter was busy digging something up right beside it. “Do you mind if we stop for a minute?” I asked.
“Not at all. Are you unwell?”
I sat down on the bench, Xander joining me. I’d been so tired lately. Baxter looked up from his hole and trotted to me, then very carefully leapt into my lap. He sniffed my belly, before laying his head against it.
He’d been acting funny all morning. I thought I knew why. “I don’t think we’re going to need that fertility testing,” I said with a smile.
Xander looked at me, confused. “Why not?”
I looked down to my belly meaningfully, then back up at him.
He cocked his head. And then his eyes widened, and his face broke into a huge, excited smile.
-FIN-
Author’s Note
Thanks for reading my Puppy & the Prince series! Woo boy did I enjoy writing this. Baxter was just so much fun to write—he evolved into so much more than a cute little sidekick over the course of the series. I felt like he was sitting beside me while I worked, just waiting for me to lean down and tickle him behind the ears. And then of course there was sexy Xander… who wouldn’t want to bump into someone like that?
If you have enjoyed my work, you may also wish to consider reading some of my other collections, including my series about a woman working for a Billionaire, and a librarian who meets a sexy stranger during a snow storm.
Alternately, the first books in both series are free if you sign up for my newsletter! You can do so at www.nightvisionbooks.com/nikki-steele.
Regards,
Nikki
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Further Reading
Books by Nikki Steele
I write about strong female characters that are independent and opinionated. I hope you enjoy my books! (Sign up for my newsletter at www.nightvisionbooks.com/nikki-steele).
The Servicing the Billionaire Box Set
Anna is sexy, curvaceous and desperate for money. Jacob is the handsome billionaire that could make all her dreams come true.
There's just one problem—Anna's love isn't for sale. She needs the money, and he has it, but it's also the one thing that's keeping them apart.
As passion makes the lines between work and play start to blur, Anna must ask herself – can she hold back, or will she allow her body's desires to take over?
Buy now on Amazon.
The Books & Billionaires Box Set
They meet in a library during a snowstorm, and by the end of the night have found passion in each other’s arms. But Booker has a secret—one that threatens to turn Clara’s life upside down.
It would be better for her if she never saw him again, but Booker won’t take no for an answer. And he’s rich, sexy and willing to do whatever it takes to get his way…
Buy now on Amazon.
The Billionaire and the Best Friend Box Set
When Tiffany's best friend sends her on a blind date with a handsome Billionaire, she thinks all her dreams have come true. He’s her very own Christian Grey, complete with kinky dark side to boot.
But there’s a difference between fiction and real life; sometimes what you fantasize about isn't what you want in reality. When his kinks become too much, will she be brave enough to walk away?
And then there’s the best friend. There’s something stirring there—but if she acts on it, it could just ruin everything.
This series has a stronger focus on BDSM than some of my other works. You can buy it now on Amazon.
The Puppy & the Prince series
The only good man in Kate’s life is her precocious puppy Baxter. That is until Baxter brings her together with a handsome stranger.
His name is Xander, and he has a mysterious, regal air. Kate’s hooked, but there’s just one little problem. Xander is from Europe, and he’ll be returning there soon.
Oh, yes. And he’s a prince—did he forget to mention that?
The Puppy & the Prince
The Puppy & the Damsel
The Puppy & the Queen
The Puppy & the Crown
You can sign up for my newsletter at www.nightvisionbooks.com/nikki-steele.
You can find all of my books on Amazon at amazon.com/author/nikkisteele. I’d love a review!
Found a spelling mistake? Something not formatting correctly on your kindle? These things happen – let me know at [email protected]. I’ll fix it, and send you my next book for free as thanks!