Princess of Darkness (The Dark Prince #3)

by Autumn Winchester

  Summer knew talking Gabriel into being her OBGYN would never happen. He wanted to find someone that could do house calls, but with a town this small, it could possibly draw out their location too much. It wasn’t worth the risk, yet again.

  Although Gabriel was looking into a few doctors that were in town, just because it didn’t look like Summer would be able to go back home anytime soon. There was a good chance that she may never be able to, which didn’t make her happy one bit.

  ~oOo~

  “What do you mean?” Summer nearly shouted. She was pissed. No, pissed didn’t even cover what she was feeling at the news.

  She had expected to be able to return to Chase, back to her home she had grown accustomed to. This is why she was working so hard to overcome her fear of losing, and the chances of being killed at the hands of a monster.

  “Just that,” Sebastian said. He hated telling her this, but he didn’t have a choice. She had to know what was likely to happen. “I didn’t think it would go like this, but John is pulling out the big guns now. I’m not sure what he plans to do next. That right there is why you can’t go back as soon as I thought. Or at all, at this point.”

  “You can’t be serious!” this time, Summer did yell. A look of anger and shock covered her face.

  “Extremely,” Sebastian said, keeping his voice calm, although his authority was just beneath it. “If it wasn’t for that little one,” his eyes flickered at her stomach. “I’d let you go now. I’m not risking the Marcel Heir on this.”

  Summer’s shoulders sagged in defeat. She knew he was right. She’d never risk the baby either, but she missed Chase. Missed her home. Missed her sister.

  ~oOo~

  She sighed out once more, keeping her eyes on the TV that was before her. Fayth wasn’t even allowed to stop by, mostly because Sebastian feared she’d be followed here. Summer knew they were just trying to keep her safe, but this was just too much, even for her.

  “Calm down, Princess,” Sebastian said, peeling his eyes opened to look over at the girl. He was bored too, but he wasn’t signing every five minutes. He had spent the better part of a year being bored, as he faked his declining health.

  “I am calm,” Summer said through her teeth. Angry, but calm.

  “If you say so, 'figila',” he said, not believing her for a second. He could understand her emotions to an extent.

  She shot him a dark glare before standing and marching to the windows, looking outside. Sophie perked her head up, seeing what her owner was up to before letting it fall back to her feet on the floor.

  “When will Heidi and Gabriel be back?” Summer asked, her back still to Sebastian.

  “In a few days,” he shrugged. He really wasn’t sure. Gabriel hadn’t said when not even hinting at it.

  The two had gone back to the Marcel Estates, just to see what was going on. Gabriel was not happy about Chase coming out so soon when he was to be ‘dead’, and he was determined to let the Prince hear a few choice words on the matter.

  Summer demanded to know about Chase the moment they returned, and Gabriel promised to let her know. He was sure the Prince would want to know how she was in return anyhow. It was expected.

  “They’ve only been gone for two days, Grace,” Sebastian said with a yawn. It was barely just enough time to drive, speeding the entire way, to reach Michigan from here.

  He pushed himself up off the couch, then walked to where Summer stood with tense shoulders. He couldn’t help but look out into the snowy backyard. It was cold, colder than what was normal this time of year as the wind howled through the forest of trees. The yard only had dog paw prints and a few bird prints. Otherwise, most of the snow had been left alone.

  Having snow on the ground, although cold and a pain to deal with gave Sebastian and up. He’d be able to see if anyone was lurking around. Yet. He knew it’d be only a matter of time.

  He had killed the men that had been looking around for the Princess, so he knew someone would be showing up to figure out what had happened to them. Keeping Grace inside, here at the house at least, was the only thing he could do at the moment, other than moving to another house.

  He had a feeling that the girl wouldn’t like that idea one bit, and would fight against him. So, he picked the lesser of the two evils.

  Being stuck right along with a pregnant woman was just as bad. It wouldn’t change his feelings for her one bit. He was happy that he got to experience this time with her. Something Sebastian never thought he’d be able to do.

  “I know you have felt the baby move,” he hinted, watching as Summer’s face broke out into a smile.

  Just because she was smaller didn’t mean she hadn’t felt the baby moving. Four months along, and a week ago she felt the little kicks. It wasn’t much, just a little fluttering, but she could feel it, and she had been happy about it. Actually, being happy didn’t describe the joy she felt.

  For so long, she didn’t really feel pregnant. Only tired, hungry and emotional. Now, she knew for a fact that there was a life inside of her.

  Her hand went to cup over her stomach with a smile on her face. Somehow, doing this always brought her happiness, knowing something was going right when the world seemed to turn circles and cause havoc on everything else.

  “You should be able to feel her move soon,” she said quietly. Every time Summer talked about the baby, she’d switch it for ‘her’ to ‘him’. She didn’t want to know what it was until she gave birth. She wanted the gender to be a surprise until then. She’d give just about anything for Chase to be with her when that time came.

  It also helped that she wasn’t tempted to buy things that she may never use.

  “I can’t wait for that,” Sebastian said, clearing his voice as he choked back tears. He had never felt such emotion, but being here with the girl he thought as a daughter was more than he could ever ask for.

  “I’ll need new clothes,” Summer mused, sure she’d get bigger. Maybe she’d be lucky and would hardly even be big enough to anything new.

  “Already thought of that,” Sebastian said sheepishly. “I may have ordered you a few things. I know you aren’t showing yet, but . . .” he trailed off. Summer was the only person he ever seemed to be at a loss of words around.

  “Thank you,” Summer said, laying her hand on his arm and seeing him blush slightly. Her own blush covered her cheeks. “You didn’t need to.”

  “I know,” he said, meeting her eyes. At least she wasn’t upset now. Her emotions were enough to make him run smack into a wall, figuratively speaking. The ups and downs were hard to deal with, but he wouldn’t dare change it. “I didn’t have anything better to do while you napped.”

  “You make it sound like I’m a child,” she laughed, letting his arm go. Her blue eyes lit up with humor.

  “I was going to order some baby stuff, but I don’t know if we’ll be here. I’d hate to leave it all here if something were to happen,” Sebastian said after a moment. He left the possible future unspoken. He didn’t want the world to know that there was going be an heir. He knew for a fact that Chase would be here in a heartbeat if he knew.

  “We can get that later,” Summer said. “Just diapers, formula, bottles, and clothes. And maybe a bassinet to start out with. Not much and only if we're still here.” She ended with a shrug, then walked to the kitchen to get some water.

  Summer really didn’t mind if she were still here, but she’d prefer to have her husband with her. The shock of the news had worn off somewhat, and she knew what needed to be done. The baby had to come first. She wouldn’t let the name out for anything on who the father was if she could help it.

  “What do you think of it all?” Summer asked after taking a long drink and setting the cup back on the counter.

  Thanks to her boredom, the house was spotless from top to bottom. Sebastian didn’t dare stop her, fearing her wrath if he even tried.

  “What do you mean?” Sebastian asked, tilting his head to the side. He had turned his body so he f
aced her more than the windows.

  “Me being pregnant,” she answered, looking at him to see his reaction. Surely he had his fears and doubts of it all.

  “I think it will make the family stronger,” he answered, folding his arms across his chest and leaning his shoulder against the window. His arm was mostly healed, so he was back to his normal self. He was even doing weights to help get his strength back.

  “It will also bring you and Chase closer, too. This little one will be amazing, being raised by the two of you.

  “At first, I wasn’t sure. Of course, I knew before you did because of the blood test that Gabriel did. I wasn’t sure how’d you do, given everything. You have surprised me, once more, Grace,” he gave her a smile, showing just how astonished he was.

  “I have come a long way from that little girl you once knew, Sebastian,” Summer said with pride. She really had. She couldn’t help but look up at him through her eyelashes, showing exactly how much she had changed.

  “Yes, you certainly have, my dear,” he said with a small laugh.

  Summer took a few steps towards him. She knew what she wanted to do, but yet her mind wasn’t so sure. Her heart could see how Sebastian cared for her, went out of his way time and time again.

  Before Sebastian’s eyes, flashes of the girl bombarded him. He could still remember her being so tiny, just skin and bones and tangled hair. A time where she knew no love. A time when she had never seen much kindness.

  The poor girl forced to live like a slave when she was a Princess from day one.

  He saw how Summer grew, expanding her education in all ways, learning to fight any way she could to live. Even to get just a piece of stale bread.

  But now, here she stood.

  Summer was now full of life inside and out. She was strong, smart and nothing would bring her down again. She was now a force to be reckoned with. God forbid anyone that dared to cross her path that meant her or her family any harm.

  “It’s all thanks to you, really,” Summer said, feeling her soul alight with such truth. “If it wasn’t for you pushing Chase to get me when you did, I could very well be dead.” She knew without a doubt that she would be six feet under the cold ground, or even at the bottom of a lake somewhere by now.

  There weren’t many slaves over the age of eighteen, so she knew what her fate was going to be. But thanks to this man, he changed her life. She was alive.

  “He told you?” Sebastian said, surprised, but yet not at the man’s actions.

  “Of course,” Summer said, smiling tenderly like a daughter would at a parent. “He’s always been truthful since I dragged it out the first time.” She couldn’t help but laugh and roll her eyes. Chase was stubborn, that was for sure, but when up against Summer, he caved. Always.

  Everyone always did these days.

  “So, yes. I know I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you. You saved me when I needed it the most,” she went on. Tears gathered in her eyes at the happiness towards this man that stood before her. “Thank you, Sebastian.”

  Before she could over think, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, laying her forehead against his chest. She didn’t know how else to thank him and saying the words just wasn’t enough for this man, her angel in almost every way possible.

  After a moment, he returned her hug, wrapping his arms around her and caging her in. He was shocked, as he never expected this from Summer. But oh God had he wanted this at the same time.

  Sebastian was sure that Summer could hear his heart beating fast at the unexpected contact, but he couldn’t will himself to pull away. After so long of dreaming and wishing to hug his daughter, he had the chance. There was no way he was going to break it.

  He didn’t even care as her happy tears soaked into his blue shirt he wore. All he cared about was that he was glad he went through so much trouble for her, and he’d do it again. Hell, he’d even move mountains to keep her out of danger. Why not move them to save her too?

  He knew there was a God above, and he sent up his silent thanks as he rested his cheek on the top of her head, feeling her loving affection, cherishing it as long as he could. His daughter had finally come home. For that is what she was, it didn't matter that they did not share blood.

  He hoped she knew just how much he cared and wanted to be part of her family.

  Chapter 22

  Summer groaned as Sophie licked her face, demanding attention. The overgrown puppy was demanding when she wanted outside and now was no different. The sun was just beginning to rise outside, casting the morning rays into the room. There was no doubt that Sophie had heard Sebastian moving around in another part of the house.

  Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Summer couldn’t help but smile at her fur child, who jumped off the bed with a thunk. She had yet to master being quiet, but she was gentle. She was a puppy, and loved any sort of attention, making sure she was seen and heard almost constantly.

  Summer’s bedroom hadn’t changed at all. It was kept clean and neat, although the closet and dresser was filled with clothes. A few books were on the bookshelf, and her phone sat on the nightstand, easily in reach. It wasn’t as if someone needed to get a hold of her, but more for her to quickly call Sebastian, or even Gabriel if needed.

  Once Summer was up and out of bed, Sophie wagged her tail happily, prancing in front of the closed door, waiting. Summer took her time putting on a dark purple fleece robe as she yawned. Six thirty was way too early for her to be up.

  Summer liked her sleep, now that she was finally getting some. Being up so early wasn’t how she wanted to start the day. She knew her sleep was limited, and here soon quite possibly non-existent with a newborn, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to take advantage of sleeping when she could.

  Opening the door, Sophie pushed her way through, her white and brown tail thumping against Summer’s leg and the door before darting off to find Sebastian, who would surely let her out. The dog was nothing but a sweetheart; no mean bone in her body at all.

  Summer shuffled her feet, covering her mouth with her hand as another yawn hit her, her eyes watering slightly with the power of such a yawn. She was tempted to go back to bed, but now that she was up, she had to pee. She knew without a doubt that once she finished, she’d be too awake to tempt going back to sleep.

  Most nights, she woke up having to pee in the middle of the night, interrupting her sleep. But Summer wouldn’t dare dream to change it. It was well worth the price. It was still so strange to feel happy with making her own decisions. Sometimes, she’d wake up, thinking it had all been a dream.

  After using the bathroom, in which Summer thought she’d never be done as her bladder emptied, she made her way to the kitchen. There, she found Sebastian letting Sophie back in, who shook off the snow she had to roll around in.

  Sophie loved the snow and then loved to stick her cold black nose against anyone she could. And this time was no different, making her way to Summer and licking her hand that was by her side. Summer patted her head a few times before Sophie went to flop down by the fireplace, content.

  “Good morning,” Sebastian said with a smile, a cup of coffee in one hand as he shut the door that was letting the cold air into the house. He was in a better mood, Summer noted.

  Ever since Summer had willingly hugged him, he seemed to be unsure on how to act, almost like he was purposely keeping his distance. She could understand, and the night before, she called him out on it. Summer was not going to let the man hide from his feelings, feelings that he felt towards her. She had thought they had made progress with their relationship, considering how they had started out.

  Of course, she didn’t have to try all that hard. Sebastian caved in at just her look, but he wasn’t willingly to admit to that. A powerful man like himself could never just admit to caving at a look from a woman, no matter if it was someone he was deeply in love with or even someone such as his daughter. Such feelings could be used to turn someone against you when faced with an enemy.
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  ~OoO~

  “Why are you hiding?” Summer asked, leaning against the door jamb as Sebastian sat in his office chair, staring at the computer screen. His phone was on the desk beside his hand, waiting to ring.

  “I’m not,” Sebastian said, lying through his teeth. “Just . . . .”

  “Sebastian,” Summer said with a smile, drawing out his name and walking further into the room. Her steps were as sure as her feelings were.

  His eyes watched her every move. After the workout session this morning, he had escaped to this room, and hardly left it since. He knew she wouldn’t let him hide forever.

  More so, he could see how much she was changing. Day by day. Hell, even hour by hour. She was amazing, talented when she’d put her mind to something.