𝒯𝒽ℯ ℛ𝒾𝓈ℯ 𝒪𝒻 𝒜 𝒬𝓊ℯℯ𝓃

Chapter |19| Boy Will Forever Be Boys

A R A B E L L A' S    P.O.V

"Uh, what time is it?" I sleepily blinked open my eyes, my gaze running over the hand gently caressing my back, to the source. Hardin.

I managed to lift my body slightly, before face planting back into bed. "Noooo, I'm too tired." I knew the moment my eyes shut I was done for, and so did Hardin.

Hauling me back up, he brought a glass of water to my lips, pushing for me to drink. "Don't make me throw this on you." I scowled, before snatching up the large glass and downing it whole.

"Happy now?" I said sarcastically. Hardin chuckled, watching his fingers that slowly caressed my cheek.

"Always with you." Pecking my forehead, he got up and walked into the dressing room. I rubbed my eyes, trying to stifle the loud yawn that left my mouth.

Unfortunately, my eyes accidentally stumbled across the clock. "It's five in the afternoon?" I practically screamed, earning Hardin sprinting in the room.

"What did you say?"

"It's five o'clock Hardin." The tension in his face relaxed as he continued to button up his smart shirt.

"So?" Oh god, men had it so easy. Throw on a tie, lace up their shoes and put on a jacket. I on the other hand, had a whole army of beauticians ready to get me ready for the night.

"It's the ball Hardin. The Ball. You know, the one I spent months planning? The one that almost every Kingdom in the world is attending?"

"Baby, you have three hours." That was the worst part.

"Get Rowan quickly, tell her to bring everything. This is an emergency." The dress hadn't even been chosen yet, I kept putting it off being too tired to do so. I guess red was a safe choice.

As Hardin dashed out the door, I quickly called after him. "And get the red ball gown with the slits."

***

Four hours later, I was primped and ready.

My red dress had been alternating during its last fitting so it hugged my bump perfectly. I was almost seven week, meaning the hump was large and protruded. My feet ached, despite the comfortable flats I was wearing, my waistline was swollen and I felt like a blob but I would suffer through it all, just to hold my baby.

"Are you ready now baby?" I chose to ignore the impatient tone in his voice, and bent down slightly so Rowan could place my tiara on.

It sat perfectly amiss the complex curly up-do that she had created. Three rubies were imbedded into it, and the gold was considering lighter to my usual crown.

"I'm coming." I sniggered slightly, remembering what happened last night. Let's just say those words were most definitely screamed aloud.

Opening the door, I graced my husband with a smile, gratefully taking the arm he offered. I leaned against him, letting him take all of my weight.

"You look ravishing baby,"

I smiled knowingly. "You don't look so bad yourself." We walked down to the ballroom, the loud brash sound of music blaring from the other side of the door, set my heart racing.