Royally Bounded

Chapter 93

Hayden

My parents invited Abbas and his family for dinner to finalize details for both engagement and wedding parties. My father was speaking to his parents as we sat in the living room, crowded in one place. Jo sat with Abbas on the opposite couch, and Clara was staring at them, her smile growing on her lips by each second. She looked back at me while I wrapped my arms around her and ignored everyone else.

"Thank you so much for inviting us over, Queen Emma," Imani, Abbas' mother, said appreciatively. "We would never thought we can be here as a family. Zenebe and I wanted to come visit for a while, and we wanted to thank Hayden for saving us from Prince Zykov."

"Please call me Emma, Imani," my mother offered, clasping her hand with Imani. "I'm glad that we're becoming in-laws soon. I know that Abbas treats Josephine very well, and I feel safe to hand my daughter over to him. We're so sorry about Zykov. It should never happen in our country."

"Emma is right," my father added with a nod. "Zykov was crossing his limit. It's disrespectful of him to cross the line. I'm glad that Abbas was raised to be a reliable man who Josephine can rely on in the future."

"Josie is a sweetheart to us," Zenebe, Abbas' father, complimented. "She visits us often, and has been thoughtful when we're planning for the engagement party. She asks our opinion just to make sure she considers all of our ideas."

I glanced over at Jo and Abbas. He kept her hand in his. His lightened eyes focused merely on her when everyone was around, the only world that he had in his hold. It was so fucking crazy to witness it with my own eyes. The sight of love that I never trusted once until she came by.

"Clara, Hayden," Imani smiled, handing us a nicely wrapped gift to us. Clara took it in her hands as she gave it to me. "We know that Clara is expecting soon, and our family decided to purchase some toys for Damien."

"Thank you so much, Imani," Clara replied softly. "It's really thoughtful of you."

We headed to the dining room once dinner was set up. I cut my steak into small pieces and gave some to Clara. She looked at me, confused, as she tilted her head. I nudged my head at the streak. She smiled in response, knowing that I wanted her to eat more. I had Charlotte give Clara tea instead since wine was off the table for her.

"There are so many great events happening in the next few weeks for the royal family," Imani commented. "It must be a great year. We also have a grand wedding for Ivor and Princess Runova. Everyone is anticipating for it."

"It's been a while," my mother answered. "Each of my children are slowly settling down, and I'm pleased about the growing family. I'm hoping I will have more grandchildren soon, especially from Ivor and Runova."

I rested back on my chair and swirled the wine in my glass. My arm went over the chair where Clara was sitting. I sipped the wine before darting my eyes over at Ivor. He was stunned for certain, and my eyebrows jerked. It was going to be a fucking show for him.

"Mother," Ivor complained. "We're not here to discuss about me. Josie is getting married to Abbas soon. The focus should be on them."

"How could I not rush you?" My mother turned her attention back to him. "Look at your brother. He has two children already. He's already father to Xander when he was your age. You're behind by too much. What if I want several grandchildren?"

"I agree with your mother, Ivor," Imani smiled, nodding her head. "Abbas is my only son, and I worry about him often. He's nearly thirty and still childless. I'm waiting for Josephine and him to have children soon."

Ivor turned his head to look at me as if he knew I was staring already. My fingers wrapped around the stem of the wine glass, and I swirled the glass in my hands, letting the dark red liquid move. I cocked my brow then sipped the drink again. The strong alcohol ran down my throat, intoxicating me.