The Prince That Got Away ( A Royal Romance Novel )

Marital Bliss

Emilia's POV:-

" Louis darling are you sure you are feeling better?" Lady Ariella asked for the thousandth time since we left the hospital.

She thought the doctors had let him leave too soon. But Louis wanted to get back home as soon as possible and his injury wasn't that severe anyway.

We had arrived back at the Europa Palace and were sitting in the blue drawing room. Louis looked like a handsome warrior prince tired after returning from a battle.

He was wearing a light pink button-down shirt, his usual waistcoat and jacket absent. We were both sitting side by side on a navy blue upholstered settee and drinking tea from exquisitely painted cups that were probably two hundred years old.

Lady Ariella was sitting opposite us looking every inch the royal clad in a dark green wrap dress. Even though my jeans and pink blouse were designer I still felt a bit like a commoner in front of her. I had to remind myself that I was the Princess and if I showed any sign of insecurity the members of the royal family would eat me alive.

" I am fine, mother. I just need to rest a bit." Louis seemed exhausted.

" I would be less worried if you let me stay with you here. I could look after you. " She grumbled.

" You were supposed to go on a tour of New Zealand. I don't think you should disturb your schedule because of me. I already have my wife to take care of me. Not to mention the whole army of servants present here." Louis patted her on the arm.

" Does Emilia have an issue with me staying here?" She stared pointedly at me.

" What makes you think that Lady Ariella?" I arched an eyebrow at her keeping my voice cool. I had to remind myself not to shout or burst into tears which was how I reacted when I was angry.

" I thought maybe you wouldn't feel comfortable in my presence." She pressed on.

" Mother that's enough. " Louis's tone contained an edge of warning.

" No, it's okay Louis. It's time we cleared some things between us. I would like to have a good relationship with you and I don't dislike you in the least. But even if I did I would not try to keep you away from your son. Nothing is more important to me than Louis. His health and happiness matter the most to me. Since I believe you care about him as much as I do I suggest we both try to get along for Louis's sake."

I stared straight into her eyes letting her know that she couldn't intimidate me.

" Yes, I have to agree with you here." Lady Ariella gave me the fakest smile. I could see that she was taken aback by my reaction.

" I think I should rest now. I am feeling drowsy,  there might be something in the painkillers. Emilia, could you come with me?" Louis was clearly trying to end my passive-aggressive standoff with his mother.

" I should get going then. Take care of yourself, love. " She planted a kiss on Louis's cheek and sauntered away.

" I am sorry for my mother's behavior and I am even more sorry that it's the second time," Louis said as I helped him out of his shirt.

He could have asked one of the servants to help him but he asked me instead. It made me feel honored for some reason. Did he trust me with his vulnerabilities the way I did him when I got sick?

" It's OK Louis. I kind of find it amusing to see how possessive she is of you."

I couldn't help but ogle his beautiful body. He had a well-defined six-pack and his arms were toned and muscular. There was a fine dusting of hair on his chest and stomach.