The Royal Deal

Chapter 24

We both got busy right after our picnic, so we didn't end up seeing each other. The days actually ended up going by in a blur, that I lost track of time. I was spending each day, being a robot, as I prepared myself for the future as a queen with or without a child.

Even when I peed on pregnancy sticks, and in cups for Joy, I didn't even react when they said negative. I would nod once, and prepared myself for the next injection; just like what was happening now.

"This is the last time," Joy whispered to me as she prepared herself. By now, she had seen Dr. Martin do it three times, so she was certain on what to do. Even if she messed up, it's not like I would be devastated with her. She knew what I wanted.

~

This time when I woke up, Ian was stroking my head with slow movements. When he noticed me fluttering the sleepiness away from my eyes, he gave me a small smile and stopped.

"Hi stranger."

My mouth felt as dry as the Sahara desert. I gave him a weak smile, and reached for the glass of water I knew was always on the nightstand. After a few sips, I managed to croak out my response. "Hi."

"How are you feeling?"

"Emotionally or physically?"

He grinned again. "Both."

I gave him a small shrug as I slowly climbed out and grabbed the robe at the foot of the bed. "I've been better. These injections suck the energy right out of me. They have been making me even more tired than I already am."

"Is that normal?" He asked concerned as he watched me slowly wobble to the bathroom.

"Yeah, I guess." After I finished my business and fixed my bed hair, I came back out to find breakfast in the patio. The fresh breeze of the day was bringing me the smell of bacon, and I raised an eyebrow when I saw him sitting down in one of the chairs, taking a drink out of a tea cup. "Isn't that for me?" I laughed as I crossed my arms over my chest and tapped my foot.

He shook his head and cleared his throat as he motioned to the other tea cup on the other side. "I brought you some too. Well Margaret brought you some as well. You just took too long and I couldn't wait."

"Impatient boy." I laughed as I sat down. We dug in peacefully, and even exchanged items from our plates when I wanted more and he still had his. "Can we go riding again? It feels great today."

"Sure. I won't dare you to go into the pond this time. I'm not that evil."

I grinned from below my cup of water. "That still wasn't fair. I call a rematch."

He softly rolled his eyes as he laughed and shook his head. "Are you serious woman? You want another rematch?"

I nodded vigorously. "Yes. But this time, it's going to be even because we will start from the stalls. No cheating for you mister."

He shrugged as he stood up and dropped his napkin on top of his plate. "Whatever you say princess. Whatever you say."

Without any warning, he reached over and kissed my forehead before he walked away. I just watched him in shock as he paused in front of the door, shook his head slowly, and ran a hand through his hair before he walked out rapidly.