|aristocrats z.m.|

thirty + two

Zayn refused to touch me, which only made me want him more. I understand why he did not want this, I was several pounds heavier. But with the gained weight comes a gained appetite and I wanted him.

"Please."

"For the love of God. Aurelie, I am working."

"You have not touched me in two months!"

"I know that. I miss you too but I cannot. You are pregnant and the thought of making love with you while my baby is inside is just... not soothing."

"But I want you so badly."

"And you will have me in five more months."

I frowned, huffing and puffing as I left his chambers. He was so busy in his desk he did not even notice I left. I went to my bedroom to look for Harry but he was gone too. I sighed and walked outside. I figured air would do my child and I good.

The guards followed me outside. I wondered around the fifth garden before tiring and retiring to the swing. I laid on it, exhausted although I walked very little today. My bump was grown, and my feet were tired by the smallest things.

"Good evening Aurelie."

"Hello Therese." I smiled, looking up into her eyes. My servants fanned me, surrounding me and not allowing Therese near me. This was for my own safety. Now that I am carrying the heir to the thrown of Macademila, no one besides maman, Zayn, and Harry are allowed to touch me let alone come near me.

"You look bigger than Suzzy."

"You look sad." I say truthfully, no hidden malice intended by my words- much unlike hers.

"Well the annulment is officially finalized as of today, so yes I am sad. My marriage is obsolete in the eyes of this kingdom, and I am a failure to my kingdom. My people will suffer. The dowry was very pricely yet results never arrived."

"I am sorrowful for your country and shame, but you need to be whole in order to help others. No marriage will ever succeed unless you are at peace with yourself. And no country will succeed without a stable queen. You must come to know peace. The more simple life is, the more rewarding and beautiful."

"My life has been anything but simple."

"I am aware. The closest filth you have encountered is in your riches, and the only hunger you have felt was a hunger for something more in life. You have not worked a day, yet you complain of meaningless tasks you are asked to do. We are not the same."

"I want to become similar."

"Take a boat and a trip to Italy. I hear it's lovely in the fall."

"With what escorts?"

"A fleet of trained soldiers. You will absorb the leisure and peace you desperately need. Then when you are ready you will return home to England, and in the spring you shall visit me and your nephew."

"It's a boy?!"

"A big one." I smile, hand laying on my bump peacefully.

"Thank you, Aurelie. Thank you so much."