“A nanny you won’t fall in love with.”
I laugh and she smiles softly at me before she nestles against my chest. I can feel her start to relax for the first time since her father died.
And while she’s like this, I broach the subject that entered my head the day we set his ashes to the sea. “You know,” I continue, attempting to lighten the mood. “We can use this opportunity to focus on something positive. Something that honors your father’s memory. What if we established a foundation or scholarship in his name? We could ensure that his legacy lives on, helping others in need.”
She pulls back, searching my eyes. “You’re serious?”
“Of course. You could run it if you choose. Whatever you want it to be.”
“A scholarship, maybe? I like the idea of that.”
“Then it’s settled,” I say, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “We’ll find the perfect nanny to help us with the children, and we’ll work together on this project in your father’s honor.”
She sighs deeply, falling against me. “Thank you, Sebastian,” she whispers, her voice filled with gratitude and love. “For everything.”
“Always,” I promise, wrapping my arms around her once more. “Always.”
The yacht gently rocks,picking up the rise and fall of the sea’s current. My bones feel lazy, my muscles even more so, as I lie on the lounger beside the pool, the sun sinking into my skin and making my eyelids heavy. We were on our honeymoon for less than a week, but this feels different. Having the children here, my family, makes it more complete somehow.
More relaxing.
A tiny body jumps on my chest. “Papa, it really is a magnificent boat,” Phaedra remarks, her eyes sparkling, speaking like such a grown-up, it throws me for a moment.
“Gorgeous, right?” Bellamy agrees, coming over to sit with me, lifting my legs up and dropping them back down so they’re resting on her thighs. Her fingers stroke my calves, and I swear, I fucking purr like a goddamn cat.
But more than that, my queen is smiling. A real, genuine smile. The kind that lights fires in her eyes and makes her skin glow. The kind that makes my heart beat faster every time I see it.
I smile at my wife and at my children as they eagerly run around the top of the boat like puppies chasing toys. “I wanted this trip to be special for all of us.”
“Oncle Rowan! Tante Althea!” Zayer shouts at the top of his lungs, waving excitedly at his uncle and great-aunt as if theydidn’t arrive with us. It’s a royal yacht. One that has been part of my family for over four decades and essentially belongs to Rowan. He had it refurbished two years ago and was only too happy to have us all here and show it off. We haven’t even set sail yet, but just being here is like hitting the refresh button on all of us.
Even the fucking ferret came.
Still, I feel a surge of joy watching the children’s faces light up with delight. This is their first vacation since losing their mother three years ago, and I can’t help but think she would have loved seeing them like this. Their laughter fills the air as they explore the yacht, making sure to introduce Arthur to every nook, cranny, and staff member.
“You do know you brought the ferret along, right? That he didn’t simply sneak into a suitcase.”
“Shut it, woman,” I playfully bark without opening my eyes. I shift until my hands are clasped behind my head, my elbows butterflied out.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d believe the beast king of Messalina has a soft spot for his children’s new pet.”
“You’d be wrong.”
“Would I?”
I grin. “Climb on top of me and rest your head on my chest.”
“Why should I do that?”
“Because you’re wearing a terribly sexy bikini, and though I can’t ravage you since our children are running about, I want to feel your body all the same.”
“Fine,” she groans, only I can’t help my grin.
“Play it off all you want, my love, but I know you. Come here.”
“Your wish is my command, Your Majesty.”
I chuckle. “Now you’re just trying to make me hard.”
