“Do I need to address you as Your Highness when we arrive at the palace?”
“Please don’t,” I groaned. When Seb had referred to me as the royal consort earlier in front of Lord Willoughby and Kenneth, I’d nearly swallowed my tongue. I was just a man, a simple farmer. Or at least I used to be. “Gus will do just fine.”
“Right, right, just as long as we’re clear. I’ve seen that king of yours. He’s pretty fierce. I’m sure he’s had people’s heads for less.”
I laughed again. “I’m sure he hasn’t. Seb is not that kind of king.”
“Famous last words,” Hal coughed into his hand, and I poked him in the ribs with my elbow. For a few minutes, neither of us spoke, then I cleared my throat.
“When all this is over… when the world is a better place… You know, you can do whatever you want with your life, Hal. You’ll be free. You can travel, see the world. You will no longer have a master. You’ll be a free man.”
“I’ve always just wanted to be a farmer, Gus. I’m not like you.” His gaze remained fixed on the road ahead.
“What do you mean?”
“I always knew you were special, Gus. You know, you always had your head in the clouds, like you didn’t really belong at the farm. I think the other alphas felt it too, and that’s why they always mocked you.”
“I’m not special.” I truly wasn’t.
Hal laughed quietly, then nodded back toward the carriage. “It doesn’t really matter what I think or what anyone else thinks, for that matter. To him, you are special. That’s all that matters.”
Hal’s words moved through me until they settled in my heart. He was right. Seb loved me. Thatdidmake me kind of special.
We soon passed a village church, and I knew we only had a few miles left. The distance between the farms and houses was getting shorter, and in the distance, the palace towers rose majestically toward the winter sky. The navy-blue royal banners floated in the wind, welcoming back the king. And his royal consort. Which was me. Oh gods.
Chapter 25
Sebastian
I was woken up by shouting outside the carriage and held Lumi and Ember closer to my chest. They didn’t deserve to be woken up in such a rude way, either, so I tried to comfort them as we came to a complete stop.
“Where is His Majesty?!” Clive shouted from outside the carriage, and soon, numerous footsteps could be heard too. I knew I had to show my face before they had my guards take Gus and Hal away. You truly never knew when it came to my advisors.
I knocked on the carriage door, alerting them that I was inside and needed assistance.
The door flew open, and Jerold’s surprised face was right there, gaping at his king lying in the carriage, wearing farmer’s clothes that were too big for me and two babies in my arms.
“Your Majesty!” Jerold stuttered. “What happened to you?!”
“I gave birth,” I replied coldly. “Now stand aside so my mate can take the babies.”
He spluttered again but stayed right where he was.
Sighing, I gently called out, “Gus? I need you to take one of the babies so I can get out of here.” Then I looked at Jerold and ordered firmly, “Move.”
Finally, Jerold stepped aside, and Gus was there, smiling fondly at me as I handed him Ember. “Who’s out there?” I whispered, just to get myself ready to face them.
Gus shrugged one shoulder. “Your advisors, Elias, and another omega, and then a handful of guards.”
Of course, they’d brought guards.
I held Lumi close and carefully made my way out of the carriage, staring down my advisors as soon as my feet were firmly on the ground.
“Your Majesty!” Clive hurried forward, eyeing me up and down with barely contained disdain at my outfit.
I held my hand up, stalling his movements, then turned my attention to Gus, who stood next to a wide-eyed Hal. “Please take the babies and Hal to our chambers. You can show Hal around later today. I think the babies need to rest after feeding in the carriage.”
Gus nodded, and an understanding look passed between us as he accepted Lumi, too, holding each baby with confidence and obvious pride.
