“There’s nothing to do, the staff has done everything. I just approved of what his bedroom looks like and the basket of goodies that they put on his dresser to welcome him.”
“I mean mentally. You’re going to show him around the palace, get him acquainted. And what about Queen Pala and Princesses Isabella and Marit? Aren’t they arriving a day or so after Timmy?”
“I believe so. But once again, nothing to get ready.”
I slip my dress shirt on and start buttoning it up, Lilly’s face falling with disappointment. “Have you read up on them?”
“Should I?” She cringes. “Is that something people do?”
“Yes,” I answer. “You should always read up on your guests so you have an idea of who they are, what they like, and conversations you can have with them. We’ve been over this.”
“I thought that was just, you know, something you could do, not something that you should do.”
I stare her down. “You should do it, especially as the future queen of Torskethorpe.”
“So you want me to go read up on my cousins?”
“Yes.”
“Are you just saying that so I leave you and your penis alone?”
“Yes.”
She chuckles, then offers me a kiss, which I take. When she releases me, her hand trails down my stomach one last time, and she’s walking toward the door and out of my bedroom.
When she’s gone, I let out a deep breath. See, everything will be okay.
Everything is fine.
* * *
“Have a seat,”Theo says as I walk into his private office.
After the fitting, I was summoned to Theo’s office unexpectedly. I assumed it would be about the new threat we received, but as I spot my doctor to the right, I have a sinking feeling this has nothing to do with that letter and everything to do with me.
I take a seat in one of the wingback chairs across from Theo’s desk. I unbutton my suit jacket and try to keep my hands from shaking as I nod to my doctor. “Everything okay?” I ask.
From the morose looks on their faces, I’m going to guess no.
Theo clears his throat and says, “We’ve gotten some test results in, and your doctor wanted to talk to me about them before he approached you. Given the circumstances and the waiver you filled out offering me permission to your records, I allowed him to speak to me first.”
“Should I be worried?” I glance between the two of them and of course, Theo continues to take the lead.
“Dr. Johansen has informed me that we’ve received the test results back that involve your sperm count.” Theo places his hands on the desk and looks me directly in the eye. “They were low, Keller.”
I swallow hard as sweat forms on my upper lip.
This isn’t just news.
This is life changing.
They take that test to determine if you’re able to carry on the bloodline. It’s been written in stone ever since the technology has been available.
And my world is being flipped upside down yet again. Fuck.
The feeling of inadequacy takes over me. I knew a part of my responsibility in marrying Lilly was to produce an heir. Or several. To ensure she carries on the Strom bloodline.And now, even providing her that might be impossible.My gut twists. I did not expect this.
“Um . . . how low?” I ask, my voice shaking.
