“If you can honestly tell me that you don’twantto marryme—that you don’t wish to be queen and you’d rather go back to teaching and not be together, I will respect that. But this? I don’t need children to be happy, Adelaide. Yes, I’ve pictured a future with them, but if I had to choose between a future with you or a future with kids but without you, I would choose you in every lifetime.”
My mouth fell open, unable to process what he was saying.
He continued, “For all the laws we have around here about a ruler’s personal life, there is no law that requires me to have children just because I’m king. If kids are something you want, I’m all in on exploring how to make that happen. But this isn’t a deal breaker for me, Adelaide. I want you—as my wife and as my partner. Kids or no kids. You’re it for me. Just you.”
I stared at him, his words sinking in. He wanted me, regardless of what I did or did not bring to the table. I had known that he loved me, but for him to now know everything and still choose me?
“Are you sure?”
He let out a relieved laugh and pulled me into him.
“I am absolutely sure. I’m so sorry you have been worrying about this and that you thought it meant we couldn’t be together.”
“What do you think your family will say? Do you think they’ll be disappointed? Do you think they will still support our marriage?”
“I don’t think they will be disappointed. Clearly my brother has the grandkid front covered. But I know that my family loves you, and if they had the choice, they would pick you, too. Adelaide, look at me.”
He pulled back and bracketed my face in his hands, placing a kiss on my lips.
My eyes began watering again, this time for a very different reason. I had always considered myself a confident woman. I had fought tooth and nail for my home and career. I made sure those around me knew how loved and supported they were. I dedicated my time and energy to those in need and used my privilege for those who couldn’t be heard. But deep down, there had been a sliver of belief that I was less than because my body didn’t work like it was supposed to. I had felt betrayed by my own body and hormones. But now this man in front of me, the man I loved more than anyone in the world, saw everything and still thought I was worthy.
“Adelaide, you are not broken. I need you to believe me when I say that.”
His love and unwavering conviction finally mademewilling to believe it, too.
“I’m not broken.”
“Wake up, birthday girl,” a low voice murmured in my ear, bringing me to consciousness. I turned over, humming happily as I opened my eyes, Oliver’s smiling face coming into focus.
“Mmm, good morning.”
“Happy birthday, beautiful.” He leaned down to press a long, tender kiss to my lips.
“What time is it?” I asked, noting that he was already dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit with a thin emerald tie.
“It’s nearly nine,” he answered, brushing my hair away from my face. “I let you sleep in a bit. I have to get to a Council meeting in a few minutes, but there’s a tray with tea and some of Cora’s cranberry scones from The Snowdrop. I drew you a bubble bath, put your book by the tub, and there’s a towel waiting for you in the warmer. The staff has been asked not to disturb you. I’ll be back in about an hour and then we can spend the rest of the day doing whatever you like before dinner this evening.”
I sat up, scooting myself to lean against the headboard. I could see the breakfast tray on the desk across the room and did indeed catch the faint aroma of freshly baked scones. Were they still warm? How had he managed that?
“You did all of this?” I had never had anyone dote on me in this way and still wasn’t sure I would ever get used to it from Oliver.
The side of Oliver’s mouth tipped up, his eyes bright. “Anything for you, my love. I want you to have the very best day. Now, enjoy your morning; I’ll see you soon.” He kissed me again and tucked the blankets around my lap before leaving.
My love.Warmth radiated through me and I felt like I was floating at the words.
I reached for my phone, scrolling through a slew of birthday well-wishes.
Dad
Happy birthday, honey. I love you! See you tonight.
Dash
Happy bday, bitch. Love your face!
Birdie
Adelaaaaaaide!!!!! IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
