The Princess is Pregnant! by Laurie Paige Read Free Book Online Page A

queen’s private garden had ears.
    Her mother clasped both hands to her bosom. She lifted the rose from between her breasts and stared at it as if the flower might interpret this news for her.
    “Jean-Paul’s child,” the queen concluded.
    Megan nodded and sighed as a weight lifted slightly from her shoulders. Her mother was quick to catch on. She was also thoughtful. Megan was grateful the older woman didn’t push a lot of questions at her, but instead contemplated the rose with an enigmatic smile hovering on her lips.
    “Tell me what you can,” her mother invited.
    “You recall I went to Monaco for the trade conference in Meredith’s place in April?”
    Megan related the facts: Jean-Paul had been there, too. She’d noticed him. They’d spoken a few times. He’d complimented her speech before the conference. She finally got to the night aboard his sailing yacht.
    “And?” her mother prompted.
    “And nothing. I mean, we haven’t agreed upon anything.”
    The queen’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Does he not wish to marry?”
    “He says we must. Because of our positions.” Megan stood, her hands clenched, and strode about the flagstones. “I will not accept that kind of marriage. Look at what happened to Prince Charles and Princess Diana.”
    “Aye,” murmured the queen. “A tragic waste.”
    “How did you and Father make it work?”
    Her mother again stared at the rose she held. “Sometimes luck plays a part, I suppose. Both parties have to want a good marriage. Your father and I did. I wouldn’t let him close me out. I went to him, quite shamelessly, I must admit, during those early years.” She smiled in womanly conspiracy.
    Megan smiled, too, even as she blushed.
    “Tell Jean-Paul what you want from him,” the queen advised. “And use the attraction between you to cement the bond that already exists. Insist that he help with the child. That is another bond.”
    Megan took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Everything seemed much simpler now that she’d talked with her mother. “What of Father? Shall I tell him right away?” she asked.
    Marissa frowned thoughtfully. “The king is extremely busy at present. Perhaps you and Jean-Paul should work things out to your satisfaction, then speak to the king.”
    “Should Jean-Paul ask for my hand?” Megan rolled her eyes. “That sounds so outdated.”
    Her mother laughed and gave her a little hug. “I will give a private dinner in my apartments when you are ready. The two of you may tell the king then, in whatever manner you decide. As old-fashioned as it sounds, I think your father would be delighted if Jean-Paul formally asked for your hand. As soon as he gets over being furious.”
    Megan hugged the queen back. “Thank you. I knew you would know what to do. I will advise you as soon as Jean-Paul and I have talked.”
    Marissa watched her daughter walk quickly from the garden, heading for the shore path and the cove where Megan went to think and be alone just as she used the private rose garden for her own haven. For a moment she regretted the loss of her sweet little girl, the Quiet One, who’d watched the world with her solemn green eyes and kept her thoughts to herself.
    “Please,” she prayed for her child, “let her be happy. Let there be love.”
    She sat on the bench while the bees hummed over the flowers and wished for all the desires of the heart for the royal princess.
    And for her own heart?
    Staring at the rose Morgan had given her that morning, she had to admit she didn’t know. They had drifted apart, each intent on his or her duties, over the past few years, but that could change…perhaps already had.
    Her heart gave a hitch. The way he’d looked ather, stroked the rose over her skin, those had to mean something. Could they recapture their early years together? Could they find joy and passion again?
    For a moment she was filled with longing and a glimmer of the possibilities. The mood faded. No one could have