Page 59 of Dragon King’s Duty Bride

His answering grin was wicked in the most affectionate way. “I intend to take responsibility quite often.”

She swatted lightly at his chest, but the gesture dissolved when he leaned down to kiss her properly this time. Slow and sweet, not urgent like the night before.

When they finally rose, it was unhurried. Lucas called down and ordered breakfast delivered to their room. They dressed while they waited and exchanged little smiles that felt almost adolescent in their sweetness. At one point Lucas caught her watching him fasten the button on his slacks and raised a brow.

“See something you like, Your Majesty?”

She lifted her chin with mock dignity. “I am merely admiring the king’s impeccable attributes.”

He laughed and crossed the room to kiss her again.

Breakfast arrived shortly after and they ate close together on the settee with their knees touching under a small table. Lucas insisted on feeding her one of the strawberries, and she pretended to be scandalized while secretly loving every second of it.

When duty finally called him away, he didn’t leave without cupping her face in both hands.

“I won’t be long,” he promised.

“I know,” she replied. “If I’m not here, you know where to find me.”

“Enjoy your sanctuary.” He kissed her once more and then he was gone.

Sia lingered a moment in their chambers with her fingertips brushing the rumpled sheets as if committing the sight to memory. A soft smile curved her lips.

The castle felt different as she headed toward the stairs to her art room, as if the very walls approved of her happiness. She was nearly to the stairwell when she heard them.

“…still no heir, though.”

Sia paused.

Two maids and one of the chefs stood just beyond the archway, half-hidden by the doorway. Their voices were low, but not low enough.

“It’s been so long since the wedding,” one of the maids said. “You’d think there’d be news by now.”

“We all know what will happen if there’s no heir. It’s sad really.”

“Things might be looking up, though. Today was the first time they requested breakfast in bed since they married,” the chef added with a knowing grin.

“And still no announcement of a baby.”

“Maybe she just can’t have–”

Sia stepped forward before the sentence could finish. She had had enough and it was time to stick up for herself. The three of them jumped as if someone had thrown a firecracker in their mix.

“Maybe I can’t have what?” she asked calmly. She wanted to make them as uncomfortable as possible.

Silence fell heavy and immediate. The chef’s face was drained of color. One maid dropped into a curtsy so fast she nearly stumbled.

“Y-Your Majesty, we didn’t see you.”

“I think you mean to say that you didn’t intend for me to hear you all gossiping, am I right?” Sia kept her tone cold. Her heart beat hard, but not with shame. Not with that old familiar sting that used to send her fleeing in tears. Not anymore. This was going to end now.

Last night had made all the difference in the world and sealed more than a marriage. It had sealed her confidence.

She stepped closer with her hands clasped loosely in front of her. “You seem very concerned about the state of my womb. Tell me. Are you equally concerned with the state of your positions?”

The chef swallowed audibly. “No, ma’am. Your Majesty. I mean, yes, we care about our positions, of course.”

“I see.” She tilted her head slightly. “Because idle gossip about your queen’s body suggests either boredom or disrespect. Neither reflects well on the palace staff.” She pointed at the chef. “And spreading news about our breakfast requests is equally appalling.”