Page 44 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

The touch wasn’t for us. It was for the people watching.

As I walk off the dance floor, I nod and even force a smile or two at some of the guests I’ve met. There are some things I’m going to have get better at, not just for myself but for Sophaya.

As I’ve gotten more involved the last few weeks, I can see why she’s weighed down. So much expectation and duty has been placed on her. Her father sticks to his social engagements. Her mother, personal epiphany aside, is unfamiliar with many of the duties Sophaya is trying to tackle in her quest to be a better leader.

She wants more choice. Wants to support her people, even at the expense of her own comfort.

Inspiration strikes. Is it a little over the top? Perhaps. But I committed to supporting and protecting my soon-to-be wife and our child. I can still care for her without letting go of my control.

I step out of the ballroom and into a hall away from the music and conversation as I dial a number.

“Todd? I need everything you have on Louis Bernard’s father and his investments in Siravelle. Specifically, any projects he’s currently financing or any rumors of upcoming projects.”

I once craved to have choices in my own life. I ran away to finally have them. I remember what it was like to be trapped, forced into a box someone else constructed for me. I may not be able to give Sophaya everything she deserves. But if I can give her a choice, a little bit of freedom in her otherwise overly structured world, then I’ll do anything I can to make that happen.

Chapter Fifteen

Sophaya

The moon hangs full and heavy in the sky. The waves of the Atlantic rise and fall in gentle motion, crests dusted with silver. I slowly walk out onto my balcony as strains of soft, mellow jazz drift behind in my wake. I wrap my arms around my waist. I’m almost three months pregnant now, but there’s not even a hint of swelling. A good thing, I remind myself, given that we’re hoping to conceal the pregnancy as long as possible and establish Dominic’s role in the palace before word leaks out. But I want to feel it, want the evidence of the tiny life that’s growing inside me. Need something peaceful to latch onto.

Of all the things I had anticipated for tonight, Dominic’s possessiveness had not been one of them. I’d been irritated by Louis’s presence, and even more so when he intimated that he’d made a mistake in ending our relationship. I’m tired of being other people’s plaything, the convenience that’s always available at their whim, with no regard for what I want.

I knew people had been watching, waiting to see what drama would ensue. It’s the only reason I didn’t pull away when he laid his hand on my back. The flurry of whispers around me had been my first clue that something wasn’t right before I turned my head and saw Dominic walking toward us with murder in his eyes. No, he hadn’t said anything overtly aggressive to Louis, but he certainly hadn’t been kind.

What did you expect? an internal voice whispers. Of course he was upset.

Dominic’s had his share of lovers. My mouth twists into a scowl. There’s plenty of photos online documenting his romantic life over the years. As a future queen, I would welcome them, treat them as guests. But as a woman, the thought of them makes me angry.

No, I acknowledge grudgingly, furious.

When he inserted himself between Louis and me, when he wrapped his hand around mine and pulled me up against him, a dark part of me was thrilled. I’ve never been wanted like that. Even if it was simply carnal ego instead of genuine emotion, it was nice to feel that for a moment.

“Good evening, Princess.”

I yelp. “Dominic?” I whirl around, but there’s no one there. I start heading into my room. “Where are you?”

“On my balcony.”

I turn and walk back out onto mine. I move to the railing and crane my neck. The palace walls curve, but I can just glimpse the barest edge of his railing.

“How did you know I was out here?”

“I could hear your music playing. Plus, you strike me as the kind of woman to enjoy moonlit nights on her balcony.”

I can’t help but smile slightly. “You’re correct. I spend a lot of my free time out here. It’s peaceful.”

Silence falls between us, offset by the distant roar of the waves crashing down onto the beach below. But it’s not unpleasant. With the music playing and the water sparkling, it’s comforting. I don’t feel the need to fill the quiet with polite chatter or inane comments.

One of the things I like about Dominic, even if I’m still unsettled by our altercation in the ballroom, is how I can simply be.

A few more minutes pass before Dominic speaks. “I won’t apologize for being rude to Louis.”

I bite down on my lower lip. I should be chastising him, reminding him of royal protocol. But it’s hard to do when I remember the shocked look on Louis’s face. He reminded me of a goldfish I had as a child, his mouth wide open and his eyes huge. After the way he abandoned me, it’s hard not to feel at a sliver of satisfaction.

“But,” Dominic adds, so quiet I can barely hear him over the music, “I will apologize if I embarrassed you.”

I blink rapidly. It shouldn’t strike me like this, but I can’t remember the last time someone apologized to me with such honesty.