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“She can’t understand you,” Mother scolded.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I put too much on you. That wasn’t right. I’m sorry.”
“I think we have a solution to this little problem,” Mother said with a soft smile.
I rolled my eyes. “This isn’t a problem to solve. It’s broken. I told Theo my duties were more important than he is.”
“He seems like a reasonable man,” Father said. “I’m sure he’ll understand there was a misunderstanding.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “I still have to step up and do all the crown crap.”
“I think your little sister or brother might be able to take on the crown crap,” Mother said, laughing. “In the meantime, your father and I will keep our duties. I don’t think either of us has a foot in the grave.”
“My little brother or sister?” I asked with confusion.
My mother smiled. “I’m pregnant. It wasn’t food poisoning.”
I frowned. “How is that possible?”
My mother laughed. “If you’re not aware of how that’s possible, we should probably have a talk before you get married.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean. Not to be rude, but I didn’t think it was possible for you to get pregnant.”
“It’s possible. And it’s happening. The doctor assures us that me and the baby are healthy.”
I was still trying to process the news when the doors to the dining room suddenly swung open, and in walked Nora. Her presence was unexpected, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was dreaming. That had to be it. I was still asleep and all of it was just a silly dream.
Nora’s arrival was met with stunned silence from our parents, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief. I was just as shocked. “Nora?” I asked.
Nora finally broke the silence. “Emilie, I saw your interview in America,” she said, her words full of sympathy and understanding. “I couldn’t stay away any longer. I had to come back. I can’t let this happen.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“I’ve learned that there is more to life than duty and tradition. I’ve learned that love and happiness should never be sacrificed for the sake of power or legacy. I wasn’t willing to do it. I can’t let you do it either.”
“I don’t think you understand,” Mother said.
“I’ve seen the pictures of you and Theo,” Nora said, smiling. “You can’t give that up, Emilie. You love him and he loves you. Don’t give up a good man to make them happy.”
She looked at our father, putting her hands on her hips. “Emilie deserves happiness, and I won’t allow her to be put into this mess. You guys can’t do this to her.”
“Nora,” I said, wanting to tell her about the pregnancy.
“No.” Nora shook her head. “You’re in this because I walked away. Trust me, Emilie, you don’t need to do this. It’s terrifying, but trust me, love is worth more than all of this. Who cares if you don’t get to sleep in a palace or have servants waiting on you hand and foot? It’s not like Theo is broke. You’re still going to have everything you need. Don’t let them do this to you. Don’t you dare give up on love. You might lose them, but you’ll have me. I will stick by your side.”
“That’s enough,” Father bellowed. “I will not have you talk about us like we’re some evil villains.”
“In my world, you are a villain,” Nora spat.
“Nora, you don’t understand,” I said. “I don’t have to marry him.”
“But you want to marry him,” she said. “I know you love him.”
I smiled and got up to give her a hug. “First, let me say I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
Nora hugged me back. “I’ve missed you. I’m sorry I left you hanging. I shouldn’t have done that, but honestly, I would do it again because I love that man.”
“We don’t need either of you to marry anyone,” Father said. “We will stay right where we are. When the baby is born, we will offer the legacy to him or her. If he or she declines, my nephew will step up.”
