Chapter 105 - Gift of Life (2/2)

Across Queen Isla, the color on Maxen's face drained. His eyes darted between his mother and father, verifying the truth which he need not do because he saw guilt in his father's eyes.

”That's why our boy here gallops like a horse, and f.u.c.ks like a horse.” The king's head was thrown back, his head shaking with delight.

”How could you do that to our mother! You're a nobleman!” Maxen nostrils flared. His respect for his father exhaled out of his body through it.

”Maxen,” Queen Isla cooed. ”It wasn't like your father planned everything.”

”Yes, yes.” King Alistair nodded. ”It was a magical night, darling.”

Tipping her wine glass to Maxen, Queen Isla took a sip before narrating the events in technicolor. ”The bonfire that night wasn't that good because it rained that afternoon, so we have to improvise with the heating.” Her cheeks blushed at the surge of memories.

”But, mommy! He made that sorry heating on purpose!”

”And I love every bit of it.”

The king and queen held hands to show their solidarity, much to Maxen's horror.

Raising his goblet to break the conversation, King Alistair toasted, ”To the gift of life.” The king beamed. He knew what he would say next would garner him mixed reactions. ”And may we not forget to think about our people first.”

”To the gift of life,” the rest chanted, ignoring the other half of his toast.

After their dinner, King Alistair and Maxen excused themselves and went to the king's office where Secretary Abbott was standing outside, waiting for them.

Inside the office, the air was thin and heavy, yet none of the three gentlemen seemed to be bothered by it.

”I knew you made up your mind about Olivia and there's no way I could change it,” King Alistair trailed off, resting his weaved hands on the doc.u.ments on the table.

Scrutinizing the photos one by one, he couldn't help but grind his teeth.

”But, I have to remind you of the protocols. You know it by heart yet you chose to ignore it every single time.”

King Alistair tapped the photo in the middle. It was a paparazzi shot of Maxen inside the car, securing Olivia in his arms.

”I don't want to leave Olivia in a different car all because people couldn't get their noses away from my private life. It would be safer for her to be at my side at all times.”

”I'm tired of arguing with you. Sometimes I think about abdicating so you'll know what it feels like to be in my place.” Three lines creased on the king's forehead as King Alistair flipped the photo upside down. He didn't want to look at it nor listen to his son's words. He knew that whatever he would say, Maxen had a ready explanation.

”There are more photos of you and Olivia in the Royal Press. It wouldn't take long before the tabloids would stop receiving payments for their hard work, before we know it, things would have blown out of proportion.”

Seeing his father in deep contemplation, Maxen asked, ”So what do you suggest we do, Your Majesty?”

The whole car ride home, Maxen spaced out of the window, drinking in the passing silhouettes of trees in the darkness.

Rubbing the skin above his eyebrow, he thought of ways to achieve the king's suggestion. It wasn't bad, but he felt like doing it was too prem.a.t.u.r.e with all the hullabaloo in Olivia's life.

While Maxen was motionless in his seat, in the front passenger seat, a different scene unfolded.

Jack couldn't seem to find the right mold on the seat for his arse. He shifted and slid on his seat, uncomfortable at the text message he received from Yana a few minutes ago. Firing orders after orders through his phone, he didn't realize they already arrived at Rockaway Tower.

”Aren't you going up with me?” Maxen asked when Jack remained rooted outside the elevator.

”No, Your Highness. I have other matters to discuss with the security team.”

”Okay. Goodnight, Jack.” Maxen tapped his keycard and the elevator doors closed, leaving Jack outside who wiped the sweat in his forehead. He pressed a button in his lapel and fired a question, ”Is the penthouse clear?”

”Clear, boss. All systems are off.”

Arriving in his penthouse suite, Maxen's heart dropped when a fluffy white robe pooled on the floor.

Looking over her shoulders, Olivia's lips curved into a smile that reached her eyes.

”You're home. Want to join me for a dip, Your Highness?”