Ari woke to bright sunshine streaming in through the window. It was nearing Valentine's Day and Ari hoped that they had seen the last of the snow for the winter. But it wasn't spring yet, so they could still be in for another good snowfall. "Morning." She rolled over and said to Grayson. She loved watching him sleep, but he was already awake, watching her. He stroked a stray piece of hair carefully away from her face."Morning, love," he replied. "How did you sleep?"She nodded, smiling. "Good." She rose from the bed and slipped into her robe."Where are you going?" He reached for her but missed. He pouched out his lip like a child who didn't get his way. "I thought we could have some alone time together."Ari smiled, already headed for the bathroom. "Vickie and I are going to start working on Henley's House today." She turned on the shower, leaving the door open. "Do you have to do that today?" Grayson asked, already out of bed and slipping into his robe. From the look on his face,
A little while later after Ari had showered and dressed, she quickly changed her plans and started packing."What are you doing?" Grayson asked, coming out of the shower, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, rubbing another towel over his hair, drying it."I'm going back with Vickie to help my mom and Henley move." Ari pulled one of her suitcases from the closet and began loading it up. "Stop." Grayson quickly closed the distance between them. "Everything's been arranged. You don't have to go. I'm sending the Royal Family's private jet to take Vickie to New York and to bring her and your family back. They will stay as long as needed." He ran his fingertips over her skin, raising gooseflesh over her body. "You don't have to go.""But Henley—""Will have a private nurse traveling with her on the plane." Grayson slid his arms over hers, but she pulled away."But what if something happens to them?" She suddenly felt bile rising from her stomach and her head started spinning. Withou
As promised, Ari was about to ask Mrs. Jackson to recommend a gynecologist that she may know, but Grayson gave her a slip of paper later that simply said: Dr. Marcel Parker, and then the number. Grayson raised an eyebrow and smiled. Then he kissed the top of her head and whispered. "Call him."A thrill ran through her body at the possibility. She nodded, looking down at the number. Unable to contain her enthusiasm, she headed to their bedroom, dialed the number, and made the appointment right away.Now, she was in the limo headed toward the doctor's office with Arnold Pepperini and Eric Mason, her bodyguards, and Tomas Booth, a new driver. Arnold sat beside her and Eric sat in the front with Tomas. Ari felt that Arnold was very protective of her, although she didn't know why. She had a feeling that Grayson may have said something to him about keeping her safe. But on the other hand, she felt that it was just his nature to be protective. Hence, the job and why he was so good at it.Ari
While Ari was out, Grayson went to the office to see what he could do in the investigations. Suddenly, his phone rang. He looked down and it was Declan. "You'd better get out here now," Declan said without pretense. "And bring some men with you.""What's happening?" Grayson asked, already headed out of his office and down the hallway."Marcus," Declan replied. "He's holding another one of his secret meetings again.""Where are you?" Grayson asked, already headed toward Xavier's office.Declan gave him the address, which wasn't far from the cafe, just like Ari had said.Grayson burst into Xavier's office and he was immediately on his feet. "We need all the men we can get," Grayson said. "Declan found Marcus holding another secret meeting. He's planning a coup."Xavier picked up the phone and started dialing. "Give me the address and I'll meet you there." He covered the receiver of the phone and added, "And don't go in alone. I'll be right there.""Will do." Grayson headed down the stai
Ari was still in the office with Dr. Marcel Parker when the door flew open and hit the wall."What is the meaning of this?" Dr. Parker asked, rising to his feet.Arnold ignored him and looked straight at Ari. "We have to go... now.""Arnold, wait in the hallway. I'll be out in a moment.""Princess, we have to go—"A crease formed between her eyes. "Arnold, I'll be out in a—""Ari, I'm so sorry about this, but...." He quickly crossed the room, swept her into his arms, and headed for the front door."Put me down!" Ari kicked and screamed, hitting Arnold's chest. "What is wrong with you?"The receptionist stepped in front of them. "You can't take her like that!"Arnold pushed past her, sending her to the floor in the process, as women in the waiting room screamed."So sorry!" Ari called out, looking around Arnold's shoulder. "I'll call for an appointment!"Arnold kicked the front door open and carried her out to the waiting limo. The other bodyguard, Eric, held the door open as if nothing
At the castle, Ari went straight upstairs. She was tired and needed to lay down and destress from the horror of Arnold bursting in the doctor's office like that. And the more she thought of it, the madder she got. If anything were to happen to the baby from her being manhandled, she would never forgive Arnold or Grayson.She kicked off her shoes, slid under the blanket, and took deep, calming breaths, rubbing her stomach. After a while, she closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. Now, she had another life to think about besides her own and she wasn't going to take any chances. She was going to have to take better care of herself from now on, for the baby, if not anything else. Ari must have fallen asleep, for when she opened her eyes, it was dark. "Are you okay in there?" she asked the baby, running her hand carefully over her stomach. "You don't know me, but I'm your mom. And I promise, I'll keep you safe."There was a slight knock on the door. "Yer Royal Highness? Are ye okay?" Mrs
Vickie leaving to go back home affected Ari worse than she thought it would. She was so lonely that she found it hard to concentrate. Of course, she had Grayson, but he had become obsessed lately with finding Dima and Ralph's murderers, and finding the link to Marcus and Piers. She just hoped that he could find it soon. It was time they put the past behind them and moved on with their lives. But how could they with their murders hanging over their heads?Ari was missing Henley and hadn't spoken to her for a while, so she dialed her number. "Hello, Ari?" Henley answered after a few rings.Ari smiled, missing her terribly, wishing she could be there. "Hey! How are you?" Tears filled her eyes, hearing her sister's voice. But she didn't want her to know."Better now," she replied. "I can't wait to see you."A tear trickled down her cheek. "So, you still coming to Estrea?""Yes, of course." Henley waited for a moment. "Ari, what's wrong?" Even though she was trying not to show it, Henley w
Grayson dialed the number of Dr. Parker's office as soon as Ari's shower turned on. Grayson was so excited to be having a child with Ari, and just as excited to know the sex. Although he knew he would be fine with it either way, it would be nice to know what clothes to buy and what to plan. He would have to start a college fund, too, but he'd wait for that until it was closer to the birth. Grayson always knew he wanted children, but now that it was happening, he was more excited than he could have ever imagined."Hello? Dr. Parker's office," the receptionist announced. "How may I help you?""Yes. Do you have any appointments available today?" Grayson asked. "My wife, Princess Ari Pierce of Estrea, needs an ultrasound.""Well, we didn't have any openings," the woman said. "But I had something that just opened up. Could you be here by one o'clock?"Grayson's lips curled into a smile. "Yes! Absolutely! That would be great. Thank you."He hated to use his—or her—title, but if it got her in
Grayson was proud of his father's efforts to unite Estrea once again. It was clear that the old ways were no longer working. It was time for a fresh start. And King Maxwell of Estrea was determined to do just that.The election was held the next month, as King Maxwell promised, and the Royal Council was selected. But through it all, the feeling in Estrea had been one of new hope. In the news, King Maxwell was praised for his bold initiative to bring the realm into the Twenty-First Century.A few weeks later, the first meeting of the Royal Council was held on April 1. The board voted to continue holding the meetings twice a month, on the first and third Mondays, to keep the council abreast of the happenings of Estrea. The king then promised to make the proceedings and decisions made by the council known to the public in the interest of full disclosure. There was also a procedure set in place for grievances, ensuring that everyone's concerns would be heard. "So, what about the name Maso
The next day, Grayson was working in his office at the castle when Xavier walked in. Without a word, he crossed the room to the television and flipped it on. Then he stood back and folded his arms across his chest."And in the news today," Ella J. Scott said to the camera. "The body of Prince Marcus Pierce was found in an old abandoned warehouse, along with the bodies of other men. One of the men has been identified as Piers Wingfield, former head of security for the Crown. King Maxwell Pierce and members of the Royal Family have made no comment as to the cause of death. In other news—"Xavier sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't think you have to worry about paying Piers now.""Let's speak with Father," Grayson said, already headed toward the door.Xavier followed. "What should we tell him?"Grayson sighed, turning around to face him with his hand on their father's door. "The truth."Xavier looked at him for a moment, and then nodded his agreement.Grayson knocked on th
A week later when Ari was feeling better, she finally had that meeting with the hospital administrator about Henley's House. This time, Henley, her mother, and Vickie attended. Grayson had wanted to go, too, but Ari had to persuade him to let her go without him. After all, she couldn't live in fear for the rest of her life."This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate you bringing it to us," said the hospital administrator, Dr. Sienna Gallagher. "We look forward to hearing more about it. And please be sure to tell His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce and His Highness Grayson Pierce how much we appreciate it. Cancer patients, and their families, will be very appreciative."After speaking with Dr. Gallagher, and at Henley's insistence, Ari had decided to expand Henley's House to include all cancer patients treated at Estrea Medical Hospital, not just leukemia patients.Ari held out her hand. "The pleasure is ours. Thank you for offering us the land on which to build. I'll speak with my husband and
Ari had fallen asleep on the way home, despite her best efforts to stay awake. But the lack of sleep and the continuous motion of Grayson stroking her hair, made sleep inevitable. But now that she was with Grayson again, the world could fall apart, and she wouldn't care. Her stomach hurt a bit, waking her."Are you alright?" Grayson asked, his voice filled with concern.Ari nodded. "My stomach's hurting just a bit, but I'm fine. I just need to rest.""And eat," Xavier added, looking at her in the rearview mirror. Ari laughed. "Well, that's a given." She thought for a moment, wanting to word it correctly. "Xavier, Grayson, thank you both for coming to my rescue.""It's my pleasure, my lady," Xavier teased."You know I would move heaven and earth to get to you," Grayson replied, his voice low and husky.Xavier nodded. "And he is not exaggerating."Ari laughed. "Well, I truly appreciate it." Then she thought of something. "I had to do something that I'm not proud of." She bit her lower
Ari ran through the forest as quickly as she could, headed toward who knew where. She remembered that there was a road that lead back to the village, and she had to find it. She couldn't follow the beach; she'd ever get home.Home.A small word that held so much power. As she ran, all she could think of was Grayson and going home, their home together, at the castle. Then she fell, stumbling over a root protruding from the ground, but caught herself with her hands. But she got up and started running again. After a bit, she looked behind her to see if anyone was following... and ran straight into something. When she looked up... it was Piers."No!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her knees buckling under her. But to her surprise, he caught her in his strong arms."Quiet!" Piers said, holding a finger to his lips."Hold it right there." When she looked up and saw Grayson holding a gun, her heart leapt with relief and joy."Grayson!"Piers quickly pulled her in front of him. "I want
Grayson rode with Xavier into the night toward the shore. Although the chances of finding her in the dead of night was slim and none, he knew he had to try. And from the moment Xavier had heard, he was along for the ride. Without question. "Thank you for this," Grayson said, looking over at him.One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You don't have to thank me. You would do the same for me, if the tables were turned.""Without question."Xavier shrugged. "But then again, I'd do it for Ari, anyway."Grayson chuckled. "Of course, you would," he teased. "I'm glad that you two get along so well.""What can I say? She's a nice girl...." Then he grinned. "and I'm a nice guy."Grayson laughed. "Yes, you are... but I didn't say that.""Of course not." Xavier looked over at him and smiled. "So, have you seen anything suspicious?"Grayson shook his head. "No. Nothing that could be used as a fortress or a hideout.""The shore is farther away than I thought." Xavier sighed."Which is why I
Ari looked around the warehouse, taking everything in. Maybe she would find a clue as to where she was. She kept hearing the crashing of waves, as if she were near the ocean, which meant that she was a few hours away from the castle. Either way, it would be a long walk back.One thing was certain: she couldn't just run back down the road to the castle, even if she did manage to escape. But then again, if she could just get out, then she could easily find her way back to the castle. Surely, someone would know the way and could give her a ride. Although she had no idea what time it was or how much time had lapsed, she knew she had much less than twenty-four hours now and, although there were no windows, she knew it had to be dark—or close to it—making it the perfect time to escape. But she was also getting hungry and she knew she had to eat soon. Also, when she came out of the restroom earlier, Piers had put another zip tie around her wrists again. So, she had to escape when the Zip tie
Grayson called Xavier, knowing he couldn't just sit there and wait. At that moment, he would give anything to have Ari back."Yeah," Xavier answered on the first ring. "Find anything?" Grayson asked, pacing the floor in his office. "Yeah, I think you'd better get down here." From the sound of it, Xavier was pacing, too.Grayson sighed, fearing the worst. "I'll be right there." He clicked off and was ready to walk out when the door slowly opened. "Where's Ari?" Celeste asked, slowly walking in, obviously having overheard something. "Do you know where she is?"Grayson sighed, biting his lower lip. "Please, sit down." He knew he had to go, but her mother deserved to know the truth before he left.Celeste said nothing but slowly walked into the room and folded her arms across her chest. "Where is she?"Grayson looked directly into her eyes, pain ripping through his whole body, as if someone had physically shoved their hand into his chest and ripped his heart out."Ari's been kidnapped."
Ari looked around the warehouse and all eyes were on her. Marcus gritted his teeth as he walked purposefully toward her and slapped her across the face. "How dare you say that about me?" He raised his hand again, but Piers caught it.Piers shook his head. "You gave your word that she will not be harmed for twenty-four hours."Marcus glared at him for a moment, and then ripped his hand out of his grasp. Then he turned his attention to Ari. "Kill me, will you?"Ari raised her head and glared at him, staring daggers into his eyes looking through her hair covering one eye. "Mark my words. You will never get away with this. You should have taken the deal that King Maxwell offered you. It's as good as you're going to get." She shrugged. "It's more than I would have given you.""Why you—" Marcus made a move toward her again, but Piers stood in his way and shook his head in warning."Not while I'm here," Piers replied. Quicker than Ari would have thought possible, Marcus whipped out a gun an