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That was good.

Her hand came to rest on her lower abdomen. What about the baby? Was the baby all right? Would Josiah have told her if something had gone wrong?

“Siah?” she called softly.

He turned and smiled. “Be right there.” After saying something else to whoever was on the other side of the door, he closed it and walked back to the bed.

Rather than getting back under the covers on his side, he came to hers and sat next to her reaching out to brush her hair back. “How’re you feeling?”

“Much better, I think.” She took a deep breath. “What did they say about the baby?”

He dipped his head for a second causing her heart to stop. “I had to tell them. I’m sorry. I know you weren’t ready, but I had to.”

Bekah maneuvered an arm out from under the covers and took his hand in her own. “I understand. You had to. I would have been mad if you didn’t. It might not change treatment options, but it might, and they’re aware.”

His shoulders relaxed. “I don’t think everyone knows. I asked them not to say anything. Benjamin does. So does Gen. I’d imagine their spouses do or will. I don’t think Mum knows yet.”

She smiled at him. “Then we’ll tell her together this weekend.”

Josiah leaned down and pressed a kiss against her forehead. “She’ll love it.”

“I’m guessing they didn’t say anything about the baby not being all right? The baby’s okay?”

“They said it wouldn’t change their course of treatment, but they wanted to come in and see you as soon as you’re awake enough for it.” He hesitated. “They didn’t seem overly concerned, but for all I know, it’s because they didn’t want me to freak out.”

She closed her eyes as he continued to brush the hair back off her temple. “Let them know I’ll be ready in a few minutes? I need to go to the bathroom. And as soon as they’re done, I need a shower.”

“That sounds like a good plan.” He leaned to the side and pulled a phone out of his pocket. After sending a text, he laid it on the bed and turned his attention back to her. “You’re feeling better.”

This time her smile was weary. She knew that. But it was a smile. “Much.”

* * *

The medical personneldecided it would be all right to wait until after Bekah took a shower to check her out. Josiah left her with Gen - just in case Bekah needed help.

He went to a sitting room and walked to the far side, heading outside onto the large veranda. When he reached the thick stone railing, he rested his forearms on it and looked out over Lake Akushla.

“How’s Rebekah?” Benjamin joined him on the veranda.

“Much better. Gen’s helping her take a shower then the docs are going to look at her again and check on the baby.”

“Did you know?” His brother leaned against the same railing a few feet away.

Josiah shook his head. “Not until recently.”

“Legally, you’re the father of record when the baby is born.”

“Even if we get an annulment before then?”

Out of the corner of his eye, Josiah could see Benjamin frown.

“I know. ‘Death do us part’ and all that, but really we just needed to get out of Athmetis safely, and we never actually said that. You know that.”

“I know. And, if that’s what the two of you decide is best for you, I’ll support you.”

Josiah could hear an underlying hint of something in his brother’s voice. “Privately?”

The king sighed. Not Benjamin. No, he’d flipped that switch inside and become the monarch. “You know how the public feels.”