Page 40 of The Accidental Prince (Accidentally in Love #3)

K arl and Serena walked along the beach with their son Ranier holding their hands. Every few steps, they swung him high while the boy laughed with delight.

Along the edges of Vertraumen were newly built houses, each boasting a small staff and a private beach for the wealthy families who spent their holidays here.

It had taken over a year, but the islanders were more than willing to adapt.

They’d revitalized the island, making it into an exclusive place where royalty and other wealthy ladies and gentlemen could enjoy a sanctuary with full privacy and no interruptions from the outside world.

And in turn, the people of Vertraumen had enjoyed the profits, becoming a prosperous island kingdom.

Karl had formed a council of representatives from all parts of the island, and they held regular sessions to discuss the island’s needs.

He’d found the people were open to new ideas, and he’d enjoyed bringing mechanical solutions to address their agricultural challenges.

“Have you heard from your mother?” he asked Serena.

She nodded. “She sent me a letter just this morning. Father still has made almost no recovery from his apoplexy. My mother has tried to assume his duties but…she has asked me to return to Badenstein as Princess Regent.”

“You’re still his heir,” Karl said softly. “Is that what you want?” He knew it would gall the king of Badenstein to no end, if Serena returned to rule over the country. Especially with a bastard husband at her side.

“It won’t be easy,” she admitted. “But if you’re with me, it will be all right.”

Just as they reached the manor house, the skies opened, and rain poured down over them. Serena hurried into the house and handed Ranier off to his nurse, with orders for a bath and bed. She kissed her son, but was startled when her husband opened the door and led her back outside.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “We’ll both be soaked.”

Karl took her hand and closed the door, leading her into the garden. As the rain drenched them both, she shrieked when he lifted her into his arms. Against her ear, he murmured, “I thought you loved standing in the rain and being foolish.”

She laughed as he lowered her to the ground. “And I thought you weren’t that sort of man.”

“I am when it suits my purpose.”

“What purpose is that?” She lifted her face to the rain, letting it soak through her hair. The water dampened her gown, molding it to her skin.

“If you’re cold and wet, you’ll need a hot bath. And then, I’ll have to wash every part of you.”

“Will you?” she murmured, pulling him into a fierce kiss. His mouth covered hers, and he tasted both the rain and the promise of a night in her arms. Sending him a wicked smile, Serena added, “Then I’ll need you to help me unbutton my gown.”

Karl took her by the hand and led his wife back into the manor. Although it wasn’t a grand palace, it was home in every sense of the word. And it was everything he’d dreamed it would be.