Page 29 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

And now he’s the father of their future grandchild.

Father is the first to recover. He smooths his face into a smile as he approaches Dominic with an outstretched hand. The pleasant, jovial king the people of Siravelle love. “Dominic. Good to see you again.”

Father winces slightly as Dominic shakes his hand. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“You’re welcome.” Father lets out a warm, practiced chuckle. “Slightly awkward circumstances, but—”

“Not really.” Dominic glances at Mother and inclines his head. “Your Majesty.”

And then he looks at me. His hard gaze softens a fraction as he crosses the room and sits down next to me.

Mother sniffs as Father glances around with a confused expression on his face. They’re wondering if Dominic is familiar with royal protocol, if he knows he’s supposed to bow.

My lips quirk. He knows the rules like the back of his hand. He just doesn’t give a damn.

“How are you?” he asks quietly.

“Tired, but no surprise there.”

He glances down at my stomach. A shiver works down my spine at the possessiveness in his gaze.

“How was your trip?” My voice comes out slightly breathless.

“Fine.” His eyes come back up to my face and he frowns. “You still look pale. You should be resting.”

“I have an economic council meeting in an hour.”

“Enough time for a half hour nap.”

I start to argue, but then realize this is my chance to get away from my parents. And a nap does sound good. “Don’t think you can boss me around just because you’re about to become a prince.”

He grimaces. I can’t help but smile.

“Sophaya.”

My smile fades as I look up at Mother. She’s watching the two of us, her eyes sharp as she glances between the two of us. An odd emotion crosses her face, one I can’t quite place.

“Don’t you think you should review your notes before the meeting?”

“I’ve reviewed them multiple times, Mother.”

She starts to retort, but Dominic stands, filling the room with his presence. For once, Mother doesn’t have a comeback as she tilts her head back to look up at him. He stares down at her for a long moment before turning his back on her. My jaw drops. Maybe he doesn’t know the insult he just levied.

Except as I glance at him, I see the faintest hint of a smirk playing about his full lips. He holds out his arm. “I’ll escort you up.”

I slide my hand into the crook of his elbow, my fingers wrapping around him tighter than I usually would.

“What did you mean by ‘interesting’?” my father asks. “When you first walked in?”

His voice isn’t as charming now. The mask has slipped, revealing a man who cares more about protocol not being observed than standing up for his daughter.

“Your criticism of your daughter. I find it interesting given both your histories.”

Mother’s mouth drops open as Father’s cheeks go red.

“I beg your pardon?” Father snaps.

“Eleven affairs since your daughter was born. That’s not including any one-night stands I haven’t discovered yet.”