Derek's POV
I did feel a little unfortunate. Becky was a temptress; with her tight skirt and white tops that never knew how to hide her entire cleavage. I was at a loss.
"Tatiana, can you please change the chief adviser? She is too tempting. I want to stay loyal to this new-found love. You don't tempt a guy at the beginning of a relationship. It's called a red flag."
She gave a sly smile that was very eventful and gave the hint: I am not leaving you to starve.
I panicked instantly. It was not sounding like a good idea to consummate the union. I knew too well how these things sometimes ended — with drama, heartbreak, or betrayal. I needed no extra complications, and yet here it was… exactly what I had been avoiding.
"Let's consummate our wedding," she said softly, stepping closer. "We are married after all and love is blooming. She can't be what will separate us. Just relax."
If I had ever stopped thinking she was slightly insane, I changed my mind right that second. I don't know when she got so close, but soon… the inevitable happened.
If I had any fears left, they vanished completely in that moment. I now had a beautiful, sweet wife, and nothing — absolutely nothing — could make me hurt her.
Later that afternoon, I sat quietly in my office, thinking about the best deals for oil with Iran. The documents were spread across my large mahogany desk, sunlight streaming through the tall windows and casting long shadows. That's when our temptress walked in. Becky came closer than normal, her perfume strong and sweet, wrapping around me like an unwanted embrace.
"Sir, please, when do you plan on going on your afternoon walk? You have some people to meet."
"When did you become my PA?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and leaning back in my chair.
She chuckled slowly, batting her eyelashes like she was sending a secret message only I could understand. I took note of it. "You know I serve both positions, and I just wanted to make sure nothing overlaps."
Now that was too close. I could smell her perfume — something like grapefruit and exotic flowers — but it could never override Tatiana's reserved, natural beauty. I think I was actually enjoying this little game more than I should. She thought she had the upper hand, but I wasn't about to fall for it.
I just waved my hand dismissively and walked away. She didn't seem pleased, but she held her peace.
The garden was quiet — too quiet. It had forgotten what real peace felt like, but that wasn't for long. I took in the different scents of blooming roses, jasmine, and fresh-cut grass, letting nature engulf me completely. The gentle breeze brushed against my skin, carrying the distant sound of birds. Believe it or not, I envied nature for its peace and lack of restrictions. But I knew I had this complicated life for a reason — a throne to reclaim, a country to stabilize, and now a wife to protect and love.
I saw Tatiana walk in at that very moment. She seemed to be contemplating whether to come in or stay at the edge of the garden path… was she embarrassed about last night? Well, I was equally unsure whether to face her or not after everything, but I still took the initiative to approach her.
"Hi, sugar cups. How was your sleep? You left before the first rays of sunlight," I winked at her playfully.
She exploded with annoyance. A broom suddenly wanted my full attention. I took to my heels immediately. I couldn't get severe beatings today. I ran out of breath fast, my heart pounding. I stopped in my tracks and she came thundering after me. I caught her arm, flipped her over gently, and looked her straight in the eyes. In that moment, I felt nature itself bend to our command.
The wind stilled dramatically. I had to smile. Soft violins seemed to start playing in the background as rose petals slowly revolved around us, dancing to an invisible rhythm. The sun began setting, painting the sky in beautiful twilight hues of pink and gold. Our love story, I felt, had just truly begun.
Becky interrupted the magical moment, and everything turned back to normal in an instant. I rolled my eyes in frustration.
"Your Highnesses, you have a meeting with the Grecian queen. She is quite impatient."
I carried Tatiana bridal style and walked inside with her in my arms, feeling her warmth against me. Her mother broke into a warm, knowing smile the moment she saw us.
"Dad made the right choice, right Tiana?"
We nodded in appreciation, but the next second an undeniable silence overwhelmed the room. She missed her dad — that was the truth, clear as day written across her face. The pain in her eyes was subtle but deep.
We stayed and talked a little longer after the main meeting. She asked about our dealings with the other nations, and I told her everything openly. I wasn't a fool… let's lead them exactly where they want to go.