CHAPTER FOUR
Lundin
of bed and away from Amber. She slept as I walked out to the living room completely naked. I didn’t want the kids to see me stark naked, so I yanked up my pants quickly. Once I reached for my shirt the creak of a door had me turning around. Amber’s daughter slid out with her hair all messed up but still framing her face. Idris seemed so innocent as she yawned and stretched.
“Morning beautiful,” I said, and her eyes widened.
“Why are you here?” She rubbed at her eyes then glanced back into the room.
“I wanted to make sure your mom arrived at the palace early today,” I lied but she shrugged and walked to her brother’s room and woke up the little guy. Wardetto shuffled out of the room with a few yawns of his own as I walked into the kitchen.
“Where did you sleep?” Wardetto asked and I faced him. I knew deep down their mother wouldn’t want me to answer honestly.
“On the couch.” I pointed at the bigger one and Wardetto nodded once. “Who’s ready to eat breakfast?”
“I’m so hungry.” Idris rubbed at her stomach, and I grinned.
“Give me five minutes and let your mom sleep.” I twisted and found what I needed and started cooking eggs and wheat cakes. Some humans called them pancakes but I preferred the elf name more. After all, they didn’t call it oven cakes on earth when the mix came out of the stove.
I mixed the batter and scrambled the eggs then poured them into their own warm pans.
“Wardetto, you’re first.” I plated two wheat cakes and scooped the eggs while the second batch cooked.
“Yummy. We haven’t had these in months.” He grinned brightly as he raced to the table. Idris strolled in and grabbed a cup within reach then filled it with water.
“He will ask for a drink after the first few bites, so Mom always has one ready.” Idris carefully carried it back as her brother called out for some water.
I smirked as I plated Idris’s food. Then I cooked some for Amber. As I cooked, I thought about what it might be like to have a family and a woman in my home with me.
“What’s going on in here?” Amber asked as I plated the last two batches of wheat cakes.
“The Prince made us breakfast.” Idris smiled with food in her mouth. Amber inched into the kitchen and stood next to me. “They are good mommy.”
“I’m glad sweetheart. But don’t talk with your mouth full of food.” Amber shook her head and faced me. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to let you sleep in. Plus, I was worried your children would revolt if they didn’t have food soon.” I winked and she smirked.
“Why are you doing this?” She lifted her gaze and met mine. In all honesty I didn’t know the true reason I stayed instead of sneaking out before dawn. Something in Amber called to my soul and the need to protect and help her surged through my blood like fire. And the sex was un-freaking-believable. The way she’d completely opened up to me on the table and bed only had me craving more.
“Do I need a reason?” I asked and she nibbled on her lower lip.
“I guess not. But most of the time elves and humans have reasons for doing everything.” She grabbed her plate and turned toward the table. “Crap, that can’t be the time.” Her shoulders fell. “I won’t have enough time to get to the palace now.”
“Mommy, the prince said he was taking you,” Idris added before I had a moment to say anything. Amber lifted her gaze and locked with mine.
“Is this true?”
“Yep. Now eat and enjoy the food,” I ordered, and she relaxed in her seat.
“Thanks,” Amber mumbled between bites.
I leaned closer. “I’m sure there are ways you can thank me later.” I pulled back as red tinted her cheeks. Part of me wanted to see that every day but if I pursued her, she’d come with two kids. Two little ones not of my blood. And I needed children of my own to help secure my brother’s place as King. The monarchy loved to have spares in case the king and his children suddenly died. I didn’t want to be king of my children to have to bear such a heavy weight but it was part of my birth.