Damon held the chair for Molly and they took their seats. One of the waiters walked in with the first course. We were quiet for a moment, while they poured water and tea.
“I wanted to give you a chance to digest the information before we told Sutcliffe, or Mother.” He eyed me.
“Why?” My fingers twitched. I didn’t know if I had the instinct to drink because there was something to celebrate, or the natural craving to drown the guilt that had surfaced.
“Naturally, your succession to the thrown has been altered.”
“Right. That.” It wasn’t the most pressing issue I had. But tonight’s news had changed a lot of things.
“And once Sutcliffe knows, documents will be drawn up. He is going to want to set up protocol in case something happens to either Molly or me. It’s going to become a damn ordeal.”
“Always is with him.”
Molly reached for her water. “We’re hoping to keep the news just in the family as long as we can.”
“I won’t say anything.”
“I knew I could count on you.” Damon held up the glass of water.
It was bullshit toasting with water. But I pushed my glass forward.
“To the new royal.” I smiled at Molly.
“Thank you.”
After dinner I followed Damon to the balcony. He pulled a pair of cigars from his jacket.
“These are all right, aren’t they?”
I took one. “Yeah. I can handle a cigar.”
I smelled the unique blend. I knew my brother had paid a few hundred for these.
“Molly can’t stand the smell. I’ll shower after this.”
“Well, she is pregnant. Isn’t that one of the side effects?”
He laughed. “I’m learning it is.”
We leaned against the marble railing. “Can you fucking believe this?” he asked. “I’m going to be someone’s father.”
I shook my head. “Hard to believe.” I stared at the lights on the shore. We all had great views, but Damon’s was phenomenal.
The letter was still pressed inside my jacket. I had every chance to tell him, but his news crushed it. The timing was off. I couldn’t bring it up on a night like this.
He chewed the end of his cigar. “Married. Baby. King. Who the fuck am I?” He turned to me.
“All those things now.” I hated that I came home to so much change. I had missed my big brother’s wedding.
“You think it takes the pressure off for you?” he asked.
“Not being next in line?” I twirled the cigar. “I never thought about it to be honest. I’ve never been heir material.”
“I want you to be…” he stopped. “If something happens. And I’ll make sure this is covered in whatever damn paperwork or royal decree Sutcliffe comes up with. If anything happens to us…” Damon inhaled. “Will you raise our child?”
I huffed. “You can’t be serious. I’m the drunk uncle.”
“No, you’re not. You’re my brother. And Galona is as much yours as it is mine. I need to know someone will help him or her rule. You were dealt a rough hand, brother. And you’ve fought like hell to come out on the other side. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have complete faith that you’re going to keep fighting. Will you be there? Will you be that person?”