Nora held Christian's hand and looked at him.
"I love you, Christian." She said. His face was so sad, she hadn't seen him in this state before. He was always so strong and so put together so seeing him like this just crushed her.
"I love you, too." She could hear the pain in his voice. She sighed. She knew it was time to tell him.
"Christian."
"Yes my love."
"Christian you're going to be a father." He looked over at her and smiled.
"What? I'm sorry. I mean… really?" He asked.
She nodded and smiled, putting his hand on her tummy.
"Oh my god." He said. He leaned in a kissed her.
"When is he coming?" He asked.
"Oh you think it's going to be a he do you?"
"I know it. I can feel it."
"April." She said. "I'm due in April." He smiled and kissed her.
"We have to get married soon. Very soon." He said. She could see him beginning to panic a little.
"Christian, you are king. These are your traditions now. Your rules. We need to do everything at our own pace." She said.
"Maybe I just want an excuse to marry you as soon as possible?" He laughed.
"Well then, let's make it happen." She squeezed his hand and he kissed hers.
Just like that, they were hopeful again.
**************************
"So let me get this straight, because this is a lot to take in." Sydney Young, Erik's friend from NYU law and firm partner said.
"She's lived over half her life thinking she is a certain age, with a certain background, but there is a possibility it is all incorrect? Is that what you're telling me?"
Erik nodded. "Yes. I fear that might be a real possibility."
"Hello. Sorry I am late." Bill Burns, the most sought after PI in the eastern US said as he walked in.
"Sydney has briefed me a little. Let's get down to it. I need to know the background you thought she had and what you've found out so far. Also, I will need a DNA sample."
Erik handed him the straw.
"Great." Bill said.
Erik explained what he knew and how it all came to pass.
"My my. Well congratulations, Erik. You're going to be a father." Sydney said.
"Yeah." Erik was trying desperately not to get choked up.
"How long will it take?" Erik asked.
"I am not sure. But I think we have a good start with the medical information and what you found on the Sloane folder."
Erik nodded. "I'm going home to London. Please let me know as soon as you find out anything. Also, I appreciate the discretion and agreement to sign the NDA. I'm sure you understand the delicacy of this."
"Of course." Sydney said. "We will be contacting you soon."
Erik shook hands and thanked them. All he could think about was getting back home and back to her arms.
*****************************
Everyone at the palace was a bit forlorn as Pearl helped staff clear out Dylan's things. She held his coat and sweaters, each one, and hugged them tightly before giving them to be put in storage.
"I can't believe he's gone." She said.
"I know ma'am." Charles sighed as he helped with the boxes. Auggie came in and sat next to her.
"How are you?" He asked.
"Terrible." She said.
"I know. I can imagine. We all loved him so."
He put his arm around her.
"Pearl, this isn't the best time for it but I think it's important to be said."
She looked over at him.
"My brother. Please execute caution with him. I'm not throughly convinced by this 'changed man' routine he's been putting on."
Pearl stood up and turned to him.
"People don't change. They heal." She said as she walked out of the room, leaving him sitting there.