The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Baby Scandal

Chapter 4

4

Piper Pearson stood awkwardly shuffling from foot to foot in the elegant entryway to the palace as she held her precious baby boy. The king had raced after the queen when she stormed off, and the butler was glaring at Piper unflinchingly from his perch on the stairs.

It was tempting to quietly retreat out the door she had arrived through and go back to the simple, small studio apartment that she called home. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her life, other than the fact that it was utterly average in every way.

She wanted more for Liam than her meager hourly wage working as a seamstress could provide. Her son had royal blood flowing through his veins, so he was worthy of the best that life had to offer. He deserved better than she could give him as a single mom living on her own, hemming pants to make a barely-livable wage.

The last thing Piper wanted was to hurt anyone. She had always been a quiet, gentle soul. The devastated look she had seen in the queen’s gaze had almost prompted her to leave. In fact, if she had been standing there for herself, she definitely would have made a quick exit.

She was doing this for her son, though, and she would face any foes for Liam. This kingdom was his birthright, and she was going to make sure he received what was rightfully his. She would do anything for her sweet baby boy.

Although she hated it that the queen was being hurt, Piper knew those hurt feelings would quickly dissipate. King Sebastian obviously loved Queen Tess with all of his heart. Piper didn’t want to interfere in their relationship in any way. She merely wanted to claim her son’s spot at the royal table.

The wait seemed interminable as she hovered and wondered what would become of her son’s introduction to his father. She feared the royal family might try to pay her off to get her to slink quietly away. As tempting as a large sum of money would be, since she could make sure Liam’s future would be blessed with financial security, she wouldn’t sign away his birthright without giving him a say in the decision.

Piper was stunned when the queen herself returned to the entryway. It was obvious by the regal woman’s red face and puffy eyes that she had been crying. Although guilt swirled in a heavy cloud around Piper over being the cause of those tears and hurt feelings, she silently reminded herself that her son’s future was all that truly mattered.

The queen made a valiant effort to be composed and polite when she approached Piper. With a brittle smile, she said, “King Sebastian and I would be honored if you and Liam will stay in the palace as our guests while we sort this out, Ms.––?”

“Pearson. Piper Pearson.” Piper filled in her name for the incredibly classy woman. She felt especially awkward as she stammered her gratitude. “Thank you… That would be great… Thanks so much.”

Turning to look up at the butler, who was still hovering on the stairs and sneering down at Piper, Queen Tess said, “Geoffrey, please have someone escort Piper and Liam to one of the guest suites in the royal residence.”

For his part, Geoffrey’s face was pinched like he had just bit into a particularly sour piece of candy. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Your Highness? Perhaps Ms. Pearson and Liam should be situated in the East wing of the castle with the other riff-raff.”

Piper knew from the local news stories that King Sebastian and Queen Tess had opened a portion of the castle as an exclusive and expensive getaway for the richest of the rich as a way to help the kingdom pay down its debt. By all accounts, the world’s billionaires were all clamoring to live in a real, working castle, which made the creative money-making endeavor a smashing success.

The queen lifted her chin and narrowed her gaze at the butler. It was obvious that she didn’t appreciate having her direct request questioned. In a firm, no-nonsense tone, she said, “They will be staying in the royal residence.”

Immediately deferring to her authority, Geoffrey nodded and said, “As you wish, Your Highness.”

Turning back to Piper, the queen said, “We will send a courier to collect any belongings you need from your home. Please plan to join us for dinner at 7 p.m., sharp.”

Piper nodded, feeling overwhelmed and more than a little awestruck as the queen turned and her heels click-clacked down the marble hallway and away from her.

Finn McGinley appeared in the entryway as if he had magically been summoned. Piper immediately recognized the man, who had replaced Sebastian as the royal steward when the king accepted his crown.

Piper couldn’t help but notice how Finn’s eyes sparkled when he looked up at her from his deep, polite bow of introduction. She imagined he was thrilled by the opportunity to get the inside scoop on the juicy gossip about the baby who was likely to rock this kingdom to its very core.

Ignoring the tingle she felt when Finn pressed his lips to the back of her hand in a flirtatious kiss, she shut down any potential advances from him by asking, “Are you here to show us to our room?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered with impeccable politeness before leading her up the giant staircase, right past a still-glaring Geoffrey. The bitter anger practically emanated in irate waves from the butler.

Piper wasn’t able to contain her awed gasp when she caught the first glimpse of her enormous, opulent bedroom. The luxurious bed looked almost as big as her entire studio apartment. Her feet sank into the thick carpet, and it felt like she was walking on fluffy, pillow-like clouds as she went to fling open the balcony doors.

Her view was astounding––overlooking the pool, gardens, and sea beyond the palace grounds. She stood there for a long moment, gaping at it and feeling stunned that she and Liam were actually staying here.

Finn’s voice startled her, since she had forgotten he was still with her. “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?”

Her heart still racing from the jump-scare, she nodded and answered simply, “Yes.”

When Finn continued to hover just behind her, she wondered if she was supposed to tip him for escorting them to their room. She had a few dollars in her purse, but she hated to part with them unnecessarily, especially since she was certain that the handsome royal steward made far more money than she did.

Reluctantly, she began digging in her purse for her wallet. When she held her last three dollars out towards him, the gesture seemed to kick Finn into gear.

“Oh! That isn’t necessary.” He held his palms up, seeming shocked that she would even suggest such a thing.

After Finn offered to have a crib sent up, he made a quick retreat out of the room. Piper shook her head, feeling disappointed with herself. She had most definitely just made a huge faux pas, either by offering the royal steward a tip at all, or by insulting him with the paltry sum she could afford.

Trying to shake off her negativity, Piper smiled down at the innocent, sleeping baby dozing in her arms and said quietly, “Welcome home, Liam.”