The King's Unbreakable Wife-Chapter 189: Another woman (4)

"I’m sorry," Tobias apologised to Hazel.

Hazel looked away from the book she was reading to Tobias lying on her lap. "It is fine. You were yawning all through dinner so I knew that you would be tired when you came. You can sleep a little more. I want to read a little longer before I go to bed."

Tobias resisted the need to go to sleep. "Now is the time for us to talk, I mustn’t sleep yet."

"That is kind of you but I see that you are tired and I prefer that you rest. We can speak early in the morning after you get some rest. I fear you might forget anything said now because you are tired. I was told you were in the court today," said Hazel.

"I was and it was annoying like always. To celebrate my reign, there might be a festival held. It was long overdue for the people of this town to celebrate. We must get the word out to other towns for anyone who wants to come to Lockwood to start preparing," Tobias replied, informing Hazel of court matters.

This became a part of their night routine so Hazel would be aware of what was happening with the kingdom. Hazel was able to add her thoughts and Tobias would include them in his plans.

"A festival is better than holding something in the palace for only the nobles and the rich to attend. I have always loved attending festivals. Will we be taking a trip outside to see it?" Hazel asked, eager to leave the palace.

Since her visit to her parent’s home the day before she started living in the palace, Hazel had not travelled outside the gates. The palace was large so one would think there was plenty to do but that thought was wrong. Hazel would love a moment out of the palace even if it was for only an hour.

"I can arrange for us to go together. We’ll need to have a lot of guards around us. You can take visits to your family or the Henson’s home. I trust that you will be safe there. I would only need to call upon one of the sons to escort you there. Would you like that?" Tobias asked, holding Hazel’s left hand as it helped calm his mind.

Tobias knew that being in the palace for so long could have a negative effect on someone as he had dealt with it. Hazel was new to this kind of life after being able to go where she pleased so she needed time out to keep her sanity.

"I would like that. I spoke to Linda today and learned that her brothers are busy preparing for some kind of competition so they might be too busy to escort me. I can ask Kenneth to do it. He has always said he would be willing to come to the palace if I ever need him. Should I send a letter to him now?" Hazel asked, closing her book.

"It is late at night. You don’t want to disturb him this late. I can send a messenger early in the morning to get him to visit you so you can speak when you want to leave. I am not fond of his sons, but when they are not busy, you can have one as your guard," Tobias suggested.

Hazel knew Linda’s brothers would make good guards but having them around meant not seeing Linda. "It is a good idea but Linda’s visits to the palace allow her to get away from her brothers. I can ask them to send someone they trust."

"Do as you please."

"I will soon be having ladies in the palace. I need to go over my list seeing as there are some so bold to enter the palace with the intention to get into your bed. Why do you look so surprised?" Hazel asked, smiling while Tobias looked horrified. "Do you think that I wouldn’t notice what they are here for?"

"Hazel, I don’t-"

"I know," Hazel answered before Tobias could. "I know it is not your doing and you will not give them attention. I trust that my husband wouldn’t. You have your moments, but I wouldn’t place you as that stupid."

Tobias frowned. "As lovely as that is, I can’t ignore that you just said I am sometimes stupid."

"And I love you during those times," Hazel replied, leaning down to kiss him to cheer him up. "I was merely joking."

"I don’t think that you were. When you try to make jokes, you are terrible at it so it is evident when you are joking. I will let it slide because it is you," Tobias said, closing his eyes.

"Are you going to sleep now because of what I said? Please forgive me, Tobias. I should have said that you are at times annoying-"

"That doesn’t make it any better. I didn’t come here to be wounded by you. I’m tired and my wife only intends to hurt me," said Tobias.

"Then you can go back to your room where you would have peace. I am ready for bed and first, I must take the medicine. I wonder how long it will be before the doctor will speak of me possibly being pregnant. I have not bled yet so it is a good sign," Hazel said to cheer Tobias up.

"You are quite eager to have a child with me. I am not in any rush so don’t concern yourself with it too much," Tobias said despite his eagerness. All he wanted was for it to happen at the right time and for Hazel to not want a child because of pressure from anyone around her. "I hope that it is what you want."

"It is. All the talk about a child annoys me since I only want to speak about it to those I am close to, but wanting a child isn’t about what others want. I thought you would want to have a child as soon as possible. I’ve noticed how excited you are when the doctor speaks about it. I am eager for one to come for you," Hazel confessed.

"I would like for us to have a child, but I would prefer that it comes without you feeling pressured to have one. You must remember that I am not in a rush to have a child yet. We should enjoy it just being us a little longer. Promise me that you won’t stress yourself about it?" Tobias requested, offering his pinky for a deal to be made.

Hazel made the deal with Tobias and felt guilty because she could not go through with it. She heard about having a child too often for her to not be stressed. All the pressure seemed to be directed at her as though she was the only one in this process.

Only when a child came could she truly be relaxed as all the talk about a child could end.

"After we enjoy our time with just the two of us, then we can think about the five children we will have."

Hazel’s response to Tobias was to push him off her lap as she was not going to have five children.