Chapter 296: Chapter 296 Green Eyed Monster
Phoebe’s POV
"What is that?" Perry’s brow creased as his gaze landed on the small child nestled in my arms, her tiny form curled peacefully against my chest while she slept.
"She’s not a thing, Perry. Her name is Harlow," I scolded him softly for his blunt question. "Keep your voice down—you’ll disturb her sleep," I whispered in warning.
Harlow had drifted off peacefully after I’d shared a few bedtime stories with her. Earlier, Timothy had rushed to me in obvious haste, asking me to watch Harlow for a short while.
I hadn’t questioned why Timothy seemed so urgent, but judging by his expression, it had to be something significant. So I’d simply agreed without prying.
Yet many hours had passed without the gamma’s return, and midnight was fast approaching. A nagging worry crept into my thoughts—had something gone wrong between Timothy and Jude? Had their conversation turned sour? I silently hoped Timothy could persuade Jude to join us.
As for myself, disappointment weighed on my heart knowing I wouldn’t be able to visit the place I’d been longing to see.
Tomorrow we’d have to depart, and this time Perry wouldn’t entertain any delays—especially with numerous envoys from other kingdoms already arriving. This morning brought news that Princess Justina from the Davoria kingdom had arrived with her brothers, while their father would follow shortly.
"Move her somewhere else," Perry commanded, casting a sideways glare at the baby in my arms. His displeasure was obvious—this tiny intruder had claimed his mate’s attention.
He’d spent the entire day away from me, and upon his eager return, he discovered this little creature had monopolized my time. Clearly, this wasn’t the homecoming he’d envisioned after rushing back.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the stormy expression darkening Perry’s features. His brows furrowed so deeply, he looked ready to pluck Harlow right out of my embrace.
"Really, Perry? She’s just a baby," I said, patting the empty space beside me invitingly.
"A baby who doesn’t realize she’s overstaying her welcome," he grumbled.
"Perry," I chided, giving his arm a playful swat before tugging him down to sit beside me.
"Is this Timothy’s mate’s child?" Perry studied Harlow more closely. Her lips parted slightly as soft snores escaped her.
"Yes. Don’t you find her adorable?"
"No. Our child will be far more beautiful."
The words tumbled out before Perry could stop himself. I watched recognition flash across his face as he realized he’d touched on delicate ground—a topic that still caused me pain.
His instinctive response had come without thought, and now concern shadowed his features as he searched my face.
"I’m sorry, that was thoughtless of me," Perry murmured, pressing his lips to my cheek.
"It’s alright," I assured him with a light laugh, as if his slip meant nothing to me. "I’m not upset. Truly." I smiled at him warmly. "You’re absolutely right—our child will be the most beautiful of all."
Uncertainty flickered in Perry’s eyes, unsure how to respond. He kissed my forehead gently, his gaze drifting to the little girl in my arms. The way he looked at me made me feel he was thinking I would be a good mother.
Fortunately, Timothy appeared shortly after, tapping on the door with a grin splitting his face from ear to ear when he spotted Harlow sleeping peacefully in my embrace.
"Forgive me, I completely lost track of time," Timothy said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair. "Thank you for caring for her." He carefully lifted Harlow from my arms. "Judging by your expression, should I assume everything went smoothly?"
I couldn’t muster any irritation with him—his joy was absolutely infectious. The royal gamma practically glowed, his eyes sparkling like stars.
"Better than smooth," Timothy whispered, cradling Harlow against his chest. The little girl stirred briefly but didn’t wake, simply snuggling closer against him, looking impossibly tiny against the gamma’s broad frame. "It was perfect. Oh, Phoebe, I’m bursting to tell you everything!"
If Harlow hadn’t been sleeping in his arms, I was certain Timothy would have been bouncing on his toes from sheer happiness.
The sight made me laugh softly. "I’m so happy for you," I said, squeezing Timothy’s shoulder. "Tell me all about it later—get her to bed now. The night air has turned quite cold."
"Yes, absolutely!" Timothy leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the top of my head—a sweet, brotherly gesture.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing?!"
Perry’s roar thundered from behind me, and before the king could lunge forward, Timothy had already made his escape.
"Thank you, Phoebe!" he called over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of me restraining a furious Perry. Timothy showed no fear—he must have known my influence over the king was more than sufficient. While kissing my forehead might have been bold, he likely knew that once Perry cooled down, he’d recognize there had been nothing improper about it.
Meanwhile, the king’s mood had soured even further after his gamma’s display of affection. "I don’t like it. I’m going to—"
Before Perry could finish his threat, I rose on my toes and captured his lips with mine. "You know he sees me as a sister, don’t you?" I grinned up at his ridiculous jealousy.
"I don’t care if you were actual siblings—I don’t want anyone’s lips on you," Perry growled, crossing his arms and I could tell from his expression he was already plotting Timothy’s punishment for tomorrow.
But I knew exactly what he was thinking. "Don’t. Whatever scheme you’re cooking up for him, forget it." I slipped my arms around his waist, pressing my face against the solid warmth of his chest.
"Are you seriously defending another man in front of me right now?" Perry’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Not at all," I murmured, stretching up to brush my lips against his jaw. "Instead of brooding about it, why don’t you let me help you... unwind?"
