Marco inhaled the rose smell that was all Renee and ignored the sweet scent of the bakery. His mouth watered, but it wasn't for sweet pastries. Gaining Renee's trust was tantamount to a happy life, and he'd provide that for her.

She slipped her hand in his and came closer, her face lifted toward his. He squeezed her hand instead of claiming a kiss. "The village only has about 500 residents on our island and the elders ask the teenagers to keep the public displays of affection to a few, more isolated locations on the island."

"Okay, got it. NO PDA. The bakery smells delicious." She followed his lead as he moved to the side, intending to stop and let her taste a few treats.

"Have you tried the potica?"

Her nose curled as she glanced up at him. "I don't like to talk about politics."

"You're about to be a princess, so that will be tough." He winked at her though she didn't blink. He leaned closer. "However, you're in luck. Potica is a nut-filled donut bread. Come."

"Oh! My stomach is queasy right now but perhaps food will help."

He led her inside and about twenty people all stared at them. He closed the door and walked her to the display case as the crowd around them moved. Renee tugged on his arm and whispered, "Everyone became quiet."

"Relax." He placed his hand on her spine while he looked into the gaze of the blue-eyed woman behind the counter. She immediately lowered her head, probably curious about Renee. He spoke in a quiet tone. "We'll be one minute." He pointed to the pastry. "Renee, would you want a chocolate filled..."

"Yes," she interrupted with a nod and licked her lips. Raw hunger filled him to have her again, but he ignored the lust as she said. "Chocolate anything." She held the bag the person at the counter handed him and waited like a ten year old child in a candy store, "Your grace."

While they walked to the door, Renee sighed. "This smells delicious. I probably shouldn't eat it, even though my stomach is rolling and demanding I have a bite. I’m hoping something sweet calms me down."

She truly was beautiful. "You should. Here is a small piece to help until we get where we're going." He held it for her.

"Thanks." Behind him those in the shop began talking again and he heard someone say the prince seemed happy.

She swallowed the small piece and from the expression on her face, he knew the sweet hit the right spot. She confirmed a second later. "This is good..."

"Renee..." Something seemed to be off with her, though she was happy. "Let's go."

He'd ask her once they were alone. The gravel on either side of the path was made from thousands of years of shells on the coast, and his ancestors had been a part of this island from the first fisherman.

Renee looked over her shoulder behind them and tugged on his arm. "We're leaving the village? I thought you wanted to show me the shops."

"I couldn’t wait to bring you to my favorite spot on the island." He tucked her to his side, keeping her close each step of the way against occasional gusts of wind off the ocean. No harm would come to his baby on his watch. "Remember how Antonio took Kristin to the man cave that used to be a guardhouse? The building has so much history, I’m sure you’ll insist we use the place for tours once you get going, but here, on the island, this small enclave is just mine and not useful for history as far as I know."

She laughed softly. In a few more steps, a large wooden door came into view and he fished the key from his back jeans’ pocket. He pushed it wide open so Renee could enter. She walked fully inside while he turned and fought the wind to close it again. He managed with a loud slam.

Renee studied the ten-foot fireplace in the room. "What is this place?"

"I said this had no history. You’re not working."

"I don’t believe you and I taught the subject because it was interesting."

"Fair enough." He pointed to the right and up about four feet, beyond the kitchen area to the huge bay windows that showed nothing but the sea. "This was the South Watch room where my ancestors spied for possible enemy ships approaching."

"Like pirates or foreign invaders?" Renee walked further into the grand room. "I love the fireplace."

He picked up a starter log and threw it in the fireplace along with a match. The rest of the wood was already cut and stacked. The fire grew and he held his hands close to the flames. "It was built to keep the hall of hundreds warm in winter."

"Its stone face made the Spartan open space very masculine." She came beside him and patted her stomach. "The pastry helped." They both heard her tummy rumble. "I'm never this hungry."

Marco had a skill for deduction, and knew to the hour when they’d had unprotected sex. "When was the last time you had your period, Renee?"

She played with her necklace and looked up at him. "I don't know honestly, but I've not had it since I’ve been in Avce, and I had no boyfriend before you."

He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed the soft skin. "It's been a couple weeks since we were captured."

"A lot has happened." She tugged her hands away and looked down. "You think I'm pregnant?"

"I'll get you a test when we get home." The air around them smelled like roses while the fireplace crackled next to them, the shadows of the flames blazing her skin with light. Was it possible to want her more?

"I'm sure it's nothing." She traced his arm with her hand, settling on his shoulders and neck.

"It changes things if you are."

"How?"

"We really do get married tomorrow."

Renee shrugged with a shy smile. "Your mother was never big on long engagements."

"She's not." Was he ready to be a dad? It could be nothing.

Her intake of breath caught in her throat. "The only issue will be with whatever my parents do to drive you away from me."

That was the last thing he’d expected her to say. He leaned closer to her and brushed his hand against the smooth skin of her face. "Nothing will keep me from you."

"That's what they all say." Her lips pouted.

He wrapped his arms around her. "I'm not your exes. Have faith in me."

"It's not about having faith in you. It's about them. I'm scared they'll hurt us."

She closed her eyes as he leaned closer to taste her mouth, her lips were like candy that he'd not had in forever, though he'd kissed her not that long ago.

"Have faith." He repeated once their kiss ended. "They only get that power if you give it to them."

She sighed and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. There was nothing her parents could do that he understood. He’d banish them from his kingdom, if necessary. Renee didn't need to be so afraid that she shivered in his arms. He'd protect her. She was his world now.