CHAPTER 5

"So you are saying it's all true?" Leo asks his brother over the phone. It's been three days since he had the talk with his father and the results are out. He is Tonya's father; Leo did not miss the reality of the situation set before him.

"I'm afraid so, a prince can't have a bastard child, why did you think I was so angry with Lola when I first find out that she's pregnant and I was not sure if it's mine nor aware of it at first? I may not know all the details but I'm sure there are consequences for having a bastard child." Liam explains.

Leo sighs "Guess I'm getting married soon then brother" he mutters.

"This is serious Leo; you have to do right by her."

"Yes brother."

"Henry will not let you live this down quietly" Liam chuckles, referring to their third brother.

"Oh God" Leo groans at the thought of Henry getting to know. "I'm sure he will enjoy tormenting me. I have to hang up now brother, I have a woman to convince to marry me, greet Lola and the boys for me" ending the call.

How hard can being married to Claire be? He mused. He can’t deny the surge of lust he feels for that woman. Leo enjoyed sex and had no shortage of it but there’s something about Claire that he can’t resist and years apart did not do anything to dim the attraction. But he has made up his mind not to start anything with her until he is sure about the paternity result.

The test results only confirm what he knows in his heart deep down since setting his eyes on Tonya few days back. He only communicates with Claire on phone, not ready to see Tonya again until he is sure that she is his. Now he has to do right by the girl.

Leo had invited Claire and Tonya over for lunch at the Palace. He also sent a car to pick them up at the hotel. It's time to get things rolling. Marriage to Claire will not be a task after all, she's a beautiful woman and truth be told he felt something special for her that night. They will just have to find a way to make things work between them.

He had given an instruction ahead for a table for two to be set up by the garden, they will have lunch there, and his invited guest should be lead there as well. Thank God there's a playing pen for children in the garden as well. He could already see his own daughter playing and running around with her nephews and niece. Leo smiles grimly to himself when he recalls the last time they all had family picnic here in Ijomo. Henry was taunting him about being the only one without a wife or child. Guess fate has something in store for him, he mutters sardonically to himself.

Leo was surprised to find Claire alone, waiting, in the garden seated by the table arranged for them, looking more beautiful than he felt she has right to in the green velvet dress. The moment he saw her, that same desire that always seem to grip him had invaded him again, constricting his muscles and making him strain against his clothes. After all this year's he still wants her with every fiber of his being. His eyes scan the area for any sight of his daughter but came up empty.

"She's with your father" Claire answers his unspoken question, her eyes flickers over him, taking in the way the blue slacks he wore on the black pant trousers molds to his lean frame.

"Perfect" sauntering towards his sit opposite hers, not missing the stealing glances she is giving him.

"They seem to enjoy each other's company, right from day one I guess" she chuckles.

"This is the second time they are seeing each other I presume?" Leo waited for her to confirm his suspicion.

"Yes it is"

Why did his father lied to him that it was a picture of the child he saw? Leo wonders, as the waiting servant pulled the chair out for him to seat. Leo signals for him to leave them, he didn't want anyone overhearing their conversation, bowing gently he left.

"I believe we should be able to manage without help" Leo mutters.

"Definitely. I'm not used to being waited on." Claire retorted, dishing out her food.

The Kitchen staff really outdone their selves, the jollof rice and grilled fish with chicken was really mouthwatering. They settled into comfortable silence, each left to their thought. Leo prefers to have a serious conversation with anyone on a full stomach interrupted.

The table was promptly cleared away after, leaving them to enjoy their wine.

"Thank you for the meal that was really delicious" Claire said, sipping her wine.

"I'm sure the staffs will be glad to hear that" a corner of his mouth lifting up in a small smile. "I invited you over because of our daughter."

"Oh you have the results already"

"Yes. I will like to get to know her better and for her to also know me and my family"

"I'm sure she will love that, seeing how attached she is becoming with your father" Claire agrees.

"Good. I'm glad you could see reason with me. Also I believe the best thing for Tonya is to set a good example for her as parents, so she will not feel out of place—"

"What are you suggesting?" Her brow raised.

"The sensible thing to do is to get married." He finished, meeting her gaze pointedly.

Claire burst into a fit of laughter, rocking back on her chair. Leo waited for her until her laughter reduces to just a whisper.

"I'm glad you find the idea amusing. I will start making arrangements—"

"Excuse me" holding up her hand to silence him, "are you being serious right now?"

"Have never been more serious in my life. I'm sure you will soon find out that I don't joke around when it comes to sensitive matters, especially like this one."

"Then you too should know that I'm not the type of women that falls at your feet just because you are a prince or whatever. My answer is no." She declares, placing her drink on the table with a thud.

"No? What do you mean no?" he demanded with indignation. “And since we are on the topic of women that fall at my feet, may I remind you that you already did that years ago?" he drawled. He was not sure why he was taunting her when he knew it was only going to infuriate her.

"Wow! You are an arrogant ass, and I will let you know that, It's not the middle ages where parents have to be married just because they have a child together. I understand you want to have a relationship with your daughter and I will like that for her too, but don't think I will marry you because of it," she declares, eyes shooting dagger at him.

"I see. So you will prefer for your daughter to continue to be bullied in school? You are selfish you know that right? It's always about what you, what you want!" Eyes blazing with fury. "You decided it's a one night stand, running away like a thief before I woke up. You decided to keep the baby when you got to know you are pregnant. You decided not to tell me I have a child, until she's all grown making me to miss the joy of seeing her grow. You decided to tell me I have a daughter when it suits you!" His lips compressed into a thin line and his dark eyes were intimidating as he glares at her.

"I... I'm—" Claire stutters. She never stutters, but Leo has a way of just getting under her skin. Looking at it from his view she sure have to admit that she looks selfish, but she can't just get married to him because of their daughter, this is absurd on so many levels.

But you slept with him without thinking of the consequences. Claire's subconscious taunted her.

"I think we need to both calm down. I know it looks like I'm a bad person looking at everything you've mentioned but it's not like that, I love Tonya and I want what's best for her, but I don't think getting married is the answer." She mutters with calm. "You have to realize that we have a life in the United States and I can't just up and relocate to Nigeria, and I don't think you will want to relocate to the United States—"

"There you go again, making everything about you. You decided that night, that long distance relationship will never work. I woke up the next day to let you know it's possible, but you were nowhere to be found"

"I'm sorry, but I thought we both agreed, and besides its better that way than having long drawn goodbyes"

"It does not matter now. What matter now is about our daughter’s future and I will do everything in my power to give her everything she wants, even if it means buying a house in the United States so that we can be together. Think about it" he added softly. His future depends on her acceptance, but she does not have to know that. He will do everything in his power to make sure she agrees even if it means using their daughter's affection to manipulate her or possibly seduce her. That causes a wicked glint to enter his eyes.

"Alright I will, though I must say I'm surprised that you want to settle down, I didn't think you will want to."

"I'm surprised as well, but it's the right thing to do. Now let's go and meet our daughter, I believe we have an announcement to make" extending his hands to help her up on her feet, as he leads her to the King’s Court.

"Allow me to tell her, it’s better that way.

"Fine. I think it's the best way."

"Thank you"