Baby after One Night with the Prince
Chapter 86 - Tanya is Drunk

Eric's POV.

As a child, I was always told I couldn't control everything, that life would happen to us, and we had to learn to react and adapt to the circumstances. But rather than taking that advice, I rebelled against it. I grew up a man who does everything in his power to control everything and anything, ensure nothing surprised me, that I always have the upper hand.

And while this trait has served me well all my life, at this very moment I'm at a loss. I stare into the eyes of my father with astonishment, unable to disguise my shock. My gaze flickers to the left, landing on Tanya. Oh, sweet little Tanya. If only she was the weak and feeble omega that she once appeared to be, hiding in Marco's shadow. Now she stands proud beside the King, a fierceness in her eyes that only heightens her beauty.

Seeing her draws me back to the day I last visited my father at the hospital. My suspicions of the opened window were in fact correct. If only I had listened to my gut, if only I had taken a moment to pay closer attention to the faint wolfish scent that had caught my attention. I was complacent, so fixated on Lily's escape and setting in motions the plans to eliminate Marco I had forgotten about dear little Tanya. I should've killed my father when I had the chance. But I can fix my mistakes in due time. I would never let this happen again. Never again shall I be caught off guard. No, I will get my crown and my kingdom and all the power I desire, but fate has decided that today is not the day. If I am captured, everything I have worked tirelessly for will be lost. And I, do not lose. I must leave the maid behind. Mother would understand, I can do little to save her. I must save myself, for I am the future. Once I make my return, I'll be able to ensure her safety. But I can't from behind bars.

"Distract them."

I say to my subordinates as I look up at the top of the surrounding buildings. The wolves ignite into fierce brawls as I stand at the centre, my body morphing and shifting as I transform into my Lycan half. I rise above them with my height, and before anyone can get close, I leap up, launching myself on top of one of the buildings before galloping on all fours to replace Lily and Dorian. Tanya's POV.

***

Despite Eric's escape, the Kingdom of Mador is filled with joy and excitement at the King's return. He's sent out his soldiers to chase down Eric. The Queen has also been placed on temporary house arrest till her trial concerning Marco's mother's death. Of course, as the Queen she's not put directly in a jail cell, but rather restricted to the confines for her chambers.

To celebrate the awakening of the Lycan King, a huge banquet is held in the palace, attended by many royals and nobles. At the banquet, Joseph announces that Marco is the heir of the Lycan King, and everyone applauds and cheers. After this, the banquet begins. The atmosphere is full of elation and excitement, pretty dresses glistening under the half-moon's light, whilst fire performers dance across the stage entertaining the crowd. Right now, I stand beside my mother Vivian as she introduces me to many nobles, royals, and good friends of hers, introducing me as her real daughter which makes me ever so proud.

She even goes forth to say that I'm the administrator of Eau de Lune Parfumerie.

I look at Vivian with immense surprise. "But- are you sure?" I say to her.

She nods with a broad warm smile. "Of course, I'm sure. You are the true heir to my family business, and you've inherited such outstanding talent for perfumery. I could choose no one better. You deserve this."

I'm touched by her words, and smile, giving her a loving hug as I'm left in awe.

***

Marco's POV.

As the banquet goes on, I notice with each passing hour Tanya is offered a new glass of wine, either from the waiters or from a passing noble showing good faith. Obviously, I don't stop her, she's having a wonderful time, and she never really got to enjoy herself. So, I remain quiet, only idling, watching from a distance.

But by the eighth glass, it's Vivian who walks up to me. She too appears a tad bit tipsy but gives me a smile. "I think maybe it's time you take Tanya home," she says with a chuckle. I mirror her smile and nod my head in understanding before I walk over to my wife.

She's sitting very still, dazing off into the distance, I try and hide my amusement, but I can't help but replace her circumstance both comical and adorable. "Come on sweetheart, it's time to go home."

She gives me an absentminded nod before rising to her feet as we start walking back to the house. To begin with, she's very quiet, and the only thing that eludes to her drunk state is that she walks in diagonal lines. She swings back and forth across the road, obviously unbalanced, and every now and again I worry she's about to fall.

But otherwise, she seems okay. That's until. There's a sudden and unnatural shift in her quiet demeanour. She becomes talkative, rambling about this thing and that with no cohesive structure. Her attitude becomes overly cheery and playful, flirting with me in ways that Tanya isn't really known for. And whilst I replace the whole ordeal amusing, I do wonder how much she truly had to drink.

Course, that matters little as Tanya suddenly bolts off. The action is so sudden it takes me a moment to realize that she's running from me, and I begin to sprint after her. I call out, but she weaves her way to through the streets with little concern before dashing into a shop.

I realize it's a candy store, I rush in, watching her like a needy child desperate for sugar grabbing at all the sweets her heart desires before bolting out again. "I am so sorry. Here, for your troubles," I say sheepishly to the upset boss, paying him the equivalent of what Tanya took.

I then head out again in a hurry, running after her as quickly as I can, concerned about what she might do next. Soon I replace her by the side of the road, eyes sparkling with interest at a bright blue balloon held in the hand of a young child. And I'm horrified by what she does next.

Tanya snatches the balloon from the child's hand, and frolics about with an excited pep in her step. The child, unsurprisingly, proceeds to cry. Tears spring from his big round eyes as his mouth pouts in upset. I hurry over to the two. "Don't cry child. I'm so sorry. Tanya!" she turns to look at me, appearing confused by my sterner tone. "Please give him back his balloon," she looks at me with disappointment, almost astounded that I have asked her to return her source of fun. "But why?" "Because it's his."

"But I want it."

"But it's his balloon, you can't take what's not yours."

I feel like she is acting more like a child than the one standing at my feet. But eventually, with heavy reluctance she returns the balloon to the boy, and he hurries away from the both of us, obviously worried it may be stolen again. I shake my head in slight disbelief. "How can you steal a balloon from a child? Even if you're drunk?"

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 05s.org for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading! She pouts at me. "Well, I'm still a child too!"

It takes me a moment to ponder her words, and I think about her behaviour over the past couple of minutes. Then something dawns on me. "Do you remember your name?"

I prod her with this question, and as I suspect, it seems to stump her. She pauses for a moment, before replying. "Freya!" my facial response makes her pause again. "No... Tanya? Wait no! Freya! Oh, I don't know! What does it matter?"

I chuckle light-heartedly, before urging her to walk with me. I carry her on my back as I notice she's growing tired. Eventually she falls asleep, but only for a little while, eventually I hear her faint voice coming near my ear. "I'm sorry for what I did to you five years ago... But I promise that I didn't abandon you for the money. I had other reasons."

My eyes grow wide as she continues to speak. "But no matter the reason, I know I hurt you. And I'm very sorry that I did."

I realize it's Tanya's mind once again back in the driving seat of her mind and body. I want to know the truth. "So why did you leave me five years ago? Please tell me."

"I..." But before anything else can be said, we both hear a grumbling noise, evidently coming from her stomach. "I... I want to throw up."

We are so close to home, despite her protest, I tell her to hold it in. I rush us to the house and into the bathroom. She drops off my back and onto the floor of the bathroom and throws up all the wine she's consumed into the toilet.

Once she's done, I help her clean off, rinsing her face and helping her brush her teeth, before I go to clean up the bathroom and flush the toilet. Finally, when I'm finished, I return to her, wanting to take her to bed. But before I can do or say anything, Tanya hazily opens her eyes, taking hold of my face in her hands, and pulls me in deep for a kiss.