Page 517 of Reign

“Please.”

I lean down and kiss her once, carefully, because unlike her accusations, I have no intention of ruining anything Evelyn spent this much time creating.

Then my thumb brushes Lucia’s pendant.

“I love that you’re wearing this.”

Elena looks down at it.

Her expression softens. “I wanted her with me.”

“She is.”

Her eyes meet mine and that’s enough.

That’s why I came upstairs.

I wanted one moment with her before everyone else got her today.

I kiss her forehead. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

“You better.”

I start toward the door.

“And don’t come back.”

I look over my shoulder.

Her nose is crinkling again.

“No promises.”

“Luciano!”

I laugh and leave before she finds something to throw at me.

Valentina is waiting in my office.

Judging by the message she sent me twenty minutes ago, she’s already furious.

Great. I’m collecting annoyed women before my wedding.

By the time I reach the first floor, another truck has arrived with more flowers.

I have no idea where they’re putting them.

Maybe the roof.

I cross the hall toward my office and close the door behind me, cutting down most of the noise from the rest of the house.

Valentina is standing near the windows.

I pause.

She looks beautiful.

The lilac dress falls softly around her, fitted at the waist before flowing to her ankles. I recognize it from one of Elena’s sketches. I saw an unfinished version at Elena Hope several weeks ago, but Elena never mentioned she was making it for my sister.