AllFreeNovel
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Even after the truth about the disgraced King Theodore came out, the people of this country still supported the royal family, so much so that the referendum to turn the monarch into a ceremonial role failed miserably.I think most people liked the reminder that they’re just like the rest of us with their own problems.
There once was a time when being relatable was frowned upon in the monarchy.Now, they’ve embraced it.Along with a completely new royal household to support a new way of doing things.
“What can I say?”I approach her, looping an arm around her waist and tugging her against me.“Old habits are hard to break.”
She hoists herself onto her toes, lips brushing mine.“And you’re one habit I have no intention of breaking anytime soon.Or ever.”
“Me, neither.”I move my mouth against hers, our tongues briefly tangling.“Come on.I’ve got a surprise for you.”I grab her hand, pulling her away from the beach villa and toward the sandy path we used to walk together every morning all those summers ago so we could have a few private moments to ourselves.
Despite all the heartache we endured, they’re some of my favorite memories.I’ve always loved Esme.But in those quiet moments when she didn’t have to pretend to be someone she wasn’t, I truly fell in love with her.
And now that we’re free to be together, I fall in love with her a little more every day.She gives me areasonto fall in love with her a little more every day.
I love her generous spirit, as demonstrated by how much she strives to constantly give back to those in need.
I love her quick wit and sharp tongue, always keeping me on my toes.
And I love her relentless nature, as evidenced by how hard she worked to finally get her community restaurant off the ground.
What once was her dream has now become mine, too.I may not be as good of a chef as Esme, but I’m in that kitchen every day, even when she’s not, coordinating all the volunteers that have shown up to either help or as payment for receiving a meal.
Initially, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I retired from the guard.
Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Plus, my doctor essentially forbade me from doing anything that required any sort of strenuous physical effort.I wouldn’t want to, anyway.I put my life on the line every day for eighteen years.I’ve more than paid my dues.
Time to enjoy my pseudo-retirement.
I keep my fingers linked with Esme’s as we stroll toward our secret spot, listening as she attempts to guess whatever her surprise is.
But I have a feeling she never will.
At least, I hope she won’t.
“Can you at least give me a clue as to what it is?”she asks after several unsuccessful guesses.
“You do know we’re only a few minutes away.”I shoot back.“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“But you know how I get.”
I chuckle.“That I do.”
This past December was our first Christmas together.And I realized just how horrible Esme is around presents.
Maybe because she hadn’t had a real Christmas in years, if ever.I was thrilled to finally give her one, complete with a tree we cut down and decorated together, and presents I wrapped by hand and placed under the tree, all for her.
At first, I had no idea what to get for a woman who could buy anything she wanted.Who has an entire vault of priceless jewels.
But Esme doesn’t care about the price tag.Only the sentiment behind the gift.
It didn’t stop her from shaking each present to try to figure out what was inside, though.
“You’re worse than AJ was when he was a toddler.”
“I know, but—”
As we round the bend and the elephant boneyard comes into view, she stops in her tracks, eyes going wide at the sight of dozens of tiny candles flickering in the pre-dawn night, a blanket already set up in our usual spot with a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket.
