AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Neither can I,” Amanda murmured.
“Tomorrow can’t come soon enough,” James agreed, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Then let’s make the most of tonight,” she suggested, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. “After all, it’s the last night we have with separate beds.”
“Indeed,” James chuckled, pulling her even closer to him. “We shall savor every moment.”
James reached out to brush a stray curl from Amanda’s cheek, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips.
“Let’s make this moment count,” he murmured, his eyes locked on hers. “This will be our last kiss before we become husband and wife.”
“Make it one to remember,” Amanda teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement in the fading light.
“Trust me, love, it will be unforgettable,” James promised, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
He leaned in, their breaths mingling in the space between them, their pulses quickening with anticipation. As their lips met, the world around them seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the passion of their embrace.
And as they slowly drew apart, their eyes shining with the knowledge that they were about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, James knew in his heart that this was just the beginning.
“Tomorrow,” he whispered, his voice full of wonder and happiness. “Tomorrow, we begin our lives together.”
“Forever and always,” Amanda agreed, her smile radiant as she leaned into him once more.
Chapter Seventeen
Amanda sat in the plush velvet chair, her heart racing with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Eloise, her maid of honor, stood by her side, beaming with pride. They were both in the queen’s private chamber, where Amanda was having her makeup professionally done for her wedding to James.
“Darling, you look absolutely divine,” gushed Queen Beatrice, her eyes sparkling as she admired Amanda’s transformation. “You are going to take everyone’s breath away.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Amanda replied, trying not to move her face too much as the makeup artist expertly applied the last finishing touches.
“Please, dear, call me Beatrice,” the queen insisted, giving Amanda a warm smile. “We’re practically family now.”
“All right, Beatrice,” Amanda conceded, feeling an unexpected sense of belonging. She had never imagined that she would marry into royalty, let alone be welcomed so lovingly by her new family.
“Are you ready, Amanda?” asked Eloise excitedly, gripping her friend’s hand tightly. “This is it!”
“Ready as I’ll ever be!” Amanda replied, taking a deep breath as the makeup artist stepped back to admire her work. Amanda caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and was taken aback by her own reflection— she looked like something out of a fairy tale.
“All right, ladies,” announced Beatrice, clapping her hands together. “It’s time to get this show on the road!”
Amanda and Eloise exchanged nervous glances before stepping outside. A beautiful horse-drawn carriage, adorned with flowers and ribbons, awaited them. The queen and her husband, King Albert, opted for a chauffeur-driven car, allowing the bride and her maid of honor some privacy during their ride to the chapel.
“Can you believe this is happening?” Eloise whispered excitedly as they climbed into the carriage, their dresses rustling softly.
“Never in a million years,” Amanda replied, watching as the queen and king settled into their car. “But I’m so glad it is.”
“Me too,” Eloise agreed, giving her friend’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “James is one lucky guy.”
As the horses began to trot forward, Amanda looked around her, taking in the quaint streets of their city. She thought about how her life had changed since meeting James, and now she had a royal princess for a maid of honor, and she was marrying the crown prince. Life was nothing like she’d expected when she’d left the States just four months prior.
“Here’s to love, friendship, and happiness,” Eloise whispered, raising an imaginary glass.
“Cheers,” Amanda agreed, grinning from ear to ear as the carriage continued its journey toward the chapel and the next chapter of her life. The streets were lined with the people of Theron, each of them cheering as they caught sight of their prince’s bride and their princess.
The sun peeked through the stained-glass windows of the chapel, casting a warm, colorful glow on the eager faces of friends and family members. Amanda took a deep breath as she stood at the entrance, her heart racing in anticipation. She glanced down at her bouquet of roses and lilies, along with the peonies James had picked the night before woven through.
“Ready?” Eloise whispered, giving Amanda an encouraging smile.
