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“It is my turn to speak. I was impulsive, and I have no regrets. I do not care if it is difficult or uncomfortable. I refuse to let you go.”
“But—”
“No,” he repeated. “You are my queen. You are mine. I adore you. I will not let you go.”
“I believe you.” She did. She really did.
“I am impulsive. It is a character flaw. You will have to learn to accept me as I am,” he said.
She couldn’t tell if he was teasing her or not, so she opened her eyes.
The full force of those blue eyes stared down at her.
Not teasing. Utterly serious.
“A long engagement,” he said. “Royal weddings are a spectacle and take time to coordinate. I will also need to hire new staff as my aide has been arrested.”
“Rather rude of Des to get himself arrested.”
“You will finish your studies and pass this exam.”
“I’ll crush it.” She would.
“Would bribery or strategic imprisonment help? I’m not above abusing my position if it pleases you.”
Now, he definitely was teasing.
“Threatening to be a tyrant is very sweet, but I need to do this on my own,” she said, pressing a kiss on his lips.
“The royal motto: when in doubt, tyranny.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
LENORE
Six Months Later
Half a year was barely enough time to prepare for a royal wedding. The first thing was to hire a wedding planner and new aides. Des’ former job was split into three positions: one to handle the public relations; one to manage the social schedule; and the other to handle the administration. More work was delegated instead of being filtered through one person. The more Lenore learned of how Des ran the office, the more she was reminded of a spider in the center of a web.
Lenore got her own assistant, a cheery woman who handled the social calendar—Lady Lenore sends her regrets that she is unable to attend—and clued Lenore in when she was about to make a blunder. That color is associated with the dead and perhaps not the best choice for photos with the media. Invaluable.
While communications between Nia and her brother to coordinate social encounters with Baris were found, no evidence of sabotage or treason was found. She was released from custody but remained under surveillance.
Lady Raelle retired from court life but remained in Farhaven. The scandal regarding Des’ arrest and subsequent trial gave her a new social luster, transforming her from a stuffy retired politician into someone worth gossiping about. Her dinner parties were the most sought-after invitation in the city, a gathering of upcoming political movers and shakers. And the gossips, of course.
Lydia lost her job with Nia. These things happen, especially when your boss is spiteful. Fortunately, a competitor scooped Lydia up for a higher salary. Being a close confidant to the queen-to-be had its benefits.
Lenore crushed her medical exams—of course she did—and earned her medical license. She was now Doctor Kelley on Earth and on Arcos. She was herself once more.
The official announcement of the engagement started the ball rolling on the wedding, and it did not stop until now. Right now. Under a marquee on the lawn of a grand country house, Gracemeadow, owned by Baris.
The crowd waiting to witness the ceremony was formidable—nobility, extended members of the royal family, influential members of court, administrators, generals, planetary governors, delegates from neighboring kingdoms, and even the Khargal ambassador. There might have been more karu present than people. Prince Vekele and Princess Sarah were present, of course, as were Lydia and Harol. What was a wedding celebration without friends?
Sarah did her best to keep Lenore from losing her breakfast.
Lenore’s hands shook. She desperately wanted to wipe her sweaty palms, but the only cloth nearby was the silk gown she wore. Even she knew that was a bad idea.
Sarah handed Lenore a tissue.
