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This was beyond my expectations; she just kept surpassing them, leaving me utterly touched by her considerate actions.
Ten minutes later, and with a final click of the remote to return to the first page of their presentation with the image of the globe, Veronica wrapped it up by saying, “This International Grain Coalition isn’t just a pact; it’s a promise to foster collaboration, ensure food stability, and strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms. We’ve done the research, Your Majesty. We’ve talked to advisors. We can make this happen. All we need is your blessing.”
All heads in the conference room turned toward Mother.
She sat there thinking as she stroked Freddie’s head.
“Well?” I said. “What do you think?”
“You’re doing this because you want me to cancel the wedding,” Mother said confidently, then glanced at Grace suspiciously.
“Yes,” I said. “But the people of Verdana will benefit tremendously. You have always argued that our marriage was critical to cement an alliance that would ensure vital grain shipments continued to sustain Verdana for decades to come. Veronica and Grace have crafted the perfect plan, surpassing even the potential benefits of an alliance with Veronica’s country. And, more importantly, we don’t have to get married to see it come to fruition.”
Mother continued to contemplate, taking far too much time, which heightened my concern. How could she not see the wisdom and benefit in this alternative?
“I agree the plan has merit,” Mother finally said. “And I can see the bride is just as much against it as the groom, but we can’t just cancel the wedding. We have almost a thousand people who will be in attendance, people coming from all over the world. Dignitaries, royals, celebrities, news outlets documenting every moment. Imagine what the people would say if we just canceled the wedding at the last minute.”
“Imagine what they would say if we got a divorce a year later,” I countered.
Mother blinked twice. “Pardon me?”
“Actually, I would give it six months at the most,” Veronica said with fantastic timing as she turned to Mother. “I love Oliver like a brother. The thing is, I believe I can find true love, without sacrificing my country or yours.”
I pointed to Veronica. “You see there? We agree ours would not be a happy marriage at all.”
Like a well-timed choreography, Adriana jumped in to say, “Theo and I agree, Mother. It’s time to move into modern times and discard the antiquated practice of arranged marriages. The happiness and compatibility of individuals should take precedence over outdated traditions, and that includes for me. You’ve been pushing me toward Prince Ivan, but he simply doesn’t align with my preferences. In fact, while we’re candidly discussing relationships, I might as well mention that I already have a date with a Greek gentleman who is outside the royal spectrum.”
“Demetrio?” Grace inquired.
Adriana nodded with a smile. “Yes.”
“Who is Demetrio?” Mother asked, sitting up. “You’re not referring to the fashion designer, are you?”
Adriana nodded and seized the opportunity to strengthen her case. “Yes. Demetrio is a successful and accomplished individual in his own right. This goes to show that even in matters of the heart, individuals should have the freedom to choose based on personal compatibility and shared values, rather than being confined to predetermined alliances.”
“I agree,” I said. “It’s time for us, as a royal family, to embrace the idea that true fulfillment comes from genuine connections, not merely the titles or status of our potential partners.”
Mother absorbed this, and for the first time, I sensed a shift in her thoughts. Perhaps, just perhaps, genuine happiness could prevail over tradition.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally broke the silence.
“Very well,” Mother said, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as she continued to absentmindedly stroke Freddie.
Mother would make an excellent poker player. She was a master at keeping her emotions veiled behind a composed facade. I contained my excitement until I was given the clarification I needed because her response was vague.
I leaned forward in my chair. “Very well, what?”
With a sigh, Mother conceded, “I hope I don’t regret this, but we can cancel the wedding.”
“Yes!” I said, pumping my first in the air as a surge of relief washed over me. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.” I was over the moon, and smiled at Grace, then Veronica, happy to know I could move on with my life.
“Grace, you’ll need to get the message out to everyone on the attendee list ASAP,” Mother instructed. “Then contact the vendors to let them know their services will no longer be required. There is no need for elaborate excuses. Just apologize for the inconvenience. We’ll issue a press release to cover the details. Oliver will ensure you’re paid in full, and then you'll be free to return to the United States. Once again, I apologize.” She pushed her chair out and stood. “Now, there is something else that requires my attention, but I believe we’ve covered everything related to this matter.”
Little did Mother know we were far from wrapping up this topic. An imminent challenge loomed ahead for me, one that I deemed monumental, given her persistent expectations for me to wed someone of noble lineage. How would Mother respond when I told her that the only person I would even consider for marriage was Grace?
Chapter Twenty
GRACE
