She nods and brushes away a tear. “I’m grateful. And maybe a little overwhelmed. I’ve always only had Christian.”
“We love him, too,” Mum says. “And his sweet Jenna. In fact, all of your friends have been a joy to have here in the palace. They’re all welcome here, anytime.”
“I’m gr—”
“Grateful,” Father finishes for her. “We know.” His voice is kind. He’s not mocking her. “And we’re happy to have you here.”
It seems my father has a soft side, after all.
Imagine that.
Chapter Eleven
Nina
I’M BLOWING INTO a paper sack, standing in front of an oscillating fan, Julia Roberts-style from Runaway Bride.
I’m positive I look ridiculous.
I don’t care.
“Do you still think you’re going to hyperventilate?” Jenna asks, watching me carefully. She and Ellie have been hovering as Mary and the representative from Givenchy, the designer of my dress, make the final tweaks to the gown.
“I might pass out.”
“A princess doesn’t faint,” Mary says sternly.
“I’m not a princess yet.” Jenna holds my gaze, keeping my attention on her. She’s so pretty in her pink dress with its matching jacket and hat. “You look really nice in pink.”
“It’s my signature collah,” she says with a wink.
“I love Steel Magnolias,” I whisper. “Good grief, I’m sweating.”
“Do not sweat in my dress,” the designer says with a pointed stare. “We don’t want sweat stains under your arms in your wedding portrait.”
“No pressure.” I take a deep breath. “It would have been better if I could have seen Sebastian this morning. I wouldn’t be so nervous.”
“It’s bad luck to see the groom on your wedding day,” Ellie reminds me as she takes the paper bag out of my hand and replaces it with a glass of water. “Drink this. No more blowing in that thing. You’re ruining your makeup.”
“You’re bossy,” I accuse her. Ellie laughs.
“I’m the youngest. Of course, I am.”
“She’s ready for the veil,” Mary says, and Jenna retrieves it from the hanger, then passes it to Mary.
“It’s the best part,” Ellie says as I bend at the knees so Mary can attach the lace to my tidy up-do.
“There now,” Mary says as she steps back, and everyone stares at me. Ellie starts to cry. Jenna grins.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful princess.”
I turn at the voice, relieved to see my brother.
“You’re biased.”
“Not even a little bit.” He kisses my cheek before turning to his wife. “You and Ellie should get over to the church. I’ve got it from here.”
“Okay.” Jenna hugs me carefully, Ellie does the same, and then they’re off. Mary and the dress designer help me gather my skirts to walk out to the car.
“I’d like to talk to my sister for a moment.”
“We’ll be right outside.” Both women leave.
“Have you heard from Mom?” he asks, his blue eyes clouding with concern.
“No.” I shrug and skim my hands down my skirt. “She swore she wouldn’t be a part of this, and you know Mom is too proud to go back on that kind of promise.”
“It’s her loss, Nina,” he says. “If she’s willing to let her own pride stand in the way of watching her only daughter get married, she doesn’t deserve to be here. But I’m sorry that she’s hurt you.”
“It’s what she does.” I shrug again. “Now, let’s not talk about her.”
“Okay, I have other sweet things to say.”
“Don’t get mushy on me now.”
Christian smiles and looks me up and down as if he can’t believe his eyes.
“I never imagined this is where we’d end up,” he says after a moment. “Me with the woman of my dreams, and you, a princess.”
“I mean, I’ve always been a princess.”
He laughs. “You know what I mean. It’s your wedding day. Let me be mushy for five damn minutes.”
I mimic buttoning my lip and wait for him to gather his thoughts.
“I know you don’t think you deserve to be loved,” he begins. “That being in love is risky and doesn’t last. But I’ve seen the way Sebastian looks at you. Royal or not, he’s a man who cares for you. And that makes me happy. I know you have your reasons for this marriage. I respect that. But seeing you together these past couple of weeks has eased my mind a lot. You care for each other, and you’re good together.”
“I think so, too.”
“If you ever need anything, I’m only a phone call away. And I may not be royalty, but I’m just as rich, and I can get to you no matter what.”
“I know, and I love you, too.”
He smiles that million-dollar smile that’s been plastered on countless magazines and offers me his arm.
“Just to warn you,” he says, “there are literally millions of people in front of the church. This is being televised live across the globe.”
“No pressure at all,” I repeat. “Jesus, Christian. I’m not the actress in the family. I’m scared shitless.”
“Smile. Don’t look anyone in the eye until you see Sebastian, then just hold onto him.”
I nod as he opens the door, and we’re ushered out to the car.
Once we’re on our way, my eyes almost bug out of my head.
“You weren’t kidding.”
People, thousands of them, wave and yell. Hold signs and try to get our attention.
“They like you,” Christian says.
“I’m glad,” I whisper and wave back, offering smiles. “This is so weird.”
We only drive for about ten minutes before we arrive at the chapel. Christian exits the car first and walks around to help me out.
When I step on the concrete and manage to pull all of my dress out with me, I turn and smile at the loud crowd.
“Just wave,” Christian says. “And come on, we have to get you married.”
I hold onto him for dear life, clinging to his arm as we walk through the doors. The orchestra begins to play the song we agreed on, and I do as Christian recommended.
I don’t look anyone in the eyes.
I just smile.
I don’t think about the rich and famous watching me. The King of Denmark.
Brad Pitt.
Holy shit, Brad freaking Pitt is here.
I don’t even know what I think I’m doing.
But then my eyes find Sebastian, and everything else fades away. His jaw drops in that way every girl wants when he first sees her on their wedding day. And now, all I can think about is getting down the aisle to him.
“Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?”
“I do.”
My brother’s voice is strong. He passes my hand to Sebastian.
“You’re stunning,” he whispers. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”
And just like that, the nerves are gone.
I’m ready to marry my prince.
Chapter Twelve
Sebastian
“IT’S HAPPENING,” CALLUM says as he walks into my dressing room, already dressed in his military uniform. He’s in red, I’m in a suit, having chosen not to wear my uniform.
Callum is my best man today. It’s tradition for it to be a brother, and Frederick will be sitting next to Father as the new next in line to the throne.
Harrison is checking items on his clipboard.
“I haven’t seen much of you since I’ve been home,” I reply to my brother.
“I’ve been in Australia for a few weeks,” he says with a shrug. “You know how it is, we all live here, and yet…we don’t.”
“I live here full time and never see any of you,” Harrison adds.
“I know. I just miss seeing you. Both of you.”
“Perhaps I’ll come to Montana to spend time with you there,” Callum says thoughtfully. “Away from the madness of London
and our responsibilities here.”
“It’s quiet in Montana,” I agree. “You’d like it.”
He smiles. “I could use some quiet. How’s Nina?”
“Beautiful.”
His smile grows. “I know that part.”
“She’s surprised me. I thought it would be more challenging for her to learn and fit in, but it’s like she was born for this.”
“We all like her, even Father, and that’s saying something.”
“I know.” I finish buttoning my jacket and take one more look in the mirror.
“Are you nervous?” Harrison asks.
“No.” I turn to both of them. “I thought I would be, but I’m not. I just feel peace about it.”
“Then she’s the right one,” Callum says.
Two months ago, I would have laughed. I chose her because her resume was appropriate for what I needed.
And now? Well, it’s become much more than that.
“Are you ready for this spectacle?” Callum smiles at me in the mirror. “Charles told me just a few moments ago that more than a million citizens and a million more from other countries have come to the city to get a glimpse of Prince Sebastian marrying the pretty American.”
“Let’s not forget the camera crews,” Harrison adds. “We’ll be broadcast live in dozens of countries.”
Callum nods. “Charles and the other men will be discreet. It’s not good PR to see us flanked by security as we walk down to the church.”
“It’s all a show,” I murmur. “But it’s been good for the local economy.”
Callum laughs. “True. Not to mention, the country has always loved their Prince Sebastian.”
“They love all of us. And they’ll love me less when we confirm the media rumors tomorrow that I won’t be their king.”
“It’ll work out, brother.” Callum claps my shoulder. “Let’s go get you married off, shall we?”
“Let’s do it. You have the ring, right?”
He pulls the ring out of his pocket for me to see. “It’s safe with me.”
I nod, and we walk down the hall and outside, toward the chapel.
The streets are lined with barricades holding back throngs of people. When we turn the corner, the crowd erupts in fanfare.
Callum and I both smile and wave as Harrison hurries ahead to attend to things in the church. We stop to shake hands. We never sign autographs or take pictures.
It’s a rule.
But we’re always happy to say hello and shake hands. Give hugs. Kiss babies.
We’ve been doing this all our lives.
With one last wave at the crowd, we make our way inside the chapel, where all of the other guests are already either seated or mingling. Our parents and siblings will arrive last, just before Nina pulls up in the car with Christian.
Let’s be honest, most everyone here is just dying to see what Nina looks like today.
Myself included.
Her dress, her choice in jewelry, everything about her appearance today will be talked about for hundreds of years. Our photo will be in books for generations.
As they say in America, it’s a big deal.
Jacob walks over to meet us, pulling us each in for a hug.
“You don’t look nervous at all, mate.”
“He says he’s not,” Callum says. “I’ll be nervous for both of us.”
“No need for that,” I say. “It’s all under control. Unless you lose that ring. Then I’ll thrash you silly in front of a billion viewers worldwide.”
I rub my hands together and look around the room. We have roughly eight hundred guests here today in the audience.
Celebrities, including Luke Williams and Will Montgomery. Royals and dignitaries from all over the world.
It’s a big deal.
Maybe I am nervous, after all.
“Only three hundred are invited to the party tonight,” Frederick reminds me as he joins us, shaking our hands. “Just get through the next two hours, and things will calm down a bit.”
“You’re the shyest of all of us,” I say to him. “How did you survive this?”
“Whiskey,” he says with a wink. “Let me know if you need any, I have a flask in my pocket.”
“Don’t be an alcoholic king when it’s your turn,” Callum says. “It’s so cliché.”
We’re laughing as the occupants of the room stand, and our parents walk up the aisle, stopping when they reach us. My father shakes our hands, and Mum leans in to kiss our cheeks. Jacob returns to his wife and the rest of the group here from Montana.
Ellie smiles over at me, and I realize that I didn’t see her before this. When I frown, she mouths, “I was with Nina.”
I love that she’s taken such a shine to my bride. That my whole family has, really. This would be much more difficult if they didn’t approve of her.
The crowd outside erupts in fanfare, and I turn to Callum.
“Seems she’s here,” he murmurs. “Are you ready?”
“Hell, yes.”
We’re standing at the altar now, our hands folded in front of us, waiting with the priest as the doors open.
Music from the royal orchestra fills the sanctuary.
Everyone stands once more.
And there she is.
Her dress is absolutely stunning. Long, lacy sleeves cover her arms, but it falls over her shoulders, exposing them tastefully. Her veil isn’t over her face. Instead, it flows behind her as if there’s a wind blowing just for her.
She’s a damn angel.
My God, I am in love with her. Desperately and irrevocably.
Nina’s arm is looped through Christian’s as he escorts her through the hundreds of people. Her eyes are pinned to mine, a smile frozen on her face.
She’s scared to death.
When they reach the front of the church, we all wait as the song finishes, and then the priest begins.
“Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?”
“I do,” Christian says, calmly and loudly, then passes her hand to mine.
I can’t stop smiling, looking into her gorgeous eyes.
“You’re stunning,” I whisper to her. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”
Her shoulders sag as if in relief.
“Thank you.”
Her smile widens, no longer there as a mask but genuine now.
I loop her arm with mine, cover her hand, and we both turn to the priest.
The ceremony is long, as all royal weddings are. But we speak of commitment, responsibility. Humility. Fidelity.
We even speak of love, and she doesn’t stutter over the words.
And, finally, after we’ve exchanged rings and are pronounced husband and wife, we walk back down the aisle and out the doors to meet the crowds beyond.
“Wow,” she says with a sigh. “We did it.”
“We did it, darling.” I pull her to me and kiss her passionately in front of all of the people gathered. They cheer loudly in response.
“Congratulations,” I whisper against her lips. “Princess Nina.”
Chapter Thirteen
Nina
“WHERE ARE YOU going on your honeymoon?” Callum asks as he whisks me around the dance floor.
We’re several hours into the reception, hosted by the king and queen in the courtyard of the palace. I changed into a sleek, sexy white dress more suited to dancing after the ceremony. And thank goodness for it because I’ve yet to sit out even one song.
“Aruba,” I reply with a grin. “I’m going to be lazy on the beach with all of the iced tea I can handle.”
“I’ve never understood the American fascination with ruining perfectly good tea with ice.”
“Well then, you’ve never had it prepared properly.”
“Perhaps that’s it,” Callum says with a laugh. “By the way, the Queen Victoria ring suits you.”
“I still can’t believe I’m wearing it,” I murmur. “And I can’t believe you know what it is.”
“W
e’re taught at a young age to recognize the different pieces of jewelry. We’re taught a lot of things.”
“Seems so.”
“I’d like to cut in.”
“Enjoy,” Callum says, backing away.
“Your Majesty.” I curtsy, and then I’m swept up in the king’s arms, being led around the floor.
“Princess Nina,” he says with a smile. “Ah, you’re not used to that yet, I see.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be used to it,” I admit. “It’s rather surreal, isn’t it?”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve carried a title my entire life.”
“Of course.” He spins me out and then back in again, making me giggle. “You’re a wonderful dancer.”
“I had lessons as a boy. And my wife quite enjoys dancing, so I’ve not let myself get rusty.”
I can just picture them dancing like this in their home, and it makes me smile.
“You’re not as intimidating as I once thought.”
“Don’t let it get out. We can’t risk being attacked by Germany again.”
I laugh again, quite charmed by him. “Sebastian resembles you. Not just physically, but in his sense of humor, as well.”
He sighs and glances over to where Sebastian is dancing with his mother. “I was always very stern with my eldest child. I was grooming him to be a king, and I thought that meant withholding emotion from him. It’s how I was raised. I regret that more than I can tell you.”
“He loves you,” I murmur. “He admires you. He’s been so worried about disappointing you.”
“It’ll be an adjustment, but it’s nothing we can’t move past. You’re a wonderful young woman, Nina. If I didn’t believe that, we wouldn’t be dancing right now. There wouldn’t have been a wedding at all.”
I believe him. Even as headstrong as Sebastian is, I believe that if his father didn’t approve of me, he would have found a way to stop the wedding.
“I’m grateful that there was a wedding.”
The song ends, and the king leans in to kiss my cheek. “I am, as well. I’d better pass you back to your husband now.”
“Are you trying to steal my girl?” Sebastian asks as he takes my hand and kisses my knuckles.
“Of course, not. I have a girl of my own.”
Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal Book 1) Page 11
