"Well that's a lovely visual." She looked at Marco, who stayed at her side, then spoke to the cameras again. "I wanted to assure everyone that I'm fine. The anarchists haven’t won."
Another reporter, this time a male voice, asked, "Were you afraid? Reports said last time you were in danger that you almost left our kingdom."
Which was why she had to be different now. She lifted her chin. "I was afraid, but now I trust that Marco will always keep me safe. He’s my hero."
There was a smattering of applause. A female voice yelled, "And when is the royal wedding?"
She took Marco’s hand, happy to answer that question. "We are having a quiet celebration tomorrow."
He took a step toward the gate and she followed. He waved and she did the same while he said, "Good afternoon, everyone." They walked through the gates arm in arm. "See, that was easy," he teased.
Off in the distance palace guards clustered in the maze and she assumed they were retrieving David’s body. "Are you sure you're okay?" He had shot someone to protect her. She motioned toward the guards. "I don't want you in any trouble."
"It’s my job, and my pleasure, to protect you." He helped her up the stairs of the veranda that led into the castle. "How do you feel?"
"I'm fine." She waited for the doors to open. "Now I just need to tell my mother and father to leave if they don't want to be happy for me."
They walked into the empty ballroom and Marco swung her around for a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too." Her heart felt lighter. Nothing else mattered but this. They were in love. She had to remember this feeling and hold onto it when faced with adversity.
24
When they reached her wing of the palace, Marco said, "I have to go check with security. Are you okay?"
"Yes." She gazed down the white hall with sea blue trim. She had to talk to her parents and end her fear of disappointing them. "Don’t worry about me." She loved Marco and they were going to be together so she stood on her tiptoes, kissed him goodbye and stood by her bedroom door.
She felt he still watched her, so she turned and waved. He winked and went on his way. Renee steeled her spine and flung open her bedroom door.
Her mother jumped out of her seat near the vanity. "Renee, I need to talk to you."
No. She needed to talk to her. Renee closed the door and crossed her arms as she walked into the room. "Mother, are you here to discuss the final details for my wedding tomorrow?"
Her mother folded her hands together and stood in front of her with tears in her eyes. "Aren't you rushing?"
This had worked when she was eighteen, but not now. Renee refused to get pulled into this manipulation. Instead she dropped her arms to the side and went to the closet to select a dress. Hers had gotten ripped in the maze. "So what if I am? I'm old enough and Marco and I want to be together."
"You can never bring a man like him home," her mother said.
She shrugged and grabbed a dress off the hanger with more force than was needed. "Fine. Then I'll stay here and we'll be happy."
Her mother put her hand on Renee’s arm. "Renee, you're being obstinate. It's not becoming or lady-like."
Keeping calm but confident was the only way this was going to work. Renee kept her voice even-toned, holding her mom’s gaze to let her see the truth in her eyes. "Mother, not supporting your daughter's choices when it's to marry a prince who loves her is your problem, not mine."
Her mom’s eyes glistened, as if she felt bad. "Renee." She reached out for her forearm. "Renee, what if Marco's just like Tom?"
Tom, her almost fiancé of years ago? That breakup was the one that made her believe she should listen to her parents. She took a deep breath. "Tom, who you scared off?"
Her mother shook her head. "Tom was going to marry you because his investors wanted him settled. He didn't care about you, not really." Her shoulders slumped but she lifted her head. "And once he realized you were not an easy target he bolted."
"It wasn't like that." Renee lowered her arms and thought back. Tom had always said their relationship was just what he needed. A memory flashed in her mind. While he never mentioned investors, he'd been happy to introduce her to his board for no real reason. But did that mean he hadn’t cared?
Her mother wiped a tear from her eye. "It was exactly like that. Your father confronted his motives and he didn’t deny it. How do you know Marco isn't using you to please his mother? He must marry before he turns 30 or he's not allowed to see his family, ever again."
Because she knew Marco's story from the beginning and their relationship wasn't because of his mother, though Anna had offered her full support. Renee shook her head. If Tom had lied to her, Marco never had and that mattered. She held her stomach. "Yes, this isn't news to me and it's not why he's marrying me."
Her mother took a step back. "Why would a prince want to marry a country girl like you?"
Because she was worth her weight in gold and loved him too. She couldn't tell her mother that simple truth. It wouldn't be understood, so she shook her head. "If you truly loved me, Mom, then you'd say "why wouldn't he love me?" I'm not a bad person and I’ve always tried to be a good daughter."
Her mother’s head sank but she stayed near her. "A good daughter would listen..."
No. "All I've done is listen, and I’ve almost let your negativity ruin my chance at happiness. I'm not going to let that happen, not now. I'm in love with Marco and we're getting married tomorrow."
Her mother massaged her forehead. "There is no need to rush. Your father and I want you to be happy."
Renee stood proudly. "Then accept my decision and stand up for me. Or get out of my way—Marco can send you home first thing in the morning."
"You’ve changed."
"I’ve grown stronger."
A news report aired on the TV from the next room where Renee talked about almost getting killed.
Her mom’s face went white and she covered her lips. "You were almost killed today..."
True. The image of the body that fell to the ground replayed in her mind. This wasn't what she ever wanted to see, ever. But it was Marco who had saved her and right now all she wanted was to bury her head on his shoulder and be with him. Renee stilled. "And you're causing me more stress than the guy who wanted to burn me alive."
Her mother swayed on her feet. "He wanted to do what?"
The unhappy memory of earlier where she was kidnapped and not as fast as her best friend to get away stung. If it wasn't for Marco… Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but she clenched her hands to her sides. "Mom, Marco saved my life and I need you to be happy for me. Can you do that?"
Her mother lowered her head, and her shoulders squished together while she went quiet. Renee turned toward the vanity and fixed her makeup as best she could.
Her mom surprised her by putting a trembling hand on Renee’s shoulder. "All I want is your happiness, sweetheart."
Renee turned around and prayed this was the end of her parents’ interference. She stared into her mother's eyes. "Then help me prepare for my wedding and ensure Dad is ready to give me away."
Tears welled and spilled over but she didn't care as she embraced her mom in a hug. Once the hug was over, she sat before the vanity mirror. Mascara streaked her cheeks. "I look like a raccoon."
Her mother wiped a cotton ball in moisturizer and dabbed at the mess. "What do you want me to do?"
Right. Her mother needed to help. "First, talk to Dad and get him on the same page."
Her mother nodded, clearly understanding. "Of course. What else?"
Finally. She loved her parents and their support meant that she could be at peace. Renee thought about what else her mother might do and said, "Talk to Anna Camilla and make sure that stargazers are added to my bouquet. I forgot to mention it earlier."
She smiled, picked up a brush and helped Renee fix her hair. "They were always your favorite."
This moment was all she’d wanted, for years now. Renee held her stomach a
nd decided to clear everything. "Yes..." She took a deep breath and continued, "Mom, why did you stop my prom date from taking me?"
As she stroked her hair, her mother simply said, "He was in a gang, dear. You might not have seen, and I was pretty sure you were oblivious, but he'd have broken your heart. We wanted to protect you."
Hmm. Now that she thought about Winn, he might have been dangerous. The day they’d talked for the first time, he’d stopped her from walking in a park and she’d later found out another girl had been robbed. But either way, it wasn't up to her mother to interfere. "So, you broke it off before he could and didn't even tell me why."
Her mom put the hairbrush down. "Your father and I were trying to protect you." She then placed her hand on hers. "If it's any consolation, I have to tell you that your Marco is one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyes on."
"Mom!" Renee grinned. Did that mean her mother approved?
Her mother pushed her own hair off her forehead and ensured every strand was in order. "It's true. If I was your age, I'd choose him too."
"Really?" Renee understood why she loved Marco and it wasn't for his devilish good looks. It was his heart.
"So, if you truly want to marry His Royal Highness, Marco Aussa, I'll do everything I can for you."
Renee threw her arms around her mother and hugged her hard, so happy this was all over. "Thank you."
"You didn't have to get so emotional." Her mother sniffed, but hugged her back.
Now nothing stood in her way. She'd marry Marco and they'd be together. "Thanks, Mom."
She released her mother’s hand and let hope fill her heart. For once she might get everything she ever wanted, and it was all thanks to Marco, including their secret baby.
25
"Are you ready?" Kristin called in as Renee let the designer adjust her wedding dress, one more time. Her uniquely designed dress from Alice Temperley fit perfectly and made her feel like a princess in truth.
Renee fluffed the small bottom to ensure no wrinkles existed, but otherwise she was ready for Marco.
"Did you even hear me?" Kristin walked in the door and placed her hand on Renee’s shoulder.
Renee laughed. Yes, she’d kind of heard Kristin a second ago, but she was too wrapped in her head. This time she grinned at her best friend and said, "Yes. I’m ready."
As they walked together through the castle for the ceremonial procession to the church outside, Kristin pointed out the window at all the activity that was already taking place. "The garden reception was a great idea."
"Is that Anise working?" Renee asked as she tilted her head.
"Yes." Kristin shrugged.
Marco would've said something to the maid, surely. How could the girl still be in service? "I hadn't thought... I guess it's okay. Where is her brother?"
Kristin led her to the stairs that she had to march down alone. "Marco said he's been arrested and all is well."
Have faith. The trumpets blared to announce her and the doors opened on the bottom step. Renee turned to her friend who'd done this walk to the horse drawn carriage a month prior. "I don't want to think about that. Where is Marco?"
"At the church, waiting for you." Kristin fluffed her veil.
The queen called from the front door, "Okay, are we ready?"
"Yes," Renee answered.
Kristin hugged her. "And Renee, you look gorgeous. You're practically glowing."
Renee held her friend tight. So much excitement rushed in her veins. Everything was coming true and she had to tell someone. "Kristin, can you keep a secret?"
"Of course." Kristin said fast. "Whatever you need."
Renee whispered in her ear. "Marco and I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm pregnant."
Kristin’s eyes rounded.
Renee stood straighter and took the bouquet of flowers from Maria, the flower girl, who then marched out like she was about to be princess. Kristin waited until the girl left and said, "You are?! Oh my goodness, that's amazing."
"I had to tell someone or I'd burst." Renee’s hands shook. The scent of the stargazer lilies soothed her nerves.
"I'm so happy for you."
Renee nodded. "Thanks. So let's get this day started."
Kristin went to join the queen.
Trumpets announced the beginning of her procession and Renee waited at the stairs. She took her first step outside.
Crowds cheered, but she ignored the chaos. She practically skipped down the steps, but remembered to wave every ten steps. The moment she reached the bottom, she took a new flower bouquet from Maria and handed her the simpler one for the walk. At last she reached the horse drawn carriage.
As she was waving, she felt a trickle of jittery nerves. It was past time to see Marco again.
Finally, the carriage stopped and Kristin guided her to the bridal suite on the side of the church. Renee took Kristin’s hand. "They are ready inside?"
Kristin bobbed her head and helped fix her veil. "Yes. Your prince is waiting for you at the altar."
"Then let's go." Renee turned on her heels toward the door. She needed his strength.
Kristin straightened the dress and pointed toward Maria. Renee took the third and final bouquet from her. Her skin felt electric, but she gripped the stems and proceeded to the foyer.
The wedding march began and Renee laughed with relief. "The music is beginning."
They ushered Maria down the aisle. Kristin winked and followed.
Finally, it was her turn. Her father held his arm out, and walked with her down the aisle to Marco. They were going to be a family. Everything was exactly right.
She handed Kristin her bouquet and took Marco’s hand. He held her close and they both faced the priest in the church his forefathers had built based on some miracle she would research later.
Until today she hadn't believed in miracles, but maybe being here wasn't an act of curiosity and instead it was all fate. Either way, she loved Marco. He was her protector, but more important, she was free to love him forever. She was sure they’d get a shot at happily-ever-after.
<<<<>>>>
If you loved this book, please check out the entire series.
Princes of Avce
Forbidden Crown
Forbidden Prince
Forbidden Royal
Forbidden Duke
Forbidden Earl (Coming Soon)
Also by Victoria Pinder
Returning for Valentine’s (FREE if you go to my website)
The House of Morgan
Secret Crush
Secret Baby
Secret Bet
Secret Wish
Secret Dad
Secret Heir
Secret Tryst
Secret Date (Coming Soon)
A Frosted Game of Hearts
Winter Peril
Stormy Peril
The Collins Brothers
Chaperoning Paris
Borrowing the Doctor
Electing Love
Keeping the Spy
Keeping the Captain
The Marshall Family Saga
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Mistake
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Sin
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Scandal
Princes of Avce
Forbidden Crown
Forbidden Prince
Forbidden Royal
Forbidden Duke
Forbidden Earl (Coming Soon)
The Hawke Fortune
Tempting Gabe
Tempting James (Coming Soon)
Tempting Conner (Coming Soon)
Tempting Harry (Coming Soon)
Tempting Navid (Coming Soon)
Then if you also like Science Fiction/Fantasy Romance
Hidden Dragon Series
Call of the Dragon
Dance of the Dragon (Coming Soon)
The Queen Gene
Whispers of a Throne
Storm of the Throne (coming soon)
; Earthseekers Mission
Makeup May Change Your Life
The Zoastra Affair
Ancient Greek Heroes
Mything You
Mything the Throne
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author, Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston then moved to Miami. Eventually, found that writing is her passion. She always wrote stories to entertain herself. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what she enjoyed doing, writing became obvious.
Visit my website and download a free novel
www.victoriapinder.com
[email protected]
Forbidden Prince (Princes of Avce Book 2) Page 13
