“I don’t really see it that way.”
“You should. It’s all yours as much as it is Lathan’s. A perk to go along with all the responsibility. If you are ever unsure of how to conduct your spending, I am here to advise you. Every purchase you make will be noted.”
“Just like everything else.”
“Yes. A few years ago when the European economy was unstable, I went shopping and bought extravagant things from other countries and had them shipped to me here. Women started to do the same. It may sound silly to some, but in my own way, I helped support the European economy.”
“I understand.”
Caterina cups my cheek. “You will have a lot of responsibility, but you also have every freedom you could want, and an entire country of people who adore you. Try to enjoy the good parts.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will. I’m just trying to focus on being a good wife to Lathan and the kind of princess people expect.”
“It does not matter what they expect. You make your own path, and they will follow. They are excited about you because you are different. Be respectful of our history and traditions, but do not be afraid to make your own.”
“I can do that.”
“I know.” She exhales slowly. “Now, your groom awaits. Shall we get to the church?”
“Yes.”
As we exit my room and head down the stairs, I see my parents and Fallyn waiting in the foyer. They look up at me as I descend, my cathedral length gown dragging behind me. We walk outside where there are several waiting cars. Olivia steps forward.
“Your Majesty, the first car is yours.” Caterina squeezes my hand before getting in the car. “The second car is for Madams Fallyn and Julia.” They both smile at me before getting in the car.
The final car pulls up in front of me. “For us, I guess,” I say to my dad, as Olivia nods. “You’re coming right?” I ask Olivia.
“No, madam. I will be watching on television.”
“Why?”
“Because that is the way.”
I frown. “I don’t like that at all. You should be there.”
Olivia smiles. “Thank you, madam, but I am more comfortable staying here and watching with the others.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Absolutely sure, madam. Go now. They are waiting for you.”
I take a deep breath and taking the hand of my father, slide into the backseat of the car. It’s a convertible so that the media can have full access to images of me on the short ride to the church.
As we sit, my father holds my hand. “Are you nervous, kiddo?”
“Yes, but only because of the media coverage.”
“Rightfully so.” He looks to his right as crowds line the streets in front of the estate, waving and throwing flowers at us. I smile and wave in the way I’ve been taught, still surprised that people care so much.
“I wonder if I’ll ever get used to it,” I say.
“You seem comfortable.”
“I guess so. Weird that the girl who always stayed in the background is now the center of attention.”
Dad chuckles. “It sure is.”
As we turn onto the main street, we’re met with loads of media trucks and vans, people holding signs that say “American Princess” on them, and even holding American flags. People throw flowers and oddly enough, stuffed animals as we pass. My veil thankfully covers my face so I’m not entirely exposed to the world. I see two news crews wearing Boston gear and it makes me smile.
“It’ll be on the news back home,” I say.
“Oh yeah,” Dad says. “Your mom clipped a newspaper article about it she saw in the Boston Globe. You’re wicked famous.”
I laugh. “I guess so.”
We make our way through the crowd and pull to a stop in front of the church. Security surrounds the car as I’m escorted out, pausing for a moment as I wave to the crowd. They scream and wave like they just saw a rock star.
I’m led into the church, down a hall, and into a small room.
Dad kisses my cheek. “I’ll be back when it’s time.”
“Okay.” I sit on the small sofa, taking a moment to calm my nerves, when the door opens and Lathan walks in. My eyes open wide. “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to see me yet.”
He grins. “My apologies, my darling, but I had to break protocol for a very good reason.”
I want to be mad, but it’s impossible with that gorgeous smile on his face, the breathtaking tuxedo wrapped around his body, and that sexy gait as he approaches.
Grinning, I reply, “You’re forgiven.”
“Good. Please stand.” I stand up and he takes my hands in his. “As you know, the wedding itself will be full of pomp and ritual and devoid of romance.”
“I know.”
“I just couldn’t stand there making you my wife without saying what’s in my heart. So hear me now, my darling Delaney.”
I smile softly. “Okay.”
He clears his throat. “From the very moment I saw you, I knew that I had to get close to you. I had to hear your voice, see your eyes up close, smell your perfume. I was instantly captivated, yes, but had no idea, I would find love in your arms.” I nod as he continues. “I tried to deny what I was feeling, fearing rejection from my parents and country, not wishing to inflict my life upon you, but my heart was not interested in my weak excuses and insisted that I let you in. Now, here we are.”
“Here we are.”
“I was so wrong about you, about my family, about this country. Like me, they were instantly smitten, even my stubborn father came around, a true testament to your charms. You have changed me for the better, and I know that my future is going to be amazing because you’re here.” He steps closer. “Just minutes from now, you will be my wife, my princess, and my queen. You will own the crown of Havendon, but you already own the king’s heart. On my honor, I will be a good husband. I will make loving you a priority, as important as affairs of state, for if you are not happy, I cannot possibly be. I love you, my darling, like the Earth loves the sun. I cannot be without you, and until I die, I am yours.”
As I listen to him, my heart beats rapidly in my chest, and I take a deep breath to avoid bursting into tears. “I didn’t prepare anything special to say.”
“You don’t have to. Every action you’ve taken since you found out my truth has shown your heart. What has been and will be asked of you is not a light task, but you have risen to the challenge, and I know you will continue to do so. I know you love me, because you’re here, because you stayed, because you said yes. I need no other words.”
“I do love you… madly.”
“Then I am happy.” He kisses my hand. “Now, shall we go have a proper wedding and make it official?”
“Yes.”
“Then tonight, I will whisk you away to spend a solid week buried between your gorgeous thighs. How does that sound?”
“Amazing. Did you see my necklace?”
“I did. I was aware it was coming.”
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Its beauty is diminished compared to its new owner.”
I smile, shaking my head slightly. “Always romantic.”
“Always honest. See you soon, my darling.”
“See you soon.”
As he leaves, I dab my eyes and adjust my veil, getting ready to meet the people. I can’t wait to see Lathan’s expression tonight when I give him his wedding gift. With all the wedding arrangements, meetings, and visitors, we haven’t spent one night together for the last three weeks. It will be so nice to spend time in his arms again. Tonight, I plan to blow his mind. I smile, glancing at my reflection. Princess on the outside, naughty on the inside, just how my king likes it.
The door opens again and my dad enters, extending his arm for me to take. “Ready, Delaney?”
“Ready, Dad.”
As we make our way to the main sanctuary, I can hear the sound of the crowd outside cheering and chanting my name. It’s
so bizarre, like I’m in some sort of alternate reality. The large wooden doors in front of me open and as every eye in the packed church turns to look at me, I exhale slowly, gripping my dad’s arm.
Looking ahead, I focus on Lathan’s welcoming smile, briefly glancing at Fallyn, my mom, the King and Queen. Fortunately, no cameras are allowed inside for the actual ceremony. Just hundreds of friends, family, and other important people. Instead of focusing on everything around me, I drown it all out, and remind myself in a few minutes, I will be Lathan’s wife, and that, is wicked awesome.
Later, after hours of official photos and greeting the public, I’m finally sitting on the royal jet with Lathan across from me.
“What are you thinking, my darling?”
“We’re married.” I grin. “Can you believe it?”
“I can. I’ve been imagining it for months, and now it is reality. A sweet reality. Are you in disbelief?”
“It’s a little surreal. Everything is since I met you. It feels like one minute I was just a regular girl in Boston. The next minute, I’m unexpectedly royal. Definitely surreal.”
Lathan grins, leaning back in his seat. “What do you think it will take to feel real?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a week in Malta will get it in my head.”
Lathan laughs. “I do believe that’s a good start.” Shifting forward, he looks around for a moment. “What do you say we start the honeymoon a bit early and retire for an hour or so?”
“Nope. I want you to wait.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you have to carry me across the threshold and all that business.”
Lathan stands, extending his hand for me to take. I take it, then stand. “I promise when we return home, I will carry you anywhere you wish, but for now…” he pauses, scooping me off my feet into his arms, causing me to laugh. “I will carry you to bed.”
“If you insist, Your Majesty.”
“I insist.”
Once inside the bedroom, he sets me down gently on the bed and starts to slowly loosen his tie.
“Now,” he says softly, “to make love to my wife.”
“I have a gift for you.”
“Later. The only gift I need is between your legs.”
I smile, shaking my head slowly. “I think you’ll like this gift.”
“If it pleases you to give it to me now, then I will summon what little patience I have.”
I laugh, stand up, and slowly unbutton the front of my dress. “Remember a few weeks ago when Ophelia, Fallyn, and I went on a shopping excursion in Monaco?”
“How could I forget? I was worried sick until you returned.”
“Remember how I had a headache and wanted to go to bed early?”
“Of course. Why are you bringing this up now?”
“Well…” I slide a strap off my shoulder. “I did something that day that I didn’t want to tell you about.”
His brow creases. “What did you do?”
Sliding the other strap down, I take a deep breath then push the rest of the dress down revealing my bra. “Something I hope you won’t be too upset about.”
He tilts his head. “You’re a little tease, my darling. I doubt there is anything you could do that would disappoint me other than leaving.”
“We only talked about it once,” I say, reaching behind me to unsnap my bra, then holding it close to me, I continue. “So I hope you were serious.” I drop the bra and wait for his reaction.
Lathan stares at my naked breasts silently, then his eyes shift up to mine then back again. “I am… astonished.”
Swallowing hard, I nod slowly. “Do you like it?”
“No,” he murmurs. “No.”
“No?” I twist my lips. I thought for sure he would.
“Delaney…” He steps closer. “I am at a loss for words.”
“I’m sorry. I guess I should have asked first. I just thought you would—”
“Delaney,” he interrupts. “I apologize for my poor reaction. I am so surprised, I had to take a moment to compose myself.” He reaches out to touch me gently. “Are you healed?”
“Mostly.”
“Thank god.” Grabbing me by the waist, he throws me back on the bed, quickly climbing on top of me then kissing me hard. “This is an unbelievable gift. Not only did you remember how much I desired this, but you found a way to make it happen, even after all this time has passed, after everything you’ve been through.” He kisses me again. “You asked if I like it, and my answer was no, because like is not even close to what I feel right now. I was obsessed with you before, but now, how will I focus on anything ever again?”
A smile settles on my lips. “Oh, so you’re happy I did it?”
“I am elated.” He looks down, running his finger over the silver barbell decorating each nipple. “Did it hurt?”
“Yes. Ophelia squeezed one hand while Fallyn held the other. Thankfully, it was over quickly.”
“How do you feel about them?”
“I love them. I couldn’t wait for this night to finally show you.”
“A lovely surprise.” He scoots down. “Now, may I have my way with you?”
“You may, Your Majesty.”
As his tongue makes contact with me, I throw my head back and sigh. It’s been too long since I last felt his touch. He tugs on each nipple, pulling the barbell between his teeth.
“Hurt?” he asks.
“Not at all.” I run my fingers through his hair. “Proceed.”
Lathan grins before pulling harder. I suck in my breath a little, but smile to encourage him.
“It’s everything I imagined it would be to see your exquisite breasts like this. As beautiful as what’s between your supple thighs.” He reaches between my legs, rubbing me through my panties. “Speaking of which.” As he tugs the material from my body, he moves down, burying his tongue inside of me. I spread my legs, allowing him access, and as he sucks and licks, I moan his name loudly.
A moment later, I’m flipped over so that I’m straddling him even though he’s still fully clothed. “God, you’re beautiful,” he murmurs, running his hands down my hips. “You’re finally all mine.”
“I have been yours since the day we met.”
“Not like this. You are my wife. We are one now. My entire future is in you.”
“You’re so sweet, Lathan. So beautiful, so charming, so damn sexy. I am proud to be yours.” I start to unbuckle his belt. “What would the fine citizens of Havendon think of their pierced princess?”
“They would think she is sexy, bold, unlike any other, and they would be right.”
I reach inside his slacks, freeing his erection, running my hand up and down the shaft. As I do the sound of my ring clinks against his piercing, bringing a smile to my lips.
“That’s a nice sound. Metal on metal.”
Lathan grins, reaching up to pinch my nipple. “Indeed it is, but I’d rather hear metal on flesh. I need to feel you on the inside so desperately I can barely breathe.”
Grasping his cock, I slowly guide myself onto him, exhaling slowly as he fills me up. He lifts his hips just enough to tug his pants down a little as I begin to rock back and forth. Lathan watches me intently, so I put on a show, flipping my hair around and clawing my breasts. He says nothing, just breathes hard and fixes his hooded eyes on me.
Suddenly he flips me over, grabs me by the waist, and plows into me from behind, digging his fingers into the flesh of my ass. He leans against my back, whispering to me.
“You have possessed me, Delaney. My soul is no longer my own. You are everything.” He kisses my shoulder. “You understand? Everything.”
I nod as tears start to stream down my face from the intensity of his words. He pulls out abruptly causing me to gasp, then plunges his face between my legs again. The noise he makes as he licks me always makes me giggle. It’s so dirty and sexy.
“You… taste… so…” he stammers as the words leave his lips. “Fucking amazing.” After fl
ipping me over, he slides two fingers, then a third inside of me then presses into my clit with his thumb.
“Ahhhh,” I moan.
“You know what I want?” he murmurs as he kisses me. I shake my head no, writhing beneath him. “I want you to soak this bed just like you did in Boston. Remember?”
I nod. “Yes,” I answer, breathlessly.
“Trust me?”
“Of course.”
“Good.” Lathan pushes my legs open wide and up toward my ears. When he enters me, it’s with so much force we move across the bed until half my body tumbles over the edge. Lathan grabs my waist, keeping us connected, then rubs my clit so hard, I cry out. As the pressure builds, I toss my head back and forth from the intense sensation coursing through my lower body. When it hits, I scream so loud I worry the air stewards will run in.
Lathan continues ramming me with all his strength until his body clenches several times, then he falls beside me on the bed, his chest heavy with breath. I move fully onto the bed, and he takes my hand in his, then lifts it to his lips for a kiss.
“I feel like I was on death’s door, but suddenly received a lifesaving elixir.”
I laugh softly. “Same.”
He rolls to his side. “Is it? Do you still feel the same connection and intensity that I do?”
“Every time. Sex between us is so much more than just a physical act.”
“It is. Our souls merge more and more with each interaction.”
I nod, brushing my fingers over his cheek. “You are so beautiful. I’ve never seen such spectacular beauty in a man.”
“If you say I am, then I am.”
“You said I was everything, but Lathan…” I pause as my voice breaks. “Everything doesn’t come close to describing what you are to me. You are the sun, the air, the moon, and the oceans. You are all the stars in every galaxy, and every planet too. You have filled every part of me with love, and I am overflowing.”
Using his thumb, he wipes a tear away that slides down my cheek. “I love you, Delaney. Always.”
“And I you.”
We both look at the door when we hear the soft knock. “Ah, one hour before we land. Shall we freshen up and look like the royal couple we are?”
Unexpectedly Royal Page 47
