“You intend for me to actually wear that?”
“What else would you get married in?”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’ve never been more serious.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I haven’t said yes.”
“You don’t need to.” He poked my chest. “Your answer is in your heart. I’m in there, just as you’re in mine. Now, let’s get you dressed. Everyone is waiting.”
“Everyone?” I had no everyone.
Turned out, I was wrong.
Richard helped me into the dress and enjoyed tying me into the corset a little too much. I could barely breathe. Our wedding took place in the library of Freddy’s home. My brother had been in on the whole thing. David and Evelyn as well. Freddy must have told Richard about Patrick because he was there, too. He’d brought Cyrus. And Mark! Mark stood by the door, a silent and ever-present sentry.
“How did you arrange all of this?”
“Perks of being a prince and having kick-ass friends.”
A prince who would never wear the crown. My heart ached for what he’d lost, and I prayed I would be enough.
The small, intimate ceremony wasn’t the one in my dreams, but the dress made me feel like a princess, and the love radiating in Richard’s eyes made all the rest unimportant.
I had everything I wanted.
But I wanted something more.
Chapter 47: Tea
Rowan
“Rowan!” My brother trotted up as Richard and I were getting ready to climb inside the car. “You forgot your phone!” He jumped up and down.
I gave Richard a short kiss. “Let me see what’s got Freddy riled up.”
Richard squeezed my hands and stepped back while I navigated the drive in my voluminous Cinderella dress.
Freddy held out my phone. “It’s for you.” A smile spread across his face. “I spoke to her.”
My brows pinched together. “Spoke to whom?”
His eyes rounded. “The Queen.”
I glanced at the phone, my stomach dropping. The top bar of the phone flashed green with Call in Progress showing.
“Freddy…is she on the line?” I pressed a hand over my belly, feeling suddenly sick.
“Yes, silly.” He thrust the phone at me. “She wants to talk to you.”
This can’t be good.
My hand shook as I took the phone and pressed it to my ear. Richard had explained his last conversation with his mother, which removed him from the throne.
“H-hello?”
“Rowan.” The curt voice of the Queen of England jarred my senses.
“Yes?” I had no idea how I was supposed to address the Queen, especially now that she was my mother-in-law.
She might not be speaking to her son, but that didn’t change the fact that they were family. I intended to spend the rest of my life mending that fence.
“Is my son with you?”
“Do you want to speak to him?”
“No. I want to talk to you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I expect you to be at tea on Thursday.”
“Um…” What the hell is happening?
Richard’s brows lifted. “Who is it?”
I mouthed, Your mother.
His eyes rounded with surprise.
“Oh, don’t be daft,” she said. “Not many people receive a standing invitation for tea with the Queen of England.”
“Excuse me, but I’m a bit confused. Richard and I—”
“I know all about that. You need a proper wedding. Preparations are already in place.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but Richard told me about your conversation.”
“Richard is impetuous and runs off, half-cocked, most days. I’m counting on you to be a moderating force.”
“Okay…” What is going on?
A tsk sounded through the phone. “My son reminded me of something important. He reminded me that I’d taught him to rule with his heart. You hold his heart, my dear girl, and I expect you to rule with him. Temper his recklessness. Now, we’ll meet every Thursday for tea. Time to learn what it means to be a queen.”
What?
“Tell my son he has my blessing. If you’re worth walking away from the crown, then you’re worthy to be queen. Now, about tea?”
“That depends on Richard.” I had no idea what Richard had planned for our honeymoon, but I didn’t care. My place was by his side. “I follow wherever he leads.”
“Then, he’s made a brilliant choice. Tell him, I expect you this Thursday.” The woman didn’t mince words. She disconnected and left me gaping.
“Are you going to tell me what that was all about?” he asked.
I cocked my head. “Evidently, the Queen has invited me for tea.”
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my husband. I couldn’t have done this without his help.
My Alpha team is the first to view my work. Their guidance, support and encouragement is a gift beyond measure and without their eyes and constructive criticism, this work would not be what it is today. Thank you to Jen, Shea, and Riley who found the plot holes and helped patch them.
To the Ellz Bellz, an amazing and supportive group of women, you have become my extended family. I love sharing my passion of writing with you, but even more important to me is the sisterhood the Ellz Bellz has become.
I’d also like to thank my editor, Jovana Shirley with Unforeseen Editing, who worked tirelessly to dress up my baby for its first tentative steps into the world. There aren’t enough words.
Thank you!
* * *
About the Author
ELLIE MASTERS is a multi-genre and best-selling author, writing the stories she loves to read. These are dark erotic tales. Or maybe, sweet contemporary stories. How about a romantic thriller to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Want to read passionate poems and sensual secrets? She does that, too. Dip into the eclectic mind of Ellie Masters, spend time exploring the sensual realm where she breathes life into her characters and brings them from her mind to the page and into the heart of her readers every day.
Ellie Masters has been exploring the worlds of romance, dark erotica, science fiction, and fantasy by writing the stories she wants to read. When not writing, Ellie can be found outside, where her passion for all things outdoor reigns supreme: off-roading, riding ATVs, scuba diving, hiking, and breathing fresh air are top on her list.
She has lived all over the United States—east, west, north, south and central—but grew up under the Hawaiian sun. She’s also been privileged to have lived overseas, experiencing other cultures and making lifelong friends. Now, Ellie is proud to call herself a Southern transplant, learning to say y’all and “bless her heart” with the best of them. She lives with her beloved husband, two children who refuse to flee the nest, and four fur-babies; three cats who rule the household, and a dog who wants nothing other than for the cats to be his best friends. The cats have a different opinion regarding this matter.
Ellie’s favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch, laptop in place, watching a fire, drinking a good wine, and bringing forth all the characters from her mind to the page and hopefully into the hearts of her readers.
Connect with Ellie Masters
Website:
www.elliemasters.com
Amazon Author Page:
amazon.com/author/elliemasters
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elliemastersromance
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Ellie__Masters
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14502459.Ellie_Masters
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellie_masters/
Google+:
https://plus.google.com/110364901628776604366
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed
reading this story, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads, and please let other people know. Friend recommendations are the strongest catalyst for readers’ purchase decisions! And I’d love to be able to continue bringing the characters and stories from My-Mind-to-the-Page.
Second, call or e-mail a friend and tell them about this book. If you really want them to read it, gift it to them. If you prefer digital friends, please use the “Recommend” feature of Goodreads to spread the word.
Or visit my blog https://elliemasters.com/, where you can find out more about my writing process and personal life.
Come visit The EDGE: Dark Discussions where we’ll have a chance to talk about my works, their creation, and maybe what the future has in store for my writing.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/EllieMasters.TheEdge
Thank you so much for your support!
Love,
Ellie
The Fidelity World- Nondisclosure Page 22
