“Of course.”
“Ronan, Aiden, come on!” Isla hurried past us as if we were the ones running late.
I rolled my eyes and thumped Michael on the shoulder. “I’ll see you guys back here later.”
There was nothing more I could do, so I led us down the stairs and to the third carriage where Isla waited.
“How’s Charlie?” I asked her.
“I’m doing well this morning, thank you so much for your concern.” She scrunched her nose.
“Sorry, how are you doing? You look lovely this morning.”
She brushed me off. “Charlie is just fine. She looks beautiful and is excited for the wedding.”
“Amateur,” Ronan said under his breath.
“Hey, weddings are fun. At least it’s not Cian’s coronation.” Isla cracked up and started laughing.
Ronan groaned. “That’s going to be an unbearable time in our lives.”
I nodded, I should stand up for him in front of our siblings, but he’d been on my last nerve lately. We all paused to watch as he left the house and went directly to the second carriage where he sat alone. The tradition started when we were all children. He was too serious and scolded us for breaking protocol so he requested to travel by himself. Everywhere. When we flew, he took a different plane. Granted, it was customary for the next in line, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t go with us.
He should have joined us as we got older, but it was too much of a habit. He was too good for the three of us, so we let him have his space and we got the freedom to goof off.
Finally, Mum and Father took their seats in the head carriage and we were off. I looked back toward the palace doors for a glimpse of Charlie, but couldn’t see her. I had to trust Michael. He was my oldest friend, and he’d never let me down before. I’d have to remind myself of that throughout this long day.
The streets were lined with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family. We smiled and waved for block after block until finally, we turned onto the private drive of the church.
Isla massaged her cheeks, stiff from smiling. “That took longer than normal.”
I laughed. “I’m pretty sure it’s the same every time.”
I got out first and held out my hand to help Isla out of the carriage. Photographers, approved by the family, were already snapping pictures as we made the short walk up to the chapel doors. I smiled and posed with Isla and Ronan when we were asked, but it bothered me. This was Nicole and William’s day. They should be focused on them and their families.
But if the media didn’t have our pictures how could they possibly analyze Isla’s dress and my facial expressions and Ronan’s smirk on the news and internet tomorrow? The world would end.
At least Nicole was the first of us to get married. Her wedding wouldn’t be compared to any of ours. I always felt bad for other royal families when that happened. It wasn’t fair and none of us wanted to hear how we failed to live up to someone else’s big day.
“Come on. Let’s take our seats.”
The Archbishop greeted us before we entered. The rest of the congregation stood as we walked in, followed by Cian. I looked around for Charlie, but couldn’t find her.
Michael’s taking care of her. They’re here and it will be fine. I sucked in a breath while keeping my smile in place. We stood at the front of the room and waited for our parents to come down the aisle. I loved the reverence in the room when they came in. They were beloved by their people and it was evident now.
Once we were all ready, the room sat and then Nicole entered with Douglas at her side. She was beaming and I glanced at William in time to see him wipe away a tear. Their love filled the room. I wanted this. I wanted the wedding and the commitment and the future together. As Nicole took her place, I scanned the audience once again and spotted Charlie and Michael sitting at the end of the second row. How I hadn’t seen them as we were walking in was a mystery. I must have been in the zone. I caught her eye and she winked.
I had to turn away to keep from smiling or laughing. Knowing she was here allowed me to settle in and enjoy the ceremony without worry.
The choir sang Nicole’s favorite hymn and then the couple stood to say their vows. There was much less pomp and circumstance than what would happen at any of my siblings’ weddings, which worried me. Would Charlie want that? It wasn’t like I could run away and elope. I had obligations. There were expectations from the public and government.
If she wanted a small, simple wedding I’d find a way to make it happen, but if she wanted a small, simple life I...I couldn’t do anything.
Could I give her what she wanted? Would being with me require her to sacrifice?
Not everyone was interested in fame and wealth. She’d taken everything so far in stride, but it was still new. Would she grow tired of the dinners, guests, and constant attention? I knew I did, but I didn’t have a choice. She did.
I’d never considered what would happen if I met a woman outside of my world. Someone new to privilege and all the strings that came with it. Being with a woman like her, humble, caring, selfless, would be good for me.
But would I be good for her?
All these doubts ran through my mind on an endless loop while I was supposed to be witnessing the most important moment in my cousin’s life. There were probably cameras on me, capturing my confusion. There would be talk tomorrow about what it meant.
Did I dislike William? Was I jealous? Was there something wrong with me and Charlie? I mentally rolled my eyes and shook away all thoughts. I needed to focus on the moment. Enjoy the present without worrying about what came next.
I snuck another glance at her. My heart skipped a beat as she dabbed her eyes. She was beautiful and loving and purely good.
Maybe one day this wedding couple would be us. I could only pray to be so lucky.
19
Charlie
The wedding was more than anything I’d ever experienced. More elegant. More beautiful. More grand. More everything. I felt like I couldn’t blink in case I missed something. Michael held up the program so I could keep track of where we were. The choir was talented and the archbishop did an amazing job. I couldn’t imagine getting married like this.
When Aiden and his family walked out after the ceremony, I realized this was his future. His wedding would probably be even more magnificent. I sighed as the rest of the wedding party walked out.
Michael glanced at me, concerned. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, embarrassed that he heard my sigh. “This was wonderful.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Getting an idea, are we?” I shook my head while he smirked. “Sure, sure.”
I laughed with him; grateful he’d be my date. From the moment we met, he had me laughing. He was late getting to the palace but assured me he had a plan. Since the main roads were blocked to prepare of the royal family, he stole a golf cart from the ground’s keeper’s garage and we went off-roading through the hills and trees to make it on time. We barely got in before they closed the doors for the guests so the royal family could arrive.
“Are we taking the same way home?” I asked.
He chuckled. “We can probably take the paved roads this time.”
Row after row of the congregation exited the pews until it was finally our turn. I followed Michael toward the main church door until the sunshine hit my face. I was grateful for the fascinator Isla had paired with my peach dress. It provided a bit of shade over my eyes. The silk, long sleeves of the dress did a wonderful job of trapping the heat though. I loved the vintage, roaring twenties vibe that made me feel like I’d just stepped out of a Gatsby party. However, the dress wasn’t ideal for the summer sun and I was sweltering.
A crowd gathered at the entrance of the church so Michael tried to guide me around the mass, but we both froze when people began shouting my name.
“Charlie!”
“Miss Avery!”
“Charlie!”
I looked around but didn’t recog
nize anyone. Cameras were being held up over the heads of people, all aimed at me.
Michael grabbed my hand and pulled me in the opposite direction. “Come on.”
I had no choice but to hurry behind him. The voices grew louder and I glanced over my shoulder to see them chasing after us.
“Michael,” I called out to him. The panic in my voice sounded foreign to my own ears.
He shouted something but I couldn’t hear him over the paparazzi following us.
Two palace guards appeared. When we reached them, they let us pass then held up their arms to keep anyone else from following.
“Hurry, Charlie.” Michael was nearly running, pulling me along. I jogged to keep up with him as he headed straight for a black sedan waiting for us. The driver's side window rolled down enough for me to see George behind the wheel. Seeing him gave me the encouragement I needed to make a run to the car. Michael opened the door allowing me to slide in before coming in after me. George hit the gas before the door was even shut. I looked around to see the guards trying to contain the stampede of people. It was no longer just the paparazzi. The wedding guests and the public were after me.
I rested against the back of the chair and wiped my temples, suddenly aware I was sweating. “Thank you for getting me out of there.”
Michael gasped, catching his breath. “I should have seen them before we left the church. The guards should have stopped us.”
He sounded angry. I hadn’t expected him to get worked up, if anything I thought he’d laugh about it.
“Aiden is going to kill me.” He mumbled under his breath and I understood. He was worried about what was coming, whereas I was relieved we’d escaped.
“You helped me,” I said with gratitude.
He smiled. “Yeah, but I shouldn’t have allowed us to get in that position.”
“That’s why you had me,” George said.
Michael nodded. “I should have just had us leave from the back door.”
“You planned to have George there waiting?”
He nodded again. “Backup plan.”
“But why? I’m no one important. Why do they want pictures of me?”
Michael turned in his seat to face me. “Charlie, you are not ‘no one.’ You are the girlfriend of one of the princes of Lochland. You are the country’s darling right now. The media is losing their mind trying to find out anything about you.”
I could argue until I was out of breath, but he was right. At least about the media. I couldn’t ignore the fact that we were outed as a couple any longer.
But the wedding was over. I’d only be staying a few more days before heading back out on my own. Would I be recognized outside the country?
I doubted it, but what if something like this happened in London or Munich? I wouldn’t have the guards to protect me. No George to show up when I needed him.
Would I have to go home?
Would I be able to?
“Don’t worry,” Michael said, as though reading my mind. “Aiden and the King’s office will know what to do.”
I nodded, but soon it wouldn’t be their problem. I couldn’t tell Michael that though. I was still on girlfriend duty. No matter what we may feel now, I was here for a purpose. I’d fulfilled my end of the deal, but Aiden’s was up in the air.
George somehow beat the carriage procession so we were able to get through the side gates and back to the house before anyone else was home.
He parked and got out to open my door. “Ye okay, Charlie?”
The concern in his eyes almost made me cry. I nodded; my throat too tight to speak.
Michael and I headed inside where a butler was waiting. “The king requests your presence in the yellow drawing room,” he said.
“Thank you.” Michael led me down the hall where a set of doors swung open for us.
The yellow room had gold walls and a light-yellow carpet over the marble floors. The back windows looked out over the gardens. The walls were bare except for an enormous mirror hanging over the fireplace mantle. My eyes were drawn to the exquisite crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. My mouth opened but I quickly recovered and sat down across from Michael on the yellow, satin sofas. My nerves were out of control. Were we in trouble? Was the king going to ask me to leave? Did they know what had happened or was this just to check in after the wedding?
I didn’t have to wait long before the doors opened again and the entire family walked in, followed by Earl and Countess Wallace. The door shut behind them while I scanned their faces for a hint of what was to come.
Michael jumped to his feet. He approached Leo and shook his hand before giving Anne a kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry I couldn’t see you before the wedding.”
Anne hugged him. “It’s been too long. I’m glad you’re here now.”
Leo smiled at him and I began to think they didn’t know about the scene following the wedding.
Michael moved on to Aiden, his shoulders drooping. Oh no. “I’m so sorry, Aiden.”
I wanted to run over and tell Aiden everything was fine, that we all survived and it wouldn’t happen again, but I knew Michael wouldn’t allow it.
Aiden’s eyes flickered to mine before looking back at his friend. “What happened?”
“We walked out of the chapel and I didn’t notice them. I should have been paying attention or just used a back entrance instead of risking anything.”
“What are you talking about?” Aiden’s patience was running out. I could tell from where I was sitting as his hands clenched by his sides.
“The paparazzi were waiting for us.”
Isla sucked in a breath and crossed the room to me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “I’m fine. Michael got us out before anything happened.”
Aiden shook his head. “I should have been there. I should have made sure her guard was with her.”
I stood up and repeated, “I’m fine. It was a little scary at first. I didn’t know what was going on, then a huge group was rushing toward us. I got a little freaked out, but the guards showed up and blocked them so we could get to the car.”
Aiden pushed Michael out of his way and pulled me toward him. His eyes scanned my face while he ran his hands over my arms. “Are you sure you’re okay? Should I call the doctor?”
I stepped back. “No, I’m fine. I promise, nothing happened.”
He shook his head and turned around to face his family. “Something needs to happen.”
Leo and Anne shared a look before she spoke. “You made the choice to make a scene at the party. You also made the choice to have her attend the wedding. Unless you’re both willing to end this now and have Charlie return home until this blows over, I think you need to address this head-on.”
Huh. It seemed like the king and queen had been discussing our relationship. Wonderful.
I looked at Aiden to see what he would do next. He slowly faced me with a pained expression. I met his eyes and waited.
“Charlie.” His voice nearly broke my heart.
I knew what that meant.
This was it.
This was goodbye.
I clenched my jaw to keep from crying.
“Charlie, I can’t ask you to do this.”
I was confused. “Do what?”
“To put yourself out there. To meet with the press and give them information.”
I sucked in a breath. I wasn’t expecting that.
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” I was really asking if he was willing to commit to me. I couldn’t do this if it was just for a few days. I couldn’t put myself or my family through it for a fling. I knew coming forward would change my life, and I would do it. Only if it meant we were going to give us a real shot.
“I don’t want you to go. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
I wished we weren’t having this conversation in front of his entire family and then some, but I had a feeling privacy was a rare commodity for them.
“For how long, Aid
en?”
His face and muscles relaxed. He took my hands in his. “For as long as you’ll have me.”
I studied him, waiting for more.
He lowered his voice so only I could hear his words. “I’ve shared my feelings and I want us to explore what’s between us,” he said. “Having the stress of the wedding over would give us a chance to try.” He was asking me to stay. It wasn’t the romantic speech but it was more than I could ask for under the circumstances.
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Okay?” He sounded hopeful.
“I’ll meet with the press or do an interview. Whatever needs to happen.” I spoke loud enough for the rest of the room to hear.
He looked over his shoulder at his mother.
“I’ll have it arranged,” she said.
The conversation continued around us while Aiden pulled me close and wrapped his arms tightly around me. “Thank you.”
I nodded. “I’m not ready to leave.” I looked up and waited until he met my eyes. “I’m falling, Aiden, and it’s scary, but I’m not willing to give us up. Not without trying.”
He smiled and kissed my forehead. “I promise I will do everything in my power to make you happy and keep you safe. Don’t give up on me when things get hard, okay?”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that but it was easy to agree when his scent surrounded me and I felt safe and untouchable in his arms.
20
Aiden
We decided to take advantage of the press coverage of the reception and make a public statement together. We cleared it with Nicole and William, who told us they didn’t care. They were so lost in each other I was surprised they even answered me when I asked.
The biggest statement we could make was arriving together. Breaking protocol would draw attention and give us the opportunity to say our piece.
We just had to get there.
I checked my watch again and glanced at the stairs.
“They’ll be down when they’re ready,” Michael said coolly while leaning against the wall. “Staring like a mad man isn’t going to change anything.”
His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I Page 15
