Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“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.”