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His lips twitched in thought before he leaned closer. “You know, His Highness took to calling me Ricks over the years. At first I thought it somewhat rude, but now I actually see it as a term of endearment. I don’t mind you calling me by my first name, but if you ever refer to me to anyone else, they may look at you sideways. I’m half certain most of the staff doesn’t even know my first name. And you, Lady Nora, are more than welcome to call me Ricks, if you wish.”

He straightened in his seat to flag down one of the servers standing still as a statue along the wall. The server carried a water pitcher in his white-gloved hands and made quick work filling the cups along the table. All seats in front of us were now occupied, and Prince Marco rose, tapping his silverware against his glass.

“I would like to take this opportunity to be the first to say, to my dear cousin and his intended, congratulations. Some in our position are blessed in this life with faithful partnerships, acceptable companions, and strong friendships. Rarely, though, do we get to bear witness to something greater. A love match sits before you, a rare occurrence indeed, especially upon a throne.” He raised his glass higher in the air. “Prince Nicholas and Lady Nora, we wish you many years together in wedded bliss.”

In a steady rise, all the attendees lifted their glasses.

Marco continued, “And once I return home, I expect to hear the roars of your vigorous love making from my castle across the ocean. Cheers!”

Nicholas shook his head, but a humor filled smile graced his lips, as if unsurprised by Marco making such a crude statement for a formal event. My fiancé tipped his glass toward mine, and hell if I didn’t clink to that.

“And if you ever get sick of him, he’s got a couch to crash on an ocean away.” Marco winked at me before downing his flute of sparkling wine.

“Good to know,” I said into the cup as I brought it to my lips, giving Nick a sly look.

Nick snickered into his own drink, shaking his head. “By the time I’m done with you, you’ll never want me leaving that bed.”

I choked on my wine, droplets spilling down my chin. The blue fabric napkin was over my mouth a split second later. “I’m going to make you pay for that,” I whispered.

“I’m counting on it.” He flashed me a seductive smile full of promise, his gaze wandering to my collarbone. A look of hunger flashing in his eyes had me wanting to strip down and mount him in that seat.

“Are you alright, Lady Nora?!” Ricks fumbled for his own napkin, offering it to me.

“Yes, I’m quite alright. Thank you.” I softened my smile, wanting to ease the worries of this high-strung man concerned for me, like a mother hen. I already anticipated he would be one of my biggest trials. I’d need to quickly come up with a list of tasks to send him on when his pestering became overwhelming.

The synchronized staff fulfilled their duties as the first round of appetizers was brought out and served. When that first bite of buttery spinach and cheese filled pastry melted on my tongue, I lost all care for keeping up polite conversation.

I tilted my head back and moaned, this time causing Nick to choke on his sip. Ricks cleared his throat beside me, shifting restlessly in his seat, clearly uncomfortable by my display. Not very queenly, I’d admit.

“Sorry.” I winced at Ricks, and he shook his head with a dismissing smile, but his furrowed brow remained tight.

“Note to self, bring those to bed,” Nick whispered beside me. I shot him a teasing glare, and he laughed under his breath.

The staff collected the first round of plates, and others brought the next course. A steaming serving of roasted chicken with green herbs sprinkled over perfectly crisp skin. Charcoal singed vegetables spread over the rest of the plate. I had to actively suppress the moan this time, letting not a second pass before cramming the delectable sight into my mouth.

Someone had approached the table, granting their well wishes before indulging Nick in a polite and boring sounding conversation. Seeing I was clearly busy, the man didn’t try to involve me. I made a mental note to advise Nick that if he indulged in his food faster next time, perhaps he could escape the monotonous conversation until after he’d gotten a chance to eat.

Not even crowned yet, and already bestowing sage advice to the prince. That thought had me smiling to myself like a lunatic. Melody and Kenzie had taken a break from the meal to visit me at the table, unfazed by the rabid way in which I inhaled my food.

“Lady Nora,” Melody curtsied, and Kenzie dipped in panicked confusion.

I laughed, covering my mouth with my hand as I said, “Stop that.”

She giggled. Kenzie said, “Some others at the end of the table were talking about the wedding, and Melody and I were wondering who you’re going to have in your bridal party?”

I forced down my mouthful, glancing at Melody who flashed me a look that said she was wondering, don’t make her suffer. “My sisters, of course.” I offered a placating smile, watching Kenzie transform into a shining beacon of delight.

“Do you know what the bridesmaid dresses will look like? Do you get to pick the flowers? I once saw this wedding where…” Kenzie gushed on and on.

Melody bit back her amusement, and I simply brought more bites to my mouth. Out of this entire room, only my plate was near empty. Apparently, all the others were used to affairs like this, taking their time to mingle amongst one another. Marco joined in conversation with Nick and the other man, talking about something import related, and Ricks fussed to some servers about the timing for the desserts.

A sharp cramp tightened my lower stomach, and my hand flew to it. Perhaps I’d eaten too quickly. Kenzie still carried on, and I took a sip of wine. When the server with desserts made it to me, to my surprise, I dismissed them. I hoped it wasn’t gas pains. What does a future queen do when that needs to happen? Should I excuse myself? When I began feeling nauseated, I decided it was probably a good idea.

“Sorry, give me a sec,” I said, shoving my chair back.

Nick cut off his conversation. “Are you alright?”

Not wanting to worry him, I forced a smile. “Just need to find the little queen’s room.” I patted his shoulder before stepping away.