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“Maybe that’s because you didn’t have one until recently,” Lily teased with a smirk.

“Ouch. I’ll have you know, I did have one. It was just buriedbelow the surface.”

“I know that,” she said, reaching out and placing her hand on the side of his face. “You’ve got a heart of gold, it just took somework to get it to shine.”

The king and queen, along with the earl and countess, entered the room. Both sets of proud parents stared at them as the king asked, “Are you two ready for this?”

Both of them nodded as the king pushed open the doors to the center balcony of the palace. He went out first along with the queen, followed by Lily’s parents.

From outside, the king’s booming voice said, “Today is a grand day. A day where the future of Triola is secured for the next generation. We are pleased to announce the royal engagement of Crown Prince Maxwell Gerard Beaumont, and Lady Liliana Lockhart, the daughter of the Earl of Northrop.”

“Here we go,” Max said with a smile. “I’m glad I met my match in you, Lily.”

“I feel the same. I had no idea I could be this happy.” Leaning over and giving him a quick peck on the lips, she added, “Let’s do this royal thing.”

The newly engaged couple walked onto the balcony, waved to the crowd, and welcomed their people as the future king and queen of Triola.