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At the sound of Jaryk’s voice, Kismet’s pulse leapt with anxiety. She didn’t feel ready to face him. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes.

He held up her slippers. “You lost your shoes.”

Keep them. When she left—hopefully sooner rather than later—it would only be with the clothing and articles she’d brought with her. She would take nothing from this marriage except a broken heart.

He knelt and slipped the shoes on her feet. His warm hands on her instep and ankles sent an ache coursing through her. He did not stand but remained kneeling. “It’s not what you think,” he said.

“Isn’t it?” Didn’t all unfaithful spouses say that when confronted with their infidelity? The lipstick on my shirt…the late nights…the receipts for hotels and restaurants…not what you think. Next, he would say, it didn’t mean anything.

Human—alien—men were all the same. Pig-dog-polecats.

“She kissed me. I didn’t kiss her.”

“I don’t see a lot of difference there.”

“She threw herself at me. I didn’t kiss her back.”

Did he think she was stupid? “You took off after her as soon as you saw her.” She’d realized he’d left her side because he’d spotted Charday in the crowd.

“To find out why she was at the ball—and to get rid of her.”

“And did you? Get rid of her?”

“I didn’t get a chance. You came, and I needed to see you.

” His gaze earnest, he looked deep into her eyes.

“We were set up.” He clasped her hands. “I didn’t invite her.

My father did to drive a wedge between us.

Please don’t let him succeed. I love you.

I haven’t said that enough or under the right circumstances, but I love you.

I only want you. I haven’t been unfaithful to you. ”

Her lip quivered. She ached to believe him, but wariness lingered. “You married me so you could wed her. To make her more acceptable to your father.”

“I was an idiot. I married you for all the wrong reasons, but I don’t regret marrying you.

I love you. You’re the woman I’m supposed to be with.

We had so much against us, yet against the odds, we ended up together—almost like it was kismet .

I should have realized I’d met my fate as soon as I heard your name. Don’t give up on me.”

Doubts melted away under his earnest, open gaze. “I love you, too.” She flung herself into his arms. Their mouths fused in a deep kiss.

“I will stand by you and with you. Always. You never have to doubt my love or my fidelity.” He brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Let’s get up so I can hug you better.” He nudged her upright and pulled her into a tight, secure embrace.

She rested her head against his shoulder, finally finding her place. “You never have to doubt me either.”

“I know that.” He kissed her gently. “Are you ready to go to the ball and announce our marriage?”

She’d pretty much made a spectacle of herself dashing from the ballroom, sobbing like a crazy woman. “I can’t imagine what people will be thinking.”

“They are thinking I chose the most incredible, beautiful woman. That I chose you over every other woman on the planet. But, we don’t have to go back if you don’t want to.

I’ll make excuses to my mother and father, but I hope you will.

I want to shout to the world that you’re my wife, and I love you. ”

“Is my face all puffy?”

“Your face is beautiful.” He hugged her and kissed her again.

The sound of a woman clearing her throat caused them to break apart.

“Mother!”

“Your Majesty!”

“We are ready to announce your marriage,” Queen Myka said. “It is past time. That’s why I came to find you. Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” Kismet looked at Jaryk. “It is now.”

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Ready!”

Her hand clasped in his, she walked beside him and the queen and went to announce to the world they’d fallen in love and gotten married. It hadn’t happened in that order, but it had happened.

Two people from different worlds millions of miles apart had found each other. Destiny had named her Kismet. Maybe her mother had a hint of prescience after all.