Page 59 of Coronation (Royally Forbidden #1)

He kisses me then, and I think it may be the best kiss of my life.

We cling to each other, swaying in the middle of the patio of Fernmoor House, and it feels like my heart is going to burst. This is a fairytale like no other, one written from nothing but two imperfect people who love each other more than all the reasons they shouldn’t.

“It’s not just because of the baby, right?” I demand when we break apart.

Ben’s expression of annoyed disbelief is perfectly familiar and predictable. “No. It’s because I love their mother.”

That is such a good answer that I start crying all over again, and my brand-new fiancé holds me against his warm, familiar-smelling chest, waiting patiently for me to get it together. When I finally do, I look up at him, my bottom lip trembling. “Can I see my ring?”

His answering laugh booms over the grounds, and he uncurls his hand, revealing the gold ring I only got a glimpse of before the tears.

“There are others. If it isn’t to your taste,” Ben informs me as he slides it into place, and we gaze down at it together.

“Or I can buy you a new one, if that’s what you want. ”

It’s perfect, though.

“I want this one,” I assure him, resting my hand on his chest, admiring the new addition. The large, center stone catches the sunlight as I shift it this way and that, a beacon that screams to any who might glance at it, that I’m going to marry this man.

I’m afraid to ask if I’ll be allowed to wear it to the coronation, or what announcing our engagement would entail, but Ben doesn’t let me wonder for long. “How would you feel about a short engagement?”

My eyes widen and lift instantly to meet his. “ Short? Don’t I have to be a citizen to marry you, though?” I’m not familiar with the process, but can only imagine it wouldn’t be as simple as handing over my American passport.

“Technically.”

I splutter. “ Technically ?”

“We’re going to do it anyway.”

My expression must convey some of my alarm, because Ben sighs, taking my hand and guiding me back around to sit on the lounger. My legs all but collapse under me while he takes the one beside it, visibly apprehensive for the first time since he returned.

“There is some gray area. In the law,” he tells me calmly.

“It specifically states that an anointed monarch cannot marry a non-citizen without parliamentary approval. In addition, I do believe we are in a strong position with the public at the moment. You are very well-liked, and I am more tolerated than I have ever been, by association.” His lips twitch, but I’m not smiling.

“People don’t know you, because you haven’t let them.” I reach out to take his hand, my brand-new engagement ring sparkling between us.

Ben’s expression softens. “Regardless. We have a very small window in which to ask forgiveness, instead of permission. None of this is ideal, but I’m afraid the alternative could mean waiting for quite a while.

Our next national election isn’t for two years, and the current majority party leader is relatively anti-monarchy.

He is unlikely to approve of any requests I put before him on principle, and if he’s reelected, it could be even longer.

We also need to consider that, should our child be born out of wedlock, it would greatly complicate the matter of succession, and inevitably mean further appeals to Parliament. ”

I let out a weak laugh. “There is a lot more to consider than what birthing class to take, huh?”

“I’m afraid so.” Ben grimaces apologetically, squeezing my hand. “If you’d rather wait, we can begin the citizenship process immediately, but it may very well be slower than waiting for Parliament.”

“So, when you say anointed king, that means… that means your coronation,” I clarify, my pulse moving a little faster as he nods, obviously apprehensive.

One week. He means we have one week to get married or possibly be forced to wait years.

Should I be worried right now? Or feeling trapped?

I’m not. I’m hardly without options here, and the one that actually makes me happy is the most insane, impulsive thing I’ve ever done.

Including that time I hooked up with a king at a rich-people sex party.

“Okay,” I agree, my voice weak with disbelief. It seems insane that I’m agreeing to such an enormous thing with only sixty seconds of deliberation. I’ve always followed my heart, though. Why would I ignore it now, when it’s all but screaming at me?

Ben blinks, obviously as stunned by my agreement as I am. “Okay?”

My head bobs up and down, tears blurring the corners of my vision yet again. “Let’s do it. Let’s get married this week.”

A slow, ecstatic smile spreads over his face, and— god —I can’t believe how much I want to marry him. “Tonight.”

An incredulous laugh bursts from between my lips. “ Tonight? ”

“We’ll need time before the coronation to get things settled with Parliament and get you up to speed on the ceremony.

There will also need to be a public announcement, that I’m sure will be its own ordeal,” Ben explains calmly, the grin barely slipping from his face as he does. “It’s a lot, I know, but?—”

“Okay.” I shake my head, a little dizzy from the twists and turns this conversation has taken. “Tonight it is.”

My very soon-to-be husband stares back at me, letting out an incredulous laugh of his own. “It’s not just because of the baby, right?” He’s teasing, but there is a flicker of something behind his eyes that tells me the question isn’t totally without reason.

“No,” I tell him simply. “It’s because I love their father.”