Page 66 of Coronation (Royally Forbidden #1)
Ashwell Palace announces surprise marriage of King Benedict to American girlfriend, Zelda Flowers
The King of Stelland has chosen his queen.
The nuptials, which were held under heavy secrecy, occurred three days ago at Mercy Hill Church in the quiet village of Fernhill.
Inside sources report that even senior royal advisors had no idea the marriage had taken place until after the fact, fueling a whirlwind of speculation about what prompted such a sudden and unconventional union.
After going public with their relationship two months ago—following the publication of a photograph with an uncharacteristically heated look on His Majesty’s part—the couple has since gone on to capture worldwide attention, thrusting the small but historic island nation of Stelland into the global spotlight.
King Benedict, long known for his icy and reserved public demeanor, has avoided press attention whenever possible.
By contrast, his new wife has thrived in it, her authentic, charming demeanor winning over reporters around the world, long before she was connected to her now-husband.
Though the match might seem an odd one to some, those who have been in the couple’s company have spoken of their obvious connection and attachment.
“They love each other,” confirmed one of the Hollywood starlet’s closest friends, fellow actor, Davina Lovette. “I was actually present when they met, and it was kind of magical, watching two strangers just click like that. Am I surprised they eloped? Not even a little.”
Miss Lovette declined further comment, but her statement added fuel to the fire of speculation, and the question everyone is asking: Why the rush? Were the happy couple merely caught up in a whirlwind romance, or is there more to the story?
While the palace has officially firmly declined to comment, online forums have abounded with theories, which range from a surprise heir to King Benedict’s desire to have Zelda at his side during the upcoming coronation ceremony.
The morning’s announcement from the palace was quickly followed by yet another surprise: Parliament had voted, nearly unanimously, to repeal the Royal Marriage Approval Act, a largely unknown law that was put in place nearly two centuries ago to prevent hostile foreign entities from infiltrating Stelland’s monarchy.
The act prohibited monarchs from marrying foreign nationals and required Parliament’s sign-off before any such royal union took place.
“This is the twenty-first century,” said Prime Minister Percy Worthinger.
“The founding mothers and fathers of Stelland’s constitutional monarchy could never have predicted a world of jet-setting actresses and viral romances.
As the world changes, so, too, must our great nation.
Her Royal Highness, Queen Zelda, is a most welcome addition to the royal family.
I, along with my party, wish Their Majesties a lifetime of happiness. ”
Is it so simple, though? Following this announcement, reports were unearthed of a mysterious “closed-door meeting” between the king and several high-ranking members of Parliament, which occurred not even twenty-four hours after the secret wedding, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
Was there pressure behind the scenes? A political bargain? Or simply a case of star-crossed lovers in search of their happily ever after?
Already well-known for her wit, kindness, and unmatched personal style, Zelda has yet to make an official appearance as queen, but palace sources confirm she will assume royal duties following the coronation ceremony and is to be styled as Her Royal Highness Queen Zelda of Stelland.
Or, as many citizens have already affectionately dubbed her, Queen Z.