Page 32 of Prince She Shouldn’t Crave (Royal House of Halrovia #2)

The man she loved, a man who would one day be King, wanting her to be his queen. Saying he would give it all up for her. Her. She’d be thrown into the world’s spotlight. There would be no hiding any more.

Lena found she liked that idea, because it gave her Gabe.

‘I think I’m tired of hiding. I hid my past from you because I was afraid. I didn’t really trust that you wouldn’t judge me like others had.’

‘I hope you trust me now?’

She nodded. ‘I do.’

Gabe took another step forwards, the corners of his lips quirking as if he wanted a smile to break free but wasn’t yet sure.

‘Then, I’ll always work to honour that trust. Come join me at my sister’s wedding. Show the world what you mean to me. It seems you’re dressed for it.’

Her heart leapt. ‘Today?’

‘Is there a better time? Cilla did say I could bring a “plus one”, as she put it.’

‘Where would I even sit at the reception? I have an invitation to the ceremony but you don’t just walk into the formal lunch for family.’

‘You are invited. You’ll be with me. But you’re concerned…’

He reached into his coat pocket and slid out a mobile phone. Scrolled. Put the phone to his ear. Lena didn’t know who he was calling, but she could hear the murmur of a voice at the other end.

‘I know, I’m running a little late. I need you to do something for me. If I bring someone to the reception, make sure there’s a place for her?’

Gabe hesitated for a second. More. Lena’s heart pounded. What if the answer was no? Then Gabe flinched. Pulled the phone from his ear and held it out. Lena could hear the shrieking, which sounded exuberant rather than angry. After a few moments, Gabe put the phone back to his ear, grinning.

‘Yes, it is the best thing but don’t get too excited. I haven’t heard the magic word… But I hope so, too. She just needs to know there’ll always be a seat at the table for her… Right. See you soon.’

He slipped the phone back into his pocket. ‘It’s done, if you want to join me.’

‘Who did you speak to?’

‘Ana, who passed the news on to Cilla, hence the collective and premature shrieks of joy.’

‘Are they premature?’

‘You haven’t said yes. I understand why you might be reluctant, but I can’t be clearer. I love you. I want to spend my life with you. I want to show everyone the woman who found me, who saw me. Who made me a better man. Who’ll one day make me a better king.’

Then Gabriel dropped to the floor, down on one knee in front of her. The sight of him so surreal she could hardly believe this wasn’t all a dream.

‘Would you do me the honour of joining me at my sister’s wedding? Of, one day, becoming my wife? Or if you’re still not sure, come with me and we can call it a trial period. Test the waters. See if you like it. See if you still like me.’

She looked at him, beaming up at her. His face full of hope. A man who saw her too. The man she loved. The man who said he would give up everything for her, and she believed him.

‘Kind of a probation period?’

‘Where I get to try and impress you.’

She smiled back at him. ‘You don’t have to impress me. You already have. And I think we both know there’s no point in a probation period when we love each other. We may as well make it official.’

Gabe took her hands in his and smiled right back in a way that pierced her heart with pure joy. ‘Then, Lena. Will you marry me, so that we can spend the rest of our lives together, making each other happy? Because I want you, from this day and for ever.’

‘Yes. I love you, Gabriel Montroy. The answer is always yes.’

Gabe stood and took her into his arms, dropped his lips to her mouth and kissed her, long and deep.

As if pouring all of his love into that one moment.

Something passionate and endless. The heat of it ignited inside her, the slow burn soon turning into a blazing wildfire as he crushed her to him, and she plunged her hands into his hair.

Time lost all meaning now they were together again.

After too long and yet not enough they slowly pulled apart, both breathless.

Both smiling. Lena drifted her thumb over Gabe’s lips, wiping away the lipstick.

‘Sealed with a kiss,’ she murmured as Gabe cradled her close to his chest.

‘And what a kiss it was.’

Lena sighed. It was the kind of kiss stories might be written about. Happily, she now got to write her own.

There was a loud rap at the door.

‘Montroy, I don’t want to interrupt but we have a wedding to get to and the horses are restless. So are the press who are now surrounding the carriage, asking why we’ve stopped. What do you want me to tell them?’

‘One minute,’ Gabe called out, then looked down at her. ‘That’s Ana’s husband. Are you ready to join me?’

‘Will Priscilla forgive you for stealing the attention on her wedding day?’

‘Always thinking of others. One day I hope to teach you to think of yourself. Do you remember the squeals? As you’ve heard, she’ll be more than happy.

She wanted you there. She sent you an invitation.

Cilla and Ana will probably try to steal you away from me for all the gossip. Just promise to save me a dance.’

‘Every dance is yours.’

‘Excellent.’ He brushed his lips gently to hers again. ‘So, are you ready to…go viral?’

Lena had never been so desperate to take what she wanted. To leap into the limelight, as now. She didn’t want to hide any more, she simply wanted to be with the man she loved, and nothing else mattered.

‘Can you imagine the headlines?’

‘Yes, I can. They’ll all say something like… A Royal Fairy Tale: Prince Finds True Love with His Secret Cinderella . The moment they see us together they’ll be writing how it’s the romance of the decade. One that’ll enchant and captivate the nation.’

She laughed. ‘I love the sound of that.’

‘So do I.’

Gabe released her from his arms and took her hand. Threading his fingers through her own. His hold so strong and sure, she knew they’d weather anything so long as they were together. That he’d never let her go.

‘Then let’s do it,’ she said, with her heart full of love. Ready to face the world as they walked hand in hand to the door. Heading into their fairy-tale future together.