Page 6

CHAPTER 6

TRISTAN

We’re trying to leave the ball, but there are cameras going off in every direction as we’re making our way to our SUV. Holding Amelia close to me, I try to shield her from most of the flashes. Rain is coming down at a steady pace, and there are citizens lined up and down the streets.

“We should get to the SUV.” Parker tries to direct us straight down the red carpet. “I don’t like being out here in the open like this.”

While I agree with him, there are thousands of people lined along the streets, and judging by how water-soaked they are, they’ve been there for a while. “We have to say hello to them,” I argue with him. “It’s what my mom would’ve wanted.” And I know this more than anything else. My dad never wanted to stop and thank the community for their support. My mom was the soft to his hard, and she was always cognizant of the sacrifice the people of our country have made for us. Reaching out, I grab hold of Amelia’s hand. “Do you want to go say something to them?”

Her eyes meet mine, and a small smile crosses her face. “Is that what you want to do? Is this how you want your monarchy to run? If it is, then I’m right there with you.”

I’m unsure how to explain to her the type of leader I want to be, so I say these words, “My mom would always make it a point to at least address the children. They’ve been waiting for who knows how long.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do. I’m not afraid to get a little wet.”

And neither am I.

Carefully we make our way across the street, an umbrella in my hand, shielding her as best I can. Parker is growling beside me, but I’m doing my best to ignore it. “You’ll be fine,” I say softly to him.

“Hopefully you will be too,” he quips.

When we get to the other side of the street, there are loud claps and cheers. Ignoring the moisture on the ground, Amelia bends and smiles at a group of children. They hold out flowers to her, and she gratefully accepts them. “Thank you so much for waiting for me out here. I know it’s cold and rainy.”

The little girl grins at her. “It’s going to snow soon. You look like a princess in your dress.” She reaches out to finger the silky material.

Most people would probably shrink away, not wanting a child to touch such an expensive piece of clothing, but not Amelia. She leans into it.

“One day you’ll have a dress like this. What’s your name?”

“Chelsea. My mom says I have to learn not to drop food on my clothes first.” She pouts. “I’m doing my best.”

Amelia laughs before leaning in to give the little girl a hug. When she gets up, we make our way together down the line. I’m shaking hands, thanking everyone for being there, and Amelia has more flowers than she knows what to do with.

“We got married the same day you did,” a couple says as they stand together, holding hands.

“Did you?” Lia smiles at them. “How exciting.”

“It was great.” He laughs. “There wasn’t anyone on the streets, and we were able to walk into a pub and have a pint without waiting.”

“We’re happy we could help you with that,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand. “What are your plans?”

They seem surprised that we’re standing here talking to them, but this is an important piece of the way I want to rule my people. My mom was a queen of the people, and we lost that when we lost her. When I was younger, I didn’t have an opportunity to be the type of person I know she wanted me to be because my dad was manipulative, and we had such a crappy relationship for the bigger part of my life.

“We’re college students. We hope to finish our degrees and then buy a house and start a family.”

That sounds like what I would be doing if I weren’t the King of Haldonia. “It sounds like you have a good plan. If we can do anything to help, please let us know.” I slip them a card with Parker’s name on it. Hopefully, if we can be of help, they will reach out.

“Thank you, King Tristan.”

Reaching over, I grab Amelia’s hand in mine. The rain is coming down harder, and if we don’t get out of it now, we might catch a cold, and neither of us wants that. “Are you ready?” I ask her.

She nods, pressing her lips into a smile. “You know I’ll go anywhere with you.”

Threading my fingers through her hair, I palm her nape and take the kiss I’ve wanted from her all night. It’s right here in front of everyone, and I can’t say that I even care.

Beside me, Parker is talking to someone through the microphone on his wrist. “You know that picture is going to be on the front page of every rag mag in the country, right?”

“I do.”

And I can’t help but be really excited about it.

“When are we leaving to go to the weekend house?” she asks as we scoot in.

“Hopefully tonight. There are a few things I need to do back at the castle, so I’ve asked them to take us there first. Then we can get my sports car to the weekend house if you’d like.”

Her thigh is pressed tightly against mine, and she settles back into the leather seats of the SUV. “Before we got married, I’d read the articles about you and your sports cars. I’d see the pictures of you with them, and you’d look so hot. I’ve barely ridden with you anywhere other than on the back of your bike. I’m excited about this.”

He seems amused. “I don’t know that I understand, but if you’re excited about it, then so am I. Parker, you’re good with us going by the castle, right?”

“It’s not my favorite thing, knowing that we’ll be there almost completely alone, but if that’s what you need to do, we will.”

“What about Shannon?” Amelia asks. “Will she be riding back with us, too?”

Parker makes a noise in his throat. “Shannon will be riding with me as we follow the two of you in Tristan’s car. I’ll make sure she gets there safely.”

Amelia and I share an amused smile. They think they’re hiding everything from anyone who’s watching, but they aren’t. “You do what you have to do, Park. We’ll be ready when you are.”

He turns in the front passenger seat. “You act like you have a choice, Tristan. I have to follow you no matter where you go.”

“But you act like I can’t shake you, Park, and both of us know I’ve done it more than once.”

He shakes his head, knowing I’m right and not to try me. Even though it’s for the best, he’s here to protect me. I do know how to take care of myself too.

“Are you two done playing whose ego is bigger?” Amelia asks, tucking her hand into the crook of my elbow.

“We’re never done with that.” I lean over and stamp a kiss against her forehead. “But we both know the winner is me.”

She rolls her eyes, but she tilts her head so that it’s resting on my shoulder. Here, in the back of this SUV, cocooned in the warm leather seats, I’m more content than I’ve ever been.