Page 38

CHAPTER 37

AMELIA

The amount of people who have gathered in front of the balcony is impressive. As far back as I can see, there are bodies. They’re moving this way and that, like a crowd at a huge concert. They’re making so much noise, I almost can’t hear what’s going on in front of me.

Planes have been going overhead here and there, each carrying a banner welcoming me to the royal family and telling Tristan congratulations.

Tristan and I are standing in front of the people gathered, looking down at our countrymen and women. “Shall we kiss?” he asks when he can finally make out what they’ve been chanting.

“Kiss!”

“Kiss!”

“Kiss!”

I giggle loudly. This is the best part of everything that’s gone on for me. Their excitement is mine. “I think we definitely should.”

Instead of it being proper, he brings me in, bends me over his arm, and dramatically locks our lips together. The crowd goes wild, and even though I probably shouldn’t, I hope that picture is the one on the cover of all the magazines.

TRISTAN

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

Abdication.

Wearing a crown I’ve meant to wear since I was born.

There’s a lot of pomp and circumstance going on, a lot of it I don’t even understand. I figure I’ll understand why it matters certain dignitaries are here right now, while others aren’t.

“I’m pleased,” my father starts, turning to me. “To give the crown to my son. I hope for him to have a healthy life and a great marriage. We should all be so blessed to have a love like he does.”

The crowd goes wild when he puts the crown on my head. I look out at them, wondering what they are seeing when they look up at us. Can they see a son and father who have struggled to hold it together? Can they see how close we were to falling completely apart?

Or rather, do they see the future of their country? Do they see me as the person who’s going to fight for them, to do what’s right? I hope so.

“Thank you,” I speak into the microphone. “Thank you for allowing me the honor of taking the throne. ”

The applause is deafening.

“My queen and I promise to make sure we take Haldonia into the next decade in the most honest way possible. We promise to keep your interests at the forefront of each thing we do. We will make the hard decisions, and we hope to grow with you. Thank you so much for participating in our big day with us. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

The chants begin again.

“Kiss!”

“Kiss!”

“Kiss!”

I chuckle as I pull her into me with my arm around her waist. We kiss again, each laughing as the exuberance of the crowd washes over us.

Hours later we’re in a horse-drawn carriage driving through the streets of Haldonia. So many flowers are being thrown at us. My cheeks hurt from smiling and my hand aches from waving. It’s worth it though, to show the people of the country how much we appreciate what they’ve done. Including them into our day has always been important to the both of us.

“I love this,” Lia shouts over the noise.

“I love you,” I shout back at her.

She turns to me, leaning in for a kiss.

I’m allowed to do this all the time now. She’s mine whenever I want her, whenever I need her.

That’s my favorite thing ever.

AMELIA

“What time is it?” I groan as Shannon pulls the curtains on the windows. Tristan and I are so wrapped up in one another, neither one of us cares she’s here.

“Your reception starts in two hours, Your Highness.” She playfully curtsies. “We’ve got to get you up and presentable. Many people will want to speak with you, and everyone wants a picture of you and your husband.”

Husband.

The word brings joy to my chest. He’s next to me, his face covered with the couple of days growth of beard he’s been wearing lately.

“One second please.” I lift my finger up, letting her know I want a moment alone with my husband. She nods, leaving us alone in the room.

“Tris.” I lean over, trying to wake him up.

He’s sleeping soundly, the product of what must be the last six months catching up with him. He stirs slightly. “Tris,” I try again, kissing him on the forehead. “Time to wake up. Hey husband.” I grin as his eyes open.

“Hey, wife,” he answers. “What time is it?”

“Time for us to get ready for our reception.”

“This is it, right? We’ll be able to relax after this?” He tightens his arms around me.

“For a day or two, yes.” I giggle.

It’s as if the stress of the last six months has hit him full force.

“All I want to do is spend a few days with you, trying to figure out where we fit into this whole puzzle.”

“Same, Tris, but we have duties. Those duties say we have to entertain tonight.”

“It’s time for the garter!” the DJ says as the group of all of us gather on the dance floor.

The parents went home hours ago, and now it’s the youngsters who have gathered for the reception.

“This is going to be my favorite,” Tristan announces.

He brings me to the middle of the floor, motioning for me to have a seat in the chair someone’s brought out for me. I do as he’s asked.

He looks dark and dashing, his white tux shirt rolled up to his forearms. I’m not sure where his jacket went, but he discarded it hours ago.

“You ready?” he asks, his dark eyes shining brightly.

“Yes.” I wink, spreading my legs slightly.

Going up under her skirt, he grabs my garter with his teeth, using his tongue to run against my thigh.

I laugh loudly.

Pulling out from under there, he holds it between his teeth. The crowd goes wild, and he makes a presentation of taking it out of his mouth, twirling it around on his finger.

“Line up my guys,” I shout loudly.

He watches as they listen to me. I’m standing beside him, giving him a look. Telling him where Parker stands.

Leaning back, he shoots it up and over.

Looking around, I see it land right on Parker’s head.

“Ohhhh!”

Everybody makes noises, but Parker looks scared to death. There’s not many things that scare Parker, and I love that the piece of cloth in his hand brings legitimate fear to his face .

“You’re welcome, Park.” Tristan taps him on the shoulder.

“With all do respect, sir.” He tilts his head. “Screw you.”