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CHAPTER 38

LIZZY

NEVER SAY NO TO CHAMPAGNE.

I was not on duty that night, having already been assigned to the ceremony itself. I hadn’t planned to go to the coronation ball at all.

But my mother, as always, intervened. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lizzy,” she said as she smoothed the fabric of her emerald-green gown. “Few people get to attend a coronation in their lifetime. And not only are you close to the royal family, but this might be your chance to finally speak to your prince.”

“Mom, I think I should give up. Declan had plenty of chances to talk to me earlier, and I don’t think we’re on the same page about our future.” I had begun to believe Declan planned to stay here, to serve his family in a royal capacity. Of course, he hadn’t said as much, but then again, he hadn’t said much of anything.

“I will never understand your reluctance to simply communicate,” my mother said, throwing up her hands in exasperation. She turned away but then glanced back over her shoulder. “Wear the red lipstick.”

Mom went ahead, leaving me to finish getting ready alone.

I had chosen a red sheath dress and a pair of very high silver heels. I wore what little jewelry I owned and put my hair up in the most elaborate updo I could manage—which, admittedly, was not very elaborate at all. I knew there would be women there wearing once-in-a-lifetime gowns, ecstatic to be part of such a momentous occasion.

As I walked myself to the ballroom, uncertainty settled deep in my stomach. There was something like dread inside me at the thought of seeing Declan happy with his family.

Didn’t I want that for him? Had I even thought about him in the years since we had been children together, before I was sent to Virginia?

The truth was, I had. But I had never imagined I would grow as close to him as I had during my assignment. And I was ashamed that I hadn’t been able to keep a professional distance. If I was hurt now, it was my own fault.

I stepped into the crowded ballroom, momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of the party. The festivities were being held in the ornate palace ballroom, where more food had been gathered in one place than I had ever seen before. A five-tier cake—one that any bride would envy—stood proudly in the center of the room, a golden crown perched atop its iced layers. Buffet tables lined every wall, overflowing with decadent dishes, while the dance floor stretched wide beneath the glittering chandeliers.

At the very front of the room stood the royal table. A throne had been placed for King Lambert, and Celeste and his family flanked him on either side—his parents looking proud, and Declan looking… gleeful.

The chandeliers bathed the room in warm golden light, illuminating glittering gowns, sleek tuxedos, and polished royal insignias. The scent of roasted meats, rich desserts, and champagne filled the air. Laughter rang out over the steady hum of conversation, and on the dance floor, couples swayed to the soft strains of the orchestra.

I had barely had a chance to take it all in when I felt a strong hand on my elbow. I turned and looked up to see Declan at my side, smiling down at me.

“There you are,” he said.

“Here I am,” I agreed, feeling ridiculously stupid, both at having nothing better to say, and for believing for so long that there was a path for us together.

Declan looked incredible in his ceremonial tux, the tailored fabric hugging his frame in a way that made my breath catch. He had always looked good in his hockey gear, but this was different. Regal. He belonged here, among the gold and grandeur.

I had never felt less like I belonged.

“Do you have a moment?” His expression was uncertain.

I looked into those deep blue eyes, at the full lips smiling through his beard, at the face I had come to love so much it hurt. “Of course I do.”

Declan slid his hand down to mine, intertwining his fingers with my own.

“Champagne?” he asked, guiding me toward a bar.

I nodded, accepting the flute and sipping the bracing bubbles. I needed to steel myself. Being with Declan was always so overwhelming.

Declan gave my arm gentle tug, leading me through the room until we found a quiet table in the corner, somewhat shielded from the celebrations by one of the bars stationed along the walls.

The noise of the ballroom faded slightly, but my heart pounded in my chest. I looked deep into Declan’s eyes and braced myself for whatever was to come.