Page 64 of Royal Rebel

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.

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