Page 6 of Royal Rebel

They aren’t the only thoughts that kept me up, though. Another part of me stayed awake, wondering what it would be like to be with Tristan all the time. What going to bed with him at night, waking up to him in the morning will be like.

“I know.” I give her a smile, trying the expression out, hoping that the muscles allow me to make it. I can feel the corners twitching, but I relax, realizing I can in fact, smile today.

The cell phone the royal family gave me vibrates at my side. How anyone has my number, I’m unsure. I don’t even have my number. Quickly I use my thumbprint to unlock it, which again I wonder how they were able to do that without me around, but I don’t question it. What’s waiting there is a text from Tristan.

T: I’m heading down your way in the next twenty minutes. If you need more time, let me know. We’ll meet the press and the people together. Can’t wait to see you again, Amelia.

My hands are back to shaking as I read what he’s sent me.

“How much longer do you think I’ll be?” I ask Shannon. “Tristan says he’s heading this way in the next twenty minutes. He doesn’t want me to have to walk alone.”

“We’ll have you done by then, I promise.” She claps her hands, much like she did the night before, and gets to work.

A: I’ll be ready and waiting. Thank you for thinking of me. I can’t wait to see you again either.

Placing my phone back down on the vanity, I take a minute to compose myself. It’s not every day a king texts you. These last few hours have been some of the craziest of my life.

“Shannon.” I tilt my head so I can see her. “When will Tristan be crowned?”

“Six months from yesterday, and then you’ll be expected to be married the following week,” she explains. “It’s the custom, but not many talk about it. No one wants to believe that arranged marriage is still a common practice in the second decade of a new century, but as you can see, it is. You have time to get to know him, I promise you that.”

Her words encourage me, give me hope that he and I will be able to make this work, that we’ll be comfortable with each other before we have to walk down the aisle together.

“What am I wearing today?” I square my shoulders and take the last drink of my coffee.

“Another dress. This one will be a turquoise color, with lace up and down the arms, and it’s long, so it will cover your legs. It’s very cold today. You’ll be able to wear a jacket, but we want you to keep it open so that your dress can be photographed.”

Of course, because now I’ll be center stage, where everyone will want to know who I’m wearing, what I’m wearing, and the name of my hairstyle. There are certain things I’m not prepared for, and this might be one of the biggest. I’ve never been the type of person who had to be the center of attention, and since Tristan is one of the most sought-after bachelors in the world, we’ll both be there now.

“Your hair and makeup are done.”

Finally able to get up, I move over to the window, allowing myself to look out for the first time. There’s a crowdgathered among the snowy roads. If someone were to ask me to describe it, I would say minus the people, it looks like the perfect winter postcard. Water flows slowly through the river that surrounds the palace, plumes of chimney smoke can be seen for miles as it helps heat the homes of the people who’ve flocked to see us, tree branches hang low with the weight of snow on them. But then there are the people. As far as the eye can see in front of the gates. There’s no telling how long they’ve been there, how cold they are, or if they’ll even get a chance to catch a glimpse of us. There are signs held up, some that sayTristan & Amelia. I was warned my name would be found out quickly as soon as the king called for the press op.

In a matter of minutes, the chaos will ensue.

“Let’s get you dressed.” Shannon cuts into my musings and I allow her to lead me from the window, and then allow her to help me into my outfit for the day. My jewelry is on, and as I place my engagement ring on my finger, a feeling of calm washes over me. I balance as I put my shoes on, right as there’s a knock on my door.

“It’s probably Tristan, I’ll get it,” I tell the room.

The makeup artist is still there, along with the seamstress the designer sent over with the dress. Right now all I want is to be alone with him, but we’re destined to have an audience. Opening the door, I see him—all big-shouldered and tall in the doorway. He’s as large as he was last night.

His eyes are tender, a small smile spreads across his face. There seems to be a whole conversation between us as we look at one another. His words are simple, when he speaks them, but they warm me down to my heart.

“Are you ready, Amelia?” He holds his elbow out for me.

“I, I believe so.” I look back at Shannon.

“Your coat is downstairs,” she confirms, giving me a nod of encouragement.

“Then I’m ready.” I smile up at him, allowing him to turn me and escort me down the hallway.

“This will probably be the most nerve-racking thing we ever do,” he tells me as he helps me navigate the stairs in my dress and heels. “After this, we won’t have another appearance until we know one another a bit more.”

“We’ll do fine.” I stiffen my jaw to keep it from trembling, holding his gaze with my own. I notice he’s not taken the time to shave completely, and the look gives him a rugged handsomeness I wasn’t prepared for. I lean up, kissing him softly on the cheek. “We’ve got this, Tristan.”

I’m not sure where my bravado comes from, and maybe I’m telling it to myself as I’m reassuring him, but I feel as if together, we can handle anything that comes our way. He lets me go, helps me into my coat, and together we face the door.

“Then let’s get on with it.”

---