Page 57 of Royal Rebel

Parker has been my best friend for years, even though it’s arguable we shouldn’t be friends. He’s the person in charge of my protection and for intents and purposes, I’m his employer. But I trust this man with my life. I trust him with everything. He’s never given me a reason not to, and he’s seen me at some of the worst times I’ve had. If there’s one person I want with me tonight, it’s him. I want him to see the man I’ve become and leave behind the kid I was.

“Nice.” I reach out to take the cigar.

It takes us a few moments but we get them cut down and lit. “I’m proud of you.” Parker blows a plume of smoke.

The words stop me, causing me to parrot them back. “Proud of me?”

“You’re not the same Tristan I used to know. You worry about Amelia more than you worry about yourself. You stand tall when people question you and you worry about yourcountry. While so many have called you spoiled, you’ve grown up. You’re becoming the man your mom would be proud of. The man she saw you becoming. This country will move into the next decade with you at the helm, and I have no doubt we’ll succeed. With you guiding us, we’ll be the best we’ve been.”

It takes me long moments to speak around the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Parker.”

“You know me, my lord. I don’t say things I don’t mean. I don’t give praise just for the sake of giving it. You’ve earned it. It’s my pleasure to serve you.”

The talk is deep for the two of us. It’s not how we normally spend our time together, but knowing he’s proud of me is akin to knowing my father is proud of me.

And if that’s how I’m entering into this marriage. Then I know I’m giving Amelia the best I can give her.

Which helps me know for her, I’ll be the best man I can be.

CHAPTER 34

AMELIA

The room I’m in is opulent.

I don’t think I’ve ever been in an opulent room before. Granted, my family is well off, but we’re nothing like the royals.

Even though this is the house we stayed at for the last six months, I never came into this room on the fourth floor.

Tristan and his crew are staying at the palace. The trip will be made with me in a car, my father and Shannon by my side. I’m already shaking, thinking about it.

The bed is huge, big enough for at least six people, if I’m being honest. With just me in it, it’ll feel even smaller.

My phone makes a noise from where I laid it on the desk. It hasn’t made a noise in so long it takes me a moment to realize what it is. Tristan and I have been together since the day after we were introduced, and I haven’t needed it.

Running over to it, I grab it up like it’s a lifeline. When I see Tristan has sent me a text, a stupidly excited smilespreads across my face. It feels huge, but I can’t even make myself care.

T: Be sure and get plenty of sleep tonight. Tomorrow will be a very long day.

A: I’m not sure how I’m going to get any sleep, Tris. First we’re going to be on actual TV tomorrow.

I’m not sure what’s freaking me out more. The fact I’m not sleeping in the same bed as him, or that millions will see me. Millions tuned in to see Phillip marry his queen. More will probably tune in to see us. I’m worried people will pick out something stupid I do, then I’ll be a meme for the rest of my life. It’s a legitimate fear, and I don’t know how to stop thinking about it.

It doesn’t help that earlier in the day, Shannon pointed out the TV crews.

They’re even camped out in front of this house. I knew there would be people watching me leave and head to the wedding venue, but now it’s so much more real.

T: The only one who is going to matter will be me. You’ll be beautiful and I’ll be the luckiest man in the world.

A: Tris, I’m scared.

There I said it, told him about the fear tingling at the back of my neck.

Cold feet is one thing, but I’m legitimately scared something may happen tomorrow we can never come back from. I keep telling myself no one would try to take a shot at us, but it’s on a global stage, and there are plenty of people who would love to take the spotlight from us.

T: Scared about what?

Now that he’s asking, I don’t want to throw my fears off on him. What if I’m the one who’s worrying for no reason. It’s easy to downplay it and pretend like I’m not scared to death.

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