Page 63 of Royal Rebel

The rest of what he says seems to drag on in slow motion. I’m not stupid, I know the vows, I know them by heart. In this moment, I feel like I’ve been waiting to say them my entire life.

“I do.” The words come out on a breath I hadn’t known I’d been holding.

“Do you, Amelia…?” He repeats the words.

My eyes meet hers and I can see the depth of her feelings. While we’re both in this moment together, I can tell by the look in them she’s ready for this to be over. Ready to get me by myself and celebrate the fact we’ve actually become man and wife. I’m sure there were many who thought this day would never happen.

But it has.

Here in front of the entire world.

Finally the words I’ve been waiting to hear are the words spoken.

“You may kiss your bride.”

And kiss her I do.

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’sgone 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.”

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