Page 58 of Marrying a Prince

"Promise me something," he said as he lowered her down and brought both hands up to cradle her face.

"Okay," she whispered, her skin tingling from his touch.

"Never leave me," he said, leaning forward to brush his lips across hers.

She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation that kissing him brought. When he grew quiet, she opened her eyes and smiled. "Promise."

He moved to pull something out of his front pocket. He held up the ring that he'd given her that night in the Met. "Will you put this back on?"

She furrowed her brow. Her heart pounded so hard she could hear it. "Are you asking me?"

He narrowed his eyes and then dropped slowly to one knee. He held up the ring and took her left hand in his. "Marianna, will you do me the honor of becoming my queen?"

Her stomach lightened, but she needed to know that it was for real. "No stipulation, right? You want to marry me for me." She studied him, trying to read his expression.

"No stipulation. I can die a lonely king." He gave her his signature half smile. "But I don't want to."

That was all she needed to hear. "Yes," she said, nodding.

He slipped the ring on and straightened. After kissing her, he pulled away. "I love you," he repeated.

She smiled up at him. "Ti amo anch’io."

Epilogue

Marianna stood in the guest room of the castle, staring at herself in the mirror. The wedding dress she'd picked out was simple yet beautiful. It had capped sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair fell around her face in soft curls and was framed in a floor-length veil. She pulled the sides of the veil up and sighed.

Was this really happening? Was she really going to marry Leo today?

The door opened, and Marianna glanced over to see Clara slip in. She was wearing a baby-pink flower girl dress, and her hair was curled and pinned in an updo. When she met Marianna's gaze, her eyes widened.

"You look like a princess," she said, rushing over to give Marianna a hug.

Marianna dipped down and wrapped her arms around her soon-to-be sister. "So do you," she said, kissing Clara on the cheek.

Clara stepped back and twirled. "I love how it spins," she said, smiling up at Marianna.

Marianna nodded. "Me too."

"Anch'io," Clara repeated in Italian.

Ever since Marianna came to Caro, she'd been studying Italian. Since she was going to be queen, she figured it was her duty to speak the language. Clara was an eager teacher. Marianna smiled and repeated, "Anch'io."

Clara nodded, seeming satisfied with Marianna's effort.

Movement by the door caught Marianna's attention. Standing in the hall looking in was her mom and dad. They looked a little out of place, but were slowly growing accustomed to their life in Caro. When Marianna told them that she was moving here, they insisted that they come with.

Leo had been able to find them a tiny cottage in Trieste, and they were learning the language and the culture. Marianna knew that it was a big step for them, and she appreciated that they had sacrificed to be closer to her.

When her mom's gaze landed on her, a smile grew on her face. She rushed into the room and wrapped Marianna up into a hug. "You look beautiful," she said as she pulled back.

Ever since the engagement four months ago, Mrs. DeLuca had been less than welcoming. After a frank conversation from Leo, she agreed to be more amicable and had been making an effort to like Marianna. Situations like that made Marianna that much more thankful she had her parents and Clara in her corner. They helped her feel less like a complete imposter.

At least, when Leo wasn’t around. When he was by her side, she felt as if she could conquer the world.

“Do you think Leo will like it?” she asked.

Her mom pursed her lips and nodded. Marianna could tell that she was fighting back tears. “Yes,” she said and then cleared her throat. “Yes he will.”

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