Page 122 of Modern Romance June 2025 5-8

Benedikt drew in a shaky breath. He felt as if he’d swallowed the sun, as if she’d given him the moon and the stars. But all he wanted was her, his precious Lena.

His voice was as serious as when he’d made his vows in the cathedral. ‘I promise to be completely honest with you, my love, including about my feelings.’

‘And I promise to be completely honest with you, my darling husband,especiallyabout my feelings.’

For a moment they stood solemn and still, eyes locked on each other. Then Benedikt drew her towards the sofa.

‘In the interests of complete honesty,’ he murmured, ‘I need to be upfront about my intentions.’

‘Intentions?’ The glimmer in her eyes made his breath hitch. ‘Tell me more.’

Benedikt sat down and pulled her onto his lap. As she settled, warm and soft in his embrace, eyes turned to his, he knew this was going to be all right. More than all right, it was going to be perfect.

‘We did this the wrong way around. We married but had no courtship. I intend to rectify that, starting now.’

‘You’re going to court me? I like the sound of that.’

He nuzzled the base of her neck, drawing in the scent of flowers and Lena. ‘Good. I need to do this thoroughly. It could take months.’

Her chuckle was liquid sunshine as she put his hand to her breast. ‘Definitely, my darling. Maybe even years.’

Her darling.

His heart had never felt so full. And this was only the first day of the rest of their lives together.

EPILOGUE

The castle of Edelforsthad never looked so good. Chandeliers glittered, mirrors shone and flowers scented the air as guests mingled in the ballroom.

From the minstrels’ gallery above, music began and the guests retreated to the sides of the room. Annalena watched a couple approach and her breath caught. Even now her husband had that effect, especially when he wore formal evening dress.

They’d been married a year today. A year that had been blissful and challenging. They were both strong-willed and didn’t always see eye to eye, but the promise of honesty had seen them through both testing and wonderful times.

In his stark clothes Benno looked incredibly sexy but serious, as befitted a king. But then, uncaring of the crowd, he lifted his hand and blew her a kiss, stealing her heart all over again. There was a ripple among the throng as women sighed in delight.

The man Annalena had met a year ago was still there, conscientious and determined. But now Benno embraced happiness with an enthusiasm that transformed him.

She smiled as he escorted her Oma, resplendent in navy and silver, onto the dance floor. Annalena turned to the man beside her. Young and handsome, Harald Ditmar said, ‘Ready, Your Majesty?’

She nodded first at Harald then at his beaming grandfather, the colonel, who sat with his ankle strapped up. ‘Absolutely.’

The crowd applauded as the musicians struck up a waltz. Annalena circled the room with Harald, while Benno and Oma danced in the opposite direction.

Incredible to think it was only a year ago that she’d attended her first royal ball. Now, confident in her abilities and in Benno’s affections, she no longer felt like a fish out of water. She actually enjoyed dressing up once in a while, though she’d remove the emerald and diamond tiara after the dancing.

When the waltz ended the couples met. Oma’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes glittered as she thanked Benno for the dance. ‘But one waltz is enough for me.’ She turned to Harald. ‘Let’s go and check on your grandfather, young man.’

‘She really is a wonderful lady,’ Benno murmured as the pair left and he gathered Annalena close.

‘She’s absolutely delighted we’re celebrating our anniversary here.’ His smile warmed her as the music began and other couples spilled onto the floor. ‘Thank you for suggesting it.’

He shrugged as they began dancing. ‘It’s good to celebrate with family. Besides, we can head up to the chalet tomorrow for a break.’

He’d bought the chalet where they’d honeymooned as a belated wedding gift. Weekends there were some of their happiest times.

As they moved down the room Annalena frowned. ‘They’re playing the same music again, that’s unusual.’

‘I asked them to. Do you like it?’

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