Page 20 of A Royal Promise
He nodded so she knew he was listening, even though his chest felt heavy at the reminder that none of this was real to Bri.
“Should we talk to our parents before we make our big announcement?”
“I think we should.” Drew put on his practiced royal smile when they reached both of their parents.
“Caroline. Edward. It’s nice to see you again.” He gave them each a hug. “Mom. Dad.” Drew kissed his mother on the cheek and shook his father’s hand.
“You look wonderful together,” his mother said as she pulled Bri into a hug.
“Thank you.” Bri sent him a soft smile over his mother’s shoulder.
“Do you have any questions before we take the stage and make the special announcement?” his mother asked.
He turned and looked at his best friend, who gave a small shake of her head, though he could see the hint of fear in her eyes. Drew faced his father. “We’re ready whenever you are.”
“Then let’s not waste any more time.”
They followed their parents onto the stage. As the four parents gathered around the microphone, Drew and Bri stood a little off to the side, within sight of everyone in the room. Bri’s grip on his arm tightened, and he reached up and placed his free hand over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
She sent him an appreciative glance as his father cleared his throat into the microphone.
“Thank you all for joining us this evening. We are delighted to announce the betrothal of our son, Prince Andrew, to Princess Brielle, daughter of King Edward and Queen Caroline of Westridge.”
Murmurs filled the room as the guests took in the news. Facial reactions revealed everything from awe and excitement to shock and displeasure. The most dissatisfied expressions were worn by none other than Clarissa and her mother. Drew carefully looked over their heads, avoiding eye contact. He didn’t want anything to dampen his mood.
Drew wanted to soak in one of the happiest moments of his life. A public announcement like this brought a new sense of reality to the situation. It had him longing for a future that wasn’t yet his. Maybe one day, his wildest dreams would come true. But for now, Drew was happy to have Bri’s arm wrapped through his, her sparkling diamond on full display under the chandelier light.
“A formal announcement with the royal press will take place tomorrow morning, followed by the couple’s first public appearance in the palace courtyard and an official interview. Let us celebrate.” King Maxwell lifted a flute of champagne in the air, and everyone followed suit.
“Do you think everyone believes us?” Bri pressed her lips to his ear, whispering the words.
Goosebumps covered his skin, and Drew did his best to breathe deeply before responding, not wanting to reveal how much she affected him. “There’s only one way to find out.” His voice was husky as he responded. He took a step back and offered her his hand. “Will you dance with me, fiancée?”
Chapter Seven
Bri
Bri stared down at Drew’s extended hand. His voice had sounded somehow different when he’d asked her to dance. She didn’t have a clue why. All she’d done was whisper a question in his ear. They’d done that their whole lives—shared secrets at important events.
She shook it off. The only reasonable explanation was that he was parched. They could resolve that problem with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea…right after they tried to prove to everyone in attendance that they were madly in love with each other.
Bri placed her hand in his, and Drew escorted her off the stage and down to the middle of the dance floor. The weight of his hands, one holding hers and the other at the dip of her waist, grounded her as they moved through the steps of the Glencrest waltz.
They’d completed this dance countless times together, but it felt different tonight. It was the first time they’d done it as the center of attention, all eyes on them. Bri raised her gaze to stareinto Drew’s eyes. They crinkled at the corners as he smiled at her without missing a step.
She didn’t understand how he appeared so calm and collected after their announcement, but she tried to lean on his strength and confidence. A moment later, Drew pressed his mouth to the side of her head. To all on-lookers, it would look intimate and romantic, but realistically, he was whispering in her ear, “You could try to look more in love and less pained.”
When she looked back at him, his mouth was pulled up at the corner into a goofy grin. Bri didn’t know if he was teasing or serious. “I’m notpained.”
“You look like someone about to get a cavity filled.”
A puff of laughter escaped her lips. “You can’t be serious. I think my royal training has taught me better than that.”
His grin widened. “Maybe I just wanted to see you smile. Plus, it’s good for the guests to see us looking completely giddy and head-over-heels for each other. Should we give them a show?”
“Isn’t that what we’re already doing?” Bri smirked.
“You haven’t seen anything yet, fiancée.”
