Page 22 of A Royal Promise
“Good.” He pulled her into a bear hug. “Let’s go crush this.”
They met their parents downstairs in the palace’s foyer, and Bri’s mother pulled her to the side.
“How are you feeling about everything, dear? Engagements are big news for royal families, and this will be celebrated publicly, but I want to make sure you and Drew are still celebrating this big moment together.”
She sighed. “I’m hanging in there. It does seem like it’s all happening very fast, but I’m thankful to have my family alongside me—and Drew, of course. We’ll have time to celebrate once the announcement is made.”
Her mother’s gaze softened. “I hope you do. This is a moment you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. You only get engaged once.”
Bri’s heart felt like it stopped beating. The collar of her dress started to feel tight and restrictive, and her skin felt itchy. She’d never thought about it that way—she was losing her shot at her firstrealengagement with this fake one. It wasn’t like she’d be able to pretend it never happened. But she’d agreed to help Drew, and she would follow through on that promise.
She let out a slow breath as her mother leaned in and hugged her. As her mother left, Drew walked over and immediately stilled as he took in her expression.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” His eyes raked over her as if checking for an injury.
Bri didn’t know how he did it, but Drew could read her better than anyone. Heck, he probably knew her better than she knew herself. He could decipher one of her fake smiles from a real one in an instant. He could see she was uncomfortable from a mere glance. He knew all her favorite things, from food and drinks to movies and hiking trails. It was like he was an expert on all things Bri. And normally, she liked that. It felt good to be known and understood by someone.
But right now, she wished he couldn’t read her so well. Bri wished she could push everything she was thinking out of her mind and get through their first official public appearance without him asking about her feelings.
“Everything’s fine.” She tried to smile convincingly up at him. “We already made it through Clarissa’s interrogation. We should be able to survive anything now.”
His expression didn’t look any less worried, but he smiled anyway before offering his arm to her. “We don’t just survive, fiancée. Wethrive.”
She adjusted the collar of her cream, midi pencil dress. “We sure do.”
“I’ve received word the royal press has just announced the news of your engagement. All the journalists and photographers should know why they’ve been invited now.”
Drew pulled his phone out of his pocket and leaned closer to Bri so she could see the screen as he opened the official statement from the Glencrest royal family news page.
His Royal Highness Prince Andrew of Glencrest and Her Royal Highness Princess Brielle of Westridge are engaged to be married.
The couple became engaged last week in Westridge. A wedding date has yet to be chosen. Those details will be released to the public in due course.
Both royal families are delighted at the betrothal of their eldest children.
Once married, the couple will reside at Hillside Cottage in Glencrest.
Bri looked up as Drew’s mother pushed them toward the door with a wide smile.
“It’s time, dearies.”
Her grip on Drew’s arm tightened. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’m with you.”
The repetition of his words from earlier helped calm her nerves just as the palace doors opened. She put on her practiced smile, and they stepped outside together. Once Bri and Drew were close to the crowd, they stopped and waved.
Cheers erupted from press members and civilians alike at the news of their engagement. Bri focused on the sound of clicking cameras as they continued to smile and wave. They walked along the length of the courtyard, ensuring every photographer in attendance would have the opportunity to photograph them.With a final wave, Drew escorted Bri back into the palace. Once the door was safely shut behind them, she breathed a sigh of relief.
“We did it.” His lips raised at the corner.
“We sure did.”
“Now we just have to get through an interview later this afternoon, and we’re golden.”
“Oh, only an interview where we have to convince the world we’re in love?” she said with a laugh.
“Easy-peasy.” He shot her one of his goofy, lopsided grins.
His carefree attitude left her feeling lighter. Bri only hoped she would be able to hold onto that optimistic feeling during their interview this afternoon.
