Page 27 of A Royal Promise
Bri leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
They’d sat like this countless times over the years, but something felt different about the gesture today. More intimate.More romantic. Drew chided himself for the rest of the car ride.It’s all fake for her—at least for now.
Once they neared their destination, Drew sat up straighter. “We’re nearly there.”
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“I could never ruin the surprise. I know how much you love them.” He smirked at her.
When the car rolled to a stop, the driver opened the door for him. Drew stepped out into the flashing lights of cameras and offered his hand back for Bri. She grasped onto it like a lifeline as she joined him.
Her eyes lit up in pleasant surprise when she looked behind him. “Is this what I think it is?”
“If you think it’s Glencrest’s annual Spring Fling carnival, then you would be correct.”
They posed for a few photos for the press, but before they could walk into the carnival, they were bombarded with questions.
“Your Highness, is your engagement real?”
Bri’s grip on him tightened, and he gave her an encouraging smile before turning back to face the media. His bodyguard and Bastian made a move to shield them from the reporters and photographers, but he waved them off. Drew stood protectively in front of Bri.
“Our engagement is very real. We’re excited for this next step in our relationship together and for the way it will further unite our countries,” Drew gave his practiced answers.
“So it’s not a shotgun wedding?” another paparazzi yelled.
He felt Bri stiffen behind him and reached his hand back, grabbing hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I can assure you it’s not. We’re very much in love and looking forward to starting a family in the future to strengthen the line of succession for the Glencrest throne, but we would like to enjoyour engagement and then our marriage first.” The lie tasted bitter coming out of his mouth, but he hoped it would become the truth soon enough.
Yet another reporter raised their hand before asking, “Are Glencrest or Westridge experiencing financial difficulties like Findorra was? I’m sure you’re well aware of the circumstances that led to the recent wedding of Their Royal Majesties in Edgemont.”
He would never stop being astounded at the audacity of some reporters. “There is no need to fear over Glencrest’s or Westridge’s financials. Princess Brielle and I are simply two royals who fell in love and decided to spend the rest of our lives together.” He took a step back, standing with Bri. “That’s all the time we have for questions today. Thank you.”
Drew turned around, continuing to shield Bri with his arm. They followed their bodyguards into the middle of the carnival. With a few of the palace guards corralling the press back at the entrance, he felt like he could finally breathe.
“That sure was something,” he muttered.
“Your answers were perfect.” Bri pressed her lips together. “I think we need a little pick-me-up. What do you say we get a funnel cake?”
His smile grew as he looked at her. “I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do right now. Lead the way.”
Chapter Nine
Drew
Eleven Years Ago
Any event offering an endless supply of sweets was the best. Drew looked around the Spring Fling carnival, his eyes lit with excitement.
He waited outside the gate with his family when his friend Bri finally arrived with her parents and her younger brother, Phillip.
“Can we go innow?” Drew asked his mom, not even trying to hide his impatience.
His mom laughed at him. “Yes, dear. Bri’s bodyguard, Bastian, will escort you three.”
Drew ran over, grabbed Bri’s hand, and waved for Phillip to follow them as they rushed into the carnival, Bastian trailing closely behind them. The smell of fried foods made him grin as they dove right into the middle of the action.
“What should we do first?” Phillip’s eyes were wide with wonder as he took in everything around them.
“How about the water gun race?” Bri suggested.
