Page 60 of Crown of Thorns
“Let’s run through the order one more time,” Craig says.
“I think the power is going to his head,” Rhys stage whispers to me, and I snicker.
Craig pauses in what he recounting and turns to look at us directly. “I heard that, Your Majesty.”
“Aye, my friend, you were meant to.”
They share a laugh and then Craig agrees, “Aye you’re probably right. I just want everything to go well.”
“It will,” Rhys says, slapping him on the back. “Let’s go have a good night and relax. Tomorrow will be perfect, I’ve no doubt.”
“Aye,” Craig agrees. “That sounds good. It’s almost time for our booking anyway.”
We all know that no restaurant would turn away the wedding party of the century no matter how late we are, but we don’t want to be rude either. One thing I have learned about Rhys is that he’s very considerate of those around him.
He takes my hand in his, ever acting the part of the happy groom, and leads our party out to the line ofcars waiting to take us to the upscale restaurant at the marina. Leo opens the door for us, and we step outside.
The sun had set while we were in the abbey and as I look over my shoulder at the imposing structure, I feel a shiver wrack down my spine. Will I survive tomorrow, or even make it through tonight? I can’t help but recall the conversation I wasn’t supposed to hear.
Saoirse and the earl’s goal is to get rid of me in any way possible, and Rhys’s is to keep me. I feel like a doll torn in two between greedy children, with no possible way to keep me whole in the end.
Leo opens the door to the SUV, and I climb up. Rhys follows me and buckles my seatbelt before I can with a pointed look. He’s still not over the accident that I’m now sure was no accident at all. It was most definitely an on-purpose.
We sit in somber silence as we ride to the marina side by side, his heavy palm on my thigh. It’s not unlike the feeling of riding to the late King’s funeral services, and the emotional overlap is daunting. I hate feeling this way.
I always thought my wedding day would be fun, and joy filled, not sad and terrifying. Do I love Rhys? Yes. But that doesn’t mean I should be marrying him.
“We’re pulling in now, Your Majesty,” the driver says.
“Ready?” Rhys asks me.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“No, it does no’,” he replies. “Just smile and look happy.”
“Okay.”
Leo pulls open the car door and Rhys steps out, adjusting his coat before turning back to offer a gentlemanly hand to help me down. A loving smile is firmly in place on his face.
It infuriates me but there’s nothing I can do about it aside from offer up the same fake smile. I wish we were free to show our true feelings. I wish I was free to know what his true feelings are. My own are so complicated that I feel like I’m lost at sea, never to be rescued.
We walk hand in hand up the walkway leading to the posh restaurant that hangs over the marina and looks out over the ocean. We smile and wave with our free hands at the photographers who are camped out, our security officers keeping them back.
When we enter the restaurant, we’re ushered into a private room at the back that’s already filled with our family. It’s odd to realize thatthisis my family. Three months ago, this would have been a quiet affair with my uncles and my fiancé’s family and now it’s a room filled with powerful people… and me.
Am I to believe that I’m one of those powerful people? I can’t help but feel like Rhys has been pushing me toward the mantle he wants me to take up, is forcing me to, really. All I feel equipped to do is run and hide. But if I believe in my own bloodline, and who my parents actually were, then I am one of the powerfulpeople… or at least I could be, if I choose to be.
The walls are covered in a deep red fabric that matches the color of the tablecloths, gold candlesticks and large floral arrangements grace the tables. Everyone takes their seats and are served drinks while they chat amongst themselves, smiling and laughing without a care in the world.
My uncle looks at me from across the table where he’s deep in conversation with someone I don’t recognize. He gives me a wink and a smile, like he’s doted on me my whole life and he’s proud of me. Like he’s celebrating my happy marriage.
The earl looks over and smiles at me as well.
Everyone takes turns giving toasts and welcoming me to the family after Rhys gives one thanking them all for coming out to support us and celebrate with us. Like we’re all one big happily blended family. I’m not sure where this bent to the Brady Bunch came from but it’s weird. Like a coat that’s too small and doesn’t quite fit.
Dinner is more of the same.
It’s like I’m watching a movie and not my real life. It’s so absurd I can’t form actual thoughts.
