Page 1085 of One More Kiss

Chapter5

King Fredrick wasa large and imposing man, but not unkind. When I saw him standing in the entryway, his green eyes full of mirth, I wanted the floor beneath my feet to open up and swallow me whole.

I wondered how much he’d seen—what Edan and I had done in that very room. I was going to faint from embarrassment alone.

“Tatiana?” I heard the king address me. Fudge buckets! I’d been in my own head again. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

He stroked his red beard, with a slight smirk playing on his lips, his eyes (much like Edan’s), twinkling like stars. “It is a pleasure to see you about the castle on this beautiful day.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s a fine day indeed.” I sounded like a moron. I’d reduced myself to speaking of the weather. And Edan was standing at my side, speechless. I elbowed him, hard, in the ribs.

“Ooof.” Edan grunted. “Yes, Father. It’s a nice day. I thought you were traveling.”

“I have returned from Sandton Kingdom early, as our meetings were adjourned much quicker than expected. The weather there was dreadful. It’ll no doubt take weeks to remove the sand from my breeches and everywhere in between.” King Fredrick gave a rich and hearty chuckle. I thought perhaps he may fall into a fit of belly laughter.

I wanted to laugh as well, only due to the imagery, but thought it may be improper. He’d spoken of his breeches, though. And sand in places we didn’t speak of! I had to contain myself.

The king cleared his throat. “Let us address the elephant in the room, shall we?”

Oh, shit. Did we have to? I didn’t see an elephant. What elephant? I certainly did not want to speak of what he’d walked in on. If only I could disappear, but that would be the height of rudeness and disrespectful. Sigh.

I groaned, a very unladylike groan… “All right, Your Majesty. What would you like to know?” I decided to play it sort of dumb. I had no idea what to say. I hoped Edan would soon come to my rescue…

And he did.

“Yes, Father. I’m happy to report that I’ve only just asked Tatiana to be my wife.” Edan pulled me to his side and kissed my cheek…in front of the king. My face lit up in embarrassment once more. It was becoming a running theme today.

King Fredrick stroked his beard again and walked further into the room. “Let us have a seat and chat about this, shall we? I’ll call for a spot of tea to be served.”

Edan and I nodded without a word. We sat on the sofa, while the king sat opposite us in an equally luxurious armchair. He rang for a servant, and a young dark-haired woman appeared within moments.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” She bowed before him, her wide gray eyes taking in the room. “What may I get you, sir?”

“Helga, please bring in a tea tray for us. Thank you.”

“Right away, Your Majesty.” She bowed again and left just as quickly.

“Where were we?” The king returned his gaze to Edan and me. “Yes, your upcoming nuptials. This, my son, I am quite pleased to hear about.” He then gave me a broad smile. “Tatiana, my dear, you’ve no idea how long Edan here has been waiting to—”

“Father, must you?” Edan cut him off. “She knows.”

I laughed and patted his arm. “It’s all right, Your Majesty, do go on. I’d love to hear more.”

Edan sighed next to me and palmed his face.

“Right, well, the ring, you see, was his mother’s. I believe I rudely interrupted before he got to that part, as the two of you were”—He coughed into his hand—“otherwise engaged. However, it is incredibly special to him. Only one who has captured the love of his heart shall wear it. And that is you, Tatiana. I could not be happier than I am this day. Well, until the two of you have my grandchildren, of course.”

My eyes burned, holding back unshed tears. Family? I had never thought such a wondrous possibility would exist for me. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor. First by “the love of his heart” and then “the grandchildren” part. The king did not have a filter. It was lovely. I burst out into a fit of laughter. However, Edan just stared at his father, open-mouthed, possibly in shock.

“I, um, Father.” Edan tried to speak, but only stuttered.

“Yes, son.” King Fredrick raised his hand. “Oh, yes, just in time. Tea is served. Thank you, Helga. You’re a dear. Please, take your leave for the day.” He shifted to face Edan and poured him a cup of tea.” Thirsty? Cat got your tongue, son?”

I was going to love living in this castle. We only needed to get the formalities out of the way once Edan found his voice again.

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