Page 56 of Broken Princess

"I know you will," I say, leaning up on the pointy toes of the satin shoes Natalie picked out to peck his cheek. He blushes as I wipe his cheek off to make sure there's no pink left behind. "You know, I love you. One day, when we're standing here for your wedding, I hope it's under very different circumstances."

"If it ever does happen, I doubt it's going to take place in a church," he says flatly. "But wherever it is, you'll be there. I wouldn't have it any other way."

I know he's right, unfortunately. In the eyes of most of these families, his included, a man loving another man is somehow seen as a greater transgression than killing a hundred of them.

God forbid two people enter into a union for reasons other than political expedience or money.

All the more reason I don't want my child growing up in this world, but what choice do I have? The one out there is even less forgiving. We all have our roles to play, and the consequences of deviating from them will always fall down on the ones we love the most. The ones who deserve them the least.

The door opens again and Natalie pokes her head in. "Come on, they're ready for you."

I take a deep breath and nod my head. It's time to get this over with.

I part ways with Anthony and follow Natalie out of the dressing room and downstairs to where Dad is waiting for me outside the doors leading into the church sanctuary. His eyes widen as they fall on me, and for a moment, he seems lost. Like he's looking through time, and there's a hint of something other than hardness in his gaze.

"You look beautiful," Dad says gruffly as he takes my arm and leads me down the aisle. "Just like your mother."

I try not to let the sadness I feel at his words show on my face. It's been a long time since I've thought about her in all this. It happens less and less. Usually when I hit a milestone she should have been there to hold my hand through.

Sometimes I'm afraid that one day, in the intensity of this world and a life that feels like it's rushing by at a thousand miles an hour, I'll forget her.

And I'll never forgive myself for that.

But Dad is right, in a way. I do look like her. I have her eyes and her hair. The same heart-shaped face. It's strange to see those same features on a person who has led such a different life.

If she were here now, I can't help but feel that she would be so disappointed in me. In the choices I've made.

Especially the one I'm about to make.

The entire walk to the aisle, I can hear my pulse pounding in my ears, almost drowning the organ music out entirely. I manage not to turn my head, but I find myself searching the aisles through the corner of my eye for any sign of Lorenzo. I see his family, seated behind mine, but there's no sign of him.

We reach the front of the church and Dad hands me off to Stefan before taking his seat next to Natalie in the front row. She gives me a small, tight smile before patting Dad's hand and turning her attention back to the altar.

I try not to focus on the feeling of Stefan's palm against mine, warm and strong, as we wait for the priest to start the ceremony. My stomach is in knots, and all I can think about is how this is a mistake.

A huge mistake.

But it's too late now.

The priest asks if there's any reason we shouldn't be joined in holy matrimony, and while I can think of about a thousand and one, I'm silent. So is the rest of the room.

The next thing I know, Stefan is repeating his vows after the priest, and I'm following suit. It feels like someone else is speaking the words out of my mouth, and I can barely focus on what they're saying. All I can think about is how this isn't right. This shouldn't be happening.

And then, before I know it, it's my turn.

"Amelia, do you take Stefan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

My breath falters on my lips, but before I can say the words that will seal my fate, the doors at the back of the church swing open and a familiar voice echoes through the cathedral, loud and strong.

"Stop! Stop the wedding."

CHAPTER 27

LORENZO

"Stop! Stop the wedding."

The moment those words leave my mouth, everything comes to a standstill. The priest, the guests, Amelia and Stefan.

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