AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Celeste feigned satisfaction but it was clear she was irate at Rick's handsy-ness. Even now he stared at me like I was a steak. I was suddenly the only woman in the room. I wanted to kiss him and do a lot more. I was prepared for it. There was something magical about this evening. I was willing to throw caution to the wind. He’d returned to me like a hero. I wanted to do anything with him. I wanted him to want to do everything to me.
We entered the ballroom and took our seats for dinner next to Celeste and his father. It was customary to sit apart once married. So, this would be the last time we got to do this. It was the first and last—sort of bittersweet. Crammed into this dress, I could not eat much. I saved most of my room for the torte delivered to me at the end of the meal. Rick was in a brilliant mood, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Celeste optednotto give a toast, which was disheartening. I felt a loss. She didn’t care to talk me up. Thankfully, August did.
“I am grateful to Her Majesty and the Dowager Queen for hosting my family today,” he said. “It is wonderful to see our son so happy and making a meaningful commitment not just to his future wife, but to the people of Neandia.”
Many clapped. I looked over at Rick, feeling nothing but adoration. He looked back at me as if we were alone here.
“Marriage is challenging sometimes but always rewarding. There are more good times than bad. You both will learn from one another as you go, but you can always rely on one another. Rikard, support her. That is your job. You are her right hand. Alexandra, ask for help when you need it. You do not walk alone.”
I nodded.
“We are very excited to be back here next month for all the festivities. But now, let us toast them. May this month go as smoothly as it can.”
People raised their glasses to say their declarations of best wishes.Skol wasthe Lundhavian choice.Santérang out from the Neandians. We sipped and stared at one another. It was a surprise to make it here. I wondered where the time had gone—finding myself deliriously happy in the meantime.
After dinner, Rick and I danced a beautiful waltz. It was a test run for the wedding. I was impressed at how well I was doing.
“You look so beautiful, Alexandra,” Rick said as we stepped across the floor. “Really and truly. I would like to do far more than I am permitted to do at the moment.”
I shook my head, unable to stop blushing.
“You want me to, though.”
“I… I do, but… I cannot speak of it here,” I protested.
“We will… chat… later.”
“Uh-huh,” I agreed like an idiot.
My heart soared.
It would happen! We would be together in every way. Everything else could wait until we’d done all the things. It was worth the risk suddenly. All the dreams of what I had desired came to mind as he dipped me and pulled me back in. Our bodies seemed closer than before. The music ended and we parted ways. I only got a moment to catch my breath before August cut in.
“Alexandra, could I have a dance?”
“She’s all yours,” Rick patted his father’s shoulder.
I nodded. “Of course.”
We picked up again. Around and around we went. He was a good dancer, though not as light or nimble as his adept son.
“I am so happy this worked out. And you… you are more than we could ask for, Alexandra—for Rick and the family.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I am fine.”
“It takes a brave woman to willingly engage in press intrigue. And you must love him to go along with everything so quickly. I almost didn’t believe him.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
His words confused me.
“Just the cover-up. That you would be willing to go to the mat for him to cover up the affair.”
“What?” I asked, more confused.
“The affair. He had an affair. Your wedding is saving us from the press coming after him. You agreed to?—”
“Oh, yes, of course.”
