Page 68 of His Royal Request

The streets were lined with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family. We smiled and waved for block after block until finally, we turned onto the private drive of the church.

Isla massaged her cheeks, stiff from smiling. “That took longer than normal.”

I laughed. “I’m pretty sure it’s the same every time.”

I got out first and held out my hand to help Isla out of the carriage. Photographers, approved by the family, were already snapping pictures as we made the short walk up to the chapel doors. I smiled and posed with Isla and Ronan when we were asked, but it bothered me. This was Nicole and William’s day. They should be focused on them and their families.

But if the media didn’t have our pictures how could they possibly analyze Isla’s dress and my facial expressions and Ronan’s smirk on the news and internet tomorrow? The world would end.

At least Nicole was the first of us to get married. Her wedding wouldn’t be compared to any of ours. I always felt bad for other royal families when that happened. It wasn’t fair and none of us wanted to hear how we failed to live up to someone else’s big day.

“Come on. Let’s take our seats.”

The Archbishop greeted us before we entered. The rest of the congregation stood as we walked in, followed by Cian. I looked around for Charlie, but couldn’t find her.

Michael’s taking care of her. They’re here and it will be fine. I sucked in a breath while keeping my smile in place. We stood at the front of the room and waited for our parents to come down the aisle. I loved the reverence in the room when they came in. They were beloved by their people and it was evident now.

Once we were all ready, the room sat and then Nicole entered with Douglas at her side. She was beaming and I glanced at William in time to see him wipe away a tear. Their love filled the room. I wanted this. I wanted the wedding and the commitment and the future together. As Nicole took her place, I scanned the audience once again and spotted Charlie and Michael sitting at the end of the second row. How I hadn’t seen them as we were walking in was a mystery. I must have been in the zone. I caught her eye and she winked.

I had to turn away to keep from smiling or laughing. Knowing she was here allowed me to settle in and enjoy the ceremony without worry.

The choir sang Nicole’s favorite hymn and then the couple stood to say their vows. There was much less pomp and circumstance than what would happen at any of my siblings’ weddings, which worried me. Would Charlie want that? It wasn’t like I could run away and elope. I had obligations. There were expectations from the public and government.

If she wanted a small, simple wedding I’d find a way to make it happen, but if she wanted a small, simple life I...I couldn’t do anything.

Could I give her what she wanted? Would being with me require her to sacrifice?

Not everyone was interested in fame and wealth. She’d taken everything so far in stride, but it was still new. Would she grow tired of the dinners, guests, and constant attention? I knew I did, but I didn’t have a choice. She did.

I’d never considered what would happen if I met a woman outside of my world. Someone new to privilege and all the strings that came with it. Being with a woman like her, humble, caring, selfless, would be good for me.

But would I be good for her?

All these doubts ran through my mind on an endless loop while I was supposed to be witnessing the most important moment in my cousin’s life. There were probably cameras on me, capturing my confusion. There would be talk tomorrow about what it meant.

Did I dislike William? Was I jealous? Was there something wrong with me and Charlie? I mentally rolled my eyes and shook away all thoughts. I needed to focus on the moment. Enjoy the present without worrying about what came next.

I snuck another glance at her. My heart skipped a beat as she dabbed her eyes. She was beautiful and loving and purely good.

Maybe one day this wedding couple would be us. I could only pray to be so lucky.

19

Charlie

The wedding was more than anything I’d ever experienced. More elegant. More beautiful. More grand. More everything. I felt like I couldn’t blink in case I missed something. Michael held up the program so I could keep track of where we were. The choir was talented and the archbishop did an amazing job. I couldn’t imagine getting married like this.

When Aiden and his family walked out after the ceremony, I realized this was his future. His wedding would probably be even more magnificent. I sighed as the rest of the wedding party walked out.

Michael glanced at me, concerned. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, embarrassed that he heard my sigh. “This was wonderful.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Getting an idea, are we?” I shook my head while he smirked. “Sure, sure.”

I laughed with him; grateful he’d be my date. From the moment we met, he had me laughing. He was late getting to the palace but assured me he had a plan. Since the main roads were blocked to prepare of the royal family, he stole a golf cart from the ground’s keeper’s garage and we went off-roading through the hills and trees to make it on time. We barely got in before they closed the doors for the guests so the royal family could arrive.

“Are we taking the same way home?” I asked.