Page 87 of The Abandoned Princess

Millie gave a soft sigh. “Of course she’s teasing. I should have known that.” She looked at me. “I’m glad you’re still you, Daisy. But we’ve missed so many years. You have to tell us everything that happened, but even so, it isn’t the same as being there.”

“I’ve missed a lot too.” I looked at the two toddlers, one held in Isla’s arms and one in Ray’s. “So tell me the most important thing right now—do my niece and nephew get mer-tails when they go in the water? And if they do, why am I the only one to have missed out?”

They all laughed, their faces displaying their relief at finding me still a familiar version of myself.

I sensed Xander behind me and turned to smile at him. He stepped up to join me in response.

“Mother, Father, everyone, allow me to introduce Prince Xander of Kuralan. He’s the one who rescued me.”

Xander swept into his most elaborate bow.

“Actually, Daisy rescued herself. I was merely permitted to assist.”

Teddy snorted. “That sounds right.”

“It’s a very great pleasure to meet you all,” Xander said. “Daisy has told me a lot about you. She missed you all greatly.”

I smiled at him, overwhelmed with love and gratitude to have him standing by my side.

“Prince Xander,” my father said in a thoughtful tone, his eyes flitting between my face and Xander’s. “So you’re the youngest of Sultan Khalil’s sons. We were most grateful when we heard you were searching for our daughter, and you must allow us to offer our deepest thanks for the assistance you’ve rendered her. Once the coronation celebrations are complete, we’ll have a proper discussion of terms and settlements. I’m confident we can come to an arrangement that will satisfy your father.”

I blinked, trying to understand what he was talking about.

Xander, however, seemed to understand immediately. He stiffened for a brief moment before a smile spread over his face.

“I’m quite sure we can come to a mutually agreeable arrangement.” His hand found mine, squeezing it.

I blinked, looking from him to my father and finally to my mother’s beaming face. Her focus was on Xander and my entwined hands and seeing her made it all finally click into place.

My father was talking about an alliance—a marriage alliance. My pulse raced. He was talking as if a marriage between Xander and me was a forgone conclusion.

I had no objection to the idea. I loved Xander. I would love nothing more than to remain a team with him for the rest of my life. And Xander had kissed me. But he hadn’t yet said he loved me. He hadn’t talked of marriage.

My family was getting completely ahead of themselves.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Xander squeezed my hand again, warning me to stay silent. I complied, but concern filled me as I gazed up at him. Was he being pressured into agreeing because of my father’s rank? Did he think he owed me something after what we’d been through together?

My niece began to wail, distracting the family’s attention, and Xander stepped back, gently drawing me with him.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered in a rushed undertone. “You don’t have to agree—”

“Daisy.” He silenced me with my name, looking down at me with eyes full of warmth and amusement. “My father made it clear a long time ago that he expects me to marry to the advantage of Kuralan. Did your family never say similar things?”

“Not outright, perhaps, but…”

He nodded. “We’re younger royals. I’m sure we both grew up knowing what was expected of us. And if I’d known there was a princess like you across the ocean, I wouldn’t even have minded.”

I held my breath. “Do you really mean it? Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“Daisy.” He turned fully toward me, cupping my face with his hands. “I didn’t want to rush you, but I’m certainly not going to fight our families’ expectations on this. I’m far too grateful to have met someone so advantageous to Kuralan who also happens to be so very lovable.”

I went pink, blood rushing to my cheeks at the light in his eyes and the warmth in his smile.

“I love you too,” I whispered. “And I will happily marry you as soon as our families can arrange it. I’ll even move to Kuralan—just as long as I can visit Trione first.”

“We can visit for as long as you’d like,” he promised.

His face moved toward mine, as if he couldn’t resist stealing a kiss, despite our surroundings. But before our lips made contact, a new voice shouted my name.

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