Page 47 of The Royal Engagement

“Damek makes me happy,” I admit.

She grins. “I admit, I wasn’t quite so excited before my wedding. I didn’t like your father very much. It took me a while to get feelings for him. We didn’t even sleep in the same bedroom for six months and the only reason we changed that was because the council started asking about heirs.”

“But it worked out.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Eventually.” She nods. “But it took a while.”

I pull my knees up to my chest. “I was wondering about something. You said you were born a human, correct?”

She nods.

“And your mom was human?”

She nods again.

“Then how did you marry my dad? I thought monarchs were only allowed to marry royals and that royals couldn’t marry humans.”

She puts down her crochet project. “Mine was a special circumstance because of my mother. Occasionally, a vampire couple will give birth to a human. It’s rare, I think one in a million, but my mother was a one-in-a-million case. She was also the firstborn to my grandfather, so she was the heir of her clan.”

I put a hand to the best of my throat. “That can seriously happen?”

“It happened to my mother. There were also two other cases in vampire history,” she explains. “But when a human is born from a vampire couple, there is something in their blood that makes them unable to be turned into a vampire. So my mother had to marry somebody strong. My grandfather arranged her marriage. She gave birth to three children before she passed away. I was the only human born to my mom and dad. You already know my dad changed me.”

I blink, soaking in her words. “Wow.”

“Yeah.” She shrugs. “So that is my story. My family was the exception. I think my father was surprised that the Rune Clan wanted an alliance with us, just because of my blood. They were the only clan that wanted an alliance with us. So I really didn’t have any options.”

That must have been awful. She had no option but to marry my father. No wonder it took so long for them to grow to love one another.

“I’m sorry that happened. The other clans don’t know what they missed out on. I’m very happy to call you my stepmother. Even though you had every reason to hate me, you didn’t. Thank you for accepting me.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.

She grins. “Your father and I had a complicated relationship when he met your mother. But after what happened, we finally worked out our issues. In a way, I’m glad the affair happened. And now that I’ve met you and grown to love you, I don’t regret it. You were always meant to be part of our family.”

As I look at Eden, I wonder how many women would be so accepting. In her shoes, I don’t think I could. But she’s not only welcomed me, but she loves me as a daughter.

“I know that I have a mother, but I hope you know that I see you as my mom too. I love you and am thankful to have you in my life.”

Eden looks at me with tears in her eyes. “That means a lot to me, Madeline. I always wanted a daughter.”

My heart aches at how full it feels.

Everything is coming together. And once Lucien gets back, everything will be perfect.

Well, other than the Nodin Clan still having it out for me.

“Are you going to come wedding dress shopping with us next week?” I ask.

She nods. “I won’t leave you alone with Queen Rune and your mother arguing.”

I laugh. “They promised to try to get along, but I think it would be best if you’re there. Somehow, I don’t believe those two will ever fully get along.”

“True.” She picks back up her crochet project. “I’m excited to see you in your dress. You are going to make a beautiful bride.”

My breath gets caught in my throat.

A bride.

I’m gettingmarried.

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