Page 48 of The Royal Engagement

And I don’t dread it.

I look at the ring on my finger and smile.

“He did good in picking out your ring,” Eden says.

I keep my gaze on my finger. “He did. I honestly can’t believe he asked me to marry him. It was such a surprise.”

“He wanted to make you happy.”

I look up. “He did. I just hope I’m worth all this trouble. I feel like I haven’t put as much into our relationship as he has. He’s the one who has fought for me.”

“That’s how it is. Sometimes he will give more and sometimes you will,” she says. “Don’t worry. The two of you will have a lifetime of fighting for one another. I have no doubts that you two will have a long, happy life with one another.”

That sounds amazing.

“Did my dad fight for you?” I ask.

She nods. “Eventually, yes. It was after your mother. He felt really bad for what he did. We had our mate bond, so I could feel his emotions. It was hard to stay mad at him because I knew exactly how bad he felt. It worked out in the end. I’m glad I forgave him. A lifetime is too long to be mad at somebody.”

Eden is right, though I’m certain not all married couples feel that way.

“Thank you,” I tell her. “For your advice and for talking to me. I needed to hear that.”

She grins. “You’re welcome. I’m always here for you.”

16

DRESS SHOPPING

Today is a day I have equally dreaded and looked forward to since I got engaged: dress shopping.

I love the idea of putting on a beautiful dress and getting married. But succubi are the most judgy species on the planet and I know I won’t be excluded from their scrutiny.

Then there is the fact that Mom and Tiffany will both be there. And I know the two of them promised not to fight anymore, but I’m not expecting miracles. There is no way the two of them are suddenly going to become besties.

As I head out front, where the car is waiting, Eden is standing by the front door. She passes me a large to go coffee cup.

I happily take it from her. “You’re an angel.”

She grins. “I figured you’d need the caffeine tonight. It’s going to be a long night.”

Uh, true.

She puts a hand on my shoulder. “But don’t let them get you down. Today is a happy day. You’re picking out the dress you’re marrying Damek in. It should be a joyous occasion.”

Her words ease my anxiety.

She’s right. Who cares what the succubi think of my dress? The only thing that matters is what I think of my dress. Well, andDamek, but I doubt he will care half as much as I do. He’d think I look beautiful no matter what.

When we get into the SUV, Mom eyes my coffee. “Where did you get that?”

“Barbara,” I answer, naming the lady who works in the kitchens. She makes the best coffee drinks.

Mom groans. “Why didn’t I think of that? I woke up way too early this morning. I don’t know how you guys sleep all day and stay up all night.”

“Now you know how hard it was for me to be up during the day,” I say.

Mom frowns. “Oh, I know exactly how miserable it was. You didn’t keep a normal schedule as a baby or a toddler either. And it’s not like I could let a hyper two year old roam the house while I slept.”

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