Page 14 of Princess Bride Swap

No matter what color her dress was.

These types of dinners had always felt interminable, but Lyon found himself so fascinated watching Beau that time passed quickly.

She hadn’t been lying about a good memory. She seemed to remember everyone by nameandface. She smiled. She charmed.

Or at least she charmedhim.

Though he’d known everything would work out with her, or he wouldn’t have consented to this marriage. He refused to accept anything but exactly what he wanted, but he felt off-kilter by the fact she seemed...utterly perfect. He’d been expecting a challenge. Hard work. Success, yes, but not without bumps in the road.

He tried to remind himself it was early yet, but the entire dinner went absolutely perfectly. While there were still plenty of parliament members who talked down to him, who did their little political poking, hoping to find a weak spot, he could see on each of their faces they were intrigued by Beau.

He had no doubt the citizens would relish this royal marriage. Some would remain skeptical of his worth for a while longer yet, and understandably so, but once the children started coming, every year he would prove he was here to stay.

They said goodbye to the remaining guests, and Beau said goodbye to everyone by name, impressing each of them, he could tell. Where usually at the end of these types of dinners he felt tired, with a headache drumming at his temples, and his collar all but choking him, tonight he felt...energized.

When his mother came over to them, he beamed at her. “I think we shall count that down as quite the success.”

“Don’t go counting your chickens just yet,” Mother warned, though with a smile. “This is only the very first step.”

“But a very good first step. Now, Beau and I must go record our message to the country.”

“Beau. How...cute.”

But Lyon wasn’t paying much attention to his mother. He was focused on the next steps. If the message was well-received, he and Beau would go away for a quick weekend “honeymoon.” At least, that’s what the public would consider it.

If not, he would have to have another meeting with his public relations team. Reevaluate and come up with a new plan.

It would be better and easier if tonight went well. Of course, that meant then being completely alone with Beau on a honeymoon. Which was...well, his feelings on it were complicated. Best not to consider it just yet.

“Good night, Mother,” Lyon said, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek, then leading Beau away. They would film their message in the library, and then it would be put online and broadcast as soon as his staff got everything edited to perfection.

As they took the stairs, Beau spoke. “I do not think your mother likes me,” she said, in low tones only he could hear.

He frowned, looking down at her. Her expression was not...angry or hurt, exactly. More considering. “What gives you that idea?”

She shook her head and smiled up at him. “I’m sure I just need to get to know her.”

“She has been wanting me to get married and solidify my place as leader for quite some time. I’m sure she’s quite happy with the situation.”

“Wanting you married doesn’t mean she likesme. Especially if she liked Zia.”

Lyon paused as they reached the top of the stairs. He looked at the woman who’d handled the entire evening with aplomb. She looked beautiful. The dark blue of the dress and glittering jewels she wore, along with the tiara, made her look just as a princess should. Elegant and sophisticated.

“You charmed an entire room of people this evening, Beau. Not just people.Politicians.Who want me to fail. You charmed them all the same. And you’re about to charm most of the country, no doubt. I am very impressed.”

The look of concern in her expression slowly changed. Her mouth curved, and a pretty pink appeared on her cheeks. She blushed quite a bit really. Did her cheeks heat with the color? He was tempted to touch, just to find out.

But they had appointments to keep, and it was best if he resisted his urges as much as possible. Control, always. “Mr. Filini, Alice—the head of my public relations team—and the videographer are waiting for us in the library.”

She nodded and let him lead her to that room. Mr. Filini bowed. “Your Highnesses. We are ready for you whenever you are. We will have you seated here,” Mr. Filini said, gesturing toward two grand chairs that had been placed in front of the fireplace. A fire crackled there, offering a warm glow to the room.

It would come across homey, traditional and steeped inancienthistory—not the more modern history of a revolving door of his grandmother’s brothers’ families.

“Here are copies of the announcement we already went through, sir,” Alice said, handing a folder to both Lyon and Beau. “Take your time looking it over, and alert Aldo when you are ready to film. He will get the lighting and whatnot ready while you do so.”

“You don’t have to memorize the remarks,” Lyon told Beau as they opened their folders. “This is more of a guide, and my team will edit the video as needed. You’ll simply follow my lead.”

Beau looked over the paper, clearly concentrating while Aldo moved around them turning on lights, moving them this way and that, conferring with Alice as they looked at the screen. It no longerfeltcozy, but Lyon knew they would ensure it still looked it on-screen.

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