Page 89 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

He grinned at her. “I can’t wait.”

Caroline nodded at them, a twinkle in her eye before she slipped inside the room to inform them that they were ready to begin.

A moment later, they were ushered into a room filled with press in neat rows and photographers who scrambled around to get the best shots of the display.

After one of the king’s assistants positioned them on the dais, the royal press secretary stepped to the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight for the momentous occasion of announcing the engagement of Princess Elena Sophia Catherine Montclair to Mr. Nathan Kingsley.”

The man continued to speak, but Nate heard none of it. The first words rattled around in his head as photographs snapped photo after photo of the couple and their families.

His knees wobbled a little as his heart thumped hard against his ribs. They’d finally made it to this point after what seemed like a momentous struggle.

Elena was finally his fiancée and would soon be his wife. And nothing could make him happier.

CHAPTER 23

ELENA

CHRISTMAS EVE

The flurry of activity that surrounded Elena both excited her and set her nerves on edge. With a deep breath, she adjusted the tie on her white silk robe as she leaned closer to the mirror to study how her makeup was taking shape. She shifted one of the large rollers on her head before she settled back in her seat, allowing the makeup artist to finish her work.

Behind her, Caroline fussed with the dress, waiting to be donned for the wedding ceremony. “There is a wrinkle just here,” her ladies’ maid pointed out to one of the attendants.

The woman nodded as she steamed it away. “We’ll likely need to steam the train as well after it’s on Her Highness.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Caroline said with a nod before shetwisted back to Elena and grinned. “And how are you holding up, my dear?”

“I am wondering if I should have eloped,” Elena said, a hint of teasing in her voice.

Caroline giggled as she patted Elena’s shoulder. “Your father would have had a heart attack.”

“Yes, I know. He nearly had one when I told him who I intended to marry.”

“You have come a long way, Your Highness.”

Elena stared into her emerald eyes, fond memories of those first moments in the coffee shop with Nate Kingsley dancing across her mind. From that fateful meeting to sweet dates and confessions of their true selves, Nate and Elena had fought their way to the altar, overcoming more challenges than most couples faced.

“We have,” Elena said. “And we have finally made it. A Christmas wedding.”

Caroline flicked her eyebrows up as she nodded before she pulled a curtain aside on the French door leading to Elena’s balcony. “And look, Your Highness.”

Elena’s eyes went wide as she glimpsed the garden through the frosted window. Snowflakes, delicate and relentless, dressed the palace grounds in a pristine white gown, much like her own. She rose, drawn to the balcony, and watched as the world transformed into a winter wonderland, a serene backdrop for her magical day. “Snow!”

“At this clip, it should have a nice ground cover by the ceremony. It will make for lovely pictures,” Caroline added.

“Yes, it will. And it’s also quite magical. I feel as though I live in a fairy tale.”

“Or one of those romantic movies you love so much.”

Elena offered her a coy grin. “Yes, it always snows at just the right moment, doesn’t it?”

“It does. Now, sit down and get those final touches onyour make-up so we can ready you in your dress. You don’t want to be late for your own wedding.”

“I am the bride. I can be as late as I wish,” Elena answered with a grin as she settled in her seat again.

After the woman finished with her rouge, she stepped back, studying Elena’s face. “Well? Will I pass?”

“I think you make a beautiful bride,” the woman answered with a nod. “We’ll touch up the lips just before you go.”

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