Page 93 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

NATE

Nate shifted his weight, glancing at his watch again as his pulse quickened. The bells had rung over ten minutes ago, announcing the hour and what was meant to be the start of the wedding ceremony, yet Elena had not arrived.

He swallowed hard as sweat beaded on his brow. Stephen clapped him on the shoulder, leaning closer to whisper in his ear. “I’m sure something happened. Want me to go see what’s keeping her?”

Nate swallowed hard, wondering if it was bad news that was keeping her. Had she had a sudden change of heart? Cold feet? Had King Frederick talked her out of marrying him?

They’d been through so much in their relationship, he’d worried this day would never come, and now that he stood at the altar alone, he had a new worry. His wedding day would end with him still single.

Alexander hurried forward from the back of the church, leaning closer to whisper something to Queen Sophia. Her brow furrowed as she glanced at him, then said a few hushed words back.

He nodded before he approached Nate. Charles rose from his seat, approaching them as Alexander spoke.

“The carriage has not arrived. I’m going to go see what may be keeping them. I’m certain it’s nothing, likely just a snafu with the dress or a hairstyle.”

“Right,” Nate said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ll go with him, son,” Charles said with a pat on Nate’s shoulder.

“I’ll go, too,” Stephen added.

With the search party formed, they left Nate behind with Victoria to find answers.

Nate stared after them as they left, chewing his lower lip. “What do you think happened?”

“Probably something with her makeup or hair. Maybe a few extra photographs with her father. I’m sure it’s something simple.”

“What if it’s not?” he asked, his voice breaking a little as hushed whispers tore through the church.

“Honey, you two have fought hard to be here. She’s not leaving you at the altar.”

“Sure feels like that could be what’s happening.” He heaved a breath, his chest tight as he tried to force himself to remain optimistic.

“Why don’t you sit down?”

“So, it really looks like I’m being left at the altar?” He tried to laugh, but it came out as a weak sigh.

“You look a little pale. It would be better than if you collapse at the altar.”

Nate’s heart raced as each second ticked by without Elena’s arrival. Memories of their struggles and triumphsflashed through his mind, each one a reminder of what they stood to lose. He feared the worst: had Elena changed her mind? The very thought sent a cold shiver down his spine, even as he tried to suppress the rising panic.

Before Victoria could lead him away, the doors burst open. The church's atmosphere, thick with whispers and nervous glances, shifted abruptly as Stephen burst through the doors. His expression was one of urgent concern, drawing immediate attention and silencing the crowd.

Caroline scurried behind him with pinched features, heading for Queen Sophia.

“Uh-oh. Here comes the answer.” Nate said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

“What’s going on?” Victoria asked Stephen as he approached.

Stephen sucked in a breath, trying to control his puffing from the hurried walk down the aisle as Nate’s stomach twisted into a knot, preparing to hear bad news. “The carriage broke an axel.”

“Oh, no,” Victoria said with a frown. “How long are we delayed?”

“They’re ready. Ellie detached the horses and they rode here.”

Victoria’s eyes went wide. “In her dress?”

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it, but yeah. She was literally on that horse in her wedding dress. Alexander and King Frederick are helping her down now and they’re smoothing out any wrinkles from what happened, and then we’ll begin.”

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