Page 124 of Cooper

A small-town girl from northern Limaj.

It seems a little bit surreal.

We’re dressed in all black, wearing emerald green capes.

It’s a formal, momentous occasion, taking place in the official ballroom where King Erik and all the kings before him were sworn in.

My parents and sisters are here.

Friends and all of the Royal Protectors are here.

I almost don’t believe it’s real.

“You okay, babe?” Ryan is beside me, waiting for the official part of the ceremony to start. Erik is currently giving a speech and I’ve been shifting from one foot to the other.

“Just nervous. I don’t like being the center of attention.”

“It’s just people who love us,” he says softly. His mother is here too. “And our friends.”

“Yes, but…we’re taking an oath. Forlife.”

He laces his fingers with mine. “This is what we want, baby. Don’t second-guess yourself anymore. We’ve got this.”

I smile.

Because he’s right.

This is what I want.

I’m happiest when I’m working, surrounded by my friends, our team, and the royal family. Not to mention Ryan.

I don’t have a reason why I stopped calling him Cooper, but it feels right to use his first name.

We’re getting married, after all.

In the spring.

In Paris.

Marcus is going to be his best man, and Lucianna will be my matron of honor since Femke won’t be able to get away.

“Dax Franklin O’Day.” Erik calls his name and Dax approaches, bowing his head as Erik says the blessing. Then Dax repeats the oath we’ve all memorized. Erik gives him a special sword that all of us receive when we’re sworn in.

Then it’s Ryan’s turn.

He goes through the same ritual, repeating his oath effortlessly, which is something since part of it is in Limaji.

I catch his quick wink, and now it’s my turn.

My heart thunders inside my chest as I push forward, dipping my head when I reach Erik.

I barely hear the blessing, but somehow, I manage to repeat the oath.

Words that bind me to him and his family for the rest of my life.

And it’s not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

This is where I belong.

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