Page 108 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

EPILOGUE

THESERVICEWASSIMPLE.

Marriage between a future king and his bride had always been a very low-key, matter-of-fact affair.

At least as far as the elders were concerned.

There were no bridesmaids, as such—well, not officially. But Grace helped Violet get into her gown.

‘You look incredible...’ Grace had tears in her eyes, watching love come alive.

‘So do you,’ Violet said, glancing at the tiny little bump that contained her niece or nephew, although not officially. ‘I’m scared.’

‘Of...?’

‘Tripping over.’

‘Not of marrying a prince and living overseas?’

‘None of that,’ Violet said. ‘I just don’t want to fall or...’

‘You won’t,’ Grace said. ‘And even if you do...’

Pria came to the door. It was time for Grace to take her place for the service.

She smiled at Violet. ‘Whenever you are ready.’

‘Thank you.’

It was very different from all the weddings she’d known before, because she could sit here alone for as long as she liked!

And actually Violet felt a little sick, with excited nerves—so, yes, she would make him wait, and make a little more dramatic entrance.

So she popped a mint, topped up her lip-gloss and let herself out of the Venus wing, having spent her last night there.

The palace was almost empty now, with most of the staff outside.

‘Aadil.’ She smiled at him.

‘Violet,’ he said, for the last time.

She’d be titled when they spoke next, and they were friends now. Each understood where the other was coming from.

‘Your prince awaits,’ he told her.

‘Thank you,’ she said as he opened the door to the King’s private garden.

She made her way through the garden and there Sahir stood in a silver robe, beneath the tree where his parents had married, deeply in love, his mother pregnant with Sahir.

There were differences, though. For Sahir didn’t hide his smile of delight when he saw his bride. In fact, they gazed at each other with that same look that had first got them into trouble.

Violet’s heart felt as if it were full of sparklers, all fizzing as she walked towards him.

She wore a simple white dress with sliver slippers, and on her head she wore Queen Anousheh’s favourite tiara, which the King had kindly offered for her to wear.

She wore her violet diamond engagement ring...and instead of flowers she carried a beautiful book that felt like a gift from above.

The King was smiling, and doing very well, seated with Ibrahim and Jasmine, who sat alongside Carter and Grace.

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