Page 60 of Royally F*cked

“We’ll see about that,” I wink just before Father MacGonigal comes in to tell us it’s time.

“Last chance to run,” Ozzy teases.

“Funny. I told Charlie the same thing yesterday. Better start praying that the only running she does today is down that aisle to me.”

I think we both had a case of cold feet, but those cold feet had nothing to do with me or her and everything to do with everyone else. I gave her a chance to walk away, and she chose me.

“She made it to the chapel, that’s a start.”

I take my place at the front of the church and Ozzy steps up beside me as the wedding march begins to play.

Our guests all stand and then doors at the back of the sanctuary open revealing my beautiful bride on the arm of her father. Even from here, I can see just how stunning she looks dresses in the modest white satin gown she chose.

When they finally reach the altar, her father hands her over to me with a proud smile. I know they had their reservations in the beginning - and I cannot say that I blame them. Now? We’ve grown even closer with Charlie’s parents who are quickly becoming allies within the castle.

After Mr. Wilson uncovered some hard truths about things my grandfather has been doing, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson both refused to give up their jobs until my grandfather is no longer the king.

But we’ve all agreed not to focus on that today.

Today is all about me and Charlie.

Tomorrow we’ll get back to work on much more pressing issues, including adopting sweet Ottiline who was well enough to join us today, front and center, with the queen, Mrs. Wilson, and her nurse - Kathie, by her side.

“Hi,” Charlie whispers to me.

“Hi to you, too. You look amazing.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she winks, and our wedding ceremony officially begins.

Father MacGonigal does his part, but I barely hear a word he says. I’m too captivated by Charlie to take my eyes off of hers.

We exchange traditional vows and I slip my mother’s wedding band on her finger. At my request, she gives me my father’s wedding band and finally Father says the words I’ve been waiting all day for.

“You may kiss your bride.”

I cup Charlie’s face in my hands and press a kiss to her lips, savoring this moment. This new beginning between us. And the promise of a future filled with hope.

Hand in hand we make our way back down the aisle toward the back of the church, both of us grinning from ear to ear.

I’ve already arranged for us to have a few minutes alone where I plan to tell Charlie all of the things that I’ve kept inside too long because I’m such a fool.

Just as we approach the last pew, the church doors open and a man with a gun is staring back at us. I immediately wrap my arms around Charlie and push her to the ground. Ozzy covers us both as shots ring out in the church and chaos erupts around us.

I hear Ozzy grunt and I know he’s fired a shot off as well thanks to the loud pop and ringing in my ears.

“Shooter is down! Shooter is down!” Someone yells.

“Get the Prince and his wife out of here!” Ozzy commands as he rolls off of us.

The first thing I notice as a member of Royal Security pulls me to my feet is that there’s blood. A lot of blood. When I look down, I realize that Ozzy has been shot. “Oscar!” I protest as they try to drag me and Charlie away.

“Go. It’s just a scratch. They’ll take care of me. You get to the safe zone with Charlie. Now!” He barks back at me. “Go! Now!”

Royal Security gets us out of the church and into a car then we’re whisked away to an unknown location.

Charlie sobs softly in my arms.

Guilt gnaws at me.

This is the world I selfishly pulled her into.

And she was almost killed.

On our wedding day.

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