Page 47 of Bride By Coronation

"She said to tell you to open it," Vaughn answers.

I narrow my eyes. "I asked you if she wanted you to tell me anything and you said no."

He nods. "That's correct."

I step closer, glaring down at him. He shrinks back, and I continue, "You just told me she instructed you to tell me to open this box." I tap it.

He nods. "Yes."

"That's a message!"

"It is?"

I slide my hands under the garments, grab the box, then demand, "Get out of here."

"Sir, I didn't?—"

"Go!" I roar.

He pushes the elevator button.

I enter the main area, brush past a heated conversation between Braxand Valentina, and go into my bedroom. I shut the door, put the garment bags on my bed, then sit next to them.

My heart races faster. I take a deep breath and untie the bow, remove the lid, and pick up an everyday white envelope. It says,Underworld Kingon it. I flip it over and freeze, except for the grin exploding across my face.

It's sealed the normal way, but there's an F in red lipstick. There's a small imprint at the bottom of the letter that leads me to assume it's Fiona's fingermark.

She's creative.

I chuckle and slide open the envelope. I pull out a piece of white copy paper.

Dear Stranger The Underworld Calls King,

Thank you for sending me the items. Unfortunately, I cannot return the ring. I have not been able to take it off, knowing it was my father's and meant for my mother. I'm sure you understand. And don't worry about another one. I'd prefer to wear this everywhere.

Although I do feel guilty my mom never got the chance to wear it.

By the way, how old are you? Since you said you knew my father, does that mean you're his age? No offense, I hope you're not. And if you are, don't expect me to call you Daddy.

I start laughing so hard, tears well in my eyes. I calm and continue reading.

Regarding the dresses...

The first two are not me. However, the third one I opened I was rather impressed with. You say you have no fashion sense, but my guess is you have more than you give yourself credit for. And yes, it's the one with the dove. Since that one had my name on the tag inside, I assume that was the one you selected? Am I right or wrong?

So you know, the lingerie fits. Can't dock you for fashion points for that one either.

A visual of what I think Fiona looks like in the lingerie explodes in my mind. My cock hardens and the blood in my veins turns to fire. I continue reading.

I would love to say this is the first version I've written, but believe it or not it's the seventh. Do you think I inherited my dad's eccentricity with the number?

That leads me to another point of my confusion. As you pointed out, time is running out. This thing with the moon is another obsession I didn't realize my father had. Maybe I should have since he always took us outside whenever there was a full moon to stare at it. Yet I never knew it had more meaning to him.

I will admit to you, I don't understand any of this Underworld stuff. This king and queen thing is bizarre to me. Do you get used to people referring to you as royalty? I'm not sure if I will.

Well, that's assuming I go through with this. As mad as I am at Sean and Zara, I love them and the twins. However, I also love myself, and want to know whatI'm getting into. This secrecy might be the worst part about this. And it's not fair that you get to know who I am but I don't get to know anything about you. So if you want me to go through with this, or even just feel a bit better should I force myself to do it for the safety of those I love, I would like to know something about you.

You said you had flaws. I don't know what that means. But doesn't everybody?

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