Page 113 of Façade

“Is it truly my brother’s responsibility?” Tentative hope wrenched Ryland’s plea.

The oracle nodded. “His course will be difficult, but I believe he’ll find his way.” She rested a gentle hand on his slumped shoulder. “I know you love your people, but you have no need to worry any longer; your responsibility is now as Estoria’s future consort. Feel free to love your new wife and enjoy your life together, and all will be well.”

Her assurances followed us through the star-lit chamber towards the exit. I carefully took in my husband’s expression, a mixture of relief and guilt for his gratitude for his reprieve from this heavy responsibility. “Are you alright?”

He released a weary breath. “It feels strange to suddenly stop pursuing my kingdom’s welfare…while I also welcome the opportunity to focus not only on my duties as a prince in my new kingdom, but most importantly my role as your husband.”

I couldn’t resist my girlish smile. “The latter is my favorite role of yours.”

We exchanged a tender look and squeezed one another’s hands.

As we neared the door that would lead us from the Hall of Prophecies to our future together, the stars nearest us suddenly stirred to form another vision—this one a detailed account of our second wedding, transporting me back to the moment in order to relive all the emotions from the joyous occasion, as if for the first time.

I’d never envisioned I’d not only have two weddings but that both would be with the same groom. Because of the lingering danger to my life, the second ceremony, similar to the first, was conducted in private without the pomp and circumstance Ryland and I despised, this time within a secluded section of the royal grounds away from the eyes of the court. The garden’s beauty surrounded me in a halo of vibrant color and a blossom-scented breeze, while my discarded shoes allowed me to savor the soft grass beneath my flowing skirts.

Other differences included the magic now flowing freely beneath my skin, my parents being in attendance, my belief in my identity, and the careful way Ryland studied our marriage contract before signing to ensure there was no chance he could inadvertently access my powers.

Most of all, this wedding was a union of love rather than duty. The emotions from our first wedding remained vividly in my mind—the sacrifice for my kingdom to marry a man who was both a stranger and someone I considered my enemy—now eclipsed by all the tenderness enfolding our union now. Our experiences had changed us both, and now the prince standing beside me had become not only my dearest friend but the man who knew me better than anyone, the husband I dearly loved.

Joy filled our promises to one another. Our gazes remained connected throughout the entire ceremony as the magic from the binding ceremony and our vows reached across the space between us, weaving our hearts even closer than they’d been before.

Following the kiss that sealed our union, he lingered to caress my ear with his lips. “You are a true princess. Thanks to your sacrifices to protect your kingdom, you’ll receive the happily ever after promised to you.”

I tightened my hold around him. “My happily ever after will be complete so long as it’s with you.”

Love encircled us to fill his tender smile as he took my hand.

There was still so much that remained unresolved in my kingdom—threats that lingered in the shadows, the decoy princess who still took my place, the magic I’d been born to guard remaining in danger. However, unlike how I’d initially envisioned my journey to protect all I held dear, I no longer needed embark on it alone.

These difficulties would await us in the morning, for the night was mine and Ryland’s alone. When a new dawn came, we’d face the challenges that remained. Until then, in this moment there was only peace.

For I was Crown Princess Evelyn of Estoria. I’d been her even in the moment I hadn’t know it, just as my royal identity had been a part of me all the years I feared I hadn’t measured up. I would continue to do my best to live up to the title each day moving forward.

For no matter what came, nothing could take away not only our royal identities but the love we felt for one another. And with it, we’d be able to face anything…together.

*~To be continued inDecoy: the story of what transpired at the Estorian Palace between the decoy Blair and the assassin Luke during Princess Evelyn’s absence~*

---