Page 53 of Prince She Shouldn't Crave
That trust meanteverythingto him. He’d honour it, and never betray it. Lena rested her head on his chest as he held her. She was taller today, wearing heels. He’d caught a glimpse of them in the carriage on the way back to the palace, the sparkle of crystals.
‘Tonight…’ he said.
‘Mmm…?’
‘Leave the heels on.’
She gave a low, throaty chuckle and melted further into his body. ‘Do you intend to live up to your reputation, Your Royal Hotness?’
‘I’ll never make you a promise I can’t keep.’
She tilted her head up, her pupils wide and dark in the ocean of her eyes. A hint of pink flushed across her cheeks. ‘Lucky me…’
‘I think I’m the lucky one but let’s not argue on our wedding day. Another kiss from my bride?’
Gabe craved this private time before having to share her with the world again. He dropped his mouth to hers, and her lips parted. The kiss tender, languid, full of reverence. Even though they had a whole future ahead of them, they took their time, reconnecting. Learning each other all over again.
Each day was an adventure of discovery with her.
A gentle knock sounded at the door. It was a reminder. For now, they were Halrovia’s. At the reception tonight, and afterwards, they could be each other’s again. He held out his hand and she took it as they walked back into the hall towards a room with expansive French doors opening onto the balcony, where the rest of the family would shortly gather. As they entered the space, everyone smiled.
‘Let’s do this,’ he said, and Lena squeezed his hand in acknowledgement.
The doors were opened wide allowing the King and Queen through first, followed by the rest of the family as Gabe and Lena held back. The sound of the crowd surged in like an ocean storm, its roar ebbing and flowing.
‘Oh. My. Goodness,’ she whispered, gripping his hand tighter. ‘Listen to everyone.’
Sometimes even he forgot what the crowds could be like from the balcony, but Lena would soon see. Realise how loved she was. It was unavoidable in the face of this.
‘It’s all for you,’ he said as they stepped out into the morning sunshine. A sea of people spread before them, chanting their names.
Lena turned to him and smiled. ‘It’s for you too, never forget.’
‘I know if I do, you’ll remind me. Now, shall we give everyone what they’ve been waiting for?’
Soon, a kiss wouldn’t be enough. There was already speculation about a royal pregnancy. He and Lena had spoken privately about giving up contraception for the honeymoon. Perhaps there’d be a royal baby sooner than anyone thought. Whenever it happened, he was ready. In the meantime, he couldn’t wait to start trying.
But that was for later, in the quiet of their honeymoon suite.
‘I don’t believe things could be any better than right now,’ Lena said, her voice trembling and thick with emotion.
Gabe understood. He’d never imagined he could have what he’d gained with Lena by his side. His partner. His equal. The woman he loved. ‘We’ve a lifetime yet to come.’
They turned to face each other. Gabe leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. She placed her hand tenderly on his cheek and kissed back. The cheers of the crowd rushing over them in a tidal wave of joy as they shared the truth of their undying love with the world.
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