Page 38 of Modern Romance September 2025 5-8
It was his uncertainty and the crack in his voice that blew to bits the last vestiges of her resistance and released the ropes holding her heart. Here he was, this strong proud man, spilling out his soul, adjusting the principles he’d held for a lifetime for her, prioritising her because he loved her, because she was enough for him, and it was everything she’d ever wanted. All she had to do was believe him. Trust him. And in the end, with the proof of how he felt radiating from every pore and in the hoarse sincerity of the words he spoke, it wasn’t even difficult.
‘Of course I’m not really over you,’ she said, her heart overflowing with so much joy that she trembled with the force of it. ‘You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. You always have been. I thought I wasn’t enough for you, like I wasn’t enough for my parents. I’ve been so miserable, Ivo. I tried to tell myself that I was tough and I’d get over it, but it would have been so hard. It would have been impossible.’
‘You’ll never be miserable again,’ he said as if it were a vow, pulling her into his arms and kissing her so fiercely she thought she might faint, as much from an overdose of happiness as a lack of air. ‘You are more than enough. You are everything. I’m sorry for letting you think otherwise. I’m so very sorry for making you cry.’ He leaned back a little, searched her face and frowned. ‘And for that terrible speech. I’m sure I’ve missed something… Like our child. God. You have no idea how happy I am about that. I can’t wait to meet them. And add to our family.’
‘Your speech was perfect.’
‘It could have been better organised. But I didn’t have you to tidy it up for me.’
‘I’ve missed you.’
‘I’ve missed you too. I love you, Sofia. Let me show you how much.’
He kissed her again and they fell to the ground, where they tugged off each other’s clothing until there was nothing between them but heat and desire and love, until it was impossible to know where she ended and he began. They moved as one, perfectly in sync, and when they hit the dizzying heights of ecstasy together, it was so intense, so beautiful, she could have wept all over again.
‘I nearly forgot,’ Ivo said, glancing at their joined hands as their racing hearts quietened and the sweat cooled on their entwined bodies. ‘You left something behind.’ He shifted off her and reached out to rummage in the pocket of his jacket that lay in a heap by their feet, then took her hand and slid the rings on to her finger. ‘Don’t ever take them off again.’
Sofia looked at the symbols of their unity, their commitment to each other and the crown, watched the diamonds winking in the sun, as if to sayDreams can come true, then kissed him with all the love she felt, the love that she would never have to hide again, and murmured, ‘I won’t.’
EPILOGUE
The sun shone down on this morning’s coronation, fifty years to the day since the last. But what a difference five decades make. Then, only King Ivo and the dowager Queen Elenor appeared on the palace balcony. This afternoon, he and Queen Sofia were joined by their five children, four sons- and daughters-in-law and twelve grandchildren to celebrate the accession to the throne of the former Crown Princess, Marina.
The King’s decision to abdicate was one we feel it’s safe to say that no Montemaran truly wanted. His has been a reign of unrivalled peace, prosperity and longevity. It’s seen the smooth transition from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy and tirelessly supported thirty years of flourishing democracy. Its success will be hard to beat.
But the new Queen Marina has learned from the best. The crown is in very capable hands. And how can anyone begrudge our beloved octogenarians the desire to enjoy their twilight years together at Rafifi Castle? They’ve devoted their lives to the country. Now they have time to devote to themselves.
Apparently, the King is most looking forward to a daily swim. When the Queen Mother revealed she’d join him if the river wasn’t so cold he said he knew exactly how to warm her up and mentioned a certain weeping willow beneath which to do it—a rare insight into their private lives that raised more than one blush in these offices!
It’s clear that they’re as mad about each other today as they were on their first Royal Tour all those years ago. They might be older but they still make a beautiful couple. They still look at each other as though there’s no one else in the world and melt our hearts with every single smile. All of us here atCiao!wish them well and a long and happy retirement.
