Page 21 of A Royal Arrangement
“I’m glad you’ve found a method that works for you.” Colin finished off his sandwich and then stood from his chair, offering a hand to Rosalie. “Would you allow me to escort you to your room to prepare for the press conference and parade? We can drop Addie off with her nanny, Luna, on the way.”
Rosalie shot him a million-dollar smile that would surely catch the eye of any man in a room—any man excepthim.
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
He gritted his teeth as her hand landed on his arm.
I can handle polite conversation for five minutes. It’s just a walk to her bedroom—and then the whole rest of the day with her by my side. Who am I kidding? I’m going to need a miracle to remain welcoming through all of this.
Chapter Seven
Colin
Colin fidgeted with the pins on his white sash as they finished the drive to the press conference. One would think that, as king, he would be level-headed and even-keeled in any situation, but there was something about Rosalie that constantly kept him on his toes. Being around her was like starting a game of chess he knew he was going to lose. He still had to make every move and go through the motions, but he knew there was no chance of winning, and he didn’t know what that said about his situation with Rosalie.
The car rolled to a stop, and he leaned over and squeezed Addie’s hand. “You’re going to stay with Nanny Lu until the parade. I’ll see you there, my little princess.”
Her bottom lip turned pouty, but she muttered, “Okay.”
Colin nodded at Luna and then took a deep breath before stepping out of the car and into the light of day. The blinding lights of the cameras and an onslaught of questions immediately flooded him, making his heart race to match the fast pace of the clicking cameras.
He held up his left hand in a wave while he pressed his right hand to his chest, trying to calm his anxiety. Rosalie’s idea to think of a recent happy memory popped into his mind, and he figured it couldn’t hurt to try out her method. He wracked his brain, trying to think of the last time hehad been truly happy. Finally, he recalled the time, a few weeks ago, when he and Addie swam in the ocean together. The scene played out like a movie behind his eyes, and he smiled at the memory of Addie splashing him in the face as he crossed over to her, picking her up and tossing her into the ocean.
A sense of calm washed over him. He opened his eyes and curtly nodded at the members of the paparazzi before reaching back into the car, offering his hand to Rosalie. Her fingers were slender and light, yet her touch sent a tingling sensation up his arm. He dropped her hand once she stood next to him, as if holding onto it any longer would make him spontaneously combust. She looked regal in a cream gown that perfectly offset the auburn hair cascading down her back in long curls.
He averted his gaze.I shouldn’t be thinking of Rosalie that way. I shouldn’t be thinking ofanyonethat way. My heart is only big enough for Isabella and Addie.
Offering his arm to Rosalie, they walked in unison up the stairs and to the podium. She dropped her grip on his arm as he stepped forward to the microphone. Out of natural instinct, he reached into his pocket and rubbed Isabella’s wedding band, giving him the boost of confidence he needed to begin.
“Thank you for coming out today. I apologize that it’s been quite some time since I’ve stood before you as your king. I hope to gain your trust moving forward as a present and respectable ruler.” He paused to steady his shaking hands and inhale a sharp breath. “I’m sure many of you have already seen the news by now, but please allow me to formally introduce Edgemont to its new queen.” He heldhis arm out to the side, motioning to his wife. “Her Majesty, Rosalie Amelia Louise Ashworth, Queen of Edgemont.”
The crowd erupted in a loud cheer. Cameras flashed. Women squealed. Men whistled. Children looked up in awe.
Colin didn’t blame them. Rosalie truly looked the part of a queen today.
“Today we take a step forward together, building a new future for Edgemont. Though, may we never forget those who have come and gone before us, including…” He paused as a lump formed in his throat. “Including my late wife, Queen Isabella.”
Colin opened his mouth to continue his speech, but the words got caught in his throat. He tried to think of happy memories, but all he could think about was Isabella and her funeral—the last time he had spoken to the public. He’d thought he was past heavy feelings like this, but just the mention of her name to the press had taken him to a place that was too familiar and all-consuming.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Rosalie take a step forward, her arm brushing against his with the movement. She intertwined their fingers and gave his hand a comforting squeeze—a silent way of telling him she was there for him, supporting him the best way she could without others noticing.
His normal reaction would have been to flinch at her touch, but oddly enough, her hand in his seemed to ground him. The startling fact that she was bringing comfort to him had him dropping Rosalie’s hand faster than an auctioneer says their auction chant.
I won’t allow myself to be comforted by her. I’ve been on my own for four years, and I’m not changing that now.
Colin took a deep breath in and slowly released it through his nose, but when he opened his mouth to continue the speech, he was still unable to form words at the thought of Isabella not being here beside him.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Rosalie stepped in, effortlessly reading the rest of the speech. To those in attendance, it would’ve looked like this was planned—like Rosalie had been the one who wassupposedto speak those words all along.
But Colin knew the truth.
Even though she hadn’t chosen this marriage, even though she hadn’t chosen him, and even though he had been less than kind and welcoming toward her, she was willing to step up and put in the effort. She was caring toward those around her. She was gracious and more than he deserved.
His thoughts moved back to their lunch and how Rosalie had said public speaking was her greatest fear. He clenched his fists, pressing his nails into his hands until little crescent-moon imprints covered his palms. Rosalie put him before herself, even when it came at a great sacrifice. It was official—she was the kindest human, and he was the absolute worst. She deserved far greater than what he would ever be able to give her. He was a broken man with a patched-together heart, and he wasn’t sure it would ever be whole again.
“Will you teach me how a princess is supposed to wave in Edgemont?” Rosalie kneeled on the ground in front of Addie.
“Like dis.” Addie wore a soft smile as she did her best impression of the princess wave. Colin couldn’t help but smile at how utterly adorable she was.
