Page 11 of Royally Sung

“It’s the same for me. Everywhere I go, they follow, unless I sneak away like I did the night I met you.” I swallowed. She had to believe me. I didn’t think I wanted a life without Harper in it. “It was never you I was hiding.”

She opened the door. “You mean it?”

“Yes,” I said. “I love you and I’m not willing to spend another minute of my life without you at my side.”

Harper looked up at me, a smile spreading across her face. “I love you too,” she said, opening the door all the way.

We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other and smiling, before we both leaned in for a kiss. We were finally together, and nothing else mattered.

7

Epilogue: Harper

My life had been a whirlwind since Prince Louis and I had gone public with our romance. He promised me we’d never have secrets again, and we hadn’t. He included me in everything, from press releases to state dinners, and we still snuck away for a night of karaoke whenever we could.

Tonight was the Spring Ball, and he’d gotten a beautiful dress for me. The long skirts swirled around my ankles, and I spun, making them fly up. I smoothed the sweetheart neckline and grinned at myself in the mirror. I felt like a real princess.

“The Queen,” a maid announced behind me.

I turned and curtsied. I’d had a speedy education in all things proper as well. “Your Majesty.”

“Harper,” the Queen said. Her eyes studied me. “Do you love my son?”

I didn’t hesitate. “I do, Your Majesty.”

“He seems to care about you too,” she said. “And he somehow seems happier around you.”

I couldn’t help the smile. “I’m glad.” I still wasn’t sure if the Queen liked me, but I appreciated that she recognized that I made her son happy.

“You’ll wear these tonight,” she said, and gestured to a maid to bring forward a jewelry box.

“Oh no, I couldn’t,” I protested. Louis had tried to give me jewels before, but I was terrified I would lose them and I could never repay their loss.

“You would deny me?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.

I swallowed. “No, Your Majesty.”

The maid opened the box and showed me the gorgeous diamond necklace and bracelet.

I took a breath. “They’re beautiful.”

Then the Queen gestured and the maid put them on my neck and wrist. They were cool and heavy against my skin. She made a motion and I turned slowly around so she could inspect me.

“You’ll do,” she said, and swept from the room.

A sigh of relief escaped me. The Queen definitely made me nervous, but I hoped that she’d come to like me over time. She’d offered me the jewelry so that must mean she liked me a little bit, right?

I finished getting ready and then headed downstairs to the ballroom. I’d just started to find my way around the castle in the last few weeks. Louis had taken me all over the world and shown me off wherever we were. I definitely didn’t feel like the hidden woman anymore, and I was so glad that I’d taken a chance on him.

The ballroom was already overflowing with people when I arrived at the top of the stairs. The chandeliers hung low, and the walls and furniture were decorated with spring flowers. The people of Valtoria took their seasonal celebrations seriously. It gave the country a small-town feel, especially when the royalty invited people from all walks of life to their celebrations. Earlier in the day, there’d been a parade, and I’d ridden in the royal carriage with Louis, waving my new princess wave.

“Harper Sparks,” the herald announced as I descended.

Louis came to the bottom of the stairs to meet me, and I grinned at him. “Harper,” he said in a low, sexy voice.

“Save that for the bedroom,” I murmured, and then said aloud, “Prince Louis.”

He chuckled softly and led me out into the crowd. The people were always so nice to me, and it was obvious that they loved their monarchs. Louis greeted several of them by name, and he led me out onto the dance floor. He was an expert leader, so my goofs in the steps were easily hidden.

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