Page 70 of The English Queen

“I wanted to, mijn liefste,” Louis said.

“It is too much but I love it,” Beth said, tears coming to her eyes again.

She kissed Louis, meaning everything she’d said in way he’d never fully appreciate in words.

Names rarely changed for consorts. Her father was special—as was the name Lyons which originated from the man who married in brought it with him. McDonough was offered up as a choice of name for the children. Her mother was adamant her husband be included in that legacy. Still, he was a man and a war hero. That was the justification. Vanna’s name faded. It would not enter the discussion. Her children would be Wales, Lyons, or McDonough-Lyons. Vanna went from Lady Vanora Morgan to Princess Vanora of Wales. What Louis proposed was unprecedented in modern history.

Beth knew things were already different as she and Louis took their places in the royal procession right behind her parents and in front of Robbie and Vanna. That did not put wind in Beth’s sails. Her happiness was due to Louis’s view of her as an equal partner. He did not expect her to give him everything with nothing in return. Louis continued to support and defer to her. He loved her endlessly. With one concrete action, Louis made Beth secure in her love and trust in him. As they sat, Beth could scarcely stop grinning.

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“We would like to thank you all for coming,” Robbie said.

He looked at the attendees who joined family that evening. “I would like to thank my dear wife, the Princess of Wales, for managing the planning and implementation. And, as ever, our family and friends from abroad who have come to celebrate Princess Bethany and King Louis. We are looking forward to our trip to Brussels in a few weeks for their nuptials.”

Finally, Robbie thought, a bit of happiness to celebrate. Beth’s wedding was a distraction from family turmoil. Beth and Louis could not have been happier. They were charming on this evening together. Robbie remembered the feeling from the state banquet honouring his engagement to Vanora many years before. He remembered looking at her like she hung the moon.

“Bethany is most dear to all of us. She is my baby sister, yes, but she is also one of the strongest people I have ever met. She is resilient and resourceful. Beth is gifted in music and her natural ability to connect with people. She is loyal to a fault. She would climb a mountain for any of us. That certainly applies for Louis. He is so lucky to have her on his team.”

Louis nodded in agreement.

“Bethany has not always had an easy life. She has overcome so many challenges which strengthened her. Belgium is lucky to have such a kind, patient, and resolute future queen. They are also fortunate to have, in Beth, someone who cares about their nation.” Robbie tried not to choke up.

“We will miss her dearly. I don’t know how to express it in words. However, we will be happy to see her grow and support her new husband in her new country. We are so proud of you, Bethany, and wish you the happiest of marriages with Louis. Marriage is a commitment as much as it is a gift. Be good to one another. Lift one another up. Always remember you’re on the same team. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Cheers!”

The room followed in Robbie’s toast. He sat across from his wife at the centre of the banquet table. Vanna was, predictably, choked up as ever. Beth had always been like her baby sister. She was as invested in Beth’s happiness as Robbie.

Louis stood to make a speech. It was short and sweet. He was not one for flowery language in speech. Robbie only hoped the Brits weren’t reading him as cold. They seemed an odd pairing at the outset, but Beth was an ideal match. She would never have fallen for a man who was into sport and fast cars. She didn’t care for that. Someone with a big personality would have dominated her. She needed someone who didn’t outpace her. Louis thrived at her side, allowing her to be the big, bright star in the room. Robbie related to their dynamic. He was glad to let Vanna suck up all the attention. Louis’s speech was heartfelt. In a way, Robbie knew it was perfect.

As he spun around the floor with Vanna, Robbie couldn’t have loved her more. He couldn’t have been happier with her than he was on this day.

Robbie said. “I love you beyond words, Vanora. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn’t do it without you. This season in life has been a challenge but… just know I wouldn’t trade life with you for anything.”

Vanna at him lovingly. “I love you, too. It all is just a season. It’s not forever. I wished… I wished it was easier.”

“It will ease. There will be a transition to simplify things. It will end any ambiguity. It will mean you have the floor, Vanora.”

“What are you saying?” Vanna asked.

“Mum is stepping back. I can’t say it to anyone else. But we will begin preparing after the wedding. Beth will not be the only new queen.”

Vanna was dumbfounded. Her feet kept step with Robbie’s despite her surprise.

“She feels she will complicate matters. And, Vanna, her judgement is gone. She only wants to spend her days with Pa and the children. That is all,” Robbie said. “And she’s already retired for the night. She’s unwell.”

“I’m aware. It is sad. I… I am surprised. I expected her to hold on until the end.”

“I did, too. It is hard to accept but… it will make your life easier, my love.”

Vanna shrugged. “It will take time for the children to accept. We should slowly ease them into it.”

“I suggested we gather the family after Beth is back from her honeymoon and deliver the news. We can tell the children then. I am suggesting a metered, scheduled transition. And you will be crucial in outlining that, Vanora.”

She nodded. “Okay. As always, I am here for you.”

“I love you, Vanna. I could not do it without you.”

Vanna agreed. “I would not want to do it without anyone else.”

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