Page 81 of The English Queen

Beth giggled and kissed him again, briefly, “We’re already doing our part, I guess.”

The car pulled away. It was odd. Louis knew he would never forget the day or how she looked. From the tiara on down to the impressive number of crystals on her shoes she somehow managed to walk in, Beth was a star. Louis was over-the-moon being with her. While they exchanged the most intimate promises in front of millions, Louis couldn’t even talk to her. They were simply figureheads floating through a city for the next thirty minutes on their parade route. It was not until they returned to the palace Louis even digested what they had done.

Barely inside the palace walls, Louis lost it. He pulled her aside and kissed her. He kissed her like if he let her go, the world might implode. She let him, surprisingly, in front of dozens of staff and even her sisters-in-law who brought her a bit of food and drink before the balcony appearance and ensuing photographs.

Eventually, Beth pulled away, “Feel better now?”

“Much,” Louis replied.

“Let’s get these t’s crossed, yeah? And then we’ll get pissed?”

“Sounds good.” He acknowledged the others. “Apologies, ladies… I got a bit swept up in the moment.”

“Oh, who would judge you?” Rebecca giggled. “She’s beautiful. You’re happy. We understand. Here’s a nibble as well as some drinks before you go on up to the royal attendees and your adoring fans.”

“Your Majesty,” Vanna laughed, handing Beth a piece of cake from the reception their attendees were treated to while the couple were dressed for the second ceremony.

“God, stop, stop,” Beth shook her head before shoving a bite of the cake in her mouth gleefully.

Louis followed her lead. Better than passing out from low blood sugar.

“I think I’m ready to run off on our honeymoon now,” Beth said. “Can we just do that?”

“Not for another… well, a bit. Then, Aruba awaits, doesn’t it?” Vanna winced a bit.

“Soon enough. Come on. You planned this crazy party, and you don’t want to dance? That sounds unlike you, mijn maanstraal.”

“True. But I would love to have a moment.”

“You’ll have weeks of moments, I promise you,” Rebecca assured. “Just roll through next few moments. Suck up the photos.”

“Wave, kiss your husband, and smile at some people for a few minutes again, and then move aside,” Vanna added. “It won’t be so bad, I promise you. You’re going to look back and say, ‘We were so happy.’ Because you were.”

“It’s all just gravy now, Bethany,” Louis said, “Live it up. You couldn’t look prettier and despite wishing to ditch this damn uniform, I couldn’t be more pleased.”

“Good,” Beth said. “I’m only sad I will never wear this dress again.”

Louis said, “Don’t worry, it’s going to be on display for ages. All the wedding dresses at the national museum. You’re opening the exhibit when you come back.”

“Do I now? I must have missed that?”

“Let’s not talk about your schedule. I shouldn’t talk shop. I want to enjoy the day.”

Beth nodded. “Okay. I can agree to that, my love.”

End of an Era

“I don’t want to particularly bow to Beth. It’s awkward, yes?” Duncan asked.

Rebecca shrugged. “I think it’s sort of adorable.”

“It’s fine. You’re going to have to do it to me, someday, Duncan. Unusual, yes, but let it go. Beth isn’t going to lord it over you,” Robbie said.

Duncan grumbled, “You will.”

“Nah. He’s more diplomatic than that,” Vanna said. “I will gladly follow her around. She’s so happy. It’s like my baby got married.”

“You’re like a proud mum, I’ll grant you,” Rebecca admitted.

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