Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“I don’t understand.” Nina’s gaze finds mine, and then my father’s.
“You’ll need jewelry for the wedding,” Father replies. His voice is kind, his smile reaching his eyes.
It seems most of the palace has fallen under my fiancée’s charms.
“Oh,” she says and swallows hard. “You’re right.”
“I recommend the Cartier Halo Tiara,” my mother says from the doorway. “I’ve seen your dress, and I think it would look just lovely.”
She walks into the room and lifts the tiara made of hundreds of diamonds, showing it to Nina, who is clearly already overwhelmed.
And we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Nina says with a nod. “You’re right, it’s perfect.”
“That’s settled then,” Mum says, setting it aside. She and Nina discuss a necklace and matching earrings, and those join the tiara.
“Now, one more piece,” Father says. “I said when I first met you that you wouldn’t be given a piece of jewelry from the vault until I approved it.”
Nina’s eyes fly to mine. “I can’t take any of this.”
“You’re right, you can’t.” Mum pats her shoulder. “But it can be given as a gift. The jewelry you just chose is on loan from the crown for the wedding day. But we’d like for you to choose something to keep from these pieces.”
Mum gestures to several rings, a necklace, and a bracelet. If Nina doesn’t like any of these, we have others to choose from.
“If you’d like, you can replace your engagement ring,” I offer softly, but Nina shakes her head and looks down at her hand.
“I love my ring,” she says.
“A wedding band, perhaps?” Mum lifts a band that’s encircled in diamonds. It would fit well with Nina’s engagement ring. “This one is about a hundred years old and would be lovely on your hand.”
Nina tries it on, considering. “It really is beautiful. But I’d almost prefer something simple that I can wear on my right hand.”
She reaches for a ring with a large aquamarine set in the center. It’s a simple setting, less grand than anything else on the table.
“This is lovely, and I can wear it with almost anything.”
“Are you sure, Nina?” Mum asks.
“It’s decided,” Father says. “You’ll have the wedding band and Queen Victoria’s aquamarine.”
Nina swallows hard. “It belonged to Queen Victoria?”
“It was given to her by the King of Spain,” Mum explains. “And it looks lovely on you.”
“Thank you,” Nina says. “Thank you so much.”
“Now that we’ve settled this,” Father continues, “I’d like to tell you that I’ve made a decision regarding both of your titles.”
I stiffen, ready to be told that he’s stripped me of all of my titles.
“You, my son, will be His Royal Highness, Prince Sebastian, Duke of Somerset.”
“What?” I stare at him and then my mother as she wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. “But I’m giving up my claim to the throne—”
“You’re my son, and as such, you’ll retain your titles.”
I don’t know what to say.
Father turns to Nina. “And you will be Her Royal Highness, Princess Nina, the Duchess of Somerset.”
Nina’s mouth opens and closes, no sound coming out.
“I’m not British,” she says at last, her voice quivering.
“You are now,” Mum says with a smile. “And we are pleased to welcome you to the family.”
“Thank you.” Nina licks her lips. “May I please hug you both?”
Father blinks rapidly, but Mum pulls Nina in for a tight embrace. When she pulls away, Nina hugs Father just as tightly, making him blush.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen my father blush before.
It’s bloody fascinating.
“I don’t know what to say, except thank you so much,” Nina says. “You’ve been so kind to me, so welcoming.”
“You’re part of our family,” Mum reminds her. “And family looks after family.”
Nina’s eyes fill with tears. I know that hasn’t always been the case for her, aside from her brother. Nina was never able to depend on her parents. Her own mum has been silent, not willing to participate in the wedding festivities, all because of hurt feelings and pride.
I know that despite her shrugging it off, Nina’s disappointed in her mother.
“I hope you know that, no matter what,” I say as I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, “my family will always protect you. Stand by you.”
She nods and brushes away a tear. “I’m grateful. And maybe a little overwhelmed. I’ve always only had Christian.”
“We love him, too,” Mum says. “And his sweet Jenna. In fact, all of your friends have been a joy to have here in the palace. They’re all welcome here, anytime.”
“I’m gr—”
“Grateful,” Father finishes for her. “We know.” His voice is kind. He’s not mocking her. “And we’re happy to have you here.”
It seems my father has a soft side, after all.
Imagine that.
Chapter Eleven
Nina
I’M BLOWING INTO a paper sack, standing in front of an oscillating fan, Julia Roberts-style from Runaway Bride.