CARLY
“I am still talking to Langston!” I glared at my brother, who had just snatched the phone from me.
“Why would you do that? The palace is doing you a favor, sister.” He turned off my phone.
“It’s a death trap for Langston. I can’t just force him to marry me. I’m not like you, Thay.”
He arched a brow. “He will still be here. Trust me because it’s how he feels about you. He is tenacious. Nothing can stop him if he wants something. I believe you know it by now.”
“You don’t know that.” I just wiped my tears and asked him to return my phone. Instead, he slipped it into his pocket.
“I do know him better than anyone. I see myself in him once that I would do anything to be with the person I love.”
“I don’t think so.” I hit him in the arm. “He won’t waste his time kidnapping me, you prick.”
He just laughed at my outburst. “I love you, Carlott, so much that I want you to be happy for the last time. Rome is the man who can give you eternal happiness. The palace did you a favor, and you will thank them later. And you are doing a great job.”
“I feel like a charlatan.”
He snorted. “That’s not what people say. I saw a lot of positive comments about you.”
“And a lot of bad things, saying that I am stealing the light and attention.” I turned to sob. “They’re just so cruel, and why in the hell did the palace release that photo while we are still mourning? It’s disrespectful and cruel.”
“It would be bad press for you if Rome is seen in the country. It’s actually perfect timing. You are doing your job, and him supporting you. It’s the media that likes a little romance and gossip during this time of difficulties and sorrows. Our people are in need of positivity and love in these sad times.”
“I still don’t want him to come.”
“You are the problem here, Carlott. You love that guy, but why are you resisting and not grabbing this opportunity?”
“Don’t you get me? I don’t want to use him because I love him.”
“Gah!” He laughed out loud. “I wish I had recorded that. My wife will giggle so much with joy.”
I turned my back to him and curled on the couch. “Yeah. I love him. You know how people can be so cruel. The media, the trolls on social media, and everyone will judge him. And he’s a private person, Thay. This public life will ruin him.”
“Well, he happens to fall in love with the princess. The rebel princess.”
“I’m not that person anymore.”
He joined me on the couch. “That’s not true. Your rebellious nature is what makes you you, Carlott. And I’m proud of you for being you. You have that privilege and use it to help people express their freedom of speech.”
“And let’s not forget that part. They used it against me. That’s what got me into trouble in the first place.”
“It’s not. It’s your relationship with Lud and your recklessness. I’m sorry to open the old wound. But I think you’re over that. In Rome’s case, you two are perfect. He can be your guide, and you can help each other. You’ve only spent a few weeks with him, and you’ve learned a lot. He became your rock, and that’s what a relationship should be, not lurking in the shadows.”
“I just wanna be the good guys for once. I don’t want trouble with the palace, and I swore an oath of my full support to father.”
“See? That’s what I’m talking about.” He opened his arms. “Now, come here.”
***
My muscles were cramping. My legs were killing me. I wished Rome was here to give me a foot massage or make me fall asleep on his lap.
And I’d never thought lack of sleep would kill someone. Now it might do. My assistant offered me a sedative, but I refused to take it.
Finally, I managed to get a three-hour sleep, and I felt re-energized. I still saw a lot of people putting flowers and waiting outside.
“I’ll check them out,” I told my security detail.
“That’s not a good idea, Princess.”
“I think it is.” I left Seth and the others as I walked toward the gate. There were barricades so that no one would block the road.
They started cheering my name. I waved and smiled. “You don’t have to stay here, guys.”
“You shouldn’t have come back, rogue princess!” Some guy just yelled from behind.
I compartmentalized, ignored him, and focused on those in front of me. I knew I couldn’t get away from the scrutiny of people who liked to ruin me and attack me on social media.
“We’re here for you and your family. Sorry for your loss, Princess Carlott.”
I smiled and shook some hands. “Thank you. You guys, take care of yourself. It’s hot out here.”
The smile on their faces melted my heart and somehow lightened my chest. How could these people be here, smiling at me after what I’d done?
“We’re glad you’re back. We miss you.”
“It’s good to be back and see you all again.” I waved my hand. I noticed Seth was already beside me.
“Princess, we are going to hear wedding bells soon?” a girl in a white shirt asked. She has my face printed on.
“I’m sorry. I can’t answer you right now.” I stepped back. “Thank you for coming to pay respects to the late King and for mourning with my family.
***
The procession was long and tiring, but watching our people waiting tirelessly to take one last look at their late King, paid off my exhaustion.
My father entered the church. My mother followed. My brother and Kennedy walked in, and then I came next, then Aunt Alessia and my cousins from my mother. The other royals from different countries, dignitaries, and representatives filled the church.
My parents were in the first row. My brothers and I were in the second.
“Look at your back,” he whispered to me.
“What?” I whispered back.
Thayer looked at me and gestured. Then I followed his clue.
Oh, my God. My eyes widened. What was he doing here? I just told him not to.
My heart nearly stopped with excitement and longing. But Rome hadn’t seen me yet. His focus was on the Archbishop.
“Thank you,” I muttered to my brother and smiled.
“My pleasure.” He smiled back.
***
I stood beside my brother at the reception while my father and mother welcomed our guests.
“Do you wanna sit down, darling?” he asked his wife.
“I’m good. You?” Kennedy asked me.
“Hanging in there.”
“Well, you have no reason to hang in there. Who’s the yummy plus one?”
“What? You did not just say that.” My brother reacted. “That’s Gabe Linden. He owned and ran the Firm.”
Finally, Rome saw me. I felt my body warm even if he barely smiled. I fought the urge to smile back. I behaved as if I was not thinking of running into him, throwing myself, and kissing him so hard.
God, I missed him.
My father introduced him to my mother. “Mr. Romare Langston. He’s a decorated soldier and runs his company and Langston Realty in the U. S.”
“And you are also dating my daughter.” My mother smiled.
Oh, Crap. I was scared of what came out next from my mother.
He addressed my mother. I was surprised he learned so fast. “I wish we met under different circumstances, Your Majesty. I’m truly honored to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I hope you are not in a hurry to travel back. We would love to have you over dinner at our home.”
He must be asking for approval from my father. My father gave him a slight nod.
“Then the deal is closed,” my brother murmured. “Congratulations are in order.”
“I wanna knee you in the balls right now,” I said through gritted teeth.
“You’re welcome.”
“Hey, Rome.”
“Duchess.” He shook Kennedy’s hand. “And Prince Thayer, you have a beautiful country. It’s an honor to be here.”
“You haven’t seen the Guardion. I can tour you around after the coronation.”
“I’m sure you are a busy man. But thank you.”
“Friends of my sister are my friends.” Thayer smiled meaningfully. “Are you just gonna talk to me, considering you crossed the earth to see Carlott?”
He chuckled. The chuckle I missed. And did he just blush?
“He’s hotter than I thought.” Kennedy was holding her smile.
“Welcome to my country, Langston.” I offered my hand.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Princess.” He shook it firmly, and his smile was contagious.
He looked at me, showing me how he missed me. I felt the same. I felt the pull- the instant connection- the fireworks- that was how good we were together. We didn’t have to say a word to express our feelings. It all just came to one look.
My smile never left my face. My muscles began to ache.
I didn’t notice my family, especially my parents, were watching us all the time until my mother smiled at me.
“So, how do you find my country so far?”
“Green. Sax said the greenish country he’d ever visited.” He chuckled softly. “I get now why you like trees. It reminds you of home.”
“Yeah. I never knew how I missed it until I stepped on the ground after three years. And you should see Guardion. It snows hundred days a year.”
“It would be my honor, princess.”
My brother just rolled his eyes at us. Good thing he turned back at our guests. “Oh, for the love of God. Just get the hell out of here and make out already.”