Where it all began, it ended. Now it would begin again, new, fresh with a sense of holy approval.
“Prince Stephen, the King’s Office informed us you have an announcement to make.” Madeline read from her cue cards.
“I do,” he said, tightening his grip on Corina’s hand. “Even though my ankle is in the best shape it’s ever been in—”
“Is it true you experienced some sort of miraculous healing?” Hyacinth did not hide her skepticism.
“I did, and as a result a lot has changed in my life—”
“Indeed, you were coronated as Prince of Brighton last month,” Madeline said. “What a lovely ceremony.”
“And with the coronation, I became patron of the War Memorial. The memorial needs some attention, and there is much to be done for the families of our military men and women, so today I’m announcing my full retirement from professional rugby.”
A tangible, forceful gasp rose from the audience.
“This is such a sad day for Brighton rugby.” Hyacinth leaned toward Stephen, cue card in hand.
“Corina, what do you say? Do you support this?” Madeline read from her cards. “You said in an interview last month that you first fell in love with the rugby player not the prince.”
“I said I fell in love with him on the rugby pitch. I fell in love with the man. I had to accept the prince part that came with him.”
The audience laughed with a soft sprinkle of applause.
“Will you be starting a family soon?” Hyacinth said.
“Tell you what, Madeline, you’ll be the first to know when a baby’s born,” Corina said to the delight of the audience.
Stephen tucked back his grin, but he could not be more proud of his soon-to-be wife. She was going to do fine in the circus that followed his family.
“I’m sure the Eagles will miss you, Your Highness,” Hyacinth said. “Will you miss the sport? You’ve been quoted many times over the years saying rugby was your life.”
“I love rugby and it’s been very good to me. I’m grateful to Coach and the lads on the team. I couldn’t have achieved what I did without them, but they’ve several wingers coming up who will far outshine me. And good for them.”
They bantered about rugby and Stephen’s triumph in the Number 14 wing position until commercial.
“Having a good time?” Stephen whispered to Corina.
“Yes, because I’m with you.” Corina kissed him, the audience approving with a corporate sigh.
The studio light came up as the show returned from the commercial break. “We’re back with our very special guests, Prince Stephen and his fiancée, Corina Del Rey,” Hyacinth said. “We are just so excited to have you both.”
“Hy,” Madeline said, breaking in, “I just have to ask this.” She bounced in her seat. “Corina, Prince Stephen has been touted as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, and certainly one of the most sought after. Though he was so focused on rugby he didn’t notice.”
“I think I’m liking rugby more and more,” Corina said.
“So you can imagine how floored we all were to hear you two were married. I’m sure the women in our audience are dying to know, how did you catch the prince?”
Corina released his hand, sitting forward, clasping her hands at her knee. “I’m not really sure. We met in a postgrad class at Knoxton and—”
“Can I answer the question?” Stephen sat forward. He was the only one who really knew how this incredible woman won his heart.
“Please do,” Madeline said.
Corina swiveled to face him. “Oh no, babe, what are you going to say?”
“Babe? Is that your nickname for him?” Hyacinth loved the nitty-gritty.
“One of them,” Stephen said with a wink.
