“You think?” he asks. “Christ, Lilly. I’m pretty sure Lara, Ottar, Katla, and even your cousins are ready to give you a lecture on the proper protocol of jumping in front of a bullet, especially when you’re the last fucking heir to the throne.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think about that. I only wanted to protect you. We’ve been through so much. I couldn’t lose you again.”
“But I almost lost you,” he says quietly, his eyes watering. “I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t wake up. I can’t even think about it.”
“Then don’t. Let’s think about what the future looks like.”
“Recuperating,” he says. “Getting you back to where you need to be . . . then walking you down that aisle.”
“Then honeymoon,” I say. “With the toys.” I wiggle my brow, causing Keller to chuckle.
“Can’t forget the toys.”
“Never.” I sigh. “Is it really all over? Like . . . everything is going to be okay now?”
“Yes,” Keller answers. “Rolant and Sveinn are dead. Rolant’s assistant, Pickering, basically sung like a canary once he realized he was an accessory to kidnapping and attempted murder. He was able to provide phone call logs and is willing to testify against King Magnus, who he overheard several times consorting with Theo’s sons. The ITO handles international crime for their countries, so they’re currently interrogating King Magnus. It’s doubtful he’ll ever see freedom again. Pickering led detectives to where I was held, and they are slowly collating all the evidence to put the king away. Theo had Torskethorpe enter the ITO, which offers us more protection. We’re no longer a sitting duck in the middle of the ocean by ourselves. And we are much stronger with Marsdale by our side as well. I can’t promise you there won’t be inane threats here and there, protestors against the monarchy, but what we just went through won’t happen again. It’s over.”
“Thank God,” I say as I press my cheek into Keller’s palm. “I know I signed up to be the queen of Torskethorpe one day, but I didn’t sign up to be kidnapped and shot in the chest. I’m just here for the fermented cod cakes.”
“Are you really, though?” Keller asks with a raise to his brow.
“Oh yeah, love those fermented cod cakes, can’t get enough of them.”
“Good, I’ll be sure to have the nursing staff bring some in.”
I point my finger at him. “Don’t you dare.”
He chuckles and brings his lips to mine and kisses me. It’s light, nothing too sexual, nothing too deep, just enough of him to let me know that he’s mine. Through thick and thin, this man will always be mine.
* * *
KELLER
There’sa knock on my door, and when I turn around from adjusting my tie, Lara stands in the doorway. Her eyes soften as she looks me up and down in my wedding suit. I have a few medals that I’ve added to my suit since the initial fitting. Medals awarded to me for bravery, courage, protecting the crown—some of the highest honors awarded in Torskethorpe.
Once Lilly was released from the hospital, we brought her back to Strombly and started working on her rehab. It took quite a few months to get her back to her normal self. She sustained a lot of nerve damage as well as muscle atrophy whilst in her coma, among other things.
But thankfully, she’s doing well. During that time, we did one interview, which was broadcast all over the world. We told our story, what happened with the wedding, and why it was canceled—because I was kidnapped. They went into detail about what I suffered through despite not wanting to put that out there, and they connected all of the dots in a detailed timeline of what Rolant and Sveinn were planning. It was one of the most watched interviews ever aired.
And now . . . now the country is chomping at the bit for today, our wedding day. Not only is Torskethorpe excited, but the wedding is being aired on TV all around the world too. Tourism has spiked—strangely—and the country is thriving now more than ever, with Lilly and me being held in high regard. Not that I needed the acceptance of the country, but it feels pretty damn good to know they approve of me.
Doesn’t mean I won’t spend every day trying to still earn their acceptance. I just know it won’t control how I feel and who I am.
“You look so handsome,” Lara says, walking into the room wearing her typical black suit with black shirt. Her hair is slicked back into a tight bun, but there is one addition to her that seems to be bringing a smile to her face more than ever recently, and it’s the engagement ring on her finger. Both Lara and Ottar never discussed their own falling out—faithful to a fault—but thankfully, all is resolved. My best friend is happy, and that’s the best thing.
A month ago, Ottar proposed to her in the courtyard of the palace. We were able to watch from afar, and seeing my best friend from childhood find the love she so rightfully deserves, I’ve been filled with more joy than I expected.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Are you nervous?”
I shake my head. “Just anxious. I want to be married already.”
She chuckles. “Well, you both are overdue at this point. I’m actually in here because Lilly has asked to see you.”
“She has?”
Lara nods her head. “Yes, she’s in her room. She wants to see you before you leave for the temple.”
