“Taming you and them liking me to be the future Queen of England are two very different things.”
“And I assure you, they’ll love you for both of those things.” Almost as much as I do.
Bloody hell, where did that thought come from?It’s too soon. I can’t possibly be falling for the woman my mum set me up with, can I? But looking at this woman, curled into my side as we enter the palace gates, I know I’m falling hopelessly in love with her.
“Your Highness. Lady Zara. We’re here.” The driver pulls up and our door is opened, breaking the moment.
“Thank you.” Zara’s waiting for me as she steps out of the car. She looks absolutely stunning in the black trousers and jumper she chose to wear today. I can’t wait to tear them off her later. Anything to distract myself from thoughts of falling in love with her.
“Shall we?” I give her my arm as I guide her into the palace.
Her eyes are everywhere as I lead her up a side staircase to the family quarters. The last time she was here, she came as a guest through the main corridor. This time, I’m taking her along a different route, but it’s no less extravagant. The opulence on display here sometimes blows even me away.
“What’s on your mind, love?” I squeeze her closer to me as we reach the top of the stairs. Family portraits from the centuries of rule stare down at us.
“Feels much different coming here this time than it did last time.”
I turn, wrapping my arms around her. “There’s nothing to worry about. My sister will adore you in a heartbeat. Probably more than she does me.”
Zara pulls me in close, resting her head on my shoulder. I love how perfectly she fits in my arms. Like she was made for me and only me.
“Let’s get moving. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can take you back to my house and we can have our own fun.” Her body shakes with laughter as she turns to look at me. Zara’s eyes are happy. I love that I put that there.
“Alright, Prince Charming. Let’s get going.” She tugs my hand, as I’m helpless to follow her. I’d follow this woman anywhere, even if she’s leading us in the wrong direction.
“This way, love.” I tug her hand down the opposite hall, and she gives me a sheepish smile.
“There’s too many halls here.”
“I’ll be sure to draw you a map when we move in.”
Zara
Loud voicesfrom the end of the hall cause butterflies to erupt in my stomach. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve already met the Queen once. It didn’t turn out so well, but I’m still nervous to meet the rest of James’s family. Can one pass out from nerves?
James tugs me through the open door, and I’m met with happy, smiling faces.
“The prodigal son returns.” A woman with bright pink hair and a noticeable baby bump crushes James in a hug.
“What can I say, someone has to pick up the reins since you ditched us.” She punches him in the stomach before fixing her gaze on me. “And you must be the famous Zara we’ve heard so much about. I’m this one’s sister, Ellie.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I stick my hand out, but she brushes it aside, sweeping me in for a hug.
“I’ve heard so much about you. I can’t believe you’ve managed to tame my brother.” Her face is bright with playfulness.
“I don’t think I like you talking to her.” James appears behind Ellie’s back.
“Nonsense. Go talk to Sean. I don’t want Grandmum telling him anything inappropriate about birthing children.”
His eyes go wide at that statement. “And you think I’d want to go join in on that conversation?”
Ellie gives him another hearty elbow to the ribs. “I want to talk to Zara. Off you go.” She waves her hand to him as he sulks over to where Sean and their grandmum are. The Queen isn’t here yet, so my nerves settle a bit.
“So Zara, how are things with James? From what I’ve been told, everyone seems to be loving the two of you together.” We sit on the sofa in the sitting room. My entire house could fit in this room. Heavy drapes line the windows that open up to the back gardens and London’s cloudy, lifeless skies. Newer photos of the family dot the furniture around the room.
“And what have you been told?” I give her a coy look.
“Only that everywhere the two of you go, you look like a couple in love.”
