“Some I did, but some were handed down at the behest of the King. But I’m most proud of the ones I earned in service.” His voice is proud as he sweeps me in for a kiss.
“I’m thinking you might need to wear this more often,” I whisper against his lips, trailing my fingers down the brass buttons of his uniform.
“You aren’t looking so bad yourself, Miss Cross.” His eyes trail down my flowing dress, which is a light sage colour with a scalloped hem that hits just above my knees. It has plenty of spin to it for the warm summer day. The fascinator, complete with feathers and a mesh twist, is intricately woven into my hair.
“I wish we didn’t have to go to this event. I could stay here with you all afternoon.” My words are heated. I love this side that James brings out in me.
“If you aren’t too tired, I plan on bringing you back here and doing exactly what you’re thinking about right now.”
“Then you best feed me now so I don’t faint this afternoon.” James grabs my hand, pulling me into the kitchen. A simple spread of sandwiches and crisps are spread out.
“Anything else to drink?” James hands me a water bottle as he sits next to me.
I shake my head. “I’m fine. So tell me, what can I expect this afternoon? All the pictures make it seem like such a high-end affair.”
James’s laugh echoes around the large kitchen. “Not as high-end as you would imagine. Today is in honour of the vets who served, so it will be the Queen shaking hands and meeting everyone. We’ll be doing some of that, but not on Mum’s level.”
“Will you know anyone there?” I point to his uniform. “You know, since you served?”
He shakes his head, finishing the bite he shoved in his mouth. “No. These are typically higher-ups, and I never made that rank before I finished my service. You can only go so far in military service if you’re royal. I went into active war zones, which is not typical for royals.”
“Why did you get to serve?” I finish the sandwich I have and grab another. I can’t say I’ll mind the perk of having others cook for me.
“Because I was third in line to the crown. If I was second, I never would have gotten to serve in the Middle East. I’m so proud of my service and was humbled to do it, but if I tried to do it now, I’d be laughed away.”
I cover his hand with mine. He turns his to take mine. It’s an instinct. Whenever I reach for him, he holds on tight. I love the feel of his hand encasing mine. His warmth spreads through me. “I’m glad you got to serve.”
James brings my hand to his lips, dropping kisses on each knuckle. “It’s the one thing I’m proudest of. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve made some poor decisions in the past, but not about that.”
“I’m glad I’ll get to see a glimpse of that world today.”
James tugs me closer to him. “Well then, we best finish up here and get a move on. It’s good form to never keep the Queen waiting.”
From the momentwe arrived at the palace, James was whisked away. We had a few moments together when we entered behind the Queen, but I feel so out of place. Standing on the sides in the massive outdoor space, nerves are flowing like electricity through me. It seems everyone here knows someone but me.
I’m trying not to hide, but with the large crowd, I blend in.
“Can you believe he brought that excuse for a woman?” My ears perk up at a group of women who are at a nearby table.
“She’s a poor excuse for a girlfriend. I can’t believe James is dating her.”
My stomach drops to my feet.
“It’ll be over before the holidays. He knows how good we were together. They look terrible together in the news.” A passing waiter offers me another glass of champagne, and I use it as an excuse to get a good look at these women.
Blonde hair, tight dresses, overly done makeup. The exact opposite of my tall, willowy frame.
Pricks of wetness coat my eyes. Will it always be like this? Women cutting me down because James chose me?
But he didn’t choose you.That small voice of self-doubt kicks in. Just because our parents cooked up this whole arranged marriage doesn’t mean I love James any less. Because I’ve fallen deeply in love with him these last few weeks.
It just worries me that he doesn’t feel the same way. We’ve gotten closer than I ever thought we would, but is it all a ruse to him? The thought cuts through my heart.
“Excuse me, Zara?” A beautiful, curvy woman with long, dark hair and olive skin comes up to me, breaking through my morose thoughts. Red lipstick stains her lips. She’s stunning.
“Yes, hi.” I extend the free hand, the one not clutching my champagne glass like it’s a lifeline.
“I’m Charlotte, James’s cousin. You looked like you needed someone to talk to.”
