She shifted far enough to kiss the side of his jaw. “Never.”
His eyes narrowed as he pulled her closer to him. “I don’t think I buy that.”
One of his eyebrows raised as he stared at her.
Victoria tried to keep a straight face, but failed. “Okay, maybe.”
“It’s completely ridiculous and you know it,” he ranted. “You don’t call a kingyour grace. That’s the title for a duke or duchess - and a prince is notyour majesty. That’s reserved for the monarch.” He settled back in the chair and pulled her closer. “It would take a seventeen second web search to figure those things out.”
“True.” As hard as she tried, Victoria couldn’t keep the grin hidden. She never would have guessed that her husband would be willing to watch sappy movies without complaint. In fact, he’d suggested it. It didn’t surprise her that he nitpicked it from start to finish.
Maybe a royal movie wasn’t the best option.
“Don’t even get me started on how the line of succession works.” He blew out a breath. “At least that wasn’t a major plot point, just mentioned in passing as something that happened a couple of generations earlier.”
Linking her fingers with his, Victoria felt herself turn serious. “Order of Succession is something we need to talk about at some point soon.”
He immediately sobered. “In what sense? If, God forbid, something happened to me, my brother would be king. I can understand why it could be concerning, but you wouldn’t be turned out like they talked about happening a hundred years back in that kingdom.”
She shook her head against his shoulder. “Not like that. I know the expectation of the king’s wife. To give birth to at least two children.”
“Yes,” he replied slowly. “I see you as far more than the mother of my children, though. You know that, right? You are needed and loved.”
She was starting to believe that. “I know.”
Enzo kissed the side of her head. “I love you, Kiki. I can’t imagine doing life with anyone else.”
Victoria sat up and shifted until she could look directly at him. “I love you, too, Vincenzo. I’m so glad I said yes when you asked if I wanted to do something a little crazy.”
He kissed her and the rest of the world disappeared.
Eventually, Victoria found herself wrapped in his arms as they began to drift to sleep.
Maybe this would make a better HEA movie.
A fake fiancé.
A coronation.
Missing artwork.
Even as it occurred to her she knew they’d never do the story justice.
Rather than trying to figure out who would play them in the movie, Victoria decided to let herself succumb to the call of the Sandman.
Secure in the arms of her husband.
Knowing she was needed and wanted.
And not a fake anything.
EPILOGUE
Her first big official event was behind her.
Victoria flopped down onto a chair near the banquet hall, but far enough away that no one would see her. She wanted to kick her shoes off but she'd never want to put them back on if she did that. Walking barefoot through the palace might be a step too far.
Even if no one would see her and her gown was long enough no one would be able to see her feet anyway.
