Evelyn nodded and Odette opened the door. Damien entered but stopped short when he saw Evelyn.
“Give us a minute,” he told Odette without looking at her.
She left, and Damien moved closer to Evelyn.
“You areexquisite, Princess,” he whispered.
Evelyn smiled. “You told me that the day we met. You were trying your magic on me, but it didn’t work.”
“I never did figure out how to get you to hear me.”
“I’ve always heard you, Damien. You were usually the only one worth listening to.”
He gently traced a line down her jaw. “There’s a carriage waiting outside. Where am I taking you?”
For a moment, Evelyn considered his previous offer.
“I can take you anywhere.”
I could leave with Damien. Right now.
No crown. No forcing myself into a role I don’t want. No more secrets.
This is ridiculous. I can’t run off with Damien just because I’m nervous about today. I’m in love with Leo. I won’t ruin what we have.
What would I even do with Damien? He wants to protect me, but that doesn’t mean he wants to be with me. He’d get bored by tomorrow and find some cute bartender. I’ll have created a scandal with nothing to show for it.
“Evelyn?” Damien prompted at her silence.
“I’m not running away,” she decided. “I’m getting married.”
His brows rose in mock surprise. “That’s today? Is that what the dress is for?”
Evelyn rolled her eyes.
“You could move the wedding down to the beach,” he continued. “You’re shiny enough to scare the seagulls away.”
“Shut up!”
Damien snatched her wrist before she could smack him and kissed the top of her hand. Butterflies danced in Evelyn’s stomach. She pretended they were because of the wedding.
52
Tremors
Evelyn and Damien arrived at the Rosebud Chapel in a carriage. The guests were already seated inside the glass dome, but many guards and soldiers were stationed outside. Leo’s eyes brightened when he spotted Evelyn from his place by the entrance. He grabbed her waist to spin her around.
“We get it, you’re in love!” Damien told them before he went inside. “Calm down already.”
Leo’s eyes roamed over Evelyn, taking in the gleaming gown. “You look amazing.”
“And Gabrielle only threatened me once,” Evelyn said cheerfully.
Leo laughed and kissed her like he couldn’t help it. “Everyone is waiting for us. Are you ready?”
She took his hand. “Yes.”
They approached the arched doorway. General Savatier projected his voice to announce the royal couple’s arrival. Three hundred guests from across the kingdom stood and turned to face them.
