The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

Once inside, even the children were awed by the soaring ceilings, the crowd, and the profusions of flowers. Imogene knelt down before the four of them. “I’ll be sitting with Brody and Lucy, so I’m not far if any of you need anything, okay? You all look brilliant.”

Then she was gone, following behind Brody and Lucy to one of the front pews, leaving Stephani in charge of the lot.

It was only moments until the bride arrived, along with her bridesmaid, Becca. Steph took a moment to watch, entranced, as Rose emerged from the car, looking resplendent in her white gown. The cut was simple but the gown itself was not, with lace and pearls adding a timeless quality. Her veil drifted around her in the slight breeze, feather-light and magical. But most magical was the look on her face. It was a look of utter joy and excitement.

Becca helped her with the small train, then stood and handed the bride her bouquet. She reached back inside the car and took out two more—hers, and presumably Stephani’s as well.

Rose climbed the steps, then gave a half turn, waved at the gathered press and public, and laughed a little. She was so artless, so genuine. The press loved her, and so did Stephani. In a way, Rose’s kindness and strength reminded her of Ceci. The Navarro men did tend to choose strong women.

“You are stunning, but then, I knew you would be.”

Raoul’s voice tickled her ear, sending shivers down her spine. She took a breath, preparing herself to turn around and see him in all his tuxedoed glory. Still, the breath wasn’t enough. It wasn’t the suit that momentarily stopped her heart, though it was certainly a flawless cut, now adorned with an official sash of royal purple and red. It was his eyes that did it, warm with approval, never leaving her face.

This would be so much easier if she didn’t love him.

“Likewise,” she managed to say, offering a smile though inside she trembled. “Diego is here? Ready?”

“He is. Nervous and excited and shockingly ready for marriage. It’s very, very odd.”

She laughed a bit. “I think it’s lovely.”

Raoul rolled his eyes. “Right. It’s also a bit disconcerting. When someone is getting married, they think everyone else should as well.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “This morning, Diego suggested that I consider marrying again.”

It felt as if someone punched her right in the solar plexus, but it wasn’t the first time so she merely shrugged. “A king needs a queen, I suppose.”

His brow furrowed. “I suppose, but that’s not what Diego said. He said I was too young to never love again. And that I should find someone to fall in love with and be happy.” His laugh was short but held a wealth of pain. “I’m afraid that’s over for me. I was extraordinarily lucky to have had it once. I’m not really looking to have it again.”

She couldn’t torture herself like this any longer. It wasn’t fair or healthy, and while she’d miss the Navarro family, she needed to make her own start. Cecilia was gone. Stephani would never be the one to capture his heart, and it had been utter foolishness to even entertain the slightest bit of hope.

But she would not think about it today. Today she would enjoy the wedding, and celebrate being with the people she loved. Tomorrow would be enough time to check up on her inquiries and make further plans.

“Rose is here, just behind the closed doors.” She looked over her shoulder to make sure. “You should be with Diego and Devon, ready to take your place with the priest.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. “I’ll see you up there.”

He turned to walk away, taking her heart with him. It hurt, but the last five minutes had solidified her decision to leave and it felt . . . right. Difficult, but right. She couldn’t get over him when she saw him day in and day out. And she had to get over him or live in limbo for the rest of her life.

Stephani snuck out the large doors to where Rose and Becca waited with the children. “Oh, Rose. You look so gorgeous.” A wistful sort of feeling swept over her. There was nothing quite like this moment, just before a bride took her walk down the aisle.

“Thank you,” Rose said quietly, her smile shaky. “I’m so nervous, Stephani. In less than an hour I’m going to be a princess. It’s suddenly so surreal.”

“It’s the press. They have that effect.” Stephani smiled, both at Rose and Becca. “Looks like I’m standing in today.”

Becca

lifted an eyebrow. “I wish you’d stayed with us at the hotel last night, Stephani. It would have been more fun.”

Rose snorted. “This is typical Hayley,” she whispered, so that Alice wouldn’t hear. “I decided I won’t let it ruin a thing.”

“Good for you. And as far as the princess thing . . .” Stephani thought back to Raoul’s words, about Diego and marrying for love. “You’re becoming Mrs. Rose Navarro first. That’s all you need to think about today.”

One of the ushers gave her a nod, and she reached for her bouquet. “All right. It’s time.”

Rose inhaled sharply, and Stephani reached out to squeeze her hand. She was going to miss this family so much.

Becca carefully guided the children into their proper pairs and started them up the aisle at the correct intervals as a choir sang. Then Becca gave a smile and started up herself, clutching her bouquet and walking at the precise speed they’d rehearsed.

Then it was Steph’s turn.