Defying the Prince

‘You really love me?’

‘A frightening amount.’

‘You can’t be more frightened than I am. I—I suppose I’m not used to intimacy either,’ she admitted. ‘No one in my family is exactly demonstrative.’

‘Get used to it.’ He lowered his head and kissed her mouth. ‘I love the fact that you know what you want and you’re not afraid to go for it. I love the fact that you haven’t let other people’s opinions stop you doing what you want to do. I admire everything about the way you’ve conducted yourself. No matter what happens you refuse to give up.’

Behind them, someone cleared his throat discreetly. ‘Your Highness—’ one of the concert committee hovered at a safe distance ‘—you’re going to be needed on stage in two minutes. They’re expecting you to say a few words.’

‘I’ll be there when I’ve finished what I’m doing.’ Matteo didn’t shift his gaze from Izzy and she tried to push him away.

‘They’re waiting for you.’

‘Let them wait. This is more important.’

‘I’m more important than an audience of millions?’

‘Right now you’re the only audience that matters to me.’ He drew in a breath. ‘I know you don’t have princess aspirations but could I persuade you to change your mind about that?’

Izzy was so shocked she couldn’t speak.

‘I’m asking you to marry me.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘Princess Izzy.’

Her legs felt like rubber. She opened her mouth but no sound came out.

‘Say something!’ His accent was thickened. ‘I love you. I want you by my side and together we can do great things or “amazing” things as you would say, as that seems to be your favourite word.’

Still Izzy didn’t respond and she heard him curse softly.

‘The crowd is waiting. I have to go onto that stage and speak and I want to say it with you standing by my side as my future wife.’

Izzy gulped. ‘You want me by your side?’ It was just a whisper but apparently it was enough for him.

‘Tonight and tomorrow night and the night after that—’ his voice was husky ‘—because that is what people do when they are in love and I am as much in love with you as you are with me. So will you come, Izzy—bellissima? I want to introduce the world to my princess.’

In a state of disbelief, Izzy took his hand and they walked back towards the stage.

Happiness bubbled up inside her as it slowly dawned on her that this was real. She lifted her face to look at him. ‘I think I’m going to look cute in a tiara. I’ve never worn anything sparkly on my head before.’

He laughed and tightened his grip on her hand. ‘First thing tomorrow I’m going to buy you one.’

‘Slow down.’ She winced and stooped to fiddle with her feet. ‘My shoes are hurting.’

‘This is not news. Your shoes are always hurting, tesoro.’

‘Do princesses absolutely have to wear shoes at all times?’

A slow smile spread across his face and he scooped her into his arms and carried her the last few steps onto the stage. ‘Of course not. Didn’t you read Cinderella?’