One last breath, and it was the end of her speech. “I want you all to know how much we appreciate your support and understanding, and I look forward to updating you again soon.”
Amy stepped back.
The murmur of the press was loud enough that it should have been a distraction, but all she was aware of was a hand in hers, and Artur was pulling her toward him.
He kissed her right there by the podium while dozens of cameras flashed. She didn’t care at all. Let them take pictures. Let them see this moment of triumph. Let them see the way her heart healed and all the hurt flew away. She pulled back. “I’m sorry,” she whispered directly into Artur’s ear.
“I’m sorry. I should have chased after you. I should have let you know that I understood. It’s not easy. It’s—”
“I love you,” she cut him off.
“I love you,” he said, and then he kissed her again. Amy thought she could float forever in his kiss and in the way and in the joy suffusing the room. When she pulled back again, it was to see Tatyana clapping and laughing, too.
Amy and Artur stepped out from behind the podium and raised their clasped hands. She waved along with him, beaming, knowing that this was for the public. This was for all the citizens of Stolvenia who wanted to see the royal family happy and secure.
This was for them—but later, when they were alone? Their lives would be for each other.
“I love you,” Amy said, and she wasn’t sure Artur could hear her. She didn’t look at him because she was smiling out at the cameras, proudly, for all to see.
“I love you.” She caught his words out of the air and pressed them to her heart. She’d keep them there always.
End of The Billionaire Prince’s Daughter