The plane started to taxi and soon she’d fallen asleep in the bedroom. She woke to the news they were about an hour from landing. They didn’t need to be ready for the wedding, but did need to be ready to be seen.
She emerged from the bedroom to see Martina looking a bit anxious. “What is it?” she asked.
“There’s been a change of plans we weren’t informed of. Your mother’s assistant thought we’d been CCd on the emails, but we hadn’t. We’ll be landing on Biansola Island where the wedding is taking place. They’ve asked we not deplane for a while, but we won’t be going to the consulate.”
“Do you have everything we need to get ready on board or was some of it waiting for us there?”
“I think we have everything, just in case we were delayed for some reason.”
“Good. Then there’s nothing to worry about. Unless there’s not enough coffee.”
Martina finally relaxed. “We have plenty.”
“Good.”
Astrid sat on the couch and buckled in. “What else do we need to do?”
“Nothing really.”
She dismissed Martina with a nod and turned on her phone. Two more texts confirmed the plans she’d put in motion several weeks earlier. Jordan would be in for quite a surprise when they returned home.
He wandered out of the bedroom, looking adorably mussed. Like he’d pointed out before, his hair did the messy thing quite well.
“I just heard from Dare,” he told her with a yawn. “They’re not going to be coming this weekend after all.”
“That’s too bad.”
“I knew we wouldn’t get to see them today like we’d talked about, but at least we’d get to see them Sunday.” He buckled his seatbelt then leaned his head back. “We were going to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, too. I’m bummed.”
“I know. You miss him and your family. I get it.” She filled him in on the change of plans.
“Where exactly is this Biansola Island?”
“It’s situated between the two main islands that make up Ravenzario, not too far south of the northern island actually. It has a private landing strip on the Baicampo property. That’s a property owned by an American family, but holds the chapel where every Ravenzarian monarch in forever has gotten married.”
“And who’s she marrying?”
Astrid shrugged. “No one knows. It’s a very closely guarded secret. Father even said he doesn’t know.”
“Then this could be an interesting wedding.”
“It sure could.”
“Were any of these royal people we’re supposed to rub elbows with at our wedding?”
“No. It was short notice, and a relatively small ceremony. We invited Benjamin and the families from Islas del Sargasso and Auverignon and a couple of others, but none were able to make it.”
“Will Prince Richard be there?”
“I would imagine so. Christiana lived with his family for some time after the death of her parents when she was a child.”
Jordan winced. “That’s awful.”
“And not the worst of it. Her little brother, who was the heir presumptive, and their nanny were also in the car when they went over the cliff. Her uncle took over as her regent but retained considerable power even after she turned eighteen. It’s only been eighteen months or so since he was arrested. That’s a big part of the reason why Father wants more information on Isaiah in Eyjania. He and King Alfred were close. Technically, we’re related, if you trace the lines back far enough, though it’s been centuries since there’s been a marriage between our families. He’s afraid Isaiah is much the same as Henry.”
“And Isaiah was Benjamin’s regent.”
Astrid shook her head. “No. Isaiah is the youngest of three children. Benjamin’s father was the oldest and king at the time of his death. The second child, their sister Princess Louise took over as Regent. From what I’ve gathered, she did her job. Prepared Benjamin to take over then let him, but Isaiah still seems to have undue influence. That’s what we’re supposed to be on the lookout for. Anything that can help Father understand the inner workings of the Eyjanian palace.”
“Got it. I’ll see what I can do.”
The plane landed smoothly and taxied to its parking spot. When it was time, stairs would be rolled to the door for them to exit. They had an hour until Martina needed to start doing her hair.
Astrid decided to spend that time talking to her husband, and wished they’d had more time when it was over.
Jordan forced himself to keep his fingers away from his ascot. Otherwise he’d tug it loose, and one thing he didn’t want to do was embarrass Astrid. This was his first real, official function on an international stage as her husband. He even wore a vest and learned what an ascot was.
But... did he flip the tails up like some guy sitting at a piano when he sat down? Or did he sit on them?
Why hadn’t he thought to ask - or Adam to tell him? He’d try to observe some of the other men and see what they did.
“Jordan?”
He turned, keeping Astrid’s arm tucked in his elbow. A grin crossed his face when he realized who was walking toward him, then he bowed. “Princess Ellie.”
“Didn’t I tell you not to call me that?” She smacked his arm. “But you do clean up nicely.” The princess leaned closer and whispered. “Almost as nice as my husband.”
Jordan looked around. “Is he here?” Maybe he could ask Rick.
Ellie scanned the side room where it seemed all of the royalty had been sequestered. “I don’t see him. I’m sure he’ll be here shortly.”
A slight squeeze on the inside of his arm, brought him back to the present. “Ellie, this is my wife, Crown Princess Astrid of San Majoria.” He’d probably screwed up who to introduce to who and how.
The two women shook hands, though Ellie did nod slightly, probably deference to Astrid’s higher position in the line of succession than the one Ellie married into.
“It’s a pleasure,” Ellie said. “I have to admit, we were all shocked to hear the news so quickly after we met in Serenity Landing.”
Jordan let Astrid take the lead. “We met not long after his sister’s wedding. When something is right, it’s right. It was a bit of a whirlwind.”
Ellie wrinkled her nose. “We would have loved to see you again, but Rick reminded me that you had far more important things to worry about than inviting some random people you met for a few days a month earlier. I’m glad to have run into you, though. How are Dare and Betsy?”
Jordan gave her a brief update, but wondered why they hadn’t been invited. Astrid said she’d never met them before. But weren’t pretty much all royalty - at least Western-ish royalty - friendly? He’d have to ask Astrid later.
“Jordan! It’s good to see you, my friend.” Rick appeared and shook Jordan’s hand, giving him a guy hug. “How are you?”
Ellie took care of introductions before he could answer. Rick also bowed his head a bit. Being gentlemanly? Or a hierarchy thing?
“Hey, Rick. I’ve got a question for you.” Jordan glanced around to make sure no one else would hear.
“Where’s the best place to ski in Ravenzario?” Rick asked with a grin.
“Not this trip,” Jordan answered, looking around again. “What do you do with these tails when you sit down?”
Rick laughed. Ellie smirked. Astrid hid annoyance. What was that about? Who else was he supposed to ask at this shindig? Rick knew his background.
“Don’t sit on them. You’ll be uncomfortable. Move them to the side or flip them sort of back so they hang over the back of your chair.”
“Good to know. Thanks.”
“Hey, if you’ve never worn tails, how would you know? Better to ask than be uncomfortable for an hour because you don’t want to draw attention to yourself by maneuvering. Ask women how hard it can be to make sure you sit down right.”
Jordan looked at Astrid, who didn’t look back. She looked gorgeous, though he didn’t expect any less. It j
ust looked like a nice dress, though. Nothing overly formal, but he was changing for the reception later. Maybe she was too. This was, technically, a morning coat. Later, he’d wear an actual tailcoat, complete with white bow tie and royal sash.
He’d gotten a glimpse of her dress while on board.
Shimmery pink, so light it was almost white except it wasn’t.
He’d been surprised when she hadn’t worn it.
She would look amazing, and he’d look like a guy who just pulled an extra fancy monkey suit out of his gear bag, trying to fit in with the rich kids.
“Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, and honored guests,” a woman with a clipboard said forcefully. “You will be entering momentarily. When I call your name, please come forward and line up here.” She motioned in front of her.
Royalty lined up?
Apparently so.
Jordan and Astrid were near the front of the line. Probably based on some obscure ranking system he knew nothing about - age, proximity to relevant throne, home country’s relationship with Ravenzario, and who knew what else. He noticed that King Benjamin and his sister, one of the twins - but not the same one they’d had dinner with, were a few people behind them. The uncle wasn’t present.
“Oh, he’s got to be mad,” Astrid breathed.
“Who?”
Before she could answer, the doors opened, and the couples filed in. An usher directed them to the right when they reached a row near the front. A program sat on the seat. He picked it up before sitting down. He noticed Astrid looking at hers, so he did as well, though he didn’t recognize any of the names, save Queen Christiana’s.
The wedding wasn’t that much different from most weddings, though there was no call to kiss the bride. Instead, the newly designated Prince Alexander, Duke of Testudines pressed a kiss to Queen Christiana’s forehead. When Jordan asked Astrid why, she said the first kiss was on the balcony of the palace.
Once the wedding party and family left, the rest of those in attendance were dismissed by row. They followed the crowd toward a building a short distance away.
“Apparently, the chapel has water damage and couldn’t be used today,” Astrid told him. “The barn, which hasn’t ever been used as an actual barn, was the replacement. We’ll be mingling for a while in the smaller ballroom. Those of us staying for the reception will have made arrangements to change for the more formal dinner.”
“And we’re doing that back on the plane?”
“No. We have the use of a cottage on the property. All of our things should have been moved by now.”
For the next hour, they ate appetizers and mingled with those who hadn’t already made their way to the larger island.
Eventually, they went to the cottage where they had an hour or so to change. Astrid apparently had to get her hair completely redone too. Wouldn’t do to have the same hairdo at both events, unless you were the bride. The queen would look the same, apparently.
And he would wear more clothes he barely knew the names of, but he’d have the most beautiful woman on his arm, so it was all worth it.
27
“Who were you talking about earlier?” Jordan asked.
Astrid winced as Martina tugged on her hair. “When?”
“Right before we walked into the ceremony. You said he’d be mad.”
She’d heard murmurs from a couple of others, though no one said anything outright. “Isaiah, from Eyjania. He’s wasn’t even in the room with us. I heard he’s present, which means the powers that be in Ravenzario have decided he’s too far down the line of succession to ‘count.’”
“How far down is he? He’s a prince. Brother to the late king, right?” Jordan lay on the couch in the sitting room of the cottage, wearing shorts and a t-shirt. He needed much less time to prepare.
She winced again as Martina pulled a little too hard. Her hair better look fantastic. “I’m not certain, but he’s at least eleventh. Benjamin has nine siblings, then Isaiah’s older sister Louise, then any of her children and even grandchildren. I’m not sure if she has any at all, much less how many there might be. So, he comes after them. Another option might be that only official representatives from countries they’re not as close to were included.”
“There were a bunch of Montevarians in there. And the other country.” He laced his fingers behind his head and crossed his ankles.
“True. But they are all part of the Commonwealth of Belles Montagnes. The last generation of kings, including the current king of Mevendia and the former king of Montevaro who retired just over a year ago, were all quite close. Christiana spent several years in Montevaro growing up. I believe she spent some time in Mevendia as well, though I’m less certain of that.”
“Isn’t San Majoria a former Commonwealth protectorate? Wouldn’t that give you a closer relationship with them than some of the others?”
Astrid sighed. “Was there ever anyone in your life where that person was more important to you than you were to him or her? A girl you had a crush on maybe?”
Jordan nodded. “Yeah. I guess.”
“It’s like that. San Majoria fought for our freedom from the Commonwealth, though it was much more a political battle than a bloody one. They’re important to our history. We are a footnote in theirs.”
“I see.” His foot tapped against the cushion of the couch. “I remember learning about that, but didn’t understand the modern implications.”
“Honestly, I’m surprised Isaiah was invited at all. In fact, if the muttering I heard from a couple of people is accurate, he wasn’t, but they didn’t want a scene.”
“And this is why he wasn’t at our wedding?”
She would have nodded if Martina hadn’t tugged her head another direction. “He wasn’t invited. Benjamin didn’t come either, though. In fact, the only members of any royal family there was my family.”
“I didn’t think I’d met any there.”
“You didn’t.” She heaved a sigh. “Are we almost done, Martina?”
“I’ll be done when I’m done,” her stylist muttered around the bobby pins in her mouth.
Jordan raised his eyebrows. “It looks fantastic.”
His sarcasm made Astrid roll her eyes. “It will. Martina always makes it look great. You should probably go get dressed, though. Once she’s done, it’ll only take me a couple of minutes to change clothes.”
He went into the bedroom and closed the door behind him. A few minutes later, Martina finished her hair. With no one else in the cottage except Jordan, Astrid changed out of her shorts and button-down shirt, letting Martina help her slide the dress over her head.
The sliver heels shimmered as she slid her feet in as Jordan walked through the door.
“Does this look ri...”
She looked up to see why he’d stopped mid-sentence, only to see his wide eyes and hear his whistle. Not a wolf whistle, but an appreciative one.
“You look fantastic, Astrid.” He came closer, his eyes sweeping up and down her body then fastening on hers. “I’m pretty sure no one’s going to notice if I’ve got this tie wrong.”
Astrid finally let herself check her husband out. He looked nice. Very nice. “Very handsome,” she told him, taking a step his way. With an ease borne of years of practice helping her brothers, she straightened his tie.
“Thank you.”
After a long, slow kiss, she stepped back, and gave him a mock glare. “It’s a good thing I didn’t put my lipstick on yet.” She did just that, slipped it into her clutch and turned. “Ready?”
They went back to the barn which had been transformed for dinner and dancing. On the walk over, Jordan had admitted to being scared he’d screw something up, but he did wonderfully. Christiana and Alexander both looked radiant. Christiana’s gorgeous dress with the Ravenzarian blue accents was simply fabulous. Astrid didn’t get to say more than hello to them, though.
As the night wound down, she danced in her husband’s arms, and the tapping began again.
&n
bsp; “You’re doing it,” she whispered.
His fingers stilled. “I honestly don’t notice I am. I’ll try to be more aware.”
Astrid sighed and took his hand. They went outside to a private spot a short distance away from the barn. “It’s not that. Andrei did it. As did I occasionally. It was our little way of saying something to each other.” She rested her hand on his arm. One tap. Four taps. Three taps.
“I love you,” he said before she could.
“Exactly.” She felt her face color as the other code they’d used flashed through her mind.
“What is it?”
One tap. Four taps. Two. Four. Five taps.
“I have no idea what that one is.”
She couldn’t look at him. “I wish we were alone.”
But Jordan pulled her close, a maddening grin on his face. “I could get on board with that.”
That helped Astrid relax. “Unfortunately, we will be on board the plane with several other people, so we won’t be alone until tomorrow night.” And not then either, though he didn’t know that.
Just like he didn’t know she really had remembered what special occasion it was.
He kissed her. Another long kiss, but not as slow. Deeper, more meaningful.
Cheers sounded in the distance, and he moved back.
“It appears the bride and groom are headed out.” His husky voice sent chills up her spine.
“Then it’s time for us to head home,” she whispered. If the next day went as planned, then, just maybe, they’d get their alone time the next evening after all.
Jordan felt better than he expected after two nights on a plane. Of course, it helped he hadn’t flown coach. The bed hadn’t hurt either.
The flight landed in Cabo Juan-Eduardo. They’d reunite with Sofia, have breakfast with Astrid’s family, attend church, then take a boat to San Minoria.
Sofia was excited to see them. Astrid and her father carried on a hushed conversation on one end of the table while everyone ate. Likely about Isaiah and what they had learned about the prince, which wasn’t much. She’d explained even more on the way home, and he understood better why the king was uneasy about the whole thing. Henry Eit, Christiana’s uncle, had siphoned money, neglected the infrastructure, and indirectly caused the deaths of numerous people when a medicane hit the southern island. Princess Anastasia and her husband, the pediatrician, both of whom had been at Dare and Betsy’s wedding reception, nearly died in that storm - or at least were trapped and waded through waist deep water at times. They, along with the orphaned girl they’d eventually adopted, survived, but it seemed like it had been a close thing at times.
Crowns & Courtships Compilation Volume 1 Page 20