He hugged her again and nestled his face into her hair, inhaled deeply. Strawberries. The smell of strawberries would forever remind him of Ryleigh.
“There you two are.” Mia rounded the corner with Dakota at her side. “I found him.” She turned to call to someone behind her.
Jackson kept his arm around Ryleigh’s neck as they met Mia and Dakota. “Hey, kiddo, how are you feeling?”
“I’m doing okay. I feel better after being back in my realm for a while.”
“Jackson.” Elijah called to him as he strode down the corridor. He approached Jackson and bowed. “It is time.”
“Time?”
“You must address your people now. They’re waiting for you to ascend the throne and re-assure them that everything is under control.”
Yeah right. “So, you’re saying you want me to step up and lie to them?”
Elijah reached out and clasped Jackson’s shoulder. “You will do fine, My King.” He didn’t wait for Jackson to follow, simply walked away without looking back.
Jackson held is hand out to Ryleigh. “Will you come with me?”
“Sure.” She placed her hand in his.
Jackson and Ryleigh started toward the stairs, but Jackson stopped, turned back. “Aren’t you coming?”
Dakota took Mia’s hand and the two ran to catch up.
The four of them climbed the spiral staircase together and crossed through the curtain to the balcony.
Cheers, whistles, and applause filled the night.
A rush of pride shot through Jackson. He gripped Ryleigh’s hand and pulled her close.
Dakota stood at his side with Mia.
Jackson lifted a hand to his people.
Their voices thundered in acceptance.
He squeezed Ryleigh’s hand. It would all work out.
“People of Cymmera…”
Dani-Lyn Alexander
Dani-Lyn lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac, and she has an addiction to chocolate.
Blog: http://www.danilynalexander.com/blog.html
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Lyrical Press books are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2014 Dani-Lyn Alexander
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.
First Electronic Edition: November 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1-61650-567-7
Reluctant Prince Page 26