Once Upon a Royal Wedding

by Laurie LeClair

  She’d never understand the system of extravagance to assist the needy. Misguided. It struck her then. The direct route wouldn’t give the accolades some sought—a public acknowledgment of good deeds.

  Appearances again.

  Thankfully, after marrying Sebastian, she’d do less of the pomp and circumstances of royal duties as she’d be with her husband in his country.

  Another niggle of doubt chased through her stomach again. Could she, though? Walk away? Her father seemed adamant she continue leading the family foundation—as a figurehead, always as just a face.

  Image.

  Sophia prayed that she could leave the formal ceremonies and affairs behind and conduct more of the giving, even if she were thousands of miles away. She’d divide her help between Sebastian’s country and her own.

  Her belly twisted—the knots reminding her nothing could be that simple.

  They hadn’t been whenever she bucked the age-old protocol—since she snuck away with Belle and fled to King’s, Sophia had upset the status quo. And she never truly fit in ever since.

  Maybe she never really had, only she couldn’t bring herself to disobey the many rules and go against her father.

  Why wouldn’t she doubt the simplicity of tearing herself away from her heritage and birthright? Forming a strong union with Sebastian and building a special life together remained paramount for Sophia.

  Others did not approve.

  Simple? No. Nothing remained smooth or free of obstacles.

  Not even her wedding to the man she adored, it seemed…

  Chapter 7

  “You look lovely.”

  Sophia gave what she thought was a noncommittal smile at this well-dressed, dazzled man just as she’d done with the hundred or so before him since she and her father had arrived at the elegant event more than two hours ago. “Thank you.” She meant it; a compliment was to be accepted with grace as her mother often reminded her when she was young.

  However, no one really wanted to know her at all. She was a royal and thus the fascination.

  Many watched closely. Her every move documented by sight or on film. The diamond and sapphire tiara sitting on top of her expertly styled updo with the matching bracelet could be the center of attention. They did sparkle brightly and cost tens of thousands.

  Being in a room full of mostly strangers reminded Sophia she was truly alone. That hollow sensation stayed with her in the pit of her belly and grew as each hour ticked by.

  She’d give anything to have Belle, Rico, or Peg here. She could use a good chuckle. But most of all, she longed for Sebastian.

  He knew her better than anyone. And truthfully, she was more of herself with him than anyone else.

  Sophia sighed.

  “Was it something I didn’t say?” The older man nearest her at her dinner table grinned.

  “Oh, excuse me.” Faux pas. She cringed inwardly. She used to be much better at hiding her true feelings during her royal duties. “I was thinking…”

  “Yes?” With his graying hair and his warm brown gaze behind his small eyeglasses, his alertness exceeded many of the others.

  “About my groom.” Warmth stole into her cheeks. Did I just say that? She’d spoken without thinking it through.

  “Ah, as any bride-to-be should.” He chuckled. “My late wife couldn’t relax at one of these things unless I was by her side. Poor dear broke out in hives every time.”

  “Oh, how awful.”

  “Especially when I’m on the board of most of these.” He widened his eyes, his eyebrows now higher than the top rims of his dark, wire glasses. “You didn’t know, did you?”

  Guilt nudged her. “I’m sorry.” As much as she attended these through the years, she’d purposely remained in the shadows—first when told to and then later, feeling like that figurehead she complained about. It was about time she took an interest, more than an observer. “I’m Sophia. And you are?”

  “Dr. Bruce Langston, originally from the States.”

  She gasped. “I’ve heard of you. You conducted the decades-long children’s study in how not only personality but emotional stability can be shaped in the first seven years. Surroundings were a determining factor; however, the adult and authority figures and how they spoke to the children led to groundbreaking findings.”

  He laughed, pressing a hand to his chest. “Oh, heart be still. You have heard of me and my study.”

  Sophia giggled at his genuine delight. Ah, someone who didn’t pretend around her. How refreshing! “The data was very impressive. I guess as someone who lost my beloved grandmother when I was young, well, it…called to me.” She reached for her glass and took a sip of the cool water to quench her suddenly parched throat.

  “As it should, Sophia. At first, I was a scientist studying his subjects. However, the children’s stories stole inside me and I was deeply affected. A need in me arose to help them make sense of it all, for lack of a better phrase.”

  “And have you? Found a way?” She held her breath, knowing how important this was for both Sebastian and herself—understanding how they could overcome their own losses and be better parents for their children. At the thought of having Sebastian’s babies, heat rolled through her and settled deep inside her. To have that wonderful connection with him…

  “Have I lost you again?” The doctor dabbed his mouth with the snowy-white napkin. “I’m a poor substitute for your betrothed.”

  Warmth crawled into her cheeks. “Truthfully, it was the thought of having babies with him.”

  The man chuckled. “I am happy that you are so besotted with him. You know, the papers print anything scandalous. Horrible to speculate on the disadvantages of your groom’s humble beginnings.” Now he looked embarrassed. “Pardon me.”

  “No, please feel free to speak your mind with me. There are so few who do.”

  “I can only imagine someone in your position having to deal with the masses and the not-so-nice.”

  She pasted on a smile, unable to put into words the isolation. The stories—ones she’d dared to read months ago and stopped soon after—cut her to the quick. How could they question Sebastian’s integrity? How could they hound people and print their so-called encounters with either Sebastian or herself? “Your study. The findings?”

  “Ah, yes. Truly rewarding for me. I have seen children go from a negative mindset about themselves—programmed, if you will, by the adults in their lives—to grasping the importance of rewiring their brains to see who they really are. I have hundreds I continue to follow. Now, they teach me.” He grinned.

  “You have made a difference. That’s very admirable.”

  “And so have you.” He raised a hand when she began to shake her head. “Your grace. Your dignity.”

  She leaned a tad closer. “An illusion in public.” She only half teased.

  “Come now. You do yourself a disservice. You are an important role model for your people. They look up to you. How many secret trips have you made to orphanages and hospitals—at all hours, when the king is away—many others, too?”

  Her visits were special and apparently not so secret. “That’s different.”

  “Is it?” His phone buzzed. “Excuse me, please. I have a friend who is ill.”

  “By all means. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

  He tugged out his phone from his top inside pocket of his tuxedo, pushed his glasses higher on his nose, and then read the text. He murmured as his brow furrowed. “One of her wards, a young man in my study, in fact, tells me she’s not well. I’ll stop by to see her after I leave here. She was so looking forward to my meeting you, over excited. She said she’d met you once and you were everything she’d hoped for.”

  Sophia blinked back a sudden well of tears. “How nice of her to say that. Please give her my best.”

  “She’ll love it. She’s been an admirer of yours since I met her over twenty years ago. Enamored of your entire family.” The phone buzzed again, apparently in response to his short t
ext.

  Her security detail hovered behind and around her. Sophia glanced up to realize the lead guard stood near her elbow.

  He bent down to speak in low tones to her. “Your Highness, a new guest has arrived and would like to see you in private.”

  She glanced at the doctor, now pocketing his phone. He’d been a breath of fresh air and she hated to end their discussion. “Can it wait?”

  “I think you really want to see this, uh, guest.”

  Why did he guard hesitate? Maybe it was her father beckoning for her to scold her for ignoring the others at her table. She smiled tightly. “Of course.” She turned back to the dinner companions, nodding and making her apologies to the others. “If you’ll excuse me this time, Dr. Langston.”

  “It’s been my pleasure, Princess Sophia. I should go myself. My friend…”

  With a member of her staff assisting her from her chair, Sophia rose, making polite conversation at the interruption as they all stood for her. However, she turned to the doctor. “Do you have a card? May I call you? Perhaps we could continue our talk. And I want to hear more about the children’s charities you’re involved with.”

  “That’s wonderful.” He patted his pockets and found what he was looking for, withdrawing a card and hastily using a borrowed pen from her guard. “My cell phone number.”

  “Thank you.” She took the card and tucked it away in her small, crystal-beaded clutch. “I’ll be in touch…” Her security detail whisked her away, leaving many partygoers confused and whispering behind their hands.

  More of the same with them.

  “This way, Your Highness.” Randall ushered her out of the enormous dining area and down a wide, ornately decorated hall. Several guards followed, lining both sides. He halted outside a door, his palm cupped around the handle. “This is highly unusual.” He cleared his throat. “Your father knows nothing of this…”

  Suddenly the knob turned and the door flew open into what looked like a small welcoming area.

  Sebastian stood there, grinning. “Why, if it isn’t my princess.”

  Sophia’s heart jolted and she rushed to him, flinging her arms around his neck. “Sebastian, you’re here.”

  He scooped her up in his arms and swung her around, kissing her cheek and then her neck.

  She shivered and closed her eyes. “I wished for you to be here.”

  “I missed you.” His lips grazed her jaw. “I couldn’t stay away any longer. And I hated the thought of you being here all by yourself to face whatever the press would say. And this is for the children…” He hugged her tight. “Let me just hold you.”

  “Good idea.” She giggled, snuggling closer, rubbing her cheek against the slight bristle of his short beard. His heartbeat picked up even more and she welcomed being enveloped in his warm, strong arms. Sophia clamped her eyes shut against a well of tears. “You’re real. I’m not dreaming this.”

  Sebastian chuckled.

  The rumbling sent shivers through her. She welcomed the flare of desire that followed. Soon they would be together as husband and wife.

  “What is going on in here? Sophia, you disappeared!”

  Her father’s booming voice coming from the doorway caused Sophia to jump and let out a squeak. Thankfully, Sebastian gently put her down so her feet touched the floor again—or did they? Because she felt as if she floated on air. She turned with Sebastian still holding on to her.

  “Father.” Another squeak. “Sebastian surprised me—”

  “It’s my fault, sir. It’s been days since I’ve seen your daughter.”

  “Of course you’re to blame. She hasn’t been the same since she met you.” He sighed, but there was an unsettled tension about him. “Hopefully, you won’t be so bothersome once the wedding is over and you’re back in your country.”

  “With Sophia.” The challenge pulsed in the air.

  “Bothersome?” Sophia focused on that one word. “How could you say such a thing, Papa?”

  “He doesn’t follow the rules. My rules.”

  Sophia stiffened. Sebastian’s large, warm hands settled on her upper arms in comfort. But she couldn’t be soothed right now. She recalled Dr. Langston’s study and a series of articles of his she’d read months ago and realized a few jolting truths.

  “Papa, it’s not Sebastian you’re upset with. It’s me. I am not your dutiful daughter any longer. It’s easier to redirect this to him, because it’s so difficult to admit I’m changing and growing and becoming me.” Her chin quivered as pain stabbed her through her chest. “You don’t like this me. I’m not your perfect princess. I tried. So hard at times. I never really was, but I never told you.”

  She watched in agony as her father waved a hand in dismissal. “This is unacceptable behavior, Sophia. We shall return to the party. He may join us. Tomorrow, we will once again go over your approved duties as my only heir to the throne.” He turned abruptly.

  Of course, he would dictate what those were and she would listen in regal acceptance, even if she hated them. “But, Papa, what if I don’t agree?” She waited. Her breath stayed trapped in her burning lungs. She’d never challenged him before—not like this, not to his face.

  He looked over his shoulder. “Then I do not agree to this union. No wedding. Not to him.”

  Chapter 8

  “Why won’t you let me apologize?” Sebastian paced the small, cramped parlor, hands fisted. He’d tried to convince her for hours now since leaving the party at her insistence without returning. However, she was right; he shouldn’t face the king when Sebastian was this angry at the man. How could a father do that to his own daughter?

  Sophia dropped her head in her hands again as she sat on the little ottoman, still beautiful in her gown and tiara. “He’s unreasonable. Demanding. He might even throw you out.”

  Sebastian clamped his jaw tighter and then willed himself to relax. The closer they came to the wedding, the more difficult her father acted. Why, Sebastian had received a half dozen visits from the king’s personal attorneys in the last month—all presenting new paperwork for him to sign in order to protect Sophia and her children’s interest in her fortune and her kingdom.

  He’d signed away rights to everything of hers. He didn’t want land or monetary rewards. He only wanted Sophia as his wife. Yet, nothing, no concession pleased the king.

  The property issue was a ruse. The reason behind the increasing pressure became crystal-clear.

  Blowing out a heavy breath, Sebastian turned to her fully. His heart ached as he practically ribbed the words from his throat. “You are all he has.”

  She jerked her head up, her pale face a study in tortured disbelief. “He…doesn’t want to let go.”

  “His only child. His legacy.”

  “I deserve a life. My life. With you.”

  “And tear yourself apart every time he guilts you into not doing enough for your country?” Sebastian knew the price she’d have to pay—half here and half with him in his country.

  The toll weighed on her. He could see it in her eyes, the underlying layer of sadness peeking out and extending a little more each time.

  It had taken the full-on effect of the king’s wrath—in fierce, controlled words—to feel the wounds the man unintentionally inflicted on Sophia. It had been going on for years in subtle ways and little nuances, some only now she realized had undermined her.

  Their engagement had set off an entirely new and desperate hold to preserve the king’s only family, his last chance at fulfilling a pure destiny for his heirs. The terrible loss of his wife only added to that…

  How could Sebastian stand by and watch Sophia’s agony over and over again? He had become an unwilling partner in tearing her apart bit by bit, dividing her in two. She deserved better than anything he could provide, material or otherwise.

  She needed more than he could ever offer her with a marriage to someone from a different land and beneath her station. She deserved the freedom to govern and rule her country as she saw fit
—a new way, a better way—when she accepted the crown and ascended to the throne.

  Ripples of sheer pain slashed through his chest. “I can’t do this to you…”

  “No!”

  “But I must. I can never be enough. Not for him. And in turn, not for you. You, my love,” he choked on the endearment, “will suffer the most. I couldn’t live like that, knowing I took you from what is rightfully your place. Your land. As the sole heir, you have a duty. I understand what he longs for now…”

  “Sebastian, you can’t.”

  “I have to.”

  She rose and rushed to him.

  When she went to touch him, he pulled away. Another dagger of pain ripped behind his ribcage. “My country. I owe my people my loyalty. I can’t give it up for them or for me. I made a promise I would right all the wrongs they had to endure because of my family.”

  “Our pledge. On your land. What about that?”

  “It was a dream I once had for us.”

  Slowly, he watched the plea in her beautiful brown-eyed gaze die. He swore his heart did, too, as he walked away and out the door…

  Sophia ached to her bones, the loss of Sebastian carved in her so deep.

  She ignored her father’s repeated requests through his fussbudget secretary to discuss the situation. She didn’t want to see him or anyone else, for that matter.

  The palace grew quieter; hushed whispers and barely there footsteps whisked through the long, tall halls. Her staff dwindled down from seven to two at her insistence. Her driver remained and one assistant to help with her charity appointments.

  She rarely slept a night through. She ate—barely tasting food—alone and walked through the gorgeous flower gardens and spent every morning on a cliff overlooking her beloved sea, watching and listening to the gentle waves crashing on the rocks. The hypnotic rhythm didn’t wash away the pain, but it did steady her.