“I’m not afraid of you, Lathan.” The crowd is really shocked now that she used his name directly. “I have the power to ruin your life. Again.”
“Oh, poor delusional Gemma. You have no power here. With one word, I can have you arrested. I could ruin you in this moment if I wish to. The only reason I haven’t thus far, is because I love your brother and your parents too much to publicly humiliate you.”
“You have nothing on me.” If venom had a sound, it would be Gemma’s voice right now. “Nothing.”
“Are you sure about that? Absolutely sure, Gemma? Every important person in Havendon is here just beyond that door, wondering what is happening right now. Is this interaction how you wish to be seen?”
“I don’t care! Those people don’t matter to me. They’re just a bunch of peasants.”
More gasps around me.
“Gemma,” Tristan tries again. “Please.”
It’s silent for a few minutes, and Fallyn leans close to me. “What do you think is happening?”
“No idea. I wish we were in there.”
Gemma’s voice breaks the silence. “I will not stand back and let her take my rightful place.” As Gemma speaks, every word is slow and methodical. “She will not be accepted here. She is not one of us.”
“Gemma!” Tristan exclaims. “Stop this.”
“No! You don’t care.” We hear the sound of breaking glass. “You helped him avoid me all these years.”
Lathan’s voice, sounding very aggravated, cuts through. “I will not continue to have this conversation. You know why, Gemma, you know. Do not make me tell you now, because I’m thirty seconds away from doing just that, and if I do, I will make it public.”
“I don’t care, but if I go down, I’m taking you with me.”
“How can you? You’ve already done your damage.”
Gemma screams in obvious frustration, filling the room, as people whisper and glance at each other. Someone behind us says, “She’s gone mad.” Tristan’s parents push their way through the crowd and enter the room, quickly shutting the door behind them.
“Is it because of what I did?” Gemma asks. “Lathan? Is it because of the pictures?”
“Pictures?” I whisper.
Ophelia nods. “Oh dear.”
“What pictures?”
“It must be the scandal she refers to. Do you know of it?”
I nod. “I do.”
“Wait,” Gemma pleads, now clearly sobbing. “Just tell me why you never gave me a chance?”
“I will tell you now, but I will never speak of it again,” Lathan says with a steely tone. “I will never speak to you again after this night, so listen to me well, Gemma. What I know, and you know, and all our closest friends and family know, is that you, Gemma, have been fixated on me since we were just children. While many may think my lack of interest confusing, given your considerable, albeit artificial, beauty, I must explain, since you’ve pushed, that the first time you were alone with me set the tone for our interactions when you told me, and I quote, ‘I deserve to be a princess so one day I will marry you and be one’.”
As the crowd pauses their activities, all gathered facing the closed ballroom doors, they respond to the comments with a mixture of laughter and gasping.
“While cute at the tender age of ten when you first shared this information with me, not as much as you aged and never swayed from your obsession. I did not give you a chance, Gemma, because you did not give me one. You saw me as a means to your end, not as a person.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she says, plainly.
“What other meaning could you have possibly had?”
“We’re meant to be together,” she says, her voice sounding more desperate. “We’re from the same cloth. Don’t you see that?”
“No, Gemma, I do not. If I were a poor man with no title, would you be so dedicated to obtaining my affection? I think not.”
“But—”
“You’ve been nothing in my life but a constant source of irritation. Especially four years ago. You know what you did to me.”
“It was your fault.”
“Yes, it was my fault for being irresponsible, and my fault for trusting people I do not know, but I take no further blame. That lies at your feet.”
“The scandal?” I whisper to Ophelia. “She was part of it?”
“I do not know. This is all new information for me.”
Lathan continues. “I took the brunt of the fallout, because frankly, we love your family so much, we didn’t want your parents to know what you’re really like.”
“Shut up!” Gemma screams, causing the crowd to gasp again.
“I will not. You wanted me to speak, so I speak.” He’s silent for a brief moment. “Your parents watch us now, wondering what secret we share. Shall I tell them or will you?”
“Stop it, Lathan.”
Tristan’s voice comes through. “Tell them, my friend. We have stayed silent too long. They should know.”
“Gemma,” her father says. “What is this about? What have you done? Lathan, please tell us.”
“The lengths that you went to,” Lathan says, softly, “to ruin my life far exceeded my imagination. I protected you, at the sacrifice of myself, because of your family. Now, you stand here with no regard to their dignity. Admit what you did, Gemma. Do not make me do it.”
We listen to silence again for a moment, before her father’s voice comes through. “Gemma?”
“I tried…” Gemma begins slowly. “I tried to make him marry me.”
Ophelia’s eyes open wide.
“How?” her father asks.
“I bribed his security detail to get information on him that I could use. When he went to Ibiza...” her voice trails off.
“Oh my god,” her mother says. “No, Gemma. You didn’t. You’re not the one that released the photos?”
“She is, Mother,” Tristan says. “She’s behind it all.”
The crowd around me responds with boos and moans.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” her father asks. “Either of you?”
“I could not look you in the face,” Lathan says, “And tell you what your daughter was willing to do to hurt me, and I couldn’t let Tristan do it.”
“Is that why you left for America?” her father asks.
“It is. I am sorry you had to learn this today.”
“I cannot believe this,” her mother says.
As we all stand listening, I feel someone pat my shoulder. When I look back, people are smiling sympathetically at me. I smile before turning back to the shut doors.
“I didn’t think that you would or could stoop to such a level, but I was clearly wrong,” Lathan states. “What you didn’t understand about me, Gemma, is that I love this country so much I would rather risk my own reputation and dignity than marry a woman who does not deserve to wear Havendon’s crown. I chose to be shamed for my indiscretions, face my father’s anger, and disappoint the people before I would be forced into a relationship with a woman I do not love, and who does not love me. You wounded me that day, not because you exposed what I did in my private time, but because you hurt my father, my mother, and this country. Today you hurt your parents. I have not forgiven you, nor will I ever. And now you stand here, trying to ruin the night of a woman you’ve never met out of spite and jealously. A lovely, beautiful woman who has given up a full and vibrant life in America for me. She knows what her responsibilities will be as my wife and she accepts them wholeheartedly. But you know what the best part is, Gemma? Unlike you, and countless other women, she accepted me long before she knew I was a prince. She got to know the man I am, the things I think, the dreams I dream. She loves me for me, and you try to turn the people against her. So Gemma, those are my reasons. You have cast a dark cloud over this joyous occasion: our independence celebration, my engagement news. I pray the people of this country can offer you the forgiveness that I cannot for your attempts to ruin this evening. As for me, I plan to
join my lovely fiancée in the main ballroom and cast this incident out of my mind.”
The doors open, surprising the room of guests who try to disperse when Lathan exits, but as he walks toward me, Gemma rushes past her parents and Tristan, and unfortunately for her, her gown catches on something. She trips and falls forward, dragging the entire food table down with her. As everything crashes down on her covering her in dips, punch, and vegetables, she falls silent, clearly as stunned by the event as the rest of us.
Everyone is silent, a thousand set of eyes shifting between me, Lathan, and Gemma. No one makes a move, so I decide to do something that I hope doesn’t backfire on me.
“I’m going to her.”
“No, Delaney,” Lathan says.
“Please. Trust me.”
He nods, his jaw set firmly. “If you’re sure.”
As I approach Gemma, sitting on the floor, covered in food, her eyes open wide.
“What are you doing?” she questions.
Breathing hard, I extend my hand. “I’m helping you stand up.”
Her brow crinkles. “Why?”
My eyes shift around at all the people watching behind us. “Because, even though you hate me, I do not hate you. Even though you wanted to ruin this night for me, you can’t because…” I pause, making sure my voice is heard. “Because no matter what happens, whatever trials or storms I have to walk through, I know that Lathan is with me. I have his support. I have my best friend, who flew all the way here to be with me tonight. I have his cousin Ophelia who dedicated untold hours of her life helping me adjust to life here. I have Arlan and Tristan who treat me like I’m their little sister. I have the acceptance of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Havendon. I have so much joy in my heart, you can’t ruin it. So, please, take my hand, stand up and hold your head high. Face your parents and the people. Let him go, Gemma. Find someone who loves you for you.”
Gemma eyes me suspiciously, but then, as her eyes take in the crowd, carefully reaches for my hand. I help her to her feet and then to my complete surprise, a slow clap starts, quickly taking hold.
Gemma looks around the room, then back at me. “I don’t understand you.”
“You don’t need to.” I step forward, knowing with all the noise no one can hear. “Let’s just be clear though, Gemma, I’m not afraid of you, and I can and will defend myself.” I smile. “Stay the fuck away from me and Lathan. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” I wink. “Trust me on that.”
She nods slowly, looking around at the support being given to me. “Well played, American girl.”
I look up to find Lathan standing on one side of me and Fallyn on the other. Without saying another word, we walk out together. Once back in the main ballroom, everyone crowds around us, clapping and cheering. Lathan pulls me into his arms, and kisses me, dipping me low.
“You were amazing. How did you know that gesture would win over the crowd?”
“Someone had to be the bigger person. She’s already covered in cheese dip, so I took a chance.”
“Tomorrow it will be all over the news.”
“Yeah, it sucks that her display overshadowed our announcement.”
“Not really. The palace will release our photos. It’ll be fine, and frankly, Gemma finally got her comeuppance.”
“Let’s hope she stays quiet. I basically threatened her.”
“Did you?”
“I told her I could defend myself and she has no idea what I’m capable of.”
“Ah,” he grins. “Your Boston was showing?”
“Hell, yeah. She’s lucky people were watching or I would’ve knocked her fucking teeth out.”
“I do love it when you talk that way. It turns me on.”
“Save it for later, Your Highness. I’ve got some pent up aggression.”
He nuzzles my neck causing me to laugh. “I cannot wait.”
“Aren’t you supposed to avoid public displays of affection?”
“You think I give a damn after everything that happened tonight?”
“I guess not.”
“No.”
“Will you tell me later the details of what Gemma did?”
“No, we’ve spent enough time on her tonight, but I will tell you tomorrow. Forgive me for withholding it. I simply didn’t want to think about it.”
“I get it.”
“Now, enough of all this. Let’s dance and drink and kiss and eat and stay awake until the sun comes up.”
As our friends join us, I smile up at him. “That sounds like a perfect night to me.”
Hours later, as we near midnight, we gather outside on the balcony, waiting for the fireworks display to begin. I look behind me to see the King and Queen join us. He taps Lathan’s shoulder whispering, and I’m sure it’s about Gemma’s earlier nonsense.
Lathan leans forward. “I’ll be right back, my love. I have to update my father.”
“I’ll be here.”
As he leaves, the Queen moves next to me. “Are you alright, dear?” she asks.
“Yes, ma’am. Perfectly fine. I hope I handled it okay.”
“From what I heard, you carried yourself quite well.”
“Good. What happens now?”
“Gemma will be sent away for a while to get the help she needs.”
“Help?” I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
The Queen smiles. “Help for her obvious mental health instability.”
“People think she’s unstable?”
The Queen glances around for a moment, then leans close. “No, but in this way, her family can restore their name and garner some sympathy for their daughter’s behavior. She’ll be away for a long time.”
I nod, remembering the story of the deserted island Lathan told me about. “Where will they send her?”
“Don’t worry about these things, dear. She’ll be fine, but more importantly, she’ll be far away from you and my son.” Her smile dissipates. “She will not be forgiven by the royal family for her actions tonight. She will not be received well. It is best if she settles in somewhere else where she has a chance to enjoy life. You understand?”
“I think so.”
“Lathan can explain more to you later.” She smiles again. “For now, let’s enjoy the party.”
I nod, turning around, but then a moment later, I feel Lathan’s arms slide around my waist, then he kisses the top of my head.
“Did you miss me?” he whispers.
“Always when we aren’t together. Is everything alright?”
“Very much so. Perfect, in fact.”
“Will you tell me about it?”
He twists me around so that I’m facing him. “I will tell you everything about my life from now on.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
As the first set of fireworks are launched, Lathan kisses me, surrounded by our friends and family.
“I love you, my darling, and just a few hours from now, I plan to show you exactly how much.”
“I can’t wait.”
Back in Delaney’s bedroom, after an incredible night, evil woman drama aside, I sit on the edge of the bed with Delaney before me. I hold her hands in mine, softly swinging her arms back and forth.
“How may I serve you tonight, my prince?”
“As you please, my darling.”
She nods then surprising me, kneels before me. “Will you remove my tiara and help me take down my hair?”
“I will.”
Gently, I unhook the tiara and set it on the nightstand, and I find the various clips holding her hair in place and remove them, watching as her hair slowly falls in waves around her beautiful face. All the while, she looks up at me with her big brown eyes.
“You are beyond,” I whisper. “Somehow, you become more beautiful every day, a feat I cannot understand since you started out at the highest level.”
She smiles. “You know I like romantic Lathan, but I was hoping for naughty Lathan tonight.”
“Is that so
?” I ask. She nods. “What would you like naughty Lathan to do?”
“He doesn’t need my direction. He already knows how to make me scream.”
I lean closer to her, our lips nearly touching, but not quite. “I do, indeed. All day, I’ve craved the sweet taste you keep between your supple legs.”
She tilts her head. “I don’t know what sweet taste you speak of.”
I laugh softly, brushing my fingers under her chin. “My darling, you must know you possess the sweetest pussy. I am an addict, and I’ve gone far too long without a taste. If it was not completely obscene, I would build it a shrine in the public garden.”
She laughs softly. “Now that would be interesting.”
“I must have a taste.”
“What else will you do to me tonight?”
“I will suffocate myself in your flesh. I will pull and bite that delectable piercing to the point where you beg me to stop.”
“I will not beg you. I will let you do as you please.”
“You will, won’t you?”
She nods. “I am at your service.” She twists just slightly, lifting her hair off her back. “If you will help me from my gown, I will show you just how much I wish to be your pleasure.”
I begin to untie her corset, kissing her exposed flesh as I do. “What will you do first?”
“Suck your amazing cock. I love the sound when your Prince Albert hits my teeth.”
I grin. “It’s not a Prince Albert, my love. It’s actually called a frenum piercing.”
“Oh.” She grins. “Well, whatever the fuck it’s called, I want it in my mouth.”
“I would like that as well.”
After I get the rest of the dress untied, she stands and lets it fall to the ground, revealing the white lace bustier, panties, and thigh high stockings she wears.
“Fuck,” I whisper. “More beautiful items of yours I will ruin.”
“How will you ruin it?”
Reaching around her waist, I pull her into me then kiss her hard, tearing into her stockings with my hand. She sighs against my mouth, pressing into me, as I pull at her bustier, releasing her incredible tits. As I suck on them, she buries her fingers in my hair, climbing onto my lap, and reaching between us to rub my rock hard dick. I fall back on the bed and Delaney twists around, straddles my face then quickly unzips my pants, freeing my erection. She begins to suck as I yank the material of her panties to the side, finally getting a taste of my obsession. She always tastes so good. It only takes a few minutes for me to coax her orgasm from her, but I won’t stop. True to my word, I gently tug on the tiny hoop that decorates her clit, delighting in the moans exiting her lips while her mouth is shoved full of my cock. She doesn’t know yet, but it is my goal that before morning, we will soak these sheets with our lovemaking. After her second climax, I push her over, climbing on top of her, and gazing into her eyes.
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