by Ashlee Price
"Don't you... love me, Jess?" Steff asks me.
My lips quiver.
I remember what Lisbeth told me-to not come back home without telling Steff I love him. And yet I find myself hesitating.
After all, even if I say it, it won't change a thing. Even if I say it, it won't be enough.
"Don't you remember, Steff?" I tell him in a shaky voice. "I'm not fit to be a princess."
His blue eyes grow wide.
"I'm sure your parents will..."
Steff stands up. I swallow as I see the serious expression on his face.
"If my parents approve, you'll be my princess?" he asks me.
I turn away from his burning gaze. "I guess."
"Then I'll go talk to them. And I won't come back until they approve."
He turns on his heel and walks out the door.
Chapter 36
Steff
As soon as I get out of Jess's room, I see Danni waiting for me.
I frown. "You changed the note, didn't you?"
Her eyebrows arch.
"You think she's not fit to be a princess, do you? You were hoping she'd forget about me?"
"I didn't know she was pregnant," Danni says. "I just..."
I raise my hand to silence her.
"I know your intentions were good, but you were wrong this time, Danni. Anyone who thinks Jess doesn't belong with me is wrong. Even if that's what the whole kingdom thinks, they're wrong. I'll prove them all wrong."
I walk off.
"Where are you going?" Danni shouts after me.
I square my shoulders and lift my chin. "I'm starting with the King and Queen."
~
"You wish us to sanction your... relationship with this American woman?" my father asks.
The Royal Council and the rows of nobles on either side of me turn into a sea of murmurs.
I draw a deep breath. "Yes, Majesties."
"Preposterous!" The King's fist thuds on the arm of his throne. "Have you forgotten who you are, Steffan Alezzander Aldnoah?"
"With all due respect, I am well aware of who I am," I answer with my head held high.
Then I turn to the crowd.
"I am also well aware of my past actions, but allow me to tell you that in these past few weeks that I was not here and these past few days that I have been here, I've become even more aware of what is required of me as a prince, and of the kind of prince that I want to be."
The crowd grows silent.
I turn back to the thrones.
"I want to be a good prince, but I've realized that in order to do that, I must first become a good man. And a good man is someone who does not judge based on appearances. A good man is someone who is not afraid to do what is good even when no one is looking, to do what is right even when it earns the displeasure of others. He does not become what other people tell him to be but finds himself and believes in himself. Most of all, a good man is a man who, when he loves, gives his all and expects nothing in return, and does so until his death."
My father says nothing.
I wish to be a good man, so allow me to be," I continue. "And then I promise I will become a good prince, a prince who does not oppress but liberates because he himself feels free."
Still nothing.
I draw another deep breath.
"Grant me this and I will never ask for anything more ever again."
My father sits back. "You want this woman that much?"
"Her name is Jessica Campbell. Jess," I say. "And I've never wanted a woman more in my life. She knows she is weak, but that is why she tries to be strong. She fiercely protects those she loves. She fights for what is right. She never loses hope. If those are not qualities fit for a princess, I don't know what are."
Again, I hear whispers from the crowd.
"Silence!" my father shouts.
And silence falls.
"And does this woman... does Jess feel the same way for you? How can you be sure she will not turn her back on you and Brelv?"
"I swear I will not."
I turn my head and see Jess entering the Hallowed Hall.
My eyes grow wide.
What is she doing here? How did she...?
Then I glimpse Danni at the doors and the unconscious guard at her feet, and I understand.
Our eyes meet. She bows and beats her hand against her chest. I nod in gratitude.
As always, I can count on you, my faithful attendant.
"What is she doing here?" Lord Galden asks as he stands up. "Only nobles are allowed in this Hallowed Hall."
"This matter concerns her as well," Lord Kester says. "Let her speak."
The Duke glances at my father, who says nothing, then at me. I give another nod of gratitude.
"Your Majesties." Jess stops and curtsies. "I may not know much about Brelv, but in the few days I've been here, I've seen it is much like your son-warm and kind and full of passion and life. So I have no doubt I will love it."
She glances at me and I smile.
"So what if I was not born to be a princess? I choose to be one. And I will choose to be one each day for the rest of my life, just as I've chosen to love your son, your Prince..." She turns to the nobles. "And will keep doing so for as long as I live."
My heart bursts with pride and joy. I run to her and hold her hand.
"I never expected you'd come here," I whisper to her.
"I've decided I'm not running away anymore," Jess answers. "Oh, and Danni helped me."
"I know."
I kiss Jess's hand, then clutch it firmly as I meet my father's gaze.
"Your Majesties, we ask that you give us your blessing."
"And I ask that you give me leave to renounce my claim to the throne."
I turn to the side door with my eyes wide and see Viktor in a wheelchair being pushed in by a servant.
The crowd murmurs once more.
I stare at my brother. When did he wake up?
"My brother is a better man and a better prince than I am," Viktor says. "If not for him, I'd be dead. We could all be."
He looks at me and I smile.
I'm truly honored to have such great people supporting me.
"I'm sure that they and their children can lead Brelv into the future," Viktor goes on.
The crowd quiets. For a moment, the King says nothing. Then as he opens his mouth, my mother speaks.
"I see no reason not to grant your request, Prince Steffan, Miss Campbell."
My father looks at her and sighs.
"And after all the recent events here at the Palace, I do believe that a celebration is in order. Perhaps a royal wedding in lieu of the Midsummer Ball?"
My eyebrows arch.
"When is that?" Jess asks me.
"In three days."
"Three days?"
The King stands up. "So be it. In three days hence, Prince Steffan will marry his chosen woman and she will be crowned Princess of Brelv. Their child will be recognized as an heir to this throne."
I kiss Jess's hand once more. My heart races in my chest.
My father looks at me. "I only ask that you remember the words you have uttered this day and be a good man and a good Prince."
I bow. "As you wish, Father."
~
"Did you see that look on Father's face earlier?" Viktor asks me as I wheel him through the gardens.
"When you said you were going to step aside, or when Mother stepped in?"
Viktor chuckles. "Anyway, I think that's the most fun I've had in that room in ages."
He reaches for my hand.
"And I'm truly happy for you. You've always fought for the things you wanted, so I always knew you'd marry only a woman of your choosing. I only hoped she'd be a good one, and I can see that she is. You are lucky."
I nod. "Thank you, brother. You have always been my greatest ally."
"As I will always be."
"I'm sorry I was not here recently, and that..."
Viktor raises a hand.
"
Please, let us not talk of mistakes and failures and sad things. You are getting married. In three days."
He gazes into the distance.
"Brelv will have a Princess once more."
Chapter 37
Jess
"Princess Jess."
I say the words for what feels like the hundredth time as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
No matter how many times I've said them, though, they still don't feel real, just as the reflection in front of me does not seem like me.
The woman in the mirror has the same black hair as me, but the strands have been twisted into a hundred small, intricate braids, all woven into one larger braid. The gown she has on looks like a dream. The lace coats her arms but leaves her shoulders bare, bordering the sweetheart neckline and seamlessly flowing over the satin. Diamonds adorn her neck and ears. Pink blooms in her lips and on her powdered cheeks.
Is that really me?
Am I really getting married? Am I really going to become a princess?
Everything seems unreal.
Unbelievable.
I run my fingers over my necklace as the nerves set in.
What if I can't do this? I said I'd choose to be a princess, but what if that turns out to be a bad choice? What if I can't be a princess after all? What if I fail Steff and all of Brelv?
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," I say, thinking it's another servant.
Instead, my eyes meet blue ones through the mirror.
I turn around. "Steff."
He stares at me with wide eyes, his lips parted in awe.
"What are you doing here?" I ask him. "Should you be here?"
"You're... stunning," he says.
I exhale. "You're not too bad yourself."
In fact, he looks dashing in white and gold, a purple sash hanging from his shoulder just as it did in the parade.
My heart feels like it's about to leap out just looking at him.
"You've even outdone Prince Charming," I add.
"As you've outdone Cinderella," he says with a dazzling smile. "Anyway, I just came to make sure you're alright. I know this is all a bit much."
"It is," I agree. "And I admit I'm nervous."
And yet, seeing him has made all my fears go away, leaving only the excitement.
"But I'll be fine," I assure him as I reach for his gloved hands.
He nods.
Just then, the door opens.
"Brother!" Princess Celia scolds Steff. "Get out! You're not supposed to be here."
"Alright, alright."
Steff raises his hands and leaves.
Celia sighs. "What on earth was he thinking? He just ruined his own wedding. He's supposed to be stunned when he sees you walk down the aisle. Enchanted even. Head over heels in love."
"I think he still will be," I say.
Celia smiles. "Well, are you ready for your wedding, Princess Jess?"
I take a deep breath and smile back.
"Yes. I think I finally am."
~
"Congratulations... again," Lisbeth greets me with a hug after the ceremony.
Then she steps back. "Wait. Was I supposed to do that? Sorry, I've never had a princess for a friend before."
"Shut up," I chastise her. "You can treat me just like you used to. You're my friend, after all."
"Jess told me you're the one who convinced her to come here to Brelv," Steff says.
Lisbeth nods. "Yup."
"Thank you."
Lisbeth shakes her head. "I just had this feeling that you were meant for each other."
I smile at her.
"And I wanted her to make sure the two of you made up so I could meet your friends," she adds. "By the way, you have some gorgeous friends."
"I do believe I do," Steff says.
"I'll go introduce myself to them." Lisbeth walks off.
I grab Steff's arm. "She's having fun."
He turns to me. "Are you?"
I nod.
Well, everything still feels unreal to me, but yes, I am happy.
"Thank you for bringing Lisbeth here, and my family."
I can see Laura talking to Princess Celia and Keith talking to Danni. My mother and father both have proud smiles on their faces.
"Oh, they're not all I brought," Steff says.
I throw him a puzzled look.
He takes off my crown. "I'll hold this for you."
"What?"
"We don't want it falling off, after all."
"Why would it fall off?"
Then a man speaks at the microphone.
"Your Highnesses, lords, ladies and gentlemen, let us now hear a song composed by our very own new Princess."
I gasp. The curtains go up and I see everyone from the band-Kay, Riley, Josh and Alice. I see my guitar as well.
"This is it," Steff tells me. "Your final show. Make it the best."
I kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you."
"Go!"
I pick up my skirts and run towards the stage as fast as I can.
Chapter 38
Steff
"Slow down, Jess."
I grip Jess's shoulders as her head moves back and forth over my quivering cock.
"If you keep doing that, I'll-"
She suddenly takes me in her throat and swallows around me.
A shudder goes through my entire body. A gasp escapes my lips. My nails dig into her shoulders.
"Jess," I warn hoarsely as I try to push her way.
She grips my buttocks firmly, though. Her eyes remain closed as tears glisten in their corners. A trail of saliva trickles down her chin.
She swallows around me again and I feel the swirl of heat in my balls.
Fuck.
My cock spills inside her mouth. Gasps leave my trembling body.
Jess finally pulls away. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.
I lean over her. "Are you alright?"
She gives me a smile.
I narrow my eyes at her. "What was that?"
"A wedding present," Jess answers. "Did you like it?"
Like it? It was so damn good it drove me crazy.
Even so, I'm still hard.
"In that case, let me give you yours," I tell her.
I carry her towards the massive bed and set her down on it. Then I run my hands through her hair as I kiss her lips.
My fingers get caught in the braids.
"It seems your hair still has a mind of its own," I remark.
"Good," Jess says. "Even though I'm a princess now, I'm still a fighter."
"That's what will make you such a good princess."
I kiss her breasts.
"And a good mother."
I plant a reverent kiss on her belly.
Jess lifts her head to look at me and smiles.
"I think you'll be a good father, too."
I settle between Jess's legs and grip her thighs.
"But for now, I think I'll be a little naughty."
I spread her legs and push my cock between them. Jess gasps.
"Tell me if I'm hurting you," I tell her.
She shakes her head. "I'm fine."
I hold my breath as I push in slowly. Once I'm completely inside her, I stop and let it out. I close my eyes and savor the feel of that velvety skin clinging to me.
No, this is not the first time, but each time is still as good as the first.
"Are you going to move, Your Highness?" Jess asks.
I grin. "Right away, Your Highness."
And I start moving my hips. Slowly.
I reach down to tease her nub as well.
Jess lets out a loud gasp. Her hands grip the edges of the pillow behind her head.
I move both my hips and my hand faster. She trembles.
Then her back arches off the bed as she lets out a cry.
Afterwards, I stop to stare at her breathless, satisfied expression. It takes my own breath away.
"D
id you like your present?" I ask her.
Jess nods.
"Good. Here's one I think both of us will enjoy."
I continue moving, faster this time. I keep my eyes on Jess's face for a while before closing my eyes to savor each thrust.
Good. Damn good.
And to think I'll have this for many years to come.
I'll never get tired of it.
I press a kiss to Jess's lips and move even faster. Jess starts moaning and gasping once more. My own breathing becomes ragged.
I can feel the heat swirling in my balls again. The muscles of my stomach coil.
My hips move erratically. My jaw clenches.
Jess trembles again. She cries out as she tightens around me.
I spill myself deep inside her this time, emptying myself of every drop with a series of grunts.
Then I pull out and lie down beside her. I pull her into my arms.
For a moment, she stays still as she catches her breath. Then she looks up at me and smiles.
I kiss the top of her head.
"What are you thinking?"
"That I can't believe I've been having sex with a prince all this time," she says.
I chuckle and touch the tip of her nose.
"And that's all you're going to have sex with for the rest of your life."
Jess grins. "That doesn't sound so bad."
She snuggles against me.
"Looking back now, everything feels so weird. You weren't supposed to be my roommate, but you were. We weren't supposed to be a couple, but we became one. We even had a fake wedding ceremony before we had a real one."
I stroke her cheek.
"And I never intended to fall in love with you, but I did."
Jess looks up and meets my gaze. "And I fell in love with you before I knew it, maybe the first time I swung that guitar at you."
I chuckle. "I remember it well."
I press my lips to hers tenderly, fleetingly. Then I plant a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, Princess Jess."
"Stop calling me that," she says. "Everyone else calls me that. Not you, too. I'll always be your Jess."
"My Jess," I repeat. "I like that."
I take her hand. "And I'll always be your Prince."
Jess smiles.
"Then all that's left to do is live happily ever after."
~The End~
A Note from the Author
Thank you for reading Married to the Royal. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you’re happy with the book, could you please leave a review? Reviews are the lifeblood for indie authors. Reviews allow me to keep writing books for readers like you—smart, savvy and you know a good book when you see it!