Shy Queen In The Royal Spotlight (Once Upon a Temptation, Book 3) by Natalie Anderson

Author:Natalie Anderson [Anderson, Natalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mills & Boon Modern
Published: 2020-05-28T13:48:39+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

HESTER SWAYED GENTLY as the glass carriage carried her along the castle route with its cobblestones and beautiful flower-strewn path to her waiting prince. The fine lace veil covering her face softened her focus so the vast crowds waving and watching blurred, but they were all there hoping to catch a glimpse of her—Prince Alek’s mysterious bride.

She’d slept surprisingly well in the large wooden castle. Fiorella had arrived there too late in the evening for them to catch up and then Billie and her team had arrived first thing, along with an army of dressmakers. So she’d had no chance to talk to Fiorella—they were both too busy being beautified for the wedding. This was good because when she’d first spotted her soon-to-be sister-in-law, she’d veered dangerously close to hugging her. And Hester didn’t hug anyone.

Before getting ready this morning she’d read only a few of the news stories about her that had been printed over the last few days. They’d not had that much time to dig up too much drama, but there was enough to make her shiver. But, worse, the real truth was there—some whispered of Alek’s requirement to marry. That he’d picked someone biddable and shy and inoffensive. ‘The bland bride’, some bitchy bloggers had labelled her.

The romantics on the other side, however, wanted to believe the fairy tale and drowned out that truth with the fantasy. Their outing to the hospital had silenced many doubters and the body-language experts had had a field day. Apparently their light touch and laughing smiles showed ‘intimacy and genuine love’ between them.

And her moment with that distressed boy had somehow been leaked—still images taken by a long-range lens through a window while one of the teachers had spoken on condition of anonymity and talked of her natural affinity with the children...while Alek was apparently smitten and protective. Hester had put the tablet down, unwilling to read any more.

‘We’re almost there. Deep breath, Hester.’ Fiorella smiled. ‘This is going to be amazing.’

Contrarily Fiorella’s soft reassurance sharpened Hester’s nerves. Too late she realised the princess had been abnormally quiet all morning. Was she worried—or pre-occupied? ‘Are you okay Fiorella?’

‘Okay?’ The princess’s deep brown eyes widened and curiously a rush of colour swept into her cheeks. ‘You mean about the wedding?’

What else would she have meant? Fiorella’s gaze dipped but before Hester could ask more, the carriage slowed and then stopped.

‘You’re the best person in the world for Alek,’ Fiorella whispered quickly before a footman appeared at the door.

Hester was glad of the veil—it gave her soft focus too. She could literally hide behind it.

She climbed the stone steps slowly as instructed, though mainly it was because the silk train of her dress was heavy. Then she saw Alek waiting at the end of the long aisle and was unable to tear her gaze from him. Every step drew her closer to him and revealed more detail of his appearance. He wore full royal regalia—gleaming gold trim, military medals and that scarlet sash of power across his chest and, yes, even one feather.

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