Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
Margot
My feet ache in these staggeringly tall high heels.
But that’s what you get when you give your own fabulous designer free reign.
I’m wearing what has to be the biggest, goofiest strapless ball gown ever created, dressed in head to toe pink crinoline.
I looked in the mirror and gasped about how I look like Barbie threw up everywhere…
But when Stellan saw me in this dress, the way his eyes lit up told me I was wrong.
I lift my head, trying to look poised. A thousand faces stare back at me from the ballroom floor, making me want to squirm. I shift my weight onto one foot, prompting Stellan to look down at me.
“What are you doing?” he whispers. “You’re thinking of running away, are you? This whole engagement party was your idea.”
I wrinkle my nose at him. “You’re stuck with me now. Sorry.”
Even though we are on a dais, with probably a thousand people looking right at us, Stellan kisses me on the lips. Several cameras flash and I blush.
There is really no way of getting used to being watched every second that we are in public. At least I have Stellan here to keep me from lunging at reporters who ask me obnoxious questions.
Prime Minister Finley, who is front and center at the podium, clears his throat.
“So I am quite proud to be here at the announcement of the engagement of our own Prince Stellan and his bride-to-be, Margot Keane. After the Prince’s coronation next week, Miss Keane will officially set to marry the king… ”
It’s the hardest thing ever not to look down and hide my face from the cameras that go absolutely mad just now, flashing brightly for a full minute.
I put my hand into Stellan’s and he gives it a squeeze.
Prime Minister Finley drones on for another minute but I don’t hear much of what he has to say.
I’m being tested. And by god, I will pass muster.
“And lastly, I would like to make an announcement that comes straight from Prince Stellan and the future Duchess herself. This gala is open to the public. Everyone is welcome, of every race, sexuality, ability, and economic status. The couple hopes…”
He pauses, frowning ever so briefly. “That everyone will mix, mingle, and find their next charitable cause right here tonight. And toast the happy couple as they…” Finley fights a disdainful look.
“Begin their lives in an act of service, forming a line of people serving hot food to all who come.” Prime Minister Finley looks up, clearing his throat. “Hear hear.”
The audience applauds, some more wildly than others. I look up at my husband-to-be.
“That’s our cue,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows. “Let’s stop by the bathroom on the way downstairs so I can take off these heels, okay?”
His smile is warm. “As you wish, Princess Margot.”
Turning around, I am immediately brought up short by the Queen Mother, Lady Ida. I almost trample her and then step back so fast that Stellan has to catch me to keep my balance.
“Queen Mother!” I blurt. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, ma’am.”
She smiles wanly. “Hello, Margot.” She looks between me and Stellan. “I hope you two are doing well?”
Stellan slides his arm around my waist. “We are, thank you.”
The Queen Mother seems pleased. “Wonderful. Margot, I wanted to borrow you sometime this week to talk about the wedding. There are so many Danish royal traditions to consider. Would you mind if my secretary reached out to…” She pauses, cocking her head.
“Well, whomever is in charge of your schedule.”
My heart thuds against my ribs. “Of course. I would be honored, ma’am.”
She gives me an odd little smile. “You are going to treat Stellan well, won’t you?”
Blushing, I nod. “I will, ma’am.”
She nods back, looking at Stellan.
“Very well. Run along now, the press are probably foaming at the mouth to ask you questions.”
She turns and heads off toward the prime minister. Stellan guides me toward the door, but of course his grandmother was right.
It’s an absolute mob scene. Flashes go off. Questions are hurled at us.
“Margot! Margot!”
“Stellan, when is the wedding?”
“Margot, who are you wearing?”
“Are you two happy to be engaged?”
I close one eye, raising my hand against the bright camera lights. “We’re thrilled.”
A young man steps close to me, thrusting a microphone is my face. “Margot, your letter in Politiken has made you insanely popular with the whole of Denmark. How does it feel to be so universally loved?”
I burst out laughing. “Are you planted by the royal press office?”
He looks a little confused. “No. I’m from the Daily Tribune.”
Stellan steps in. “Alright, alright. Move back a little and give us some space. Margot is unused to being so popular, ja? She is adjusting quite well.”
His answer makes me want to kiss him. Instead I just pull at his hand. “Everyone, could we all start to move downstairs? You can ask your questions while we serve everyone food.”
With a little bit of tussling, we make it down off the dais and into the hallway. A nameless assistant is there to hand me a change of shoes. I slip away from Stellan and push the door of the bathroom open.
There is no one inside, so I hurry into the fancy bathroom. As I sink onto the embroidered, overstuffed ottoman, I let out a sigh.
It’s blissfully silent.
Taking off my heels with a clatter, I rub my feet for a second. “God damned beautiful heels. You are absolute murder on my feet but you look so pretty.”
The bathroom door opens and I look up, a little startled. There is Anna, looking sleek and sophisticated in her knee-length black cocktail dress.
“Ah. There you are, Margot. I was hoping to catch you alone.”
My eyes narrow. “What? Don’t tell me you’ve come to yell at me some more about the newspaper? I don’t know if anyone told you, but I quit two weeks ago.”
Anna cocks her head and gives me the most saccharide smile. “I came to apologize.”
I squint at her. “What?” I look around. “Who made you do that?”
Her smile widens and when she talks, it’s through her teeth. “No one. I just realized… that I was wrong. And I should have been much nicer to you. If I had realized who you were— “
Standing up, I shake my head. “No. No way.”
Her smile goes flat. “I think you should listen, Margot.”
I slip my flats on my feet, picking up my heels. “You shouldn’t treat people the way you treated me, Anna. And you definitely shouldn’t be here apologizing to me now.”
Anna clears her throat. “Yes, I am coming to understand that. I was hoping that we could work together because… you know, I know you…”
I give her a funny look. “And you don’t think Pippa knows me better?”
She looks down at her hands. “Well, I just thought since I am an editor and Pippa is a bottom level journalist, you would want to speak with me.”
I let out a sharp bark of laughter. “Yeah. No thanks. It was… interesting… running into you. I’m due to serve food to whoever wants it.” I pause. “Maybe you should do some shelter work. It teaches you to be humble and kind. That would be my advice to you, take it or leave it.”
Striding out of the room has never felt quite so good. To my surprise, Stellan is standing just beyond, waiting.
When he sees me, his smile lights me up inside.
“Ready?” he asks, offering me his arm.
I surprise him with a kiss. “I really, really love you. Don’t forget that.”
He kisses me, smoothing his hand down my back. “I love you too, skatter. That’s what my ring on your finger symbolizes. It means that I will love you until the end of my days.”
My lips curl up. “Forever?”
He chuckles. “Forever.”
I link hands with him and let him lead me downstairs, toward whatever lies ahead. I know in my heart that I will get through anything as long as he holds my hand.
THE END
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