Chapter 15 #2
"Neither do I," she acknowledged grimly. "I'm not his type and I won't be offended if you say it. I tried convincing him of it, but he refuses to listen. We're getting married." She heaved a sigh.
"I'm in love with him. Completely. I tried to stop it from happening." She shook her head and pushed her cup away. "I'm not asking to retain your friendship, but I hope we can still be friends."
He shook his head, his expression dazed. "You're going to be a princess. A very rich and powerful woman. Your husband has never been my friend, which of course is natural, because we're from different worlds. And not to mention you'll be my employer. It would not be appropriate."
"Luther..."
"I had designs on you." He stared at her accusingly. "And the prince knows that. We... we went out with each other. What if he decides to terminate my contract because of it? What will I do?"
"Luther!" she hissed. "Get a hold of yourself."
Passing a hand over his face, he nodded. "You're right. I'm in shock. Of course, his mother and certainly you would never allow that to happen."
"You're right about that." She rose. "I hope you'll be at the wedding."
"Of course." He rose as well and started to take her hand, drawing back as if remembering that she was off limits. "I wish you all the best."
***************
She did not have time to reflect on the friendship she had lost, because as soon as she got back to the palace, she was caught up in the backlash.
"Oh my dear!" Sofia gestured her into her office. "I've been trying to call to warn you."
"I'm sorry, my phone died..."
"I'm afraid the news is out. We have reporters calling all the lines." She gestured for Antoinette to take some of the messages. "The press secretary is coming up with a release, but this is, for those bloody reporters, something of an anomaly. Ah, here is your fiancé."
Before Antoinette could turn, he caught her around the waist and kissed the back of her neck.
"I'm aware of what's going on," he said. "We need to make a statement."
"Gloria is already doing that. I would like you to come together to see what you want to say.
" Queen Sofia beamed at the couple, before her expression sobered.
"I'm afraid we won't be able to control the narrative that much.
You're an African-American woman, and in the history of this family there's never been a case of a prince marrying one before. "
"Not to mention I'm not exactly a size zero, as well as the fact that I work for you," Antoinette added dryly.
The woman nodded, not in the least bit fazed. "Precisely." She started issuing instructions to her son as well. "Go away, darling, liaise with Gloria, and Antoinette and I have some things to iron out."
Turning Antoinette to face him, he tipped her chin up and kissed her lightly. "I will see you later."
*****************
She received a call from Ionie two days later.
"I had to hear it from some reporter who wanted my comment. Not to mention that sleaze bag you were engaged to came around here asking for your new number. Honey, you're marrying the prince. How on earth did that happen?"
"I sent you an official invitation and an explanation letter," Antoinette told her with a laugh.
"By special delivery. Brian sent me a very detailed email, asking for my forgiveness and begging for my understanding.
He also asked if it was true that I was marrying the prince or if it was just a rumor.
" She scribbled a response and sent the recently hired assistant on her way.
She was no longer allowed to go about town doing errands.
Naturally, that was simply not done. She was engaged to the prince now and was as good as part of the family. Certain things were no longer allowed.
Antoinette had a moment to reflect on how tedious it all was, and how difficult it must have been for women, including Queen Sofia, who had endured a loveless union.
She was marrying for love (because there was no way on God's green earth she would have ever endured the pressure if that wasn't the case!).
She was marrying for love, and the protocols and do's and don'ts were exhausting.
"My dear, even if I had not been sent an invitation, I would have been there. This is a modern-day fairytale. And I was pleased to confirm to that faithless bastard that you and that gorgeous prince are very much in love."
"Which happens to be true."
"I am so happy for you, honey. Keep me posted."
*********************
A royal wedding...
"For those of us who have always been fascinated over how the other half lives, or should we say the chosen few, we have spent our spare times avidly and voraciously devouring every word, every action of the people whose lives are so much different from us.
Every now and again, there comes a story that is so fascinating, it makes one wonder if they have stepped into the pages of a storybook.
The royals have always been a fascinating topic of discussion and have inspired hundreds if not thousands of made-for-TV movies over the centuries.
Princess Diana's wedding, her life and even her affairs fascinated us.
We mourned her tragic passing for years and grieved with the family.
Then her son stepped out of what we would call the normal way of doing things for a royalty. He married a biracial American actress!
Prince Francesco of Italy did the unprecedented, as did Prince Alexander of Spain.
Now another first: Former playboy Prince Tomas of the tiny principality of Perez Paraiso has taken not only an American as his bride, but a plus-sized black woman, something that has never happened in a family that has been around for thousands of years!
She recently migrated to the country to take up a position as admin assistant to the queen.
The wedding is being televised all over the world for millions to watch, and this reporter has the privilege of standing in the lofty cathedral to give a firsthand look at the wedding.
The chapel, with its lofty towers and stained glass windows, paneled wood, and gleaming floors, is the same chapel where Queen Sofia said her vows to King Eduardo so many years ago.
The church, packed to capacity and adorned with thousands of flowers by several different entities, has guests from all over the world attending the ceremony.
And yes, people, Prince Francesco and his American bride, as well as Prince Alexander and his American bride, are included.
Not to mention that several members of the Elite Club, along with their brides, are included on the carefully vetted guest list.
The bride, who has no family in the US, has touchingly and endearingly gravitated from the normal way of doing things by using children from the local children's home, part of what's going to be her pet project as she takes on the role of princess.
Antoinette Elaine Carter is using these children as her attendants.
It's rumored that she provided the funds to dress them in the finery they are wearing for the prestigious occasion.
And now the moment has arrived. The heartbreakingly gorgeous Prince Tomas in his full ceremonial outfit stands eagerly waiting for the arrival of his bride. After a few hushed moments, the priest instructed the guests to stand, indicating that the bride was about to enter the chapel.
This reporter, as well as many others, had been trying to get a glimpse or a hint of who had been commissioned to do the wedding dress without success. The bride wanted it kept close to her chest.
Ah! Now it's the moment of the big reveal, and ladies and gentlemen, the bride, looking incredibly lovely in her gorgeous, appliquéd, hand-stitched satin and lace, champagne-colored gown, is making her way down the aisle towards her groom.
The dress was designed by Elena Garcia of The House of Romano of Spain and suited the plus-sized bride to perfection.
Her glorious mane of hair, which this reporter has on good authority is a constant fascination to the prince, has been left flowing freely over her shoulders, partially concealed by the delicate veil, which is an heirloom and has been passed down to the Perez brides over the years.
And here is the moment we have been waiting for!
As you can see and also hear, the groom, clearly impatient to take the hand of his bride and start their incredible journey together, has left the aisle to meet her.
What a poignantly beautiful and touching moment.
For all the skeptics who did not believe in love in all sorts and shapes, the evidence is here.
The groom is totally smitten and so is the lovely soon-to-be princess.
What a moment! The vows are being repeated in both Spanish and English, no doubt as a bow to a tradition that had been added several years ago, and the words are lovely.
The bride is understandably very fluent in Spanish, which will of course help her to navigate her new life as Princess Antoinette.
Now the couple are exchanging rings, and people, I have to tell you that the rings are exquisite. A cheer went up, slicing through the hushed air, when the groom took his bride into his arms and gave her a thorough kiss.
Now ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom will be going off on their honeymoon in an undisclosed location. Considering that the Perez family owns real estate in several countries, it's all up in the air as to where the newlyweds will be spending their honeymoon.
The couple have signed the marriage certificate and are now leaving the chapel.
Cheers have erupted again, continuing even in the wake of the couple's retreat.
The reception will be held at the palace, but before that, there will be a parade where people will be lining the streets to get the chance to wave to their new princess! "