Chapter Twenty-eight #3
“Is not happening,” I interrupted. “No political alliance is worth two people being miserable for their entire lives.” I reached a hand out and hooked it on Cian’s arm.
“You should have told me about Maeve.” I thought about the times we’d been physical.
It had felt like conquering because Cian had been trying to defeat his grief over losing Maeve.
A sense of duty—ingrained in us at such early ages—had us submitting ourselves to things no rational person ever would.
“I shouldn’t have been the way I was with you,” Cian said. “You didn’t do anything to deserve the way I treated you. You lost Maeve too. We could have consoled each other. You ran away from your home, from who you are, because of me, and I’m sorry.”
I gave his arm a squeeze, not necessarily forgiving him, but understanding his attitude and behavior a bit better now.
I then turned to face the assembled crowd.
“You should all head to the palace for a grand party,” I said.
“One that does not celebrate a marriage or political alliances, but one that champions the . . .” I looked at Beckett. “The truth.”
At first, no one moved, then Orla clapped several times. “You heard Princess Aislinn! Let’s go party!” She grabbed Fionn and tugged him into the center aisle, stopping in front of Beckett and looking him over from head to toe. “The princess was right. You’re very handsome.”
She winked at him while Fionn patted him on the back then the two of them led a procession of guests out of the cathedral.
When only my parents, Cian, Cian’s father, Beckett, a handful of guards and ladies in waiting, and I remained, Cian’s father approached.
“I believe we can still have that alliance, Your Majesty,” he said to my father. “If you’re willing to renegotiate in a way that doesn’t use our children as if they’re chess pieces.”
My father stepped around Cian and me, slid an arm around Cian’s father’s shoulders and the two of them strode down the center aisle of the cathedral, looking more than ready to orchestrate a new deal between them.
My mother dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief one of the ladies had handed her.
“I have never been prouder than I am right now.” She drew me into a hug, shocking me at the emotional display.
“You did what I never could, Aislinn. You stood up for what you believe in. For yourself. You’ve set us all on a new path and I’m excited to see what comes of it.
” She pressed a kiss to my cheek and followed my father and Cian’s father out of the cathedral.
Cian motioned to the guards. “You’re free to go. No one needs arresting here today.”
The guards nodded at Cian and bowed to me then left with my ladies who I also dismissed.
Cian looked at Beckett then at me. “This American actually traveled to Verdalach to find you, Your Highness. Whatever questions he has deserve answers.” He removed the sash with Verdalach’s crest on it and draped it over the first pew as he left us.
Then it was just Beckett and me.
“I have a billion questions,” Beckett began as he stepped up to stand directly in front of me, “but the most important one is do you love me?”
“More than anything.”
“Well, then, let’s kiss first and answer other questions later.
” He grabbed my wrist and tugged me up against him.
The moment his lips fused with mine it was as if I’d been dead since I’d arrived back in Verdalach and Beckett was the only thing that could shock me back to life.
Every part of me warmed, every part of me thrummed with desire, every part of me wanted every part of this man.
We kissed for long, luxurious moments, reweaving that soulmate connection between us, bonding us in a way that no earthly means could ever sever.
I had many things to tell Beckett about who I was and why I pretended to be someone else.
I had so much to apologize for, but this kiss right here told me a happily ever after for us was possible.
“I wished for you, Sadie Rodgers or Princess Aislinn or whatever your name is,” Beckett whispered when the kiss ended. “And we’re saving this wish. Rescuing it . . . so it can be a wish that came true.”
I nodded, too choked up over his words for speaking.
“But first, we have to get you back to Vermont so you can verify that Jimmy Slater didn’t kill you.”
“What?”
“I’ll explain on the way.” He wrapped his hand around mine and pulled me into a walk down the center aisle of the cathedral.
“And while you look like a fairytale princess in this dress, you probably don’t want to be on a boat or an airplane in all that.
” He circled a hand to indicate the elaborate dress and crown.
“You’ll definitely turn the heads of the other passengers. ”
“Oh, we don’t have to travel with other passengers,” I said as we stepped outside. “Perk of being a princess is a private boat and plane.”
“Sweet.” Beckett pumped a fist in the air. “I should fall in love with princesses more often.”
I tugged him to a stop and waited until he faced me. “I think you’ll find one princess is enough to handle.”
He grinned. “I think I’ve already realized that.” He brushed a quick kiss to my lips. “But I have a feeling it will all be worth it.”
I did too.