Page 57 of Expecting Royal Twins!
He glanced down at her.
She stared up at him as if he were the sun, moon and stars rolled into one. He could barely breathe. No one had ever looked at him that way.
It had to be the emotion of the moment. Or her makeup.
Isabel came to this marriage out of duty, the same as him. She already had an escape route planned.
If we can’t figure it out, we can always just live apart.
He hoped things didn’t come to that, even though that was the way many of his peers lived once they had secured the necessary heirs.
The archbishop spoke.
Niko focused his attention on the celebrant, concentrating on the words of the opening prayer. He’d been too young to remember his first wedding ceremony. He should pay attention to this one. Unlike Izzy, he doubted an exchange of vows would make him feel more married. Only time and possibly a child would do that.
But no matter how he felt, Niko would put Vernonia first. He could still do his duty, as a prince and as a husband. And he would.
Even though Izzy was a continent away from home, the gestures and words of the ceremony were similar to weddings she’d attended back in Charlotte. That gave her an unexpected sense of familiarity. Comfort. The last things she’d expected to feel today.
Staring at Niko’s handsome face, Izzy concentrated on the archbishop’s words—love, honor, until death do you part.
“I do,” she said when he’d finished speaking.
Niko released a quick breath.
Relief, she hoped. Not regret.
She knew exactly what she wanted. A real marriage. The together forever kind. But in order for that to happen Niko had to fall for her the way she was falling for him.
“Do you have the rings?” the archbishop asked.
As the ring ceremony continued, Niko repeated the necessary words. Izzy prayed they would come true. He slid a beautiful wide diamond and ruby encrusted gold band on her ring finger. A perfect fit.
She ran her fingertip along the gold band she would give him. The royal historian claimed the diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire cross heirloom ring not only provided protection, but also brought truth to light. Those two things had made choosing this wedding band from the royal family collection an easy one. She gripped it hard, afraid she might drop it. “I give this ring as a token of my love and fidelity.”
With only the slightest tremble, she slid the ring onto his finger. Once again, a perfect fit.
The archbishop declared them husband and wife. He smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Their first kiss. Izzy tensed due to a mix of nerves and anticipation. And the thousands of onlookers.
As Niko lowered his mouth to hers, she closed her eyes.
His lips brushed hers and disappeared.
That was it? Izzy pushed aside her disappointment and opened her eyes. She thought Niko had wanted to kiss her.
Suddenly his mouth returned, pressing against her lips. Hard, demanding, as if seeking her very soul. The urgency and need in his kiss frightened yet excited Izzy. She’d never been kissed like this.
It took every ounce of willpower not to cling to him, but she couldn’t forget where she was. And who was watching. Not only the guests sitting in the pews, but a television audience watching at home.
Niko drew back, but only far enough to whisper in her ear. “I cannot wait for tonight.”
Anticipation buzzed through her. Izzy moistened her thoroughly kissed lips and glanced at the shimmering diamond ring on her finger.
She couldn’t wait for tonight, either.
The reception passed in a blur. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves with the free-flowing champagne and mouthwatering food. Or cuisine as the queen called it.
Unbelievably Izzy felt like a princess. She floated across the dance floor, whirling and twirling to the orchestra, with Niko’s strong arms around her. He stayed at her side the entire time, introducing her to so many diplomats and dignitaries she couldn’t begin to remember their names. Rarely did he let go of her hand. She felt special, cherished, and that eased some of her nerves about what would happen later tonight.
Their wedding night.
She was excited, but a little worried about the two of them alone. Together. In bed.
After cutting the cake, Izzy stood at the railing of the landing between two sets of curved staircases for the bouquet toss. She held onto the handle of her white rose bouquet. Anticipation filled the eyes of the women standing below her.
