The wedding feast, Suzanna had determined, was decidedly far too delicious and her stomach far too small. She eyed a strawberry tart covered in cream and looked around nervously. Would anyone notice if she had her fourth strawberry tart?
Oh... of course they would. They were all here to celebrate her wedding, after all. Suzanna looked over at Samuel who was seated next to her, his plate still full of food he clearly intended to finish. He stuffed a small chocolate cake in his mouth just as he made eye contact with her. Suzanna grinned and patted his leg softly. He wasted no time in taking her hand, continuing to eat slowly with his spare hand.
She decided to risk eating the fourth tart. After all, she deserved to enjoy herself. Heaven, she thought to herself as the flavours exploded in her mouth. From next to her, Rose released a happy laugh as she spoke to someone on her other side. Tristan and Father were placed next to Samuel, engaging it what sounded like a detailed conversation about contracts between the monarch and his servants. Suzanna decided not to pay too much attention to such a conversation.
She could feel eyes on her as people occasionally glanced up to watch the bride and her husband. Husband. Suzanna felt as though she could explode with pride.
The ceremony was simple and sweet, with only their closest friends and family attending. Samuel and Suzanna had given their vowels and she now proudly wore her grandmothers ring. She stared at it for a moment, twinkling away on her finger. It would take a bit of time to get used to seeing it there.
"Are you happy?" Samuel murmured to her, breaking her out of her thoughts.
She squeezed his hand. "Happier than the happiest person alive."
Samuel raised his eyebrows. "My, that is happy."
Suzanna looked across the room and smiled at Duke Wilson and Adeline. The siblings were seated at a nearby table, talking quietly to themselves. Wilson, evidently feeling her gaze, glanced up and returned her smile. It was genuine and supportive, but she did not miss the evident grief in his eyes. It was not grief that he was not the one married to Suzanna, it was grief for his brother.
Suzanna felt a pang in her own heart. After consulting with his advisors and Father, Tristan had decided on the judgement for Caden – exile for a decade. He could return then, report to the king, and - under watch – perhaps Caden would be able to live a semi-normal life. Suzanna knew the loss and betrayal of their brother had taken a toll on Adeline and Wilson.
"Do you think they will be okay?" Suzanna asked softly. Samuel follow her gaze and studied the pair.
He nudged her gently. "With a friend like you, of course."
"I am sad for them," she sighed. "I could not bear to lose either of my brothers."
Next to her, Rose squeezed her forearm lightly. "This is not a day to be sad, it is a day to rejoice." Her open smile lifted Suzanna's spirit.
Yes, they would be okay – all of them. Even Caden.
When the formal dining had subsided, the musicians began to play louder, setting the tone for a celebration. Samuel wasted no time in standing up and holding out his hand.
"Dance with me, Princess?"
She took his hand and eagerly navigated out of her chair, avoiding on stepping on her skirt. "Gladly, Sir Knight."
He grinned and pulled her to the open space. They stepped together and began a simple dance – their first dance as husband and wife, she realised. The guests were quiet while watching them, a few wiping away tears.
"So..." Samuel began, "you are not disappointed I could have been an Earl?"
Suzanna scoffed. It was true. Upon the announcement of their engagement to her family, Tristan had made the bold decision to offer Samuel an Earldom – a highly prestigious position. After much deliberation, Samuel had turned the position down, saying his strengths and passion were with leading the army. He would be staying as the captain of the guard.
"If I wanted to marry for wealth and someone with position, we would not be here today," she reminded him. "I chose you just as you are."
"And thank God for that," he replied sincerely. With absolutely no embarrassment, he kissed her soundly. The guests cheered – some of them getting a little too excited. Samuel pulled back and joined her in laughing. He raised one hand and beckoned.
Tristan immediately joined their dance, pulling his wife into his embrace. They were the sight of pure contentment. And, she realised, so were Suzanna and Samuel. At last she had found the love she had craved for so long a time.
The guests were slowly beginning to trickle onto the floor to join the dance. Suzanna rested her head against Samuel's chest, breathing deeply. It was not until the musicians finished their first song that she finally looked up, locking eyes with him. Even now, months after falling in love with him, he still made her heart skip a beat.
His blue eyes were shining, almost watery.
"You look as though you are about to cry," Suzanna commented. Samuel pulled her a step closer to him.
"I feel as though I may," he admitted. "I'm far too happy." She would have laughed, but he said it with so much sincerity that it made her catch her breath. "Suzanna, I love you, my wife, my Princess, my friend. Thank you for choosing me."
Suzanna raised her palm to his cheek. "What are you talking about? You had me spellbound from the moment we began our friendship. There has, and never will be, any other." He moved his head slightly to kiss her palm.
They were lost in their own world. It was the perfect hour – dancing, laughing, talking quietly to each other... she was at peace.
"May we interrupt?"
They broke apart to greet the person.
"Aunty Cherie!" Suzanna cheered. Her Aunt, husband, and two children lived far away. Suzanna relished every chance to see them. She was surprised she had not spotted them earlier.
Aunt Cherie leaned in and kissed her cheeks, repeating the action on a very surprised Samuel. Suzanna held back her laugh.
"Such a beautiful wedding, darling," Aunt Cherie said. "And Samuel, how handsome you are. You were always such a sweet boy."
"Thank you, Lady Olena," he answered, referring to her formal title.
"I'm happy for you both," her Aunt continued. She gave a cheeky grin and stared directly at Suzanna. "We wondered how long it would take you to realise Samuel was waiting for you."
Why did she have the feeling her entire family had been cheering them on the whole time she had known Samuel?
"Oh my goodness," she groaned, a blush forming as she hid her face against Samuel's chest when Cherie had departed. "Everyone knew before we did," she said, laughing softly.
"Nay, everyone knew before you did," Samuel returned, squeezing her gently. "I always knew, always hoped."
"Very well, I was the only oblivious one."
Samuel chuckled and tightened his arms around her, pulling her close.
"I love you so much," he whispered to her.
"I love you," she replied, her whole heart singing out the words. She looked up at him and he planted a kiss on her cheek. "You are wholly perfect for me, my husband, my Samuel."
Samuel did not say anything and he did not have to, for his eyes cried out everything written in his heart.
He twirled her around and they danced, their guest smiling, for the princess had finally chosen her future.
And she had chosen love.
~~~
*Read for info about future works*
It's over! I feel like I have been writing this book for an eternity!!
I want to thank you all for your support and for journeying with me through the story. I have to say this story did not flow easily for me in the way that Bow to the King did, but I am so glad and proud to be here today knowing that I made it!
Now to answer the question I know you are all dying to hear - probably my most commonly asked question.
"WHAT ABOUT WILLIAM????"
You can celebrate, because William is going to have his own story. I think he is my favourite character and I can't wait to explore his personality! I am already in the process of brainstorming and planning. So watch this space!
If you want to be updated when I release the first chapter of the next book then subscribe to my page! Otherwise, check back every now and then! At this stage I don't have a definite idea of when William's book will be out :)
Thank you all again! It's an honour writing for you all! God bless!
Xx Divine Romance