GINA WILKINS - The Park's Empire - Handsome Strangers... - The Prince's Bride

Jane heaved a theatrical sigh. “Are you sure there’s no way this marriage can’t be permanent? Because I have to tell you, Emily, living in the palace has definite perks, not to mention the fact that Prince Lazhar is absolutely gorgeous.”

Emily smiled and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not. But for the moment—” she lifted a cookie from the plate and saluted Jane with it “—we can indulge in all the perks we want.” She popped the dainty cookie in her mouth, chewed and swallowed. “Or as many as we can fit in between the endless list of things to accomplish before the wedding day.”

Jane rolled her eyes, set her cup aside and dusted off her fingers. “Where’s the list? And do you really think we can pull off a royal wedding in less than two weeks? I thought you originally said that six months was going to be an extremely tight schedule.”

“Six months would have been difficult, and two weeks would be impossible if the family hadn’t agreed to an abbreviated version of the traditional royal wedding.” She slipped off the bed, walked into the sitting room to collect her notebook from the table where she’d left it late the night before, and returned to rejoin Jane. “Here’s the schedule for today,” she handed Jane the sheet prepared by the queen’s secretary.

Jane silently scanned the schedule before looking back up at Emily. “You’re booked in fifteen-minute increments, Emily.” She glanced at her watch. “Starting in forty minutes. What can I take care of on this list for you today?”

“I thought you could take my notes and check in with the palace protocol officer—he’s coordinating the church and reception invitations and seating. Then the palace florist needs some personal attention—I’m confident that they know exactly what I want, but I don’t want to ignore them. It’s important that everyone feels they’re a vital part of the team.”

“Of course.” Jane glanced at her watch again. “You’d better finish getting dressed. You only have thirty-eight minutes left before your first appointment.”

“Right.” Emily slipped off the bed and moved quickly to the bathroom. She paused at the door to look back. “Jane, I’m so glad you’re here to help me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your flying in at such short notice.”

“Are you kidding? I’d have been furious if you hadn’t called me.” Jane’s face lit with a grin and she winked at Emily. “This is going to be great fun. Now get dressed.”

Feeling immeasurably relieved and cheered by Jane’s practical approach, Emily disappeared into the bathroom.

The wedding was spectacular.

The hot Mediterranean sun poured golden light over Lazhar and Emily as they exited the church, pausing at the top of the stone steps to wave at the crowds filling the streets around St. Catherine’s. The people of Daniz cheered and tossed flowers in the air, covering the church steps with roses. They were clearly delighted with their prince’s choice of a bride.

“They love you,” Lazhar whispered in Emily’s ear as they waved to the noisy crowd.

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