Читать книгу By Request Collection Part 3 - Майя Бэнкс, Robyn Donald - Страница 37

THE ballroom was packed. Out in the courtyard more people gathered beneath fluttering royal banners, garlands and gilded lanterns.

Cheers reverberated off the antique mirrors and frescoed ceiling as the crowd applauded their new rulers: King Raul and Queen Luisa. The first joint monarchs in Maritzian history.

Goosebumps rose on Luisa’s bare arms as she heard their names shouted once, twice, three times, first by the herald and then by the swelling voices of the throng.

On her head sat a delicate diadem of pure gold and dazzling brilliant cut diamonds. In her hand rested the mediaeval bejewelled orb and in Raul’s, seated beside her, the engraved golden sceptre.

She breathed deep, hardly daring to believe this moment was real. But then a warm hand enfolded hers and squeezed. She turned and fell into the warm green depths of Raul’s loving gaze.

It was real. The ceremony, the crowd, but most important of all, Raul’s love.

He raised her hand and pressed a fervent kiss there. Instantly excitement shot through her. And anticipation.

He smiled, a devilish light in his eyes and she knew her expression gave her away. He read her feelings for him on her face. She didn’t care. She revelled in their love.

And this was only the beginning …

Raul laughed and through the haze of well-being she heard the crowd applaud again.

She turned and looked down from her throne. There was Lukas standing with Luisa’s new secretary, Sasha. From this angle it looked like they held hands. Then there were Tamsin and Alaric, their smiles conspiratorial. Mary and Sam were in the front row, in places of honour, beaming at Luisa as if it were the most natural thing that she should marry a king and rule a country.

She shook her head in wonderment.

‘Are you ready, sweetheart?’

Raul rose and drew her to her feet. Officials appeared to take the precious orb and sceptre.

‘Ready as I’ll ever be.’ He led her down from the dais to the polished floor where space was made for them.

‘You’ll be fine,’ he murmured and pulled her into his arms. ‘If there’s a problem, blame it on your teacher.’

She gazed into his eyes, ablaze with love, felt him swing her into a waltz and smiled. The music soared and she whirled in the arms of the man she adored. She was home.