The Locket (37 page)

A slap she expected. A shriek of anger or a burst of tears were things she prepared for. What she did not expect was a hug that nearly tipped her on her back. “Thank you!” the princess said through light giggles. “Thank you ever so much, Miss! I cannot think how I shall repay you for your interference.”

Struggling to find her breath, Savannah nodded and gave her a genuine smile. “I’m glad I could help. You’re not reacting quite the way I thought you would.”

Princes Adelaide laughed, tossing her bouquet to the side and tearing off her veil. “I figured. The truth is that if it were not for you, I would have had to please my parents by marrying Christian.” When Savannah cocked her head in confusion, the princess continued. “Not that he is an awful choice by any means! He is handsome, brave, and kind. It is just, well, I love another, and I couldn’t bear the thought of living my life with a man I married for duty.”

Savannah placed a hand on the princess’s arm in a gesture of sympathy. She knew all too well this story and was glad she could help at least one more person. “I’m glad everything worked out for you then. I hope you will be happy with your love.”

Princess Adelaide presented her with a large grin, giving in to the urge to give her another long hug. “Yes, thank you again! This town deserves another queen that can fall on her feet.” Parting from her, Adelaide got the pleasure of seeing Savannah’s wide eyes and off-guard expression before she began making her way through the crowd to the carriage that waited outside.

Queen? Of course she had thought briefly about her life with Christian and the fact that she hadn’t travelled back to this world only to date him for a few month and leave again. Marriage had been in her line of thoughts. But becoming queen of the kingdom? That was something new that she was going to have to get used to.

“So,” a voice came from behind, surprising her. Turning around, Savannah’s heart raced as Christian’s eyes found hers. His smile came so easily, the idea of it forming for her was something new as well. “Now that you have officially ruined my wedding and the townspeople are all curious as to what mad woman I have let into our kingdom, what is the first thing that you plan to do?” he asked, humor dancing on his face as he wrapped his arms around her. The playful glint in his eyes darkened when she didn’t respond right away. “Anna? Are you okay?” Catching her eyes with his, Savannah shook her head of the thoughts rambling inside and gave him her full attention. “You are not having second thoughts, are you?”

The desperate concern in his voice soothed her temporary panic, and suddenly, the idea of becoming queen wasn’t so scary. As long as he was ruling beside her. Angling her head so that she could look into his eyes, she smiled and turned around so she could be face-to-face with him. “Not in a million years.” Positioning her arms around his neck, she placed a light kiss on his lips and, for the first time in her life, was truly and undeniably happy.

And they lived happily ever after …