The Hidden Princess: Kingdom's Fate (book three)

Chapter Twenty-One: Our Little Brother Is Getting Married

The days flew by. If I wasn't at the castle preparing for my wedding, then I was at the compound training. Each time I'd show up at the castle I'd get a stern look from Jone from the new bruises. And each time Lucy would be by my side supporting the reasons for my training. It was currently a week from the wedding and the castle was on full alert as guests would start to arrive any day now.

"A Nivetarian ship is heading in," Nigel said, walking into the room where the ladies were gathered in another planning meeting.

My heart skipped a beat. This would be the first guest. Sure, Lucy, Ally, Aaron and the girls had arrived, but they were old friends. The Nivetarian ship would bring King Tathrow and Queen Layann. It would be my first royal guest. I took a deep breath and stood. "Is Nikolai near?" I asked. We had planned on greeting each guest together.

"Right here," he said, strolling into the room. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"No," I responded.

He laughed, walking over and taking my hand. "You will do fine. This time it is in your home that you meet them and you have the backing of a nation behind you," he said, leaning down and placing a kiss on my cheek.

The lines were being tossed down and secured as we approached the dock. We were just walking up to the ship when King Tathrow and Queen Layann disembarked. "King Tathrow, Queen Layann, we are honored to have you as our guests," I said, smiling at the couple.

King Tathrow bowed while Queen Layann curtsied. Nikolai and I responded with the same. "The honor is ours," King Tathrow said. "We thank you for the invitation."

"We intend for our wedding to be the beginning of something new for our nation and are glad you are a part of it. May I introduce you to Prince Nikolai?" I asked. I released Nikolai's hand and motioned to him. "King Tathrow, Queen Layann, this is my fiancée, Prince Nikolai," I said, then motioned at the royal couple in front of us. "And Prince Nikolai these our my new friends, King Tathrow and Queen Layann," I said.

Nikolai stepped forward and extended his hand to King Tathrow. "It is an honor to meet you. I look forward to spending time with you as we celebrate not only the union between Sam and I, but the union between our nations," he said.

My heart fluttered at his comment. In a week, he and I would be joined together. I was getting married.

"It seems our young queen is still grasping that she is to be married in a week," Queen Layann smiled at me.

Nikolai laughed, nodding his head and taking my hand. "Yes, I often have to calm her down as she realizes what is about to happen," he said smiling down at me.

"I never once imagined marriage as a child. This is all new to me. Then throw in the fact it's not just a wedding, but a royal one and you may understand my moments of awe," I said. The two men laughed while Queen Layann smiled.

Footsteps from behind turned our attention back to the boat. My smile grew as I saw the two men approaching. "Lord Geving, Morr-El, I am so glad you could make it as well," I said.

"It's an honor to be invited, especially after all I have done," Lord Geving bowed before me.

"It's an honor to have you and to know that you are working on reconciliation with your family," I said, reaching out and taking his hand. "Family is something that is overlooked much too often," I encouraged. I felt a presence beside me and titled my head to see Nikolai once again at my side. "Lord Geving, Morr-El, may I introduce you to Prince Nikolai," I said, releasing Lord Geving's hand.

After introductions we headed back for the castle. Nikolai and I in one carriage while King Tathrow, Queen Layann, Lord Geving, and Morr-El rode in the one behind. "You didn't tell me he was so handsome," Nikolai smirked.