Lead With Me

24

~

She was content with her life yet worried nonetheless. But Riley's love never seems to show any doubt in her and that made her hopeful. Madelyn gave him a tight-lipped smile, not saying anything. She didn't want to jinx it.

"My dear, let's just get through this time right now. You've just gotten your sight back, I'm sure you have much to do for your coronation." She assured, holding his hands up to kiss the back of them.

Riley watched her kiss his hands, his eyes never leaving her face. "Kiss me, please?"

Madelyn narrowed her eyes at him, "Why should I?"

"Because I'm your future King and what I say goes." He said confidently. Knowing fully well that she was not one to listen or do anything.

Madelyn scoffed and pulled away to walk away but was immediately pulled back into his arms. Her body slamming into his with his arm wrapping around her waist to keep her close and trapped. Eventually, his lips met hers in a gentle but passionate kiss. One that made her feel like she was floating. Was it the fact that he hadn't ran away after seeing her? Either way, she wanted nothing more than to be in his arms.

She continued to move her lips with his, her arms snaking around his neck to keep her on her toes. Eventually the two pulled away from one another, staring at each other's eyes. She was sure now.

Madelyn was absolutely, and explicitly in love with Riley. She loves him.

"Riley.." Madelyn started to whisper, stroke the back of his hair.

"Hmm..." Riley hummed.

Madelyn continued, "Thank you for wanting me."

He smiled that boyish grin and nods, "Thank you being my caretaker."

~ A year later ~

The palace was rushing around swiftly, people bumping into each other, flower petals on the floor as a result of it. It was coronation day. Everyone was obviously in a panic. Everything had to be perfect for the future King of England.

Meredith tugged on Madelyn corset. No matter how many times she's worn these things, they will forever be her worst enemy. The more tighter she pulls, the harder it gets to breath. "Mother!"

"I'm sorry, my dear. Maybe you shouldn't have had that big breakfast." She technically scolded. She had to eat, it was going to be a long day. Margaret, the head cook, told her that she could have anything she wanted since it was a special day so Madelyn chose the first meal she had when she arrived at the palace; sausages, preserves, bacon and eggs, served with bread rolls, butter and jam.

Madelyn sucked in her stomach but only for a moment, it started to hurt. "I'm sorry, it was necessary for today. When have you ever been to a coronation where they served food right after?"

Meredith chuckled as she tied the strings and finally helped her put on her dress. It was yellow this time. Yellow wasn't exactly a color she would wear but Riley said it looked perfect on her so she decided to wear it for him.

She hasn't become subservient but she did do a few things so he wouldn't nag at her. He was a nagger and as much as she nagged him, he was more annoying with it.

Madelyn cleared her throat and looked around for her shoes, no more heels. She has learned her lesson. "You're good now, go find Riley. It's starting soon so it's best to join him now than you running around the palace like an escaped prisoner minute before the coronation." Meredith teased at her daughter.

Madelyn couldn't help but smile at her mother, nods and left the room. Dukes and Ladies were arriving in their order of importance. From all over the country as well as princesses and princes, Maribel was there too. She came to Madelyn and Riley's wedding and gave them a big piece of land as a wedding gift.