“Who is your friend?” She smiled at David.

I let go of his fingers quickly. “Mother, this is David Rhodes, Samantha’s friend from Minnesota. He will be working at the FBT and staying at Rousseau while Sam and Alex are away.” Angling my body toward David I smiled. “David, this is my mother, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Felecia.”

I watched his face as he took in what I was telling him. There was no panic, which I had been expecting. Instead, he bowed his head and gave my mother a small smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said.

“The pleasure is mine. It’s always nice to meet Sam’s friends.” Mother turned to me and adjusted the neckline of my dress. Years of practice kept me from rolling my eyes. “Are you ready to step outside?”

“Anyone bring a barf bag for Sam?” I joked. Mother shook her head, but I could see the love in her eyes. She was excited that Alex and Sam were finally making it official.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Chadwick doesn’t have some stuffed in his pockets.” David’s eyes shone with mischief. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met someone as well prepared as him.”

I laughed. “They are probably color coordinated.”

The sound of trumpets announced Samantha’s arrival at the front door and I looked at my mom. Time for the show.

“Selene, would you mind showing David to the guest seats? He’s sitting with Samantha’s family.” I wondered if David had been aware of the fact or not. His face had a look of surprise.

“Of course.” Selene motioned for David to follow her, but his eyes lingered on me.

“Don’t worry, you have a great seat.” I turned away from him and took a deep breath. “Showtime.”

I moved next to my mother and waited for the footmen to open the doors. The roar of the crowds was insane. I could barely hear myself thinking, but I smiled and waved. This was something the people of our country looked forward to, a time when the country united and our traditions were celebrated.

Well, and there was a healthy dose of curiosity.

Samantha’s car idled in front of the stairs and the photographers who had been invited inside the gates snapped pictures at inhuman speed. To my utter relief Sam was laughing in the car. Her face was relaxed and she looked genuinely happy. A thousand pounds of worry lifted from my shoulders and I took a deep breath.

Two footmen dressed in the finest palace livery opened the back door of the sedan and helped Chadwick, Patricia, and Jess out of the car. Jess was wearing a long satin dress similar to mine. Her hair hung loosely down her back and she looked every inch the royal bridesmaid. Stepping to the side, she reached in and took Samantha’s bouquet before moving so that Chadwick could step forward. As I watched, my best friend stepped from the car to the collective roar of the crowd.

Goose bumps erupted along my arms and I had never been more proud of Sam. With a slow turn, she waved to the people inside the gates and peering over the walls. She nodded at the cameras and posed for the photographers. Not once did she look nervous or upset. It was as if she had stepped into her role as princess with ease.

And she looked every inch the part. I had wanted the full effect, jewels, lace, and a train that went for miles, but instead what she wore was so Sam, I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect. The dress was simple, the pleated A-line skirt skimmed the ground and the rhinestone belt gave it just enough glam to make it seem like a fairy tale. The dress was technically strapless but we had gotten around that particular requirement with a sheer top that covered her shoulders and had a piece of lace from her mother’s wedding veil sewn to the shoulder. She had refused to wear a veil that covered her face—something to do with going into the marriage with her eyes wide open—but she did have a very simple one in the back that matched her train in length.

Jess returned the bouquet to Sam before adjusting the train so that it lay flat. Patricia was a step behind the bride as they climbed the stairs and stopped in front of me and my mother. Sam stopped and curtsied; the entire time, the whir of cameras could be heard.

“Welcome today, to the family of D’Lynsal.” Mother stepped forward and kissed each of Sam’s cheeks.

The roar of the crowd was deafening and Sam turned to wave, her carefree style exactly what the waiting people wanted. As we entered the palace, we all turned once more, waving at the cameras before closing the doors.

“Oh for the love of all that is holy, I have never been so nervous in my life.” Patricia fanned at her face with her hands and Chadwick directed her to a small bench.

“You look amazing.” I touched Sam’s dress gingerly. “It’s absolutely perfect.”

“You’ve seen it a hundred times now!” Sam laughed.

“Yes, but not like this. Not all done up and ready.” I felt the tears gathering in my eyes.

“Don’t you dare cry!” Sam pointed at me. “Don’t. You. Dare.”

“I’m not going to cry.” My lip wobbled. “Why would I cry?”

“Because you’re an adorable, sentimental lady.” Sam leaned forward to hug me and I jumped backward.

“Don’t hug me! I don’t want to get makeup on your dress.”

“Oooh. Didn’t think of that.” Sam stood up and looked down at her skirt. “It’s pretty white.”

“You look lovely.” Mother stepped forward to grasp Sam’s free hand. “And you handled that crowd wonderfully.”