A brief knock sounded a moment before Clara walked in. Dressed in a midnight-blue shift dress, flats, her hair pulled back into her signature tight bun at the base of her neck and a clipboard in hand, she looked every inch the personal concierge of the prince.
Except, Briony noted with some concern, she looked awfully pale, with dark half-moons beneath her eyes.
“Are you all right, Clara?”
Clara gave her a wan smile. “Yes, just feeling a little under the weather.”
One hand came off the clipboard and drifted down to land on her stomach. Briony froze, then looked away as the puzzle pieces clicked into place. The night of the dinner for the Swiss ambassador, Alaric’s fiancée had ended their engagement, a fact Briony had learned about after she’d returned from Kansas.
Memories of that night flashed through her mind, details she had missed as she’d focused on her own grief. Clara’s unbound hair, Alaric’s slightly mussed shirt.
Apparently, Alaric and Cass were going to have even more in common.
“I appreciate all you’re doing.”
Clara nodded, then slipped back into planning mode.
“Ten minutes and Prince Alaric will be here to walk you down to the chapel. We’ll line up outside the doors at a quarter to five. The doors will open at five exactly.”
When Alaric had offered to walk her down the aisle, Briony had barely stopped herself from bursting into tears. Who would have thought that just when she started focusing on other things in her life, she would be gifted a family?
Daxon hadn’t taken too kindly to her turning down his offer to walk her down the aisle. But Clara, bless her, had arranged for Daxon to welcome guests to the ceremony, a role that had assuaged his ego enough that he hadn’t made a fuss since. Trey, the twins and the employees of the Ledge had even been flown in as guests.
Briony stepped down from the dais and wrapped Clara in a hug. Clara froze, then slowly hugged her back.
“Thank you, Clara.” She leaned back. “For everything.”
Clara’s face relaxed into a genuine smile. “Of course. Prince Cassius and Prince Alaric are both lucky to have you in their lives.”
Clara hurried out, leaving Briony alone in her suite for a blessed few moments of peace and quiet. She went back up on the dais and spun in a circle. The skirt flared out before coming to rest against her legs. Her mom would have loved it.
Another knock sounded on the door. Briony stepped down and crossed the room. Perhaps Clara had forgotten something.
“Who is it?”
“Your future husband.”
His voice washed over her and ignited the heat that flared to life every time she heard his voice.
“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
“My eyes are closed.”
She should send him away. But that would just be spiting herself. She slowly opened the door, making sure his eyes were truly shut, before she threw herself into his arms. He caught her and wrapped her in a strong hug that made her feel cherished.
“You feel beautiful.”
“How can one feel beautiful?” she asked with a laugh.
“I don’t know, but you do.”
She leaned into him, inhaling his scent and soaking in his warmth.
“I have a surprise for you,” she whispered, unable to contain her excitement anymore.
His hands slipped down and cupped her backside.
“Does it have something to do with what’s under your dress?”