Master of Her Virtue - By Miranda Lee Page 0,68

possibly something satiny with a beaded bodice, a big skirt and a long veil with a train. Brides seemed to like that combination.

He should have known his Violet would be different.

Yes, the dress was bridal white. But the style was very simple and very elegant, the skirt long and slender, the fitted bodice strapless without being too low-cut. She didn’t wear a veil. Instead, some lovely white flowers decorated her hair which had grown longer during the last eight and a half months, falling almost to her shoulder blades. Her jewellery was minimal, just the long, diamond-drop earrings which he’d bought for her when Double Trouble had opened to rave reviews.

How beautiful she looked. And how happy, her skin glowing and her eyes sparkling.

Beside her walked her father, proud as punch. He smiled at Leo as he gave his daughter’s hand to him, whispering, ‘Look after her,’ at the same time.

Leo’s fingers tightened around Violet’s.

Look after her? He would die for her!

The elderly celebrant—a friend of Henry—stepped forward.

‘We are gathered here tonight,’ he said in a deep, rich voice, ‘to witness the joining in marriage of Leo and Violet. They did not want to say the traditional vows but have written their own words which are special to them. Leo, would you like to speak first?’

Leo turned Violet to face him, taking both of her hands in his. ‘My darling Violet,’ he said, stunned at how choked up he was. He had to clear his throat before going on.

‘Thank you for loving me...and for consenting to be my wife. I promise to be a faithful husband and to do everything in my power to bring you happiness. Everything I have is yours, my beautiful bride,’ he said as he took the wedding band from Henry and slipped it on Violet’s finger. ‘My worldly goods. My body. And my unconditional love.’

Violet knew it was her turn then, but she found she could not speak at first. It didn’t help that her mother had started weeping. But when Leo gave her fingers a gentle squeeze she gathered herself and took Leo’s wedding band from his father.

‘My darling Leo,’ she said. ‘Thank you for loving me and for asking me to marry you. I promise to be a faithful wife and do everything in my power to bring you happiness. You are my hero, my one true love. I will care for you and cherish you all the days of my life.’ So saying, she slipped the wedding band on his finger.

Leo saw the moisture pooling in her eyes in tandem with his own. Thankfully the celebrant, perhaps sensing that emotion was in full flow and about to break banks, pronounced them man and wife without further ado.

Leo didn’t wait for permission to kiss the bride, sweeping Violet into his arms straight away. And it was whilst they were kissing that the nine o’clock fireworks started, a welcome distraction for the others and for the rather emotional couple.

‘I love you, Violet,’ Leo murmured against her trembling mouth, his arms tightening around her.

‘Do you think we could leave now?’ Violet whispered back.

‘I don’t think so. Not yet, anyway.’

‘Oh. Pity.’

‘Weddings aren’t just for the happy couple, you know. They’re also for their families. At least that was what you told me.’

‘Silly me.’

‘No, not silly at all. Sweet. Besides, there’s no hurry, is there? We have the rest of our lives together.’

‘Oh,’ Violet said with the happiest of sighs. ‘I do like the sound of that.’

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from Beholden to the Throne by Carol Marinelli

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CHAPTER ONE

‘SHEIKH King Emir has agreed that he will speak with you.’

Amy looked up as Fatima, one of the servants, entered the nursery where Amy was feeding the young Princesses their dinner. ‘Thank you for letting me know. What time—?’

‘He is ready for you now,’ Fatima interrupted, impatience evident in her voice at Amy’s lack of haste, for Amy continued to feed the twins.

‘They’re just having their dinner...’ Amy started, but didn’t