Toxic - Zoe Blake Page 0,58
the queen waiting.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “Oh, my God! Oh, my God! The queen! She probably thinks I’m this obnoxious American who selfishly doesn’t care about royal protocol! Richard!”
Lifting me off his lap, he stood and straightened his jacket. “As soon as she meets you, the queen will see why I fell in love with such a charming, innocent girl and adore you as I do.”
Looking around for a mirror, I lifted my hand to my hair. “Have I made a complete mess of my hair and makeup?”
After surveying me from head to toe, he lifted his arms to straighten my orange blossom wreath and tuck an errant curl behind my ear. “I think you look perfect.”
Nervously biting my lip, I gave him a sheepish look. “Is it bad I wish we could walk down the aisle together? I was nervous before seeing those photos, but now I’m positively petrified.”
Placing a reassuring hand at my lower back, he said, “Your wish is my command.”
“Richard, really? Won’t they get angry? Mr. Simmons will probably have a heart attack!”
He shook his head. “Since when have I ever let what others might say deter me?”
Walking over to the door that led to the altar, Richard opened it halfway and gestured to someone on the other side. A quick whispered conversation took place. I couldn’t hear what was said, but the person nodded and turned away.
Richard returned to my side. Placing a reassuring hand on my lower back, he escorted me out of the room and once more down the long hallway to my chamber. I was so glad to have Richard by my side, I completely forgot to even mention the missing guards.
Walking through the chamber, I retrieved my simple orange blossom bouquet before we entered the main cathedral and took our place at the top of the main aisle. The seven-piece orchestra began the opening strains of Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s ‘Bridal March.’ Looping my arm through his, Richard placed a hand over mine and gave me a wink.
With Richard by my side, we walked slowly toward the altar.
The kaleidoscope spun and spun.
This time it was a starburst of video cameras, extravagant hats, military uniforms, and the constant clatter of camera shutters almost drowning out the music.
I didn’t care about any of it. I focused on the feel of Richard’s hand on mine. Of the brush of his thigh against my wedding dress. I drew on his confidence and strength and his love.
Just before we reached the high altar, we both turned to offer our respects to Queen Elizabeth. Using Richard’s forearm to keep me steady, I lowered into a somewhat shaky but still respectable curtsy as he bowed.
We then walked arm in arm up to stand before the Bishop of Canterbury.
The ceremony seemed to go by in a flash and be impossibly slow and drawn-out all at the same time. I was painfully aware of every set of eyes on my back as we stood there listening to the welcome and opening prayer.
My gaze wandered over the splendid cathedral draped in thousands of pink roses and orange blossoms. The surrounding air smelled spicy and sweet from the flowers and the lingering scent of frankincense and myrrh.
My breath seized when the bishop came to the declaration.
“First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.”
I could hear the mysterious woman’s screams from the time she’d accosted me on the street when I first started dating Richard echoing in my head.
Bitch. You think you can take him from me?
I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!
You don’t deserve him!
He’s mine!
As the silence stretched, I trembled. There was a low cough from somewhere behind us, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Once again defying protocol for my sake, Richard released my hand and placed a comforting arm around my back, pulling me in close to his strength. It was all I could do to not wrap myself around his middle and place my head on his chest just to hear the steady beat of his heart, which always calmed and reassured me.
Finally, the bishop continued. “The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts…”
I pressed my lips together to stifle a small nervous giggle. The thought of God knowing all the dirty, kinky secrets of our hearts was