Prologue
Three Years Ago - December 2019
I’m sitting between Alex and Xavier, watching the coronation ceremony, the skirt of the red ball gown I am wearing taking up a lot of their personal space. I watch as Remigio takes his vows, kneeling at the bottom of the steps, and I can’t understand a word of what is being said.
I’ve gotten to know Remi a little bit in the small amount of time we spent together the other day after dinner, when Nia and Alex disappeared to spend some time together. He’s a really nice guy, and in that small amount of time, I think I developed a crush on him.
I watch as Remi rises and walks up the steps to the throne and turns around to take a seat. Our eyes meet for a brief second and I see him smile at me. I can’t help but smile back as I feel the blush paint my cheeks pink.
After the ceremony is complete, everyone makes their way out of the throne room and into the ball room. Brígida, Xavier’s mother, leads us all to the table in the very front. There are little place cards with our names at our seats. My cheeks blush as I sit down and notice that the seat next to me is going to be where Remigio sits. We are all sitting there for awhile before Nia, Remi, and their mother enter the ball room. The room erupts in cheers and applause as they make their way to our table.
“Cami, you look absolutely beautiful darling,” Lygia, Nia’s mom, says as she sits next down on the other side of me.
“Thank you, Lygia. I can’t thank you enough for getting this beautiful dress for me,” I tell her and she smiles.
“There’s no need to thank me dear,” she says. “I love that Nia has found such a great friend. You’re already like another daughter to me, just like Amália.” She clasps my hand in hers.
Lygia is pulled away to take care of something before we are served the meal. As we sit there eating, Remi turns to me.
“So Cami, how do you like Eplea?” He asks.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I answer him with a small smile. “I’m gonna hate going back to Illinois after this.” I giggle.
“Well, you don’t have to think about that for a few weeks,” he says with a soft chuckle.
“Cami, where did you get that tiara?” My mom asks from across the table, cutting into my conversation with Remi. I blush a little as I remember the tiara on my head. I was hoping no one would say anything about it, but of course my mother had to bring it up.
“Nia let me borrow it,” I tell her.
“And it’s okay for her to wear it?” She asks, turning to Nia.
Nia answers her, but I don’t pay attention to what she says. Instead I turn back to the food. I finish what is on my plate. Once everyone is done eating, Remi stands up from the table before turning to me.
“Cami, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?” He asks, holding his hand out to me. My eyes widen a bit, but I nod, placing my hand in his. He helps me stand and then leads me to the dance floor.
“Just so you know, I have no idea what I’m doing,” I tell him as we walk into the center of the dance floor.
“It’s okay, just follow my lead,” he tells me with a smile. He bows to me, so I curtsey. The music starts as we come together and he starts to lead me in a waltz around the dance floor. “You know, you’re doing great for someone who doesn’t know what she’s doing,” He smiles down at me as he spins me.
“I’m just following your lead like you told me to,” I smirk and he chuckles.
“I must be one hell of a leader then,” He says and we both laugh as he secures an arm around my waist and lifts me as he turns.
“Well, then you’ll make one hell of a king,” I say as he places me back on my feet. Remigio smiles at me as our eyes meet. My heart flutters and I feel a blush creeping up my face.
Soon, the music ends and Remi leads us back to the table. I notice that Nia and Amália aren’t there. Remi pulls my seat out for me, and as I sit down, I notice him tense. I look up to see him looking towards the door.
“Remi?” I call his name softly and put my hand on his. He relaxes a little and takes his seat next to me. He looks over and gives me a small smile.
“Thank you for dancing with me,” he says, squeezing my hand gently.
“Thank you for asking me,” I smile back at him, albeit a little shyly. I feel my heart flutter when he smiles at me, and I know I’m in trouble.
