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and Duke of Testudines."
    The title surprised him, but that emotion got lost in the overwhelming urge to kiss his wife. He might not be able to, not really, but that didn't stop him from wanting to. Instead, Alexander framed her face with his hands, the pads of his thumbs running along her cheekbones. Wariness filled her eyes, but when he pressed his lips to her forehead he could feel her relief.
    Tradition dictated the royal family did not have the first kiss during the ceremony. Much like several other countries, including both Great Britain and Montevaro, that he knew of, that kiss would come in full view of the public while on the balcony of the palace. Alexander rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed as he tried to soak in the enormity of it all.
    The applause from the crowd told him what he needed to know. While their first kiss would likely grace the front page of newspapers and websites, the tender moment he now shared with his bride would be the one plastered everywhere for all eternity.
    God, help us make this work. We can’t do any of it without your help. Help me to love her selflessly and for Christiana to learn to trust me with her heart.
    A softly-cleared throat behind him brought Alexander back to the present.
    He turned, took Queen Christiana's hand, much as he had on the way up the stairs and, this time with his right hand, supported her on the way down. Once they reached the floor, he tucked her arm in his elbow, a feeling of protectiveness spreading over him.
    Those in the audience continued to applaud as Alexander escorted his bride up the aisle. When they exited, a horse-drawn carriage awaited. They were settled in the padded seat before he spoke directly to his wife.
    "Are you comfortable, Queen Christiana?"
    Now, out of the view of most of the cameras and other prying eyes, but not completely alone, she let her guard down a bit. "I am fine, Alexander. This ride will be short."
    Right. They were only going down to the dock where they would board the royal transport speedboat and go to the mainland. Another carriage awaited them on that side. The parade route led the mile or so through the city streets to the front gate of the palace.
    The speed boat ride was both windy and loud. The queen sat in the front, protected as much as possible from the wind by the Plexiglass barrier. Alexander sat behind her, buffering her as much as he could.
    He leaned forward and spoke in her ear. "Are you all right? I know this wasn't what you'd planned for today." What he meant was that he wasn't who she'd planned it with.
    She turned to face him as best she could. "I am very happy I married you today, Alexander."
    Alexander barely heard her and moved closer so she could hear him. "I hope it's okay that I can't wait to kiss you. I understand why, but we can't get to that balcony soon enough for my taste."
    The conversation with the Prime Minister came flooding back to him, but he ignored it.
    There would be time enough once they reached the honeymoon cabin to deal with it. Until then, he wanted to relish every moment of his wedding day.
    * * *
    Christiana took a deep breath. Alexander’s hand was wrapped around hers, warm and reassuring, as they prepared to step out onto the balcony. In just a moment, he would kiss her. She would kiss him back. The whole world would be watching.
    And if they were not, they would see the replays of it on the news for the next few days, especially once word got out she had married an American.
    What was she thinking?
    The doors in front of them opened and the others in the wedding party preceded them onto the balcony. Several hundred feet away throngs of people yelled and screamed as they walked out. She did not understand the fascination, but did her best to give her people what they wanted. What they deserved.
    Were those words a chant to kiss?
    Alexander’s arm came around her waist, pulling her to his side. The moment, earlier, when he cradled her face in his hands and