We’re getting married today, I send him.

Immediately, three dots appear that indicate he’s responding. That’s today? If only anyone had reminded me… He sends me a photo of the television set in the living room at Glendale Cottage. It’s set to the main Marcedenian news channel, which is currently displaying the engagement portrait we took a few weeks ago. ROYAL WEDDING THIS AFTERNOON is the headline prominently displayed below it.

Wish people would pay us a little more attention, I respond.

We had a good run for a while there, Jace replies.

I’m distracted from my phone when Katie bursts into my room.

“It’s your wedding day!” she shouts.

I can’t help but laugh as I climb out of bed. “I didn’t forget.”

“Are you feeling okay?” Katie asks.

“I’m a little nervous, but…”

“You’re not hungover?”

“Hungover?” I ask. “I didn’t drink that much, did I?”

“You were definitely tipsy, and I’m not sure what you told Jace when you called him, but he called me right after and made sure I gave you nothing else but water.” She grins. “It was really sweet.”

I pick up my phone again. Did I call you last night? I send Jace.

He replies immediately. Wasn’t sure if we were pretending it didn’t happen.

Because… I reply.

It involved things you like about my tongue is how he responds.

I feel my cheeks heat as his words prompt a hazy recollection.

Happy to continue the conversation tonight he adds.

“Come on, let’s head to the ballroom!” Katie exclaims.

For once, I’m just as excited as she is. I quickly pull on a robe and follow Katie out into the hallway. We giggle and squeal as we race through the winding corridors toward the cavernous room serving as my bridal headquarters. We burst inside to find everything’s already been set up. All the furniture has been pushed against the walls to accommodate the buffet, salon, and changing areas that have been set up in the center.

My mother is already there, dressed in a navy pantsuit despite the early hour. She’s speaking with Joan and beckons me over as soon as we enter the room.

“Good morning, Vivienne,” she greets.

“Morning, Mother,” I respond, grinning widely. Beyond just the burst of excitement I woke up with, I can feel exuberance bubbling within me. Rather than just Katie’s infectious enthusiasm, I know this is all my own. A product of the place deep inside that thought I’d always have to wonder how the rest of Jace’s life turned out, not have a front-row seat beside him.

Joan curtsies as I approach. “Your Highness.”

“Good morning, Joan.”

“We need you to select a second back-up entrée,” my mother instructs.

“What? Why?” I ask. “Didn’t the scallops and swordfish arrive?”

“Yes, they were both delivered a few hours ago,” my mother responds. “But just in case they—”

“If this is what you’re worrying about, I’m going to take it to mean we’re in good shape for today?” I interrupt.