Prince Player(18)

Andrew, for his part, doesn’t seem to notice. If he does, he doesn’t comment on it, he just continues to do his job. I can’t tell if she’s nervous, afraid, regretting everything, or what. But she doesn’t ask any questions and she initials every page, so we continue.

Finally, Andrew gets to the last page. It’s an ornate thing, with lines for us to sign, and the enormous royal seal already stamped in wax. I see that my father signed the bottom, indicating his approval, although I doubt he actually signed it. I suspect my mother had his personal steward sign, which is surprisingly common.

“Okay Hazel,” Andrew says. “This is your last chance. If you get up and leave without signing, we won’t hold anything against you.”

She looks at me and I look back, but I don’t say anything. If she wants to walk away, I want her to go. I don’t want to force this woman to marry me. I don’t want her to feel like I had to convince her.

I want her to want it.

She looks away, takes the pen from the table, and signs her name quickly. She puts the pen down and looks away again when it’s done.

“Okay then,” Andrew says, and looks at me. “Same goes for you, it’s not too—“

I grab the pen and sign before he can finish.

Andrew sighs. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

“May I kiss the bride?” I say.

Hazel looks at me, eyes wide, but I laugh at her.

“Congratulations, Wife Consort Hazel Joyce,” Andrew says. “Remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

I give Andrew a look. “Quit acting like I’m some kind of weird rapist or something.”

He smirks at me. “Definitely not a rapist. But definitely weird.”

I roll my eyes and turn to Hazel. “Now that it’s official, it’s time for you to take your place in the castle.”

She cocks her head and looks at me. “What do you mean?”

“You’re going to come live with me,” I say, laughing. “At least until you’re pregnant. It was in the contract, remember.”

She hesitates then nods. “I remember. Page six, subparagraph four.”

I glance at Andrew and he looks surprised. “Uh, that’s right,” he says.

“I have a good memory.” She blushes slightly.

“Impressive,” I say. “But you still better go home and get packed. You’re coming to live with me, little wife. And soon, you’re going to get knocked up.”

“Uhm, okay,” she says, still blushing.

“Andrew, how long do you think it’ll take?”

“Until she gets sick of you?” he asks me.

“No, until I get her pregnant. I think the first night.”

“I’m sure you’re both very fertile,” he says blandly.

“What do you think, princess?” I ask her. “How quickly do you want me to get you pregnant? We can go try right now, if you want.”

She’s beet red and it drives me absolutely crazy. I can’t stop smiling right now. I know I shouldn’t be this happy, but I can’t help myself. I just married this girl, she’s truly my wife, and I’m going to fuck her until she’s pregnant. I never really thought this would happen, but holy shit, it’s very real.

“Maybe later,” she says quickly, and stands. “Like you said, I should go pack.”

“Wise choice,” Andrew mumbles.

“Suit yourself.” I stand up and escort her to the door. “But remember, you’re all mine now, princess,” I whisper in hear ear.

She looks up at me, her eyes wide, but she isn’t blushing this time. No, this time I can see a glint of excitement in her eyes.

“Okay,” she says to me.

I smirk at her, open the door, and she leaves the room. I watch her go, staring at that sweet ass for a second, before looking back at Andrew.

“What do you think?” I ask him.

“She’s smart and beautiful. I think she’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you.”

“Don’t be,” I say. “I have this under control.”

I grin at him before leaving the room, I shut the door and head back to my apartment, a whistle on my lips, a spring in my step.

I never thought I’d be a married man, let alone married to a foreign girl like Hazel. But damn is she fucking sexy, and I can’t wait to claim what’s rightfully mine now.

“Was that her?”

I stop mid-stride and look to my left. Surprise rushes through me as Julian smiles at me, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Excuse me?” I ask him.

He walks up to me and the stewards that were flanking him hang back. “The girl. Was that her? The new wife?”