Richard's POV
'Deep breaths man'
I was attempting to calm myself down by talking to myself, but I had no idea why I was so worried.
'If this isn't the first time you've attended a royal death anniversary, why are you so frightened today?'
I knew why I was nervous; Annabelle wasn't my girlfriend or the love of my life at the time. A part of me is disappointed that the late king and queen will not recognize me as their daughter's soulmate.
'Calm down, man,'
"Richard!" said a voice, which I immediately recognized.
"Yes, sweetheart," I said, before turning around to face her lovely gaze.
She was dressed in a stunning black gown and diamond jewellery as she stood in front of me.
"You're looking lovely, love," she said. "You look dashing in this formal ensemble."
"Is that correct?" I inquired, before drawing her close to me. "So I'm not really attractive, princess?"
"You are," she answered, "But this makes you look more appealing. "I'm not sure how I will keep all those females from attempting to get your attention tonight."
"Oh, really?" I inquired, "Do you realize how seductive you appear in this gown? Do you realize how many guys will wish you were theirs when they saw you?"
"Unfortunately for them, I'm already taken," she said.
Before kissing her, I murmured, "Yeah, by me."
When we broke our kiss, she mumbled, "Richard, you need to calm down. I'm sure my parents and grandma adore you from where they are."
I didn't bother to inquire as to how she was aware of my thoughts. "Are you certain?"
"A hundred," she said with a smile. "Stop second-guessing yourself."
"I'm sorry, but I can't," I admitted. "Annabelle, I'm a nasty guy with terrible powers that can destroy our entire kingdom, and I also have the voice of my messed-up father locked in my mind."
"You're not awful at all, Richard." Annabelle retorted to my assertion. "Yes, I agree your father is terrible and that his voice can be heard in your thoughts, but dear, that doesn't make you bad."
"But," I countered, "that is the truth."
She let out a long sigh before linking our hands together. "You are my beloved, I think of you as a fantastic person, the greatest of all the men I've met."
Her gorgeous eyes glistened with love and affection, and I couldn't stop myself from pulling her close to me and kissing her lovingly. "Princess, you are incredible, and I love you."
"I love you too, Richard," she said, "now let's get moving."
"Of course, my love," I chuckled, which caused her to frown at me for a moment before smiling sweetly at me.
"Let's get going."
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There were many people in the throne room, from royals to commoners, but they all looked magnificent.
The king looked handsome in his attire, and his granddaughter drew the gaze of every male in the room, which made my fury boil.
"What's up, bro?" Sebastian inquired.
"Nothing," I replied before hugging him for a few seconds. "How are things going for you?"
"I'm fine," he said, "But could you tell me why you're staring at her? I'm sure you're buried in her gaze."
"I'm completely lost." My companion laughed as I spoke.
"What did Annabelle do to you?" he enquired, a grin on his face.
"You will not get it, bro," I stated.
"How can I, Richard?" Sebastian made a few jokes at my expense. "So tell me, why didn't you inform me about this fantastic news personally?"
"I'm not sure," I said. "It must have slipped my mind,"
Sebastian let out a sigh. "You don't tell one of your best friends about your beloved."
"I'm sorry dude, don't hold it against me." I pleaded.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not furious with you," my pal admitted. "Now, I'd like to speak with that lovely lady who has won your heart and made you wild about her."
"Come on, let's leave," I said, "but don't stare at her for too long."
"Remember, Richard, I have a betrothed at home, and Annabelle is just a friend." Sebastian had reminded me to clear any feeling of doubt.
"Of course!" I made a small exclamation. "Come on, let's go."
A few ministers and her grandfather surrounded Annabelle. "Hello, Your Highness,"
"Oh hello! How are you today, Richard?" The King inquired.
"I'm fine," I said honestly.
"Hello, Your Highness," Sebastian greeted.
"Sebastian, hello! How are you doing?" He inquired.
"I'm okay, and I'm delighted to be here for this occasion," Sebastian said."It is really nice to know." The King stated his opinion.
"Sebastian!" Annabelle exclaimed before gently hugging him. "How are things going for you?"
He said, "I'm okay and you appear to be in good shape, as usual."
"I appreciate it."
"I'm going to leave you kids to talk." As he excused us, the King smiled politely.
Sebastian congratulated Annabelle, saying, "So a big congrats to you. However, I'm still furious with the two of you."
"What for?" my girlfriend inquired.
Sebastian whispered with an air quote over the word personally, "Not telling about your relationship personally."
"Please accept our heartfelt apologies." Annabelle expressed regret. "It happened so quickly, and believe me, the way the news spread across the palace caught us off guard."
"I'm not," Sebastian gave a warm grin. "People have been hoping for you two to get together since you two are so cute together."
"Is that correct?" I inquired before throwing my arms around Annabelle's waist, "Do we make a cute couple, Princess?"
She flushed slightly and said, "I think now let go of me."
"No," I said.
"Please, Richard," she said.
I smirked and said, "Still no."
"I have to deliver a speech right now," she explained. "So, love, please let me go."
"Fine," I said, "but tonight I want to snuggle with you."
"All right, now let me go," she begged.
"There you go," I murmured, releasing her from my grasp as my hands left her waist. "I love you."
She whispered, "I love you more."
My pal simply sighed. "I truly believe you two are made for each other."
"I know," I said as I stood there watching my girl go away.
'She's stunning, loving, and incredible, but most importantly, she's mine.'