Royally Kidnapped by the Prince novel Chapter 44

THAYER

The announcement was out. It was all over the front page of leading newspapers, magazines, tabloids, and gossip sites. It was the headlines of any news channels, trending on social media with our own hashtags #PowerRoyalCouple, #Kenyer, #Thayedy.

But if there were more excited and ecstatic about our engagement, some people called it propaganda, a publicity stunt, and an act of shame towards the King.

I wanted to throw my phone across the room. How dare did they call this a publicity stunt?

“You can’t please anyone. What’s important is your feelings and intentions? From what I’ve seen, this is not about the terms anymore. You both are in love, so prove them all wrong,” Ash said.

“And show them your middle finger,” Lud added.

I glanced at the woman I loved. She was scrolling on her phone. I couldn’t really read her expression or what was in her head. Then she burst out laughing.

“What’s funny, love?” Lud joined her on the lounge chair.

She arched her brow. “Why so nosy, eh?”

“Just curious. Thayer over there is pissed off about the reactions over your engagement announcement while you’re here laughing your ass off on something on your phone. So what is all about?”

She showed Lud her phone screen.

“Oh?” His eyes widened. “Well, that’s something.”

“What’s that?” It also piqued my attention.

“It’s a message from my friend Siena.”

“The tall blonde?” Ash asked.

“How did you know her?” Kennedy asked and waved off. “Nevermind. Forget that I asked.”

I grabbed the phone from Kennedy and took a seat beside her. I read and scrolled down her conversation. Apparently, she sent some pictures of us to her friends, including the stolen shots she took for Ash and Lud.

I chuckled. “Is it your normal conversation? I thought only girls like us who talk about this thing most of the time.”

“What is it about?” Ash asked.

“None of your business, bro,” Lud answered.

“You seemed so interested earlier. Nevermind.” He pressed the earpiece of his comm. “Go ahead.” He listened. “Copy that.” He clicked off. “ETA three minutes.”

Kennedy stood up and offered her hand. “Let’s go.”

I took and squeezed it. “You okay?”

“Do you think I care about those negative comments when I got eighty-six on my side?”

I leaned down to kiss her on her nose. “That’s what I love about you. Your positivity and your ability to think the brighter side.”

“If there was something I learned from you is to be relentless and never give up on something you value most.”

“God, I love you.” I was about to kiss her again when Lud interrupted us.

“Love birds, continue that when Prince Isodore is not in the hall.”

“Crap.” Kennedy breathed out before we walked towards the door.

My father looked happy and proud. “Congratulations to both of you.”

My mother and my sister came to greet us next.

After our pleasantries and greetings, our guests who were closed to our family had started to arrive. Earlier this afternoon, Kennedy’s parents and friends had sent their video greetings. Aunt Alessia wished us as well.

My chest ached. I wished my grandfather could send his greetings as well. There may be an improvement in his condition, but that was all.

Kennedy and I welcomed our guests. She did a bang-up job. She was a fast learner, a versatile, and I couldn’t be any prouder.

When the music started, we started dancing. I suddenly remember our first dance together.

“I know what’s your thinking,” she said with a knowing smile.

“That I want to drag you out of this hall, bend you over the table in one of these rooms?”

She slightly rolled her eyes. She looked stunning in her red floor-length gown with her diamond tennis necklace, still, she had no idea it was my gift. All she knew was just a chosen jewelry for her to wear at tonight’s party.

“You’re beautiful, darling.”

“You’re not bad yourself, Prince Thayer.”

“Soon, you’ll be my princess.”

“I don’t need a title to be yours, babe.”