SARAH Read online

He nods and the three other men leave the room. Georgio gives me a parting wink on his way out. I’m going to kick his ass just as soon as I’m out of here.

  The king spares the room a quick look before taking a seat next to the bed. He gestures for me to sit. Following my soldier’s training, I do as ordered.

  He clears his throat. “It has come to my attention that you have stolen the most important treasure in my kingdom.”

  I shake my head. “Your majesty, I . . . ”

  He holds up a hand. “My daughter, it would seem, has decided you are the only man for her.”

  His words clutch at my heart. I feel like I could burst with the joy of it. “Did she say that?”

  “I have just one question for you: What do you plan to do about that?”

  Dozens of visions fill my mind. Of pledging my love and life to her in a church surrounded by our friends and family—and undoubtedly more than a thousand other guests. Of watching our children play in the gardens at the palace. Of growing old and gray together. Of helping each other through the ups and downs of whatever life throws our way.

  “I plan to be at her side every step of the way from this day forward.”

  “And you understand what that means?” The king’s eyes narrow. “My daughter is not just a common woman.”

  “There’s nothing common about your daughter, Sir. With or without a crown.”

  The king studies me silently, then rises to his feet. I follow. He holds out a hand. I stare at it a moment before I realize he wants me to shake it.

  As I do, he leans in. “You saved her life. I leave you to help her live it to the fullest.”

  He leaves me there staring after him. I’m pretty sure the king just gave me his blessing. I’d better go find his daughter and make her mine.

  I’m reaching for my coat when there’s another rap at the door. This time, I glance up to find the most beautiful and enchanting woman standing there. I raise a hand in greeting, but wince at the strain on my stitches. She rushes forward, tears in her eyes. She opens her mouth to speak. But then she’s in my arms. My lips are on hers. And all is right in the world.

  When we pull apart, she gives a shaky breath. “I am so sorry this happened. I hope you will forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive.”

  “You saved my life.” Her voice breaks. “I will never be able to repay you for that.”

  “You already have.” I lift one of her hands to my lips. “I know you said you didn’t need a bodyguard hanging around. But you’re not getting rid of me now. I’d give my life for you.”

  She shakes her head. “No. Please. You cannot say that.”

  “You might not like it, but it’s the truth. I’d die for you, Sarah. Not because it’s my job or because you’ll one day be the queen.” I rest my forehead against hers. “But I love you. And I give everything—my heart, my life—to what I love.”

  She murmurs my name and wraps her arms around me. “I love you too. And I offer you my heart, my life, if you will take them.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Then my lips find hers again, and there is no need to say anything more.

  Epilogue

  Sarah

  Six Months Later

  Stepping through the corridor, I pause at a heavy oak door. I cast a glance over my shoulder to make sure I am alone. Once I am positive there are no footsteps or shadows lurking, I kick off my high-heel shoes and pull two pins from the hair piled on top of my head. Bending them the way I was shown, I chew on my bottom lip as I wiggle and push the pins in the lock.

  Click

  I’m in. Grinning, I slowly turn the door handle and inch it open so it will not creek. On my tiptoes, I creep inside. I am barely in the room when the door slams behind me and a hand slips over my mouth to stifle a scream.

  I am pulled against a solid, muscular chest and an arm slips around my waist. My heart pounds as my chest rises up and down.

  “You could have knocked,” Ryan whispers in my ear.

  I push his hand away from my mouth. “What would be the fun in that?”

  “You’re gonna make me regret showing that little party trick, aren’t you?”

  “As often as I can. You know I like to keep you on your toes.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  Chuckling, he presses a kiss to the side of my head. Then he spins me around in his arms to grin down at me. My heart flutters. In just ten more hours, this strong, handsome man will be my husband. And I will be his wife. Ryan and Sarah Timmons. Nevermind the fancy titles that will come.

  He strokes my back. “Having trouble sleeping?”

  I nod.

  “Not having any regrets, I hope?”

  “Never.” I lean up on my toes to kiss his chin. “You are stuck with me forever, Your Grace.”

  “I like the sounds of that.” Closing his eyes, he rests his forehead against mine and sighs. “Unless your father has a change of heart.”

  “Doubtful. Now that you are the Duke of Orkhis, you are basically royal yourself.” I grin. “Plus he would lose the deposit on the champagne. And we’ve spent a small fortune on the cake.”

  “We picked out some pretty damn good champagne and cake. Especially with that celebrity baker you flew in just for me.” He kisses my nose. “It would be a shame to miss them.”

  “Yes, well, about that.” I lean back in his arms so I can look up at him. “I am afraid my champagne drinking days are behind me.”

  He arches an eyebrow.

  “At least for now.” Unable to contain a grin, I place one of his hands on my belly. “I’m told a sip or two won’t hurt the baby, but—”

  His mouth falls open. “You’re pregnant.”

  I nod. “I know it is ahead of schedule, but—”

  He captures my lips in a searing kiss. As love pours from him into me, I am not worried about whether or not this is too soon or how we will balance a family with our royal responsibilities. Whatever happens, we have each other. Now and always.

  When we part, Ryan’s face breaks into a smile.

  “I love you so much.” He cups my cheek. “Do you have any idea how rich you’ve made my life?”

  He does not give me a chance to answer, because his lips are on mine again. I will just have to tell him later that I know exactly what he means. Birth order may have made me the future queen of Rhodon. But fate blessed me by bringing this man into my life. That is worth more than all the palaces and jewels in the world.

  THANKS FOR READING SARAH: Ridiculously Royal #1. If you want to find out what happens next in the Kingdom of Rhodon, check out ALEX: Ridiculously Royal #2 on February 19.

  Prince Alex

  With my sister’s wedding fast approaching, duty and honor call me back from military service. As third in line for the throne, my only real responsibility is to show up to the church on time and make sure Aunt Muriel doesn't hit on the priest.

  Then a run-in with a celebrity baker—who is every bit as sassy as she is sweet—changes everything. Duty and honor take a backseat when I’m filled with the overwhelming need to see if she tastes as delicious as her wedding cake.

  Nikki

  Landing a star-studded wedding—for the crown princess of Rhodon at that—is a dream come true. My career and I are on the cusp of make-it or break-it. I don’t need any distractions, which means no men. Not even a totally hot, totally eligible prince, who is into me.

  Unfortunately, I’ve checked the label on my apron, and it’s not princess material. And while my career has to come first, it’s going to be hard to resist a temptation as savory as Alex.

  Ridiculously Royal is a series of standalone, insta-love steamy shorts about royals finding true love and happily ever afters that are anything but common. Check out ALEX if you like curvy bakers and alpha princes who tempt each other with a hot romance.

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  Thank you for reading!

  XOXO

  Kate

  Also by Kate Tilney

  Extra Long Weekend

  BROCK: Kings of the Mountain #1

  FLINT: Kings of the Mountain #2

  RHETT: Kings of the Mountain #3

  MAX: Kings of the Mountain #4

  ZEKE: Kings of the Mountain #5

  SARAH: Ridiculously Royal #1

  ALEX: Ridiculously Royal #2

  About the Author

  Kate Tilney writes short and sweet steamy romances with alpha heroes and the relatable heroines who love them. When she isn't curled up with a good story, Kate can be found listening to true crime podcasts, re-watching TV shows from her youth, and dreaming up another happily ever after.