Royally Kidnapped by the Prince

44

THAYER

The announcement was out. It was all over the front page of leading newspapers, magazines, tabloids, Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

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.”

“You will still be my princess whether you like it or not. Princess Kennedy. It has a ring to it, hasn’t it? Or

how about Duchess Kennedy?”

She giggled. “It doesn’t matter it has a ring or hasn’t as long as I’m with you and you’re with me. That’s

makes me us whole.”

I sighed in relief. “God, woman. I love you. I want to kiss you right now, but these people are watching

us.” I licked my lips. My heart was pounding so hard I could hardly breathe, and when she looked at me

like this, filled with devotion, I had to fight the urge of crushing my mouth against hers.

“You can make it up to me later.”

“That’s the plan.” Then I remembered something, and it felt like someone just twisted a knife in my

chest.

“Hey,” she said. There was a pain in those blue eyes, and I was sure she saw the same reflection. “We

talked about this. I still wish I don’t have to fly away from you, but it’s only for a few days.”

I nodded, even if it was hard. The thought of her away from me felt like I split my heart apart. “I know.

I’m sorry. I just couldn’t get used to it. I would never be.”

“Do you trust me?”

Her question caught me off guard. Why did she have to ask? But the truth still gutted me. I tried hard to

hide my frown. “Always.”

“Then keep holding onto that. You would be busy that you wouldn’t even realize that I’m already back

here with you.”

“I know. I’m sorry for being selfish.”

“You’re not selfish, babe. I wouldn’t want to be away from you either, but I have to do this.”

“I understand.” I held her hand as we got out of the dance floor. I grabbed two champagne glasses. My

father was about to speak. I gave her a glass and placed my hand on her waist.

“Thank you all for coming tonight. Mark another important year for my family. The King would be glad to

be here for this wonderful celebration of my son, Prince Thayer’s engagement to his fiance, Kennedy

Gilby. Kennedy, I officially welcome you to my humble family.”

I slightly squeezed her waist as she raised her Champagne glass to my father with a smile.

“To my son, you made me proud again, son. On behalf of your mother, your sister, Carlott, I wish you

both the best and have a prosperous life together. Congratulations. For Prince Thayer and Kennedy.”

I raised my glass and glanced at my beautiful fiancee. “For us.” I sipped my champagne.

The party continued for another few hours. I joined Ash and Lud also in their tux. Kennedy joined my

sister when my parents left early.

“How’s the feeling of being engaged?”

“What kind of stupid question is that?” Ash answered Lud. “For a guy like you who has no plan of

settling down, you would never understand.”

“Never underestimate womanizers, dude. When they fall in love, they fall hard and bad,” he said. His

gaze was pinned to my fiancee and my sister.

I chuckled. “Can’t wait to see that coming.”

“You’re drunk,” Ash told him.

“I’m not. How about you, Zakkary? When are you gonna move on?”

“Fuck off.”

“You’re so drunk. You never call him Zakkary unless you’re pissed at something.”

“I should go ahead.” He took a deep breath and blinked to get sobered, but I knew him, and he would

never get drunk like this unless something was bothering him.

“I’ll help into your room.”

“It’s your party, man. I’m good.”

“Bullshit. You can barely help yourself to stand up.” I draped his arm over my shoulder. “What’s going

on, Stell?”

“Nothing. I thought I finally have a reason to get drunk. Take care of her, T. A woman like her should

never be taken for granted. You won’t ever find another one like her. I’m happy for you. Love loves you

so much. You two are perfectly made in heaven.”

“You’re words make sense when you’re drunk.” I managed to send him to one of the rooms without him

tripping off. “Get some rest. We’ll talk about your broken heart when you wake up in the morning,

okay?” I walked out when he fell asleep.

Ash and Lud were the closest brothers I ever had. Of course, they were important to me. I loved them

like my real family. When something was bothering them, it concerned me.

I should ask Ash if he knew what was going on with Lud.

“Thayer?”

I stopped when I recognized that voice. “Lady Kadynce, what can I do for you?”

“I can’t believe you chose her over me.”

“Excuse me?” I met her gaze. There was no pain but hatred, anger, and disgust.

“I’m supposed to be your fiance, and not that American whore—”

“Careful now, Lady Kadynce. I won’t ever allow you to demean Kennedy. She has nothing to do with

the list of candidates my father made for me. I apologize that you hoped and wished for it. But I found

the right woman for me, who can make me happy.”

“She’s not the right one for you. I am perfect for you, Thayer. I’m born to this and not her.”

Ash showed up. Thank fuck. I didn’t want to deal with her anymore. She should accept it or leave me

alone and be happy for me.

“Lady Kadynce, may I escort you out?”