Shock wracks my body, my fingers trying to snap together. I can’t feel them, can’t hear anything over the ringing in my ears.

I can’t believe what had just happened, my senses dulled but so sharp at the same time. Was this what they meant about people being able to act quickly in a crisis?

My lilac dress was torn at the hem around my feet where David Frederick had grabbed at it. Asher’s lip was bleeding, but he stood like an intimidating warrior over his father’s crumpled form. The last twenty minutes were a blur; David sitting in the corner of the room that held our purses, accusing me of things I’d never done, arguing with me, threatening me … and then lunging.

And then, he’d been gone even as I’d crouched, trying to avoid the blow he’d surely land.

“Don’t you dare touch her, ever!” he growls, his eyes are a scary shade of dark green.

“Nora!” My mother rushes in, the train of her wedding dress trailing behind her.

Bennett follows, a security guard tailing them both. They’re the royal crown prince and princess now, that deal was sealed just minutes ago. Their detail will be heightened, something I’m very glad for in this moment.

My stepfather takes one glance at the scene, and begins to act. He points to David and addresses the guard. “Get backup and take this man out of here at once. Detain him. And bring a medical kit.”

The guard starts out of the room, and Mom rushes to me. “Are you okay? Oh my God …”

Sheer terror marks her face, and instantly I feel guilty for bringing this drama into her life. “I’m fine, I’m okay. Asher … he got here in time.”

They both turn to Asher, who is still monitoring his father like he might get up and try something again.

Bennett moves to him, touching his arm like he’s trying to soothe a wild animal. “That’s a brilliant job, son. Now come sit down.”

Asher looks at him like he might swing at him next, but cautiously lets his guard down, letting Bennett lead him to a chair at the table in the corner.

“He got you pretty good, but I think you got him better.” My stepfather dabs at Asher’s lip with a napkin, and I can’t believe the situation that is unfolding in front of me.

My system is still in overdrive from almost being attacked, my heart pounding and hands shaking. Mom holds me, watching the two men interact. After all of it, what Bennett did ten years ago, how it affected Asher, what he tried to do to our family, him saving me just seconds ago … my stepfather was still the good man I knew he could be.

And Asher … to say I was surprised would be an extreme understatement. Everything comes rushing at me. What Eloise said about his family, the way he’d begged me in the hallway at Winston to just let him explain. It didn’t forgive what he’d done or how he’d lashed out at that dinner, but seeing the way his father had just advanced at me, it gave a glimpse inside what life must have been like for him.

“I’m sorry … I told him not to try anything today.” Asher buries his face in his hands.

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” Bennett rubs his shoulder.

Someone comes in with the first aid kit, and Mom takes it from them. “Let me take a look at that lip.”

She tends to Asher, and I still can’t make my feet move. After she dabs some ointment and places a Band-Aid over the cut, those green eyes latch onto me.

“I didn’t know he would … I never meant for this to happen.” His expression pleads with me again.

It’s then that I’m unlocked from my body’s prison, my feet moving to join them all over by the table. I kneel down, showing him that I’m okay.

“Thank you for being here, he didn’t hurt me.” I touch my hand to his.

That familiar electricity comes zapping back, and I want him to wrap me up in those big arms right here. But I hold back, confused and still shaken.

“Can I have a few minutes alone with Asher?” Bennett looks at Mom and me.

“No, it’s your wedding day, I should go …” He protests, getting up and trying to leave.

Mom lays a hand on his shoulder. “We’re already married, and we have a lifetime together. Stay, you should hear what he has to say. Come on, sweetheart, you can help me bustle my train.”

She takes a hold of my hand. I give Asher one last look, trying to convey all of the feelings swirling around my system. He nods, and I know we haven’t seen the last of each other today.

Mom leads me into another room in the basement of the church. “Are you really okay, baby?”

Her hands search my face, and I shake her off. “I’m sure, just a little frazzled is all. I didn’t notice him in the room until he started talking … Mom, he was delirious. Spouting off about how I’d ruined his life, and if it weren’t for me he would be king right now. He sounded … crazy.”

She nodded, her face so flawless and beautiful on this day. “He was, honey. Something must have snapped; some things drive people to drastic measures. I’m just glad that Asher was there, what that boy did for you was very brave. And standing up to his father, it’s not an easy task I’d bet.”

Her words were meant to get me thinking, and they did. Under all of the layers I’d already seen, maybe there was more to Asher Frederick than I’d ever imagined.