Everly

Once we’re back on the plane, Sage and I shower and then try to get settled. At first, he didn’t want to talk about his father, but I did. There was no way to fight the knot forming in my stomach.

I glance over to where he’s standing in the doorway of a makeshift bedroom on the plane. He must see the anguish written all over my face. He walks the short distance between us and sits next to me. His fingers tilt my chin up to him.

“I promise, babe, you have nothing to be concerned about.”

I bite the inside of my lip, worrying my hands on the blanket I have wrapped around my legs.

“I’m asking you to have faith in me. I know my family, especially my father. But even more, I know the law about who I am to marry like the back of my hand. So please, trust me when I say I have a plan.”

I nod, and he curls in more, pulling me into his side. His lips touch the top of my head in a soft kiss. “Get some rest. I won’t let anything bad happen. I promise.”

I lie down, and after he tucks me in, he exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and worry over what’s to come.

It’s not until hours later when warmth surrounds me as he climbs in bed and curls up close behind me. Once he’s holding me tightly, I’m truly able to breathe and get some sleep.

When we land, I search out every window I can, praying to God no one is there waiting for us. Thankfully, all I see are two men standing next to a motorcycle and a truck.

I turn to Sage. “Is that Logan and Joey?” I watch him nod. “How did they know?”

“I was messaging them while you were asleep. I told you, I have everything under control.”

He leans in to kiss me. Seeing them here gives me hope. I’m able to take a deep breath, knowing he truly will make all of this right.

We go to exit the plane, but Sage stops short and turns to the pilot. “Paul, I’m sorry to put you in that situation,” he says.

They shake hands, and we walk out with our fingers weaved together. As we approach Logan, he tosses the keys to Sage.

“Everything in place?” Sage asks cryptically.

Logan holds out his hand. “All set.” They clasp and bring each other in for a side, male hug.

“I appreciate it,” Sage says to both of them as he and Joey greet each other the same way.

They both turn to me next, giving me a welcoming hug. I love that my guy has friends that he can count on and trust. Logan and Joey hop in the car with our luggage as we head to the bike.

“Are you going to fill me in on what’s going on?” I ask, tugging my helmet over my head.

“Nope.” He smirks before his face disappears behind his helmet.

I hit his stomach and laugh. I wish I knew what he had up his sleeve but knowing those three are in this together, I have to admit, I’m kind of excited to see what they have in store.

* * *

Sage

Thank God for my friends. I don’t know what I would do without those guys. Once Everly fell asleep, I started working on my plan. There’s only one hitch.

My father.

First, I must face him, hoping I don’t have to go to my last resort, but it’s in place just in case we don’t see eye to eye.

While on the plane I messaged my sister to gauge just how mad he was. When she responded back with nothing but laughing emojis, there was nothing more to be said. I’m in for the fight of my life, but it’s one I’m more than willing to have.

As I turn the corner onto Everly’s street, her grip tightens around my waist when she sees the sidewalk lined with paparazzi all waiting for a glimpse of her. I move my hand from the handlebars and hold onto her tightly, letting her know she’s not alone.

I pull the bike into her driveway, revving my engine far more than necessary, trying to signal to people to get out of the way. Once I am parked as close to the door as possible, we both hop off, keeping our helmets on and making our way to her house.

“Why is the king saying you can't be engaged?” a woman yells.

“What’s going on with Marie?” another female reporter asks.

“Where have you guys been?” I hear a man yell.

I hold out my arm, making it very clear that if anyone gets close to Everly, they will have to deal with me. Once we’re inside, we shut the door and take off our helmets.

“Is it always like this?” she asks with hesitation.

“No. I swear. It’s all the news about my marriage”—I pause, reaching for her hand—“our marriage once you say yes, that’s got everyone up in a frenzy.”

“Why do they keep asking about Marie? What’s really going on, and why do you always dodge the question? I’ve read—”

“I told you. Don't believe anything you read. I’m dealing with it. I’ve already asked you, and there is no one else I’d rather marry. Don't ever forget that.”

She looks down, and I place my finger under her chin to bring her gaze back to mine. “Please trust me. I will fix everything.”

I see her glistening blue eyes reflecting back at me and I reach down, needing to feel her lips against mine for a brief moment to make sure she’s still with me. That she’s still mine.

“I’ll be back, okay?” I ask, looking directly at her to make sure she hears me correctly. “Now don’t go reading any crazy stories you find online. This right here is the truth, and no one can take that away. I just have some things I have to deal with first.”

“Things?”

I kiss her softly again. “Trust me. I’ll see you soon.”

I open the door and make my way through the crowd. I’m not sure how much she believes in me yet, but that’s the least of my troubles.

First things first.

I ignore every question asked of me as I back out of her driveway and head to the palace.

After I pull up the long driveway, I shut the bike off and glance at my watch. It’s five o’clock at night. I search for the dining room window to see if he and my mother are there, waiting for dinner to be served.

It’s now or never. I hop off and walk into my home, prepared to make it the last time if it goes that direction.

When the door clicks shut, I hear the clanking of silverware and dishes coming from the dining room along with my mother saying, “Breathe, William. Please remember what we talked about.”

I stand in place, figuring we might as well have this conversation next to the front door so I can make my escape if need be.

“Young man, how dare you defy me,” Dad bellows as he stomps into the entryway.

“I did not defy you. I asked for the hand of one of the women that you told me I could marry.”

“No!” he demands. “How many times do we have to go over this? She is not on the list anymore. I will not have that trash join this family.”

“Don’t you dare call her that.” I strut up to him, getting right in his face, making sure he knows how serious I am.

He doesn’t back down. “She'll make a mockery of my kingdom.”

“Your kingdom? You’re joking, right? Your kingdom is a mockery of what it could be. I’m the only one trying to make a difference. I want to change things around here while you sit on your ass. We could really help these people. Make them more self sufficient and happy.”

“Watch your tone when you speak to me, boy. This is my country, my rules, and I will not have you pushing your will on years of tradition,” he growls, getting even closer to my face.

“I’m following your tradition, marrying from the approved bloodline so you can’t stop me.”

“I told you. She is not welcome in our family. You will marry Marie. It’s time to move on with this marriage and put all of this behind us.”

“No, I won’t. I’m going to marry Everly, and you can’t do a thing about it.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I can do something about it. If you marry her, you’re out. Out of the family. Out of line for king, and I will banish you from Canterbury.”

“William,” Mom gasps from behind us.

“It’s okay, Mom. He’s spoken, and I was prepared for this. I’m sorry you feel that way, but if marrying a woman I love means I’m out of this family, so be it. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

I walk up to my mother as tears spill down her face. “Thank you, Mom, for everything.” I kiss her head before heading toward the door, walking out to my future.