“You will now exchange rings.”
Stefano, not missing a heartbeat, reached for her left hand and slid a ring with the royal Umbriano crest on her finger. She in turn put the gold band with the Rossiano crest on his ring finger. She felt tense and wondered if he could tell. “In as much as Stefano and Lanza have consented together in holy wedl
ock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands, I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
“You may kiss the bride, Your Highness.”
* * *
A year ago Lanza had worn the black veil of mourning. Since then Stefano had been imagining this moment. When she’d approached him at the altar—a vision in white silk—her white lace veil had given him enticing glimpses of her lovely features and deep blue eyes. As he lifted it, what he hadn’t counted on was her true classic beauty or the voluptuous shape of her mouth.
His heart pounded hard as he lowered his head to kiss her. Much as he wanted to taste her fully, he held back and only brushed his mouth against hers. The soft sweetness of her lips sent a sensation not unlike electricity through his body. The princess he’d met when she was just a young girl had grown into a breathtaking woman who was now his wife. His wife!
“We’ll talk in the carriage,” he whispered against the fragrant silky skin of her cheek before he lifted his head.
Organ music filled the cathedral while he took her hand in a firm grip. Donetta came forward to give her the flowers and they started down the aisle. He was now a married man who’d made promises to his new bride, who walked at his side. They made their way outside to the ringing of the cathedral bells, followed by bells ringing out all over the city.
He felt like they were part of a dream as he helped her into the same carriage he knew she’d ridden in with her father. Stefano climbed in and sat opposite her, hoping she’d meet his eyes. “This is where we have to wave at the crowd. They’re eager to see the beautiful princess and take pictures.”
“If the temperature keeps falling, maybe everyone will go home.”
He studied her features. “You know they won’t. This wedding has been anticipated for two years.”
She nodded. “We’re part of the fairy tale meant to be exciting for them, but by midnight it’ll all be over and the real test of living will begin.”
Stefano sat back. “I am guessing from that comment you received the message I sent you when we got engaged. But in all our emails, you never mentioned it.”
She continued waving. “I’m sorry that I didn’t. If you want to know the truth, it was like a breath of fresh air.”
One dark brow lifted. “Why do you say that?”
“You indicated that there are ways to negotiate our situation. It gave me hope that you have something brilliant in mind. Alberto said you were born with the real brains in the family.”
So saying, she turned to the windows on the other side of the carriage. For the next little while she fulfilled her part in acknowledging the crowds cheering and taking pictures.
They weren’t really going to have a chance to talk properly today; that would have to wait till they left to go on their honeymoon. That time couldn’t come soon enough for Stefano. He didn’t want their marriage to start off with this kind of tension.
“Uh-oh!” she exclaimed. “Don’t stop waving, Signor Casale. Alberto told me that’s the name you go by at your many gold mines throughout the world. Time’s not up yet. We only have to endure this display for the masses for a few more minutes.”
The woman who’d sent him enchanting emails he’d thoroughly enjoyed was not in evidence right now. Soon the carriage arrived back at the fifteenth-century palace. She faced him with a smile. “All we must do now is endure this endless day a little longer.”
The footman opened the door of the carriage, but Stefano got out first to help her. No matter her true feelings, whatever they were, he was determined to behave in every way like an adoring bridegroom, even arranging her veil and train. With her flowers in one hand, he grasped her other hand and they ascended the steps past the palace staff who’d assembled to welcome them.
He walked her through the rotunda where their families awaited them. After many hugs, she turned to him. “I’m going down the hall to freshen up, but I’ll be back.”
“Would you like me to go with you?”
“Thank you, but I won’t be long.”
“Then I’ll wait right here for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
His eyes searched hers. “Don’t you know I want to?”
CHAPTER FOUR
STEFANO HAD SOUNDED like he’d meant it. Lanza went to the waiting room more confused over her feelings about him than ever before returning to the rotunda. He saw her coming and walked toward her.