CHAPTER 9

One glance at the mirror almost made Pamilerin tear up. Who was this beautiful woman staring back at her? The ball wedding gown was designed just for her, she felt like a princess in a fairy tale story. Everything was happening so fast. One minute she was engaged, and now she was getting married in five days. Today is the last day for her wedding dress fitting, and it simply perfect.

Ever since the day Alexander told her that they need to move the wedding date closer, and surprising her parents gave their consent, wedding plans have started in earnest. She did not lift a finger like Alexander promised, a team was placed in charge of handling their wedding preparation. It was a royal wedding, and all she needed to do was be available for her wedding gown fitting, like she was doing now.

She hardly goes anywhere now without a security detail, neither does she drive herself again. Everything is now different. It's a big change for her, and it is not easy adjusting to a new life.

"I hope we met your expectations, your majesty?" The woman asked.

"Yes, I love it. Thank you—but you don't have to address me as your majesty. Pamilerin is just fine," she said, embarrassed and a bit self-conscious. This is the part she did not fancy, but her father had made her to realise that accepting to marry a King is a big commitment, that she is capable of being great at, he told her this at a point when she was getting cold feet. She is not marrying Alexander alone, but a King, which in turn means she will be the Queen.

She did not know the first thing about being a queen. When she lamented this to Alexander, he arranged for someone to give her lessons on how a queen behaves, everything that would be expected of her. Pamilerin found the lessons interesting and eye opening for her. She realized there was more to being queen than what she thought before the lessons started.

Pamilerin determined within herself to be the best queen for her husband and his people—now going to be her people as well.

"You will be our queen soon and it is only right for me to address you as such" the woman in charge of her bridal wear, explained, helping her with the ball gown.

"Alright then if you insist" Pamilerin smiles weakly, as she helps her out of the gown, back into her cloth, she was about to help her with the back zip, when her mobile buzz inside her handbag, "excuse me" she said, rummaging inside it for phone. Her weak smile changed to a full-blown smile when she saw Alexander's name displayed on her phone screen.

"Hello dearie" grinning from ear to ear as his voice fills her ear.

"Hello beautiful, how is your final dress fitting coming along?"

"Very well darling, I am done already. I will be going back home soon, once I'm done here. Hope your meeting went well?"

"Yes, it did. I miss you around here though," he said with a chuckle. Since the wedding plans have being underway, Pamilerin's attention has being divided and they both decided it will be better if he gets a new secretary, giving her room to face the wedding plans. He finally got a qualified candidate, but they both missed seeing each other every day at work. She consoled herself knowing they would be together permanently soon.

"I miss you more" she whispered.

"Good, I'm happy to know you miss me a little" teasing her.

"But you know I do miss you any time we are not together, I think I even miss you more" giggling like a girl.

"I guess we will have to find out now, won't we?" He asked, sounding mysterious.

"What do you mean? And why are you sounding so mysterious right now?" She turned, when she heard flurry of excitement chatter outside the changing room.

"You will see"

Pamilerin heard voices saying 'Your Highness' outside. "What? Alexander is here?" she muttered, forgetting she was still on the phone.

"Yes, I'm here." He entered the changing room, dropping his phone.

The woman helping her curtsied and left the room. Pamilerin forgot she was partially in a state of undress, with her gown still hanging open at the back, dropping her phone on the couch in the room. She ran to him, "what are you doing here!"

"I thought it will be nice to surprise you. You said you miss me remember?" Drawing her close to him.

"Yes, I was just not expecting to see you. But I'm happy you did. It feels like forever since I last saw you," she muttered, eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Three days to be exact." His hands framed her cheeks, kissing her with all the pent-up frustration he had started to feel lately. One hand framed her nape, while the other moved to her back, touching her uncovered spine and sending a shiver down it, making goosebumps raise on her skin.

She stepped back, suddenly remembering her state of undress. "Uhm—I think we should stop, we are in a public place"

"You're right. Come, let me help you with the zipper." Turning her around, he zipped her up, but not before pressing his lips to her shoulder blade, causing a moan to escape from her lips. Behind her Alexander smile with a knowing grin.

The royal wedding day dawn like any other day, but for Pamilerin it's the day her fairy tale story starts. She was too keyed up to sleep, despite Tricia's protest that she should. Her friend had arrived in the country two days ago amidst all the excitement. It was awesome to have her around at this time. Some of her other friends showed up as well for her wedding and they all stayed together at the booked hotel for Pamilerin, her friends and bridal trains.

After tossing and turning she gave up on trying to sleep, the time revealed it was past four in the morning. Tricia was the only one that slept in her room with her. Pamilerin opens her phone, glancing through it, the news of their wedding was all over already, she smiled at the pre-wedding pictures they took. In few hours her life will change.

By 6:00am the team of make-up artists and stylists arrived at her room and went about setting up while she freshened up. They started pampering and preening her for the wedding, while another team was in charge of fitting her bridal train. Her hair, nails, and face were done by the professionals, and her hotel room was full of activity, people running around to get things done, all for her.

If she teared up a bit after her wedding gown fitting, Pamilerin almost ruined her make-up with tears when they were done.

"Oh my God! Girlfriend, you are so beautiful, Alexander is going to be panting after you when he sees you," Tricia squealed with excitement, behind her. Pamilerin's eyes misted at her friend's words, smiling at her. She felt beautiful, not just outside but inside as well.

"Thank you, Tricia, I am glad you are here for me." She hugged her.

"Aww, let's not ruin our make-up, so your team will not kill me," she whispered conspiratorially, giggling a little.

Pamilerin's entourage arrived at the Palace chapel, where the wedding would be held, twenty minutes beforehand. But she stayed inside her limo, until it was time for her to come out. The paparazzi were busy snapping away outside, trying to catch a glimpse of her first. Pamilerin felt overwhelmed, it is really happening? Getting married to a King? To a man she has come to love even without realizing it.

"But what if everything was just a dream, I'm going to wake up from soon?" She mutters to herself, doubt setting in, not realizing she has spoken aloud.

"Hey, breathe, this is real. You are getting married to the love of your life because I know you love him, and I'm sure he loves you too" Tricia whispers beside her.

"Thank you, you 're right. I'm sure he loves me…He's just having a hard time saying it." Muttering the last part to herself.

But neither did you tell him you love him too, her subconscious pointed out to her.

Any doubt flew right out of the window the minute the processional hymn started and her father led her into the church where Alexander was waiting calmly for her. She practically was floating to him, he stares at her with intensity and she could not look away or take her eyes off him for a minute, though he could not see her eyes well under the veil but she felt he can see right through her.

"You are a true vision in white" he whispers for her ear only when she was handed over to him.

"So are you—I mean, you look incredible" she stutterers. She suddenly feels unsure of herself around him. He grinned at her blunder, before facing the minister.

They exchange their "I do's," and when he was asked to kiss her, Alexander eyes glimmers at hers, finally seeing her with the veil off her face. " you are indeed beautiful " he mutters close to her lips, before claiming them. She clutched to him, smiling.

The Reception followed immediately after they left the church. The event planner really out done herself, everything was well arranged. Alexander had arranged for their honeymoon trip. It was a surprise destination that he refused to share with Pamilerin. The newly wedded couple left the rest of the party, in the evening to where the private plane was waiting for them.

It was just them, their security detail, and the cabin crew. They were ushered onto the plane, into the first class section, where champagne was already awaiting them in a bucket filled with ice. Pamilerin took a sit opposite Alexander, both buckling their sit belt in preparation for the take off. The voice of the Captain fills the cabin, giving them the flight details, and the projected landing time. Pamilerin could not believe her ears when the Captain announced that their destination is Mauritius.

"Seriously?" Her eyes widened, "Mauritius?"

"Yes, I know you will like the place" Alexander told her, smiling at.

"Oh my, it's one of my dream vacation spots. This is amazing, thank you," she said.

"It's alright." His eyes bored into hers. "I'm glad I could fulfil some of your dreams."

"You have surpassed my dreams" she points out, returning his heated stare, Pamilerin was certain that her desire is evident in her eyes. She had been literarily dying to kiss him. "There's no reason why I can't make the first move," she thought, her wedding bands winking on her finger. "This gives me the right to do just that." With her determination renewed, she waited for the plane to level out and for the seat belt sign to turn off. It was like he took the thought right out of her head, more or less, or her desire was very evident in her eyes. Either way, she finds herself sprawled on his lap.

"Have been meaning to do this since the last time" he murmured, before his lips descends on hers. His left hand roamed and caressed her body while the other held her head in place. Pamilerin felt putty in his hands, this is where she wants to be, in his arms.

"I have been dying to kiss you too." She punctuated her words with kisses. Her chest pressing against his.

"Your Highness—oh excuse me," the hostess whispers, quickly backing out with the refreshment she brought.

Pamilerin groaned in embarrassment, "oh I feel so embarrassed, right now" her face heating up.

"Don't be. Besides, we are newlyweds. So we are allowed to be all over each other" he told her, pressing one last kiss on her before releasing her. Pamilerin smiled and reclined on the seat. Before long she had dozed off.

Pamilerin felt a bit worn out but well rested, by the time they finally made it to their destination. It was a beautiful sight. The beach was not far from their Cabin. It was a space they had to themselves, far from the prying eyes of the press. After the two bodyguards have done a quick swipe and check of the cabin, they were allowed to enter.

"Wow this is beautiful, just like in the movies" Pamilerin whispered in awe of the place.

Their room has a direct view to the beach, causing her to sigh with appreciation. The bedroom was prepared prior to their arrival. It was a chapter out of a romance novel. Scented candles, flower petals on the floor and bed, wine by the four-poster bed.

"This is amazing!"

"I'm glad you like it. Why don't you go ahead and freshen up" Alexander said, removing his cufflinks from his shirt after dispensing with his jacket. "Everything you need is in the bathroom, and I have asked them to go clothes shopping for you. I'm sure you will need them."

"Wow!" Opening the walk-in closet, she found it filled with an array of designer clothes, shoes, and bags, "but are these not too much? I mean how many days are we spending here—"

"You are my wife and queen now, I want you to have everything." He declares, shrugging off his Shirt, leaving him in his trousers.

"I don't think I can wear them all in the—" her throat seemed to close off as she glanced at him, taking in his naked chest, "few weeks we will spend here," she finished, voice choked with emotions. She has never seen him half naked before, and he looks deadly in this state.

What was she thinking? How could she handle such a virile man? He obviously worked out to get all those muscles and abs. She thought.

Pamilerin eyes flickered up to connect with his gaze, and realized he was watching her watch him.

"Er I will just go and freshen up like you suggested" she croaks, planning to escape into the adjoining bathroom.

"Are you sure you won't need help with that gown you are wearing?" Referring to the black sequins gown she wore for the reception. He crossed the room, closing the space between them. "Let me help you" his voice now sounding husky, to her ears. Drawing the zip all the way down, his cool hands displayed on her now bare back. It fell with a whoosh sound before Pamilerin could reach for it, leaving her in the lacy black bra and matching panties.

"You are so beautiful" he whispered but the words came out low and husky, intimate. He kissed the pulse that beat wildly in her throat, his lips lingering with erotic effect against the soft skin, so that Pamilerin shivered against him, her back pressed to his hard chest.

Alexander gently turned her around to face him, his head lowers to claim her lips. At first his lips were controlled and seeking, but the wildfire intensity of her response must have set him on fire too, because his mouth becomes demanding and the kiss became more intent, with a sole purpose to possess her. Pamilerin shuddered at the intensity and desire his touch awakened in her.

His arms tightened around her, her breast crushed to his chest, causing her groan her helpless surrender. Carnal impulses rioted through every cell in her body, clouding her mind and thoughts. Alexander unclasps her bra, stepping back to take her in. Her skin looking flushed, Pamilerin made an attempt to cover herself, but he gently drew her hands down. "Let me see you." She wanted him with a desperate vulnerability that terrified her. I should tell him have never done this before, she thought. But that thought, or any other, soon left her as he caressed her twin peaks with a tenderness she never thought he was capable of, returning to kiss her. For an instant a rush of adrenalin stimulated him into complete arousal, recklessly whetting his appetite for her into a sensual clamour that made nonsense of all his forebodings. But before he could grasp what was happening, it was gone, leaving him deflated and angry. How could he be aroused one minute, and the next, nothing?

"I think you should go ahead with your bath" he said, stepping back from her. His expression closed off Leaving her confused.

"I, er—alright," she murmured, dashing into the bathroom, flustered and embarrassed. She wondered why he was suddenly angry, self-doubt killing her.