Royal Arrangement

IX

Annie

It’s been about a week and Daniel is taking every opportunity to put a baby in me. We’ve had so much s*x that I’m actually walking funny. Of course, Daniel makes fun of me for it every chance he gets. Things have been better between us since that night with the belt. He still punishes me, and sometimes I must admit, I deserve it, but it’s better. He’s calmer and more collected. Still cocky and flirty but he’s no longer lost or haunted. I on the other hand, am lost.

Daniel is so confusing. I really want to hate him but I simply can’t. Every time he does something to piss me off and get me angry, he punishes me for it and then we f**k and it’s like everything’s normal again. He’s more apologetic too. Ever since that night, he’s tender and sweet while still remaining his strict disciplinarian façade. I hate to admit that sometimes, his punishments turn me on. I am in no way a masochist, I still hate the pain, but he balances out with so much pleasure that I’ve come to crave anything from him.

He’s also confusing in the way he behaves around me. I constantly tell him that I don’t want his money, yet he buys me gifts. Almost everything I looked at when we went shopping, magically showed up in my closet.

He enters the room with a small box about the size of a plate. I shake my head. “No. I refuse any more gifts from you. This is crazy Daniel.” I suspect he is still repenting for that night but I don’t confront him about it.

“This isn’t from me. It’s from my mother. For the wedding.”

Shit. The wedding. I forgot that's tomorrow. And his mother is giving me gifts? That’s odd. I take the box from him and open it. Inside is a silver tiara with blue stones and diamonds. “Holy shit.”

“Language.” Daniel chides.

“Sorry but whoa! This is so expensive.” I exclaim, studying the intricate silver engravings and gorgeous cut stones. This is every bit a crown fit for a princess. It sparkles and catches the light just right and I can't look away from it.

“She had it made for you. I told her blue, to match your eyes but I almost said red, to match your ass.” He grins playfully and sticks his tongue out.

I roll my eyes, knowing full well what it would get me. “You’re a sick fuck.”

His smirk lights up his eyes. “Yes, and this sick f**k is going to punish you. Come here.”

I squeal as he grabs me around my midsection and manhandles me over his thighs. Since I've been living with Daniel, I've learned the difference between punishment and funishment as he calls it.

Of course, both leave me with a red stinging ass so I don't know why he insists on making the distinction.

His palm lands in the center of my dress-clad ass with a heavy slap but I can already tell the difference. This isn't a true punishment, Daniel's being playful, doesn't mean it still doesn't hurt though. I squirm and moan under his hand. "Oh... Master..."

I hear him laugh as he strikes me again, falling into a swift rhythm that heats the seat of my pants. "Hmm, you don't sound very repentant."

I bite my lip to stifle a giggle. "Oh, no Sir, I'm very sorry." I say with sugary sweetness.

He pulls me off his lap and I sink down to the floor between his knees. I already know what he's going to ask and my p***y throbs with excitement and arousal.

He raises a brow and strokes his chin thoughtfully. "You're sorry?"

I nod. "Yes, Sir."

Daniel grins. "Show your Master how sorry you are. If you do a good job and show me you're genuinely contrite, I might just let you come."

~~~

So here I am. Standing at the altar of a large chapel with a red ass and sweaty palms, about to marry the prince of Verilia. The stained glass reflects off the tiara and plays in colors on the rug. I barely catch what the priest is saying.

“Do you, Annalise Shaw, take His Royal Highness Prince Daniel Windsor to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold. In sickness and in health. From this day until you both shall part?”

Yep. I am screwed. Completely and utterly lost. Daniel stares at me with a goofy smile on his face. He is a very skilled actor. I make a mental note to tease him about that later. He stands before me in traditional Verilian robes with a large crown on his head. The robes are made of a red velvet with golden tassels. He looks very handsome. I’m lost in thought when Daniel shoots me a warning look. Oh s**t. I have to answer.

I plaster on my saccharine smile and grin. I'm not necessarily happy to be marrying Daniel but I'm not miserable either. I suppose there are worse people to marry and I am getting paid handsomely and f****d daily so it’s not all bad. My ass is still sore though. As I walked down the aisle in my tight lace and silk wedding gown earlier, I tried not to wince as the fabric laid over my red bottom. I saw Daniel grin like the cat that at the canary at my discomfort.

Fuck you, you bastard. You did this. Is what I say in my head. Out loud I simply say “I do.”

The older priest turns to Daniel. “Do you Royal Highness Prince Daniel Windsor take Annalise Shaw as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold. In sickness and in health. From this day until the day you part?”

Daniel winks. “I do.”

“Present the hands for the binding ceremony.” I raise a brow and Daniel grabs my hand in his own. The priest takes a pretty golden braided cord off a nearby pillow. With my hand in Daniel’s the priest ties our wrists together. He holds us together and begins to chant words in Verilian. The entire thing is beautiful even though I don’t know what's being said. It's a Royal wedding and half of Europe is in attendance. I'm so nervous. The crown on my head feels too heavy and I hate the veil in front of my face.

“You may now lift the veil and kiss the bride.”

Daniel grins again and slowly lifts the veil. He leans in close to me and I feel my heart skip a beat in my chest. This is really happening. After this kiss, I'll be his wife. I'll be a Crown Princess. “Time to sell it.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me flush to his body. Daniel softly presses his lips to my own and kisses me with such passion and tenderness that it sucks the air out of my lungs. At that moment, it's only me and him as my lips move rhythmically with his own. Just as quick as he began, he pulls away.

“By the power invested in me by God and the Kingdom of Verilia, I now present His Royal Highness Crown Prince Daniel Windsor and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Annalise Windsor.”

The crowd cheers and trumpets sound. Daniel smiles widely and pulls me close to him. A choir begins to sing as we walk back down the aisle together, our hands still bound by the golden ribbon. Verilia's a traditional country, so outside of the large historical chapel is a horse drawn carriage covered in red and white roses, waiting for us. Daniel helps me up into the carriage and I notice there's a comfortable pillow on the seat. I look back at him and he winks and then sits down beside me as the carriage drives off down the street. “A bride shouldn’t be uncomfortable on her wedding day, even if she deserved it the night before.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes but I can't help but giggle. I turn my attention elsewhere. Crowds are gathered, watching us. They throw roses and cheer. Cameras flash. It’s like a fairy tale, except I'm no Cinderella. I look down at the golden strand tying us together. “What is this?”

He smiles. “It’s called The Bond. It’s between man and wife.”

“The ceremony was beautiful.” I whisper.

He nods. “The words are even more beautiful, would you like to hear them?”

I'm going to say yes, when I hear someone call my name. I look in front of us and see my parents waving from inside the palace gates where we're heading. “Mom! Dad!” I call out and practically drag Daniel out of the carriage as I jump out. It's them! They're really here! I run toward them and throw my free arm around their necks. “You’re here! How? Why?” I can’t stop hugging them.

My mother has tears in her eyes. "You didn't think we would miss your wedding, did you?" I shake my head and feel my eyes sting. She grabs my hand. “Oh honey. You look so beautiful.”

“Stop that. You’re gonna make me cry.” I smile at her through watery eyes.

I'm so lost in the moment that I completely forget about Daniel’s presence. I was hugging and practically crying with my parents so much that I basically ignored him. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to mind, he just watches us with a smile. I can’t tell if it's out of genuine happiness or if it's for the camera’s but I don’t care.

My dad turns to him and holds out his hand. “So, you’re the lucky fella that deserves my little Annie?”

Daniel laughs and shakes his head. “Deserves her? No. She’s way too good for me. In fact, I’m shocked she actually wanted to marry me.” He looks down at me with that same look of mock love that confuses the hell out of me.

I didn’t want to marry you, asshole it was blackmail is what I want to say but I keep my mouth shut. Damn right he doesn’t deserve me but... I have grown to like Daniel. I enjoy being in his company and I sure as hell enjoy our escapades even if I'm sore everywhere. And tonight is our wedding night...

Oh.

“Well, we’re shocked about this. She completely kept you a secret from us until she called last week.” My mother informs him.

I go to make up a bullshit answer when Daniel squeezes my hand and speaks up. “For that, I apologize. That is my fault. I really wanted to keep this a secret for as long as possible. I didn’t want the paparazzi getting in between us. I couldn’t bare to lose Annie.” He looks down at me and gives me a huge knowing grin. “But, I couldn’t wait to make her my wife so I announced the engagement and rushed all the wedding prep so she didn't have chance to change her mind.”

Daniel and my parents laugh like old friends.

“Mom, Dad, why are you here?” I go back to my original question.

My father chuckles. “Daniel invited us to the wedding. He wanted it to be a surprise for you.”

I look up at Daniel and he gives me a warm smile that practically melts my heart. “Really? You did that?”

He nods. “Of course. I wanted to see you happy. I wanted to see you smile. I knew how much they mean to you and I knew you'd want them to be here.”

I can't help but hug him, even thought our hands are still tied together. It's awkward but I squeeze him tight and try my best not to cry. When I pull away I practically beam at him. “Thank you, Daniel.”

~~~

Daniel

Nothing else in this entire world matters to me more than seeing Annie smile. It's a shocking thought but one I welcome. It was honestly a no-brainer. I've been planning to surprise Annie with her parents since that day at at plaza de estropia and the wedding seemed like the perfect time.

I called them up a few days ago. Of course they already knew their daughter was engaged to me I mean, how could they not? It's all over the news. Earl Shaw was completely shocked and he gave me a stern lecture about taking care of his daughter. I smirk at the memory and the various threats.

"If you so much as hurt my little baby girl, I'll shoot you with my shotgun and shove my foot up your royal ass." He said through the phone. "Prince or not, no one hurts Annie."

If only he knew that while we were having this phone call, his daughter was in the shower with a red behind from talking back earlier. I bit back a laugh.

"My God, Earl! You can't threaten a prince!" I heard Annie's mother cry out in the background.

"Quiet, Mary. I don't care if he's God, aint no one hurts my little girl."

I had respect for the man.

So I settled their travel arrangements and set them up in a separate wing of the castle-- I have plans for tonight that don't involve them-- and hung up the phone.

I watch as Annie leads them through the gates constantly chattering and laughing with her family. My chest warms at the sight. I look down at the ribbon still conjoining our wrists. I thought Annie would rip it off the second she could but she didn't. The fact that it still connects us fills me chest with pride and ownership.

She's my wife.

This woman is mine.

Annie smiles widely as Mary tells her about their neighbor's new puppy at home and a new idea floods my mind.

"Aw! What kind?"

"I don't know but he's a cute little thing! Looks a lot like a corgi mix. I know those are your favorite." Mary explains. "His little but wiggles as he walks." Annie's face lights up with laughter and the idea is settled.

I'm going to get her a puppy.

I'm going to give her everything she wants.

Just to see that smile.

Damn. I really am screwed.

"So, Daniel, are you going to live here? In the palace?" Earl interrupts my vision of seeing Annie's face light up when she sees the little corgi puppy I just now planned for her. It's a nice vision. One I will bring to fruition.

"I think we'll stay in my-- our wing until my father decides to give the crown to me and then we'll move to the countryside as a summer home." At first, it was all bullshit, now I'm imagining Annie sitting in the grass playing with the dog. The vision shifts and a little blonde girl runs out of the house and into her arms. I find myself involuntarily smiling.

Mary laughs. "I don't care where they live as long as I can see my grand babies as much as I want."

Annie's face heats. "Mom--"

"Of course. In fact, you're open to move here. I'd be happy to set you up with a house so you're closer to Annie. I know she'll need you." I say smoothly before I even realize what I said.

Annie gasps and Earl nods his head, obviously impressed. "You're a good man, Daniel."

I grimace. "I don't know about that..."

"Nonsense. You clearly love our daughter here and that's every parent's dream, for their child to find their soulmate."

Annie and I exchange a look of guilt before walking into the palace. I'm thankful for Annie's second surprise as a distraction.

I nearly fall to the floor as Annie rushes forward, dragging me by the wrist, jumping at her brother. She wraps her free arm around Max and cries into his chest. "Maximilian!"

Her younger brother laughs and squeezes her back. "Anne Of Green Gables! I missed you!"

I smile at their nicknames for each other as they embrace.

"I missed you too! I can't believe you're here!" She releases her younger brother and stands in front of me for a moment, her blue eyes glassy with tears. She smiles widely and my heart stops. She practically jumps into my arms and holds me just as tight as she held her brother. "Thank you, Daniel. Thank you so much."

I hold her, completely shocked for a moment, before I wrap my free arm around her and squeeze her back. "You're welcome, My Little American." I whisper in her ear.

Two genuine hugs in one day, not that I'm keeping track or anything.

Damn. I feel like a lovesick teenager counting the moments I have with my crush. What have I become?

"I hate to interrupt, but we do have a royal reception to attend. It would be rude to not show up to your own wedding party."

Annie giggles and slips her bound hand into mine. She squeezes it with more force than I expected. I study her for a moment. She looks beautiful in her silver tiara and lace dress. Her golden hair is pulled up behind her head in an elegant up-do and her makeup is natural per her request. She's a vision, the perfect example of a regal princess but I can see her worrying on her bottom lip. She's clearly nervous.

We're all walking toward the ballroom when I pull Annie back for a moment. "Excuse me, you all go ahead and find your seats." I nod to one of the guards escorting us. "Phillip will show you the way, I want to have a word with my wife for a moment."

Mary and Earl nod before following Phillip down the hall. Max stays behind for a second and gives me a hard stare before turning and walking off. Huh. He's a protective little brother, that's sweet.

When they're out of earshot, Annie turns to me with wide eyes. "What? What's wrong?"

I smile reassuringly down at her. "Nothing. I just thought I'd give you a moment of peace. You seem nervous."

"Sorry." She laughs nervously. "I'm not used too all this. I guess I'm mentally preparing myself for what's through that door." Annie motions over her shoulder towards the intricate golden door where our reception lies.

I squeeze her hand. "That's understandable. You have every right to be nervous, wifey." I grin.

Annie huffs at the nickname and fights of a smile. "This is really happening."

I nod and bring her hand up before planting a soft kiss on the back of it. "I'm afraid it is. This horrid affair is something we can't skip out on. It's tradition." I neglect to tell her about the grand entrance or our other wedding traditions. She'll learn soon enough. Although, there is one in particular that I'm hoping to avoid. I frown at the thought.

Annie sees my frown and leans up and pokes the worry lines on the side of my mouth. "What's wrong? Don't tell me His Royal Highness Crown Prince Daniel Windsor is nervous?" She jokes with an adorable smile.

Maybe it might be easier to avoid if I just tell her now?

No. There's no use worrying since I'm not going to allow it to happen.

I shake the thoughts and grin down at her. "Of course not, Your Royal Highness, Crown Princess Annalise Windsor."

Her eyes widen and she laughs. "Oh my gosh! That's the second time I've heard that and it still sounds silly!"

"On the contrary, I think it sounds sexy. I like the way my name sounds after yours." I wrap my free arm around her waist and tug her closer to my body. Her face heats and her eyes widen. "Come, we have a reception to attend."

She pulls away, but not before lacing her fingers in between mine. I look down at them in shock and a mixture of awe, studying the way her small fingers fit so perfectly in mine. Annie tries to pull away but I squeeze them harder. I tell myself it's to keep up appearances, but I know it's because I like the way her hand feels in mine.

I'm not going to look into why I feel that way. Instead, I lead my lovely wife through the hall until we stop in front of the door. "Ready?"

She takes a deep breath and straightens her shoulders before nodding once. "Yes."

I squeeze her hand. "Good girl."

I push open the doors and all hell breaks loose. It's Verilian tradition for the guests to welcome the Bride and Groom to their reception by forming an aisle for them to walk through while they clap and throw white rose petals at the couple. At the end of the aisle lies the parents of the groom, my mother and father, otherwise known as the King Stephan and Queen Clarita. Trumpets and drums sound as we make our way down the aisle. Rose petals fly around us and Annie squeezes my hand tighter. I smile down at her, not to keep up appearances, but because I want to.

There's also another tradition to partake in. I lean down and grab Annie in my arms. She squeals in surprise and I laugh as she anchors herself. "What?" She exclaims. The guests laugh and cheer as I walk her towards my parents.

"It's a Verilian tradition. The groom carries the bride to show all the guests he's capable of supporting her. It's mostly symbolic, really." I explain and look at my father who has a small smile of approval on his face. During Verilian weddings, the grooms are tested every step of the way to prove to everyone he's a capable suitor. It's incredibly barbaric and more than a little sexist, but it's the way things are done. Looks like I passed this one.

"Just don't drop me." I laugh at the trepidation in her voice.

We make it to my parents and I place Annie back on the floor. She smooths out her dress and does this adorably awkward curtsy. My mother laughs. "No need for that, child." Even though it is a Monarchy, Verilia isn't as strict as other countries are with formalities. Since Annie is now a part of the royal family, she no longer has to tiptoe around my mother even though she is The Queen. Granted, Annie and I both must defer to The Queen and not be openly disrespectful but my mother has always hated the stuffy royal attitude.

My father's lips quirk as he assesses my bride. King Stephan Windsor II is in every way a regal ruler with his strong frame and dark eyes. The features of his face are sharp and appealing even in his old age. He certainly has an intimidating aura about him.

In Verilia, the mother of the groom bestows the bride with a wreath of apple blossoms to symbolize fertility. My mother wants grand children from me yesterday so it's safe to say the wreath is plentiful. The more flowers, the better chance of children. Annie's face flushes lightly and she politely thanks my mother who's beaming at her with a watery smile. It's safe to say she approves. Queen Clarita leans down to say something to Annie who smiles and giggles.

My father places his hand on her shoulder and smiles widely down at her with a single nod. His eyes glitter. I'm impressed. My father doesn't usually display that much emotion. Then he turns to me and leans down so he can speak in my ear. "I'm proud of you, son."

My eyes widen.

Holy s**t.

I haven't heard that from my father in... God I can't remember when. I've always been the black sheep of the family.

I'm in shock as we're led to the head table. The guests disperse and the real party begins.

"What did your father say?" Annie asks, leaning over to speak into my ear.

"He said he's proud of me." I say dumbly.

"Daniel! That's great! Does this mean he's going to give you the crown?" She grins and her eyes sparkle with excitement for me.

I shrug. "I don't know. I don't know anything. I'm honestly speechless right now."

Annie rests her head on my shoulder and sighs happily. "That's amazing, Daniel. I'm so happy for you. You're one step closer to getting what you want."

I pause for a moment to think. Annie's right. If my father's proud of me then that means he likes how I've been cleaning up my image. He's impressed which could lead to him relinquishing the crown to me. It's all going according to plan, but why don't I feel... more? I'm numb to the fact that within a matter of months, I could be King of Verilia.

I could also lose Annie.

"What did my mother say to you?" I change the subject, not liking my train of thought.

Annie giggles. "She told me to give you a kick in the ass when you need it." I squeeze her thigh under the table. "Hey! They're her words, not mine!"

"Doesn't mean you can repeat them. You know you aren't allowed to swear, naughty girl." I whisper in her ear and I feel Annie shiver. I chuckle. "You'll pay for that later."

Her breath catches in her throat. I can't help but grin and kiss her on the forehead.