After Declan left, Grayson texted his brother. So, are you going to the castle tonight for dinner?I hadn't planned on it, Xavier answered. Why? Should I?Grayson laughed. You know me well. There was a pause, and then Xavier texted back, I take that as a yes.Thanks, man. See you there. Then Grayson clicked off. Now was as good a time as any to get this over with, and he wanted his brother there when he dropped the bomb on their father. Grayson hurried to pack his briefcase and then rushed out the door. He went home and showered, shaved, and dressed in proper dinner attire, and then headed to the castle. Both Grayson and Xavier had moved out of the castle officially a few years back, although their father still maintained rooms in the castle for them. Grayson thought that their father was secretly hoping that they'd both move back permanently one day. But that wasn't going to happen. Both he and his brother liked having their own lives away from the castle. Before long, he turned do

Ari stepped into the elevator, headed toward Henley's room. She had been dreading this conversation. The door opened on the third floor, giving her a moment to think of how to word it correctly. There was no way that she could tell her everything, but she could tell her enough. Ari just hoped Henley understood... if not now, then maybe someday. Henley was lying on her hospital bed. When they were children, Henley's hair had always reminded Ari of the sunset. Now, her light auburn hair was starting to fade, and her skin was too pale. As Ari moved closer, she noticed that Henley's eyes were closed. Ari feared that Henley was asleep, until she opened her eyes and smiled. It seemed strange, seeing Henley so weak. She had always been a track star, always so full of life. Ari had to believe that she would be again."Hey, girl," Ari said softly, smiling as she crossed the room. "Wow." Henley sat up, moving slowly. "Did Vickie finally get hold of you? You look great! I love your hair!"Ari s

"I need to go home to say goodbye to my mother," Ari replied when they were on their way back to Queens, New York. "When are we leaving?"Lillian shrugged, smiling. "As soon as we get to the private jet.""Would you mind?" Ari really needed to see her mother... regardless. But she knew it would sound better as a request. She didn't want to start off her new married life on the wrong foot.Lillian gave her hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes filled with concern. "Whatever you need." She paused for a moment, and then added, "Would you like to swing by the hospital one more time to see your sister, too?"Ari shook her head. "No but thank you. I've already said my goodbyes to her. And I'm sure she doesn't want to see me right now, either." Henley could really be really stubborn when she wanted to. But then again, so could she.Lillian sighed as she wrapped both hands around her hand. "Your sister doesn't understand. But eventually, when you are able to explain, I'm sure she will."Ari shook he

The next morning, Ari showered and shaved, preparing for her wedding. It was hard to believe that this was her wedding day. After all, she hadn't even met her fiancé in real life yet. But she found that she was excited for the possibilities. Then she thought of arranged marriages in the past. Most of them worked out well. She guessed that her own marriage was a modern arranged marriage.Feeling refreshed, she stepped out of the shower, slipped into a white, furry hotel robe, and wrapped her long, brunette hair up in a white fluffy towel. She put on her new perfume and finished getting ready, truly feeling like a princess. Maybe everything would go well after all. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.Ari thought it was strange that someone was knocking on her door. Weren't her bodyguards supposed to maintain her privacy... especially on her wedding day? Then she thought that maybe it was Lillian. She hurried to the door, eager to see a friendly face. But when she opened it, a strange

Ari took Grayson's arm and he patted her hand, reassuring her. Then he turned toward the priest and nodded. But she couldn't take her eyes off him. He was about a foot taller than her and stood very tall and straight, adding to his height. There was a regal air about him, one cultivated only with time and having been raised with royalty.Vickie had been right. She could do worse.Ari turned toward the priest, listening to the words as old as time itself, that would bind them as man and wife. When it was time, Ari said "I do" without hesitation. Somehow, she was already his, and he was hers. She wondered if he felt it, too. Finally, the priest said, "I now pronounce you man and wife." Then he turned to Grayson and said, "You may now kiss the bride."Grayson took her into his strong arms and looked into her eyes, as if seeing into her soul. Searching her eyes for acceptance and finding it, his lips descended upon hers in a kiss filled with passion and promise for the future. He was the