Page 59 of The Princess and the SEAL

Chapter 27

Giselle

IGLANCED AT MYSELF IN THE mirror. My tiara was adorned with jewels, and my dress was hand-beaded with a stunning train. My hair had been curled and coifed, and the makeup artist had spent hours giving me the perfect glow.

I looked more beautiful than ever.

But I felt hopeless.

It was my wedding day—it was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but the girl staring back at me looked miserable.

Breathe.Tears pricked my eyes. Don’t cry. Please don’t cry.

The world would see me as a princess bride, but I saw myself as a fraud. A spineless coward who was about to enter a life of misery and heartache all because I didn’t have the guts to stand up to my father, the king, and tell him that I was in love with another man. Not just another man, but a hero, a warrior.

A few hundred years ago, it would’ve been much simpler. All Ryan would have to do is win a battle and then ask for my hand in marriage. Many countries were founded by warriors. Ryan may think his lineage isn’t good enough for a princess, but he was dead wrong.

And Ryan must’ve forgotten me. I called him almost daily since I’d left. I had planned to beg him to take me back. See if we could find a solution. Even delay the wedding. But once I couldn’t get ahold of him, I realized he must’ve moved on.

It was my fault; I’d told him we had no future together. I’d been too scared. Too prideful to make it work.

I would never forgive myself for breaking his heart. And mine.

My aunt and my cousin Lucia walked into the room.

I choked back my tears.

My aunt’s eyes brightened. “Giselle, you look beautiful.”

A beautiful disaster. I was about to betray my heart—make a vow to a man I didn’t love. I couldn’t even begin to think about the horror of my wedding night. There was no way I could have sex with Miguel after I had lost my virginity to Ryan. The thought of another man touching me made my skin crawl. My heart still held out for Ryan.

I was so pathetic.

No. I couldn’t do this. I was better than just some woman who’d marry for duty. I’d tried and tried, but one last look at my face in the mirror was enough. I couldn’t be a bride to anyone but the man I loved.

“Aunt Sophie, I can’t go through with this. There’s something I need to tell you—”

She placed her finger over my lips. “It’s just nerves.”

“No. You don’t understand. I can’t do this. I just can’t!”

She shook her head. “Now is not the time to change your mind. It’s your wedding day.”

Don’t remind me. “I know, but I’m not ready.”

A smile graced her lips. “No one is ever really ready. You will be happy. I promise.”

How could she promise my happiness?

This was it. My last chance to end this charade.

Lucia straightened my veil. “You look gorgeous. Everything will work out.”

They both embraced me and then left the room.

I walked out of my dressing chamber, my nerves rattling. As I headed to the back of the church, I glanced at all the limousines and photographers outside. There was even a horse-drawn carriage waiting to whisk Miguel and me away to our honeymoon suite.

Maybe Miguel would agree to an annulment? There was no way he would want to leave me; he would do what the men in his country were notorious for—long marriages and multiple mistresses.