American Royals IV by Katharine McGee EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
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- Authors: Katharine McGee
- Language: English
- Genre: Novels
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DAPHNE
Hundreds of people craned their necks as the doors to the throne room swung
open. The trumpets blared, and then he stepped forward—the most important
man in the country, possibly in the world. Acting King Jefferson.
Daphne Deighton allowed herself a brief moment of satisfaction. To
think that after everything that had happened, after all the ups and downs of
their relationship, she was finally here: higher than she’d ever imagined she
might soar. Standing next to Jefferson while the senior peers of the realm
swore him homage.
According to protocol, the dais should have been reserved for members
of the royal family. But when the Lady Chamberlain had pointed this out,
Jefferson had simply stated that Daphne would be up there with him, and that
was that.
After all, the only person who outranked him was currently in a coma.
An equerry began to unfurl the ermine-trimmed robe of state, but
Jefferson made an impatient gesture, letting the robe whip out behind him.
When Beatrice appeared in public, she always walked slowly, like a bride
processing down the aisle. Not so her younger brother. As Jefferson strode
forward, light gleamed on the crimson of his ceremonial blazer, the white
sash of the Edwardian Order, the burnished gold of the Imperial State Crown.
He looked like some conquering hero from a long-ago era, a figure from a
painting sprung to life. He looked every inch a king.
Daphne could practically hear the sighs of the millions of Americans who
were watching the live coverage of this event, and imagining themselves in
love with her boyfriend.
The room echoed with the sounds of rustling fabrics as everyone bowed
or curtsied. Daphne tucked one leg behind the other and sank exquisitely low,
letting her skirts ripple around her. She held the gesture for several beats
longer than necessary, eyes downcast, so that the photographers could
capture the flattering image. She was well aware that she looked resplendent
today, her deep green gown emphasizing the vivid green of her eyes.
Jefferson proceeded up the steps, and then—his jaw set with regret, or
perhaps with disbelief—he sat on the throne, his hands curling over its
armrests.
Lord Ambrose Madison rose heavily from his chair and made his way to
the microphone. As hereditary Queen’s Champion, he would serve as today’s
master of ceremonies.
Daphne watched him, her face pleasantly neutral, though her body
seethed with resentment. She hated the Duke of Virginia, but she hated his
daughter, Gabriella, even more.
“Sirs and ladies,” Lord Ambrose intoned, his chest puffed up with
arrogance, “I present to you Jefferson, your Acting King, who serves in the
place of Her Majesty Queen Beatrice. Long may she reign.”
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