Epilogue

Five Months Later

Natalia

The first day of January marks the first day of a new year for most people, but within the royal family, it means much more. There are traditions that date back over fifteen hundred years, where the king blesses the country at exactly noon and makes predictions for the upcoming year. It’s sweet and meaningful, something I remember looking forward to when I was growing up. Even though the old king was a horrible man.

Today, however, marks a different kind of new beginning.

The official swearing in ceremony of three Royal Protectors.

Ryan Cooper, Dax O’Day, and me.

Natalia Farksa.

A small-town girl from northern Limaj.

It seems a little bit surreal.

We’re dressed in all black, wearing emerald green capes.

It’s a formal, momentous occasion, taking place in the official ballroom where King Erik and all the kings before him were sworn in.

My parents and sisters are here.

Friends and all of the Royal Protectors are here.

I almost don’t believe it’s real.

“You okay, babe?” Ryan is beside me, waiting for the official part of the ceremony to start. Erik is currently giving a speech and I’ve been shifting from one foot to the other.

“Just nervous. I don’t like being the center of attention.”

“It’s just people who love us,” he says softly. His mother is here too. “And our friends.”

“Yes, but…we’re taking an oath. For life .”

He laces his fingers with mine. “This is what we want, baby. Don’t second-guess yourself anymore. We’ve got this.”

I smile.

Because he’s right.

This is what I want.

I’m happiest when I’m working, surrounded by my friends, our team, and the royal family. Not to mention Ryan.

I don’t have a reason why I stopped calling him Cooper, but it feels right to use his first name.

We’re getting married, after all.

In the spring.

In Paris.

Marcus is going to be his best man, and Lucianna will be my matron of honor since Femke won’t be able to get away.

“Dax Franklin O’Day.” Erik calls his name and Dax approaches, bowing his head as Erik says the blessing. Then Dax repeats the oath we’ve all memorized. Erik gives him a special sword that all of us receive when we’re sworn in.

Then it’s Ryan’s turn.

He goes through the same ritual, repeating his oath effortlessly, which is something since part of it is in Limaji.

I catch his quick wink, and now it’s my turn.

My heart thunders inside my chest as I push forward, dipping my head when I reach Erik.

I barely hear the blessing, but somehow, I manage to repeat the oath.

Words that bind me to him and his family for the rest of my life.

And it’s not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

This is where I belong.

Home .

With Ryan and the Royal Protectors.

* * *

Cooper

There’s something to be said for pomp and circumstance.

The oath-swearing ceremony is pretty badass.

Natalia was nervous but, as expected, she gets through her oath flawlessly. I was sure I would screw up the Limaji part, but no one reacted to my pronunciation so it must have been okay.

Either way, it’s official.

We’ve taken our oaths and now there are three new Royal Protectors.

It’s the first part of the beginning of the rest of my life.

The next part will be our April wedding in Paris.

I’m really looking forward to that.

Natalia and Casey have been working on the wedding plans, and I’m happy that all that’s expected of me is to show up. It will be a small affair, just her parents and sister, my mother and sister, and a handful of friends. Well, Casey and Erik will be there as well.

Sasha has agreed to come to Limaj for two weeks so Axel and Solange can take our spots on the duty roster, freeing us up to go on a honeymoon.

“How does it feel?” Daniil asks me, coming over and shaking my hand.

“Pretty damn good,” I say. “I’m really happy to be here.”

“And we’re happy to have you. You don’t know how much we appreciate your commitment—both to the Protectors and to Limaj. It’s a big ask when you want someone to leave their country, their home, and everything they know.”

“But sometimes it’s also an honor.”

Our eyes meet and he nods.

“Time for champagne,” Natalia says, coming over and sliding her arm through mine.

“I’m down for that.” I take her hand, and we walk over to where one of the caterers is handing out flutes of champagne. There’s a sit-down brunch in a few minutes and a feeling of levity in the room. That’s not something I’ve experienced very often since moving here, but today, everyone seems happy. Light.

And it’s a great way to start off a new year.

“Happy New Year, baby,” I whisper to Natalia.

She turns and smiles. “Happy New Year, Cooper.”

I arch a brow. “Are we back to that?”

“I like calling you Ryan when you’re inside of me.”

I grin. “You’ll be calling me Ryan a lot tonight.”

She leans over and presses her lips to mine.

Thank you for reading Cooper—I’d be so grateful if you left a review at the retailer of your choice.