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192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
Once upon a time, there lived a prince who could not find a bride. Fearing the family line would end, the princes mother gave him an enchanted ring that would fit only his one true love. Maidens traveled
from near and far to try on the ring, but to no avail. Then, one day, the daughter of a visiting merchant slipped the ring onto her finger—a perfect fit. Upon the royal wedding, the prince fell in love with his
princess bride, and his marriage thrived. Untold prosperity, happiness and peace befell the citizens of his country. And all lived happily ever after.
As the years passed, the legend of the royal engagement ring evolved and became tradition. To this day, if the ruling or crown prince has not wed by his thirtieth year, unwed females of marriageable age are encouraged to try on the ring. If the ring fits, within seven days the prince must marry the woman wearing it, or abdicate the throne.
And our story begins...
"You must marry Prince Richard in a week or he loses his throne," Didier said. "He will be forced to abdicate in favor of his uncle, the marquess."
Christina gasped. "That's...that's silly."
Marguerite laughed. "Richard, she is simply adorable. A bit outspoken, but we can work on that."
"Work on what?" Christina took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I admit it's a romantic tale, Your Highness, but we're not living in the Middle Ages. People don't get married because of an old legend. I've
never heard anything more ridiculous."
Beauty and brains, a potent combination that had burned him before. Still, her resistance to the legend made Richard smile. "I could not agree more, Christina."
If only he could count on her resistance to a wedding. But once she realized a title and a kingdom accompanied the marriage vows, she would be singing a different tune.
"At least they agree on something." Alan grinned. "That's a good start."
"The ring does not fit," Richard said, feeling as though he had to keep repeating the phrase over and over again in order for the others to comprehend it Marguerite waved his words aside. "The ring has chosen Christina."
"No, Mother. It is stuck."
Christina nodded her agreement.
"Children, children. Don't you see? It's supposed to fit that way," Marguerite explained. "The ring is not stuck. Once you fall in love, it will come off. You must wed."
Christina looked like a butterfly caught in a net. Would she manage to escape unharmed? Would he? She stared at her father. "How can I marry him, Daddy?"
"You simply say 'I do,' sweetheart."