Page 122 of Royally Drawn

Somewhere in the stands, I knew all three Deschamps sisters and their children cheered me on. I beamed as we came to the fence. Kraken switched his lead on the way there, clearing it like he had another metre to give. We were clean. I minded our time. We’d done it. With only three riders behind me—much lower ranked—I knew I was about to place third and go through. Somehow, I’d had the best event of my life and pulled this off.

I arrived at the gate to a crush of riders and my coach, all jumping up and down. I bent forward to squeeze Kraken’s massive neck and give him all the kisses. I hopped off into the arms of the man I loved the most. Keir picked me up and swung me around, kissing me.

He put me back down, my face in his hands, and said, “You are the most wonderfully brave person I know.”

“You’re sweet.”

“I’m honest, my love. You’re amazing. I’m so, so proud of you!”

“Come here!” Cici shouted, also picking me up and swinging me around. “You’re going! We’re going!”

“We will take over the world,” I giggled.

I kissed my horse on the nose and handed him to a groom. By that point, the family had arrived. The children were confused but excited.

“Give her the flowers,” Rick said to Chris.

“Why? I want them!” Chris said.

“She’s going to the Olympics,” Alexandra said. “They are a congratulations.”

Chris held them out. I took the flowers before handing him back a rose.

“For being my biggest fan,” I said. “I love them. Thank you all.”

“You are so good!” Linny announced. “The best!”

“Oh, I did not beat cousin Cici,” I laughed. “But I did try.”

“In time,” Cici said, squeezing my shoulders.

A reporter approached.

“Princess Ingrid! Congrats! You made the Olympics!”

“I am off to DC next year, I guess. And so grateful for all my friends and family,” I looked around. “And Kraken, who is the best boy.”

“What is next?” The reporter asked.

“Uh, a holiday, Burghley, and some well-earned rest for myself and my horse.”

I had to speak to more reporters than even Cici did. My “meteoric rise” attracted attention I never anticipated. Eventually, I returned to the stable aisle to dote more on my horse. It was in a barn in Germany where something wonderful and unexpected happened.

“Ingrid, can I bother you a minute?” Keir asked.

“Sure,” I agreed, throwing my arms around him.

He pulled back. Confusion spread as he got down on one knee right there.

“Ingrid Deschamps, would you marry me? Would you be my wife so we can walk the rest of our lives together?”

He held out a beautiful ring. I knew it was his mother’s—the one his father had given her years before.

“Yes. Because you still owe me at least 700,000 I-love-yous,” I said, tears in my eyes.

He hopped up, kissing me as my entire entourage cheered. Isuspected they were in on it. But Kraken nudged my back before I could slip the ring on my finger. I turned to rub his face.

“Someone is jealous,” I laughed. “And wants treats.”

“Mummy and Daddy are getting married, and this is what you do, mate?”

“He’s excited… and hungry,” I giggled. “And It’s perfect. All of it is so fucking perfect.”

“It really is,” Keir said. “I couldn’t wait a minute longer.”

“I am glad,” I said, giving Keir a long kiss. “I’ll be yours forever.”