My sister believed my Navy uniform would spoil the image of her royal-style wedding. So she removed me from the guest list, posed happily for the cameras, and acted as if I had never existed.

honors she never once used for public attention.”

The whispers in the chapel sharpened.

I heard my name moving through the rows like dry leaves caught in wind.

Commander Carter.

Decorated officer.

Rescue missions.

My palms turned cold.

Prince Alexander stepped away from Rachel.

“Rachel,” he said quietly, “what is he talking about?”

She shook her head, her eyes continue reading …