Ahh!! I have an advance copy of Princess Rachel’s book. Signed!!! I can’t wait to read it.
— @StefwithanF on Instagram
“We’ll be on the red carpet for the royal ball posting live starting at six o’clock. We can’t wait to show you the best styles on parade.”
— the Lauchten LOUD!
Can’t wait for the ball! Who do you think the prince will take? He can’t go stag, can he? Also, does he really have to marry to be our king? Seems ridiculous. And Hamish Fickle is so cute! Anyone?
— @JustHereForTheParty on Instagram
We’ve just seen King Nathaniel and Princess Susanna arrive. She’s stunning in a rich purple ball gown with a crystal belt. Waiting now for Prince John. Insiders tell us he will be arriving alone.
— @RoyalWatcherOne
Chapter Twenty-four
Gemma
Going to a royal ball required a gown, hair, and makeup. And not just any gown or any kind of hair and makeup, but the royal kind.
An enthusiastic Scottie insisted on taking Gemma shopping with her while the queen was attended by her physicians. But their ventures to the Port Fressa fashion district were fruitless.
Then the queen was released from the hospital on Wednesday morning, so Scottie spent all of her time now in Apartment 1A.
“We’re going to watch movies. Her favorite and mine. We have so much in common, Gemma. It’s freaky.”
Scottie had changed before Gemma’s eyes. She was softer, brighter, speaking in low, slow tones as if some part of her had finally come to a place of peace.
Meanwhile, Gemma still had no gown. She was headed out to shop again, ready to load up her already-burdened credit card when Princess Daffy knocked on her door.
“Can you come to my place? I want to show you something.”
“Let me change and—”
“You’re fine. Gus is at a summit dinner tonight so it’s just us girls.”
Down the hall and around the corner, Gemma walked toward 3C with the princess.
“How do you find Port Fressa?”
“Lovely. So much to see. I had a tour of the palace with the royal historian yesterday.”
“I worked for the Royal Trust before I married Gus. I love Lauchtenland history. Here we are.”
Daffy and Gus’s apartment was large with a simpler color palette, modern décor, and hardwoods instead of the standard carpet. But the thing that caught Gemma’s eye was the gown hanging from the dining area chandelier. She’d never seen anything like it.
“Well?” Daffy said. “What do you think?”
“I think… Wow.” Gemma’s attention drifted to Princess Daffy’s very round middle. “Is it your ball gown?”
“Gus and I are sitting this one out. I thought you’d like to wear it. Have it, really. I’ve never even worn it.”
“Mine?” Gemma circled the dress, inspecting the material. It was a rich silver crepe de chine with a deep V-neck and a fitted bodice that anchored a flared, floor-length skirt intertwined with heavy cotton flowers and leaves. The most incredible part was the feathers. So many beautiful feathers. Layers of icy-white synthetic feathers—swan feathers—anchored the hem.
“What do you think?” Princess Daffy said.
“You can’t give it to me. You’ll want to wear it someday. How about if I borrow it?” Gemma inspected the waistline. It’d be tight. But maybe…
