Lilly:Is this how it’s going to be, Keller? Tense and uncomfortable? This process should be fun.
Keller:I agree, it should be, but not when you’re the future queen of Torskethorpe. Nothing will be normal again.
Lilly:So that’s what I should expect from now on?
Keller:Yes.
Lilly:That’s not really fair.
Keller:Nothing is fair when you’re in the line of service, and that’s what you’re in. You serve your people now.
Lilly:I guess so . . .
Keller:You okay?
Lilly:Not really, but I guess it’ll just be something I’ll have to get over. I’m exhausted. I’m going to go to bed.
Keller:Okay. I love you.
Lilly:Love you too. Good night.
Keller:Night, love.
ChapterFive
LILLY
“Which design do you like best?” Katla asks as we stare down at five different sketches of wedding dresses.
Trust me when I say I never thought picking out my wedding dress would be like this—with a designer displaying dress designs that they worked countless hours on only for me to judge them. I always assumed it would be more like finding a few bridal shops that I like, picking out some dresses, and putting on a fashion show. I also thought my mother would be here, and that I would be in America, not the future heir to the crown of a small country.
“Well, I think they’re all beautiful,” I say even though the one on the far right is a design I would never be caught dead in. Fringe sleeves with a turtleneck? What were we thinking on that one? “But I’m leaning toward the simple A-line with the lace bodice or the bohemian chic with the plunging sleeves.”
Katla grips my hand tightly and coos, “That’s what I was thinking as well, but I didn’t want to sway you either way.”
It’s cute how excited Katla has been about this entire process. Even though I haven’t known her long,and we are so different, every now and then, she says something a certain way, and I almost turn expecting to see my mom. Mom never really had an accent, but I swear I can hear my mother in my ear.And, I’d be lost without that.I’ve missed my mom in various ways over the years, but right now is a time I wish she was here the most.Would she be happy I’m taking the throne? Would she love that I’ve returned to her birthplace?
“Lovely,” Parish, the designer, says. “I actually was thinking you would pick those as well, so I took it upon myself to sew a rough draft of each for you to try on. Would you be comfortable trying them on now?”
“Of course,” I say, excited. “That would give me a better indication of what to expect and probably make my decision easier.”
“Perfect.” Parish squeezes her hands together. “Do you mind if I take a moment to set them up and give them a quick steam?”
“Not at all,” Katla says. She turns to one of the footmen and says, “Please direct Miss Parish to the adjacent room to set up. We’ll wait in here.”
“Thank you,” Parish says.
Once she gathers her illustrations and follows the footman to the adjoining room, Katla turns to me. “Are you really happy with the designs? If not, we can ask someone else. I don’t want you to feel pressured into picking one.”
“No, I love the two options. I could easily see myself getting married in them. I think I’m leaning more toward the bohemian one, but it will be good to see.”
“Are you sure? Because I have no problem asking for more designs or asking someone else.”
I shake my head. “No, really, these are great.”
“Okay.” Katla shifts her mouth to the side as if she doesn’t believe me. “It just seems like . . . like you’re not as excited as I thought you would be.”
“Sorry,” I say on a sigh as I lean back on the couch, slouching in my royal posture for a moment. “Things have been a touch rocky lately, so I’m feeling distracted.”
