“Now, go put on the dress. I’m sure you’ll be one of the most beautiful brides Harlington has ever seen.” She nudges me toward the bedroom, where the attendant waits to help me.
It all feels completely surreal. Until now, this has always been a strict business arrangement. But Lizzy and Mary are making me feel like a real bride, a real daughter-in-law, and a real sister-in-law.
Now, seeing myself fully dressed in the gown, veil, and sparkling tiara, I finally realize it’s real.
It gives me hope and a fleeting moment of happiness.
I am the bride. I’m getting married.
“Wow. Stunning. Lia, you look…” Lizzy is speechless, and her mother finishes for her line.
“You look simply enchanting. If Nicolas wasn’t already in love with you, he’d be a goner the moment he saw you.” Her words make my heart skip a beat, then race, because she’s clearly mistaken. Nicolas doesn’t love me. But I say nothing. I just look at my reflection again, unable to get enough.
The dress is a simple A-line, falling softly around my feet without a stiff hoop underneath, just layers of tulle that sway gently. The long sleeves and overskirt are crafted from intricate lace. On my feet, I wear matching heels, and a blue garter completes the look.
“I’m a bride.” In disbelief and filled with excitement, I turn to the two of them, and Lizzy giggles.
“Of course you’re a bride. But nice to see it’s finally sunk in. By the way, Nicolas is going to faint when he sees you.”
Butterflies flutter wildly in my stomach, endorphins surge through me, and in this moment, I’m honest enough to admit I’m truly enjoying it. I’ll savor every second of today, and no one, not the press, my brother, nor anyone else, will ruin it for me.
“The limo’s here. Are you ready?” Mary gives me a gentle look, and I nod. I’m ready.
Riding through the city, my excitement soars as I see the huge crowd cheering for us. My nerves are on edge, especially since some people are holding up anti-Amelia banners and signs. But surprisingly, many others are cheering me on, rooting for the car as it drives through the streets.
There are so many. So very many.
I grew up in high society, but this surpasses everything I’ve ever known. I fidget with my fingers until Mary lays her hand gently over mine.
“It’ll all be fine. You’ll see. They’ll love you. Don’t listen to the gossip press. It’s not worth it.” Her words are a balm to my worn-out soul, and I relax a little. Until we arrive at the church, where Henry is already waiting out front.
Suddenly, I tense up. All my good intentions vanish. Because I forgot that it’s his arm I’ll be walking down the aisle on.
Sweat breaks out at the back of my neck, and I feel nauseous.
Damn it, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.
“Breathe, Lia. It’s going to be okay,” Lizzy says, trying to soothe me, having noticed the shift. But she doesn’t understand why. I nod and give her a weak smile, but inside I’m tightening up.
The car stops in front of the church’s grand staircase, and I hear the bells begin to ring. But all I see is my brother’s tense smile as he opens the door and holds out his hand.
“My lady, Your Majesty,” he greets the other women politely and with perfect gentlemanly grace, then throws me a quick, warning glance. The nausea gets worse as I take his hand and he squeezes it hard.
Don’t give anything away.
Don’t give anything away.
I grit my teeth and step out of the car. Lizzy helps with the veil, and the crowd behind the barricades starts to cheer. And to curse.
“How dare you, you slut?”
“You should burn.”
“You’ll never stay by his side.”
“We hate you.”
The shouts are scattered, but they’re all I hear. Still, I keep smiling, waving as Mary hands me the bouquet of beautiful roses. I keep smiling as Henry grips my arm tighter than necessary and starts walking with me up the stairs.
